In part 1 of the article, we talked about self assessment when choosing the decent pilates studio. In this seqel, we will talk about studio assessment, the right questions to check the pilates studio when choosing which pilates studio to train in.
In part 2 of the article,
we make our assessment on the pilates
studios in the market. As different pilates studios specialise in different
areas, it is important that you choose the right one for yourself.
Questions About The Studio/ Training:
1. How do beginners in pilates get started?
2. What is the studio's speciality and what is the group class size?
How are the group classes conducted?
3. Comparison between a normal pilates session vs pilates rehabilitation session?
And its validity period? What is the studio's major clientele like?
4. How old is the studio? What about the
instructors' credentials and experience?
Things To Look Out For in Deciding a Pilates Studio
1. Identifying a Real Pilates Studio
Joseph Pilates has never intended Pilates to be a "cardio" program ever! And it
should not be taught like one . It should not be undertaken as a sport to lose kilos.
You definitely feel better and more toned after practising Pilates and if you manage to lose some
weight with it, that is great! But don't be dependent on it as a "lose weight" tool or
program because Pilates is not about feeling the "burn". Pilates exercises work
on the deep stablizers and deep muscles of the body, while cardio programs work
on the superificial muscles. Pilates is eccentric
and it works hand in hand with any cardio exercise which is concentric.
2. System & Culture of the Studio
Visit and tour the studio you are interested in. Beware of studio with no
regular location. They are not authentic. An authentic pilates studio should
have at least 1-2 pilates reformers. Check out the people who
trains at the studio and find out their likes and dislikes of the studio. Learn about the studio's history and
what kind of programs they have for pilates beginners.
Here are more tips to look out for:
Health Screening
How does the studio handle the call? Do they inquire
about previous health history for any medical conditions? What are the arrangements for people with
special needs (e.g. back injuries)? Pilates beginners should always start
with private sessions to understand the Pilates fundamentals before attending group sessions.
And group class should never be recommended for people with injuries or medical condition until they have recovered.
Does Price Reflect Quality?
Would you take price as an indicator of how much your health is worth?
You probably can answer this questions if you have experienced excruiating pain before.
If you need to visit a doctor for a serious aliment, would you go to a general
practitioner or a specialist doctor who is an expert in the field? Chances are,
the specialist because he/she is in a better position to guarantee you results.
Understand that experts who have the skills and experience invest a fair amount
in themselves in order to be experts! Hence, invest your pilates journey with a
skilful pilates instructor for a good start.
Do They Really Care About You?
So you just got a package and can't wait to get started! If your package has no
expiry date, would you be seriously committed to your program? The answer is
likely to be a BIG "no"! There can be no great success without great commitment!
Package with a time frame works in favor of the client and not the studio! Be
warned of packages with extended or no expiry dates. For some studios who are after your monies,
as long as you paid up, their after sales service stops and they do not bother to remind
you of your expiry dates. They don't really care, the monies
is taken. That is all that matters! Long expiry dates will hinder your progress
rather than accelerate it!
By now, you should be quite well-equipped about the questions to ask the
pilates studio. In part 3, I would be focusing on pilates studio that deals with specific
needs and how to assess the pilates studio's credentials.
