How to Find a Pilates Studio and Instructor that are Right for You: A Comprehensive Guide
It’s the new year, and whether you’re intent on tackling your resolutions head on by dipping a toe into the Pilates world, or if you’re simply interested in switching up your Pilates workout to challenge yourself and stay motivated, finding a Pilates studio where you feel at home is one of the greatest motivations to get you out the door.
Maybe you’re looking for a high-energy Pilates studio with dark walls, heavy bass, neon lights, and a disco ball. Maybe you want to walk into a studio and see a line of people on reformers that reaches far into the middle distance. Or, maybe you’re leaning toward a calm, sheer-curtained, wood-floored space with no more than four reformers and lots of natural light. (If this option sounds delicious, take a tour of our studio—it may become your new Pilates home!)
What type of workout are you looking for?
Once you’ve determined the vibe that will get you motivated, you should consider the type of Pilates you’re interested in. There are several different approaches to Pilates—Mat Pilates, Classical Pilates, Contemporary Pilates, and Reformer Pilates, to name a few. If you are a beginner, and you are unfamiliar what the differences are between these categories, you may need to do some research (both online and in person) to determine what type of Pilates will work with your fitness goals and which studios in your area offer these modalities.
Mat Pilates - This style skips the spring-loaded equipment like reformers and makes Pilates accessible from virtually anywhere using a mat and your own bodyweight.
Classical Pilates - This style follows a traditional sequence of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates and features mat exercises as well as traditional Pilates equipment.
Contemporary Pilates - This style is more relaxed than Classical Pilates, and strays a bit from Joseph Pilates’ original vision. It allows for a bit more flexibility in sequences and movements.
Reformer Pilates - This style uses the Reformer—an apparatus developed by Joseph Pilates that uses springs to adjust resistance.
Atmosphere
Another thing to consider is the type of class you’re interested in. Maybe you’re someone who likes to combine exercise with social hour, and you’re looking for a studio with large group classes so that you can make new friends and immerse yourself in a community. Or perhaps you’re laser focused because of your hectic schedule, and you need to get into the studio for a one-on-one session and then zip back into the wild to cross off whatever’s next on your list.
Pricing
Pricing is certainly another variable to keep in mind when shopping for a Pilates studio. You may find that one-on-one instruction is slightly more expensive than a group class or a duet. The price of a class can vary depending on many factors including location, studio size, the experience level of an instructor, etc.
Location
The most important factor in finding a Pilates studio that works for you is location. Looking for a studio in the vicinity of your home or work makes the most sense because it will be one less barrier in attending a class on the days where you can barely get out the door, let alone to a Pilates studio that’s too far away. The convenience of fitting in a mid-day Pilates class during your lunchbreak or getting to a one-on-one Pilates class on your way home from work may be the biggest factor in motivating you to keep up your practice.
Finding a Pilates Instructor
A good Pilates instructor is someone who will listen to you and grow with you. They will challenge you to increase your fitness and fine tune your technique, rather than letting you coast. They will observe your individual movement patterns and give you specific corrections for better alignment. They will understand that each day is different—and they will make an assessment about what movements are appropriate for each session based on your energy levels and how you’re feeling in the moment. The best Pilates instructors will amend their plan and meet you where you are.
Once you’ve selected a vibe and a studio, double check to make sure the instructors have proper certification. Look for an instructor that is comprehensively certified with at least 400 hours of apprenticing. An instructor who has completed this work is more likely to have the knowledge to teach safely and effectively. If you're working through an injury or if you are pregnant, don’t hesitate to ask the instructor about their experience working with these particular concerns. A skilled instructor should be able to offer modifications and guidance based on your needs.
Consider the Instructor's Teaching Style
When thinking about working out in close proximity to another human, it’s a good idea to ask yourself what type of person will make you feel comfortable. Are you someone who doesn’t mind being adjusted by a teacher? Or perhaps you’re someone who feels more comfortable with verbal cues? Are you looking for an instructor that isn’t afraid to give you feedback so that you can sharpen your skills? Do you need a drill sergeant-type with a whistle and a clipboard to motivate you to get moving? Or perhaps you prefer someone with endless energy, enthusiasm and patience to help you reach your workout goals? Make sure you set yourself up for success by finding someone whose teaching style aligns with your preferences. Even if you opt for a group class setting, make sure you have an instructor who can keep an eye on you, deliver feedback and keep you motivated and safe.
Trust your instincts—if you don't feel comfortable with an instructor or their approach, it's okay to try another one. Pilates is about fostering a positive and mindful connection with your body, so it’s important to feel at ease in the environment.
Do Some Online Sleuthing
If you’re interested in finding out more about an instructor’s philosophy and practices, check them out online! You will likely get a sense of their mission and objectives through websites, social channels, Google reviews and testimonials. Many Pilates studios will share bios for their instructors, so you can get an insight into the instructors’ certifications and experience levels.
Finding the Right Pilates Studio and Instructor for You
In any field there are instructors who have a passion for teaching and a commitment to helping their students succeed, and there are teachers who are simply phoning it in. A good Pilates instructor can transform your practice by creating a space where you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing your concerns.