With the rise in popularity of Pilates and Yoga — thanks to their proven effectiveness and celebrities jumping on the bandwagon faster than they can launch a new activewear line — how do you know if the studio you’d like to attend is truly first-rate and meets your needs?
Here are three key steps to help you find a studio that suits you perfectly.
Step 1: Are the classes small enough to personalise the programme to your needs?
In a class of 10, 20, or even 30 participants, it’s nearly impossible to cater to each individual’s needs or ensure proper technique for the desired outcome. The difference between an effective Pilates or Yoga session and a random set of exercises lies in the specificity of exercise selection and proper execution.
Small adjustments — like foot positioning, posture, and exercise speed — can have a massive impact on results. Moreover, personal attention ensures these details are addressed.
Additionally, everyone has unique goals and outcomes they aim to achieve from their Pilates/Yoga programme. Specific exercise choices can make the difference between leaving a class feeling sore and uncomfortable or achieving a great outcome — feeling energised, aligned, and invigorated.
A good, qualified instructor, ideally a physiotherapist, accredited exercise physiologist, or osteopath, in a small group setting (3-4 people) will have a much better chance of ensuring that:
- You are doing the right exercises for your body
- With the right technique for optimal results
Step 2: There is ideally an assessment process during and through your programme
To ensure you get exactly what you want from your programme, a qualified instructor should assess you before you begin. This process typically involves:
- Understanding your needs and past exercise history
- Assessing your major joints and muscles to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement
- Evaluating any existing injuries so they can be managed as part of your programme
As you progress, your body will adapt, and your needs will change. Therefore, regular and timely reassessments are necessary to ensure your programme evolves with you. Without progression, you’ll quickly hit a plateau, and your progress will stall.
Regular reassessments ensure you keep moving forward, and if new issues or injuries arise, your programme can be adjusted accordingly.
Step 3: Are the classes led by qualified and well-trained instructors?
A well-trained, qualified instructor — ideally a physiotherapist, accredited exercise physiologist, or osteopath — who specialises in Clinical Pilates or takes a clinical approach to Yoga will be best equipped to tailor exercises to your specific needs.
Such professionals have a deeper understanding of:
- How the body moves and what constitutes good technique
- The role of key muscle groups and whether you are activating them correctly
- How to adjust your programme to avoid further injury, and ideally, be part of your injury recovery process
Continuous training and professional development are a must for any instructor. As knowledge advances, exercises improve, and science evolves, your instructor should engage in ongoing learning to stay up-to-date.
Why is this Important?
Simply put, better knowledge of the body, Pilates, and Yoga leads to better results. You’ll achieve more of your goals in less time, with fewer setbacks like injuries.
Take the first step to a healthier you!
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