Hot Tips on Choosing the Right Pilates Studio - Part 2: Studio Assessment - By: Joanna Ng

In part 2 of the article, we take a look at the differences in the industry. 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. I am a complete beginner, how should I get started?
2. What is the studio's speciality and what is the group class size?
How are the group classes conducted?
3. What is the difference between a rehabilitation session from a normal 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?

Some Deciding Factors In Choosing a Pilates Studio
1. Identifying an Authentic Pilates Studio

The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates invented Pilates for injury
rehabilitation and never meant it to be a aerobic program. 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.
People with injuries should only attend group class when they have fully recovered.

Price vs 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 issue, would you go to a general
practitioner or a specialist doctor who is an expert in the field? Most likely ,
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! For a start, always find a pilates
instructor who is skilful and understands your needs. Be prepared to pay specialist price to
get your annoying aliments sorted out.

Do They Really Care About You?

Check out the studio's validity dates. Expiry dates serve as a commiment for
your pilates training program. If you cannot meet the deadline, it is likely you
cannot derive the benefits of training out of it.

Package with a time frame works in favor of the client and not the studio! Be
warned of packages with long 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!
Train at least 3 times a week in pilates to see a difference!

By now, you should be quite well-equipped about the queries 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 credibility.

About the Author

Joanna Ng runs an authentic Pilates Studio, Singapore Pilates Central & Rehabilitation and has more than 15 years of experience in Pilates. Joanna uses various techniques like myofascial release, gyrotonic and pilates to nurse many of clients who has suffered serious injuries such as slipped disc, herniated disc back to health. She specialises in using these techniques as a means to instant Pilates Pain Relief. Visit her at http://www.pilatescentral.com.sg

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Joanna-Ng/135676

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