Choosing the Right Pilates Class

Every Pilates studio, health club, spa and fitness facility has its own training classes and programs. If you have a limited budget, it is a good idea to join a group class. This is a great, relatively economical place for beginners to start, and have fun. Using standing, sitting and recumbent positions, the instructor guides students through the various stretches and movements.

Ideally, group mat Pilates classes have a manageable student-teacher ratio, not more than fifteen students per teacher, so the instructor can monitor each individual's form and progress. Separate classes are held for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.

With the coming of smaller, less-costly equipment Allegro, more and more fitness clubs are adding group Reformer classes to their program. Ideally each participant has some experience on a Reformer prior to joining a group class.

Students work through a sequence of Reformer choreography at the appropriate level in unison, with the Pilates instructor monitoring for safe and proper form.

The most effective way to learn, practice and perfect Pilates performance is to go for a personal training session, in which the instructor devotes undivided attention to a student's specific needs. These sessions usually begin with a warm-up on the mat, but a variety of Pilates equipment can be explored as well.

Club and studios have Pilates classes themed around specific props like the balance ball, resistance band or the Pilates circle/ring. A small prop can add variety and a challenge to a group mat class, and expands the programming possibilities for a facility.

Some clubs and studios offer Pilates classes designed for those who golf, play tennis, or swim in the summer, while programs for skaters and skiers are popular in the winter.

Studio and clubs are also offering a blend of Yoga and Pilates as "Yogalates" or "Piloga". Similarly, cycling and Pilates are being blended for a unique hybrid "Cyclates" program.

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