Choosing the RIGHT pilates instructor (for you!)

13 May Choosing the RIGHT pilates instructor (for you!)

Your neighbour swears by it, you’ve seen celebrities doing it in magazines, and even that fit colleague is on board.  You’ve been hearing about it for ages… and after a lot of thought (and a little procrastination), you’ve decided to give it a try too.

Pilates that is!

You’ve decided that it’s time to get fitter and stronger, and to get rid of that niggly lower back pain for good.  You’ve set some goals, bought some tights, and nothing can stop you now…

Except…

Where to go?

There are so many Pilates studios around, which one should you choose?

At Physio Fit Studio, we believe that finding the right instructor for you is the most important place to start.  Here are our top hints to finding your Pilates happy-place:

• First of all, don’t rely on a DVD or YouTube to learn Pilates.  It’s a very intricate system that heavily relies on correct activation of muscles… something that cannot be taught effectively off a video.  Without having someone to check your technique and correct your form, you may end up injuring yourself!

• Pilates is an in-depth system, and to gain an adequate understanding your teacher should have attended many months of study (ideally topped up with several years of experience). Keep in mind that under current Australian regulations you can attend a weekend workshop and call yourself an instructor – that’s simply not good enough!!  Ask your teacher about their qualifications and experience before you ask about class prices!

• Find a teacher who is genuinely interested in you. They should ask you about your goals, take note of your medical history, and be finding ways for you to overcome your restrictions and challenges in the class.  A great teacher will provide modifications so you can go at your own pace – without hurting yourself.  Ideally, your teacher will go over quite a lot of this in an initial consultation done prior to your first class.

• Your teacher is there to TEACH, not to do his or her own workout!  They should be walking around the class, paying attention to the technique of each client and giving feedback as needed.   You are paying to be corrected – so you can enjoy a safe and effective class.  If your teacher is doing his or her own thing, you should consider going elsewhere.

In our opinion (based on over 20 years of experience), the best option is to find a Physiotherapist who teaches Pilates.  Because they have a solid qualification in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, they can really help you to get more out of your classes.  Best of all,  you can claim the cost of classes through your Private Health Fund!

 “You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions,

and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.” Joseph Pilates

If you’d like to know more about Pilates, or to experience the difference at Physio Fit Studio, give us a call today.  We offer a FREE class to beginners, so you can see what we’re all about – and trust us, you will notice a big difference!