The advent of COVID-19 changed the way many of us work out, providing a virtual and remote method of exercising that had its advantages at the time. Today, many Pilates studios, group fitness classes, fitness instructors, and personal trainers still use virtual, screen-based sessions to provide a guided workout to those working on their physical health. Except for Club Pilates.
We don’t use screens in our studios to guide classes – instead, we rely on one-on-one training between instructors and members. This allows us to be attentive to our members’ needs and provide them with the best possible experience. Unlike other Pilates studios that are trending to have upwards of 30 people in their sessions, all being led by a screen, we believe in providing holistic, in-studio and instructor-led classes to help our members get the most out of every session.
Being more present in your workout is important, and that’s what Club Pilates offers its members. Here’s why we believe that attending an in-studio class, led by a trained and certified Pilates instructor, is better for you and for your body.
In-Studio Lessons are Perfect for Those Learning the Pilates Method
If you’re new to Pilates, or if you’ve been taking classes for a while but still feel like you need some help perfecting your form, in-studio classes are the way to go. There’s no substitute for the guidance of a certified instructor when it comes to learning the Pilates method.
When you’re in a studio with a Club Pilates instructor, they can quickly and easily correct your form if they see that you’re not doing something correctly. This is important because doing Pilates incorrectly, like any training, can lead to injuries – something that we certainly don’t want! The nature of Pilates requires a focus on proper form and controlled breathing, something an instructor can help you learn and master.
Additionally, having an instructor there to guide and support you as you learn can be incredibly motivating. It’s one thing to watch someone else do Pilates on a screen, but it’s another thing entirely to have someone there with you, cheering you on and helping you through the tough parts of the workout.
In-Studio Classes are More Intimate and Personalised
In-studio classes at Club Pilates are small, which means that our instructors can give each member the attention they deserve. This allows us to create a more intimate and personalised experience for everyone who comes to our studios.
We believe that working out should be enjoyable, and we work hard to make sure that every class is fun and engaging. Our instructors get to know each of their students so that they can provide them with customised guidance throughout their workout.
Additionally, because we don’t use screens in our classes, our instructors are able to be more flexible with the exercises they choose. This means that no two classes are exactly alike, which keeps things interesting for our members!
Club Pilates Offers Private Training Sessions
In addition to our group classes, we also offer private training sessions for those who want or need a little extra attention. Private sessions are perfect for anyone who wants to focus on a specific goal, such as increasing strength, improving flexibility, or mastering a particular exercise.
Private sessions are also ideal for those who may be new to Pilates and feel more comfortable working one-on-one with an instructor before joining a group class. Our instructors will work with you to create a customised workout plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
No matter what your fitness level is, we believe that everyone can benefit from the Club Pilates way of working out.
Why Virtual or Screen-Based Sessions Don't Do Pilates Justice
While there are some benefits to taking a virtual or screen-based Pilates class, such as being able to do it from the comfort of your own home, there are also some significant drawbacks.
Practising a Pilates workout, especially if for the first time, can’t be done properly when simply imitating what you see on a screen. Unlike following a recipe or even a video guide on furniture assembly, Pilates is best mastered by being taught in real-time, by a present and trained instructor. It’s difficult to get the proper form and alignment without someone there to guide and adjust you. What’s more, having peers around you in a group workout environment helps you reflect on your own movements and improve.
Moreover, because virtual classes are pre-recorded, they lack the flexibility that our instructors have to make each class unique and interesting. You’re simply going through the motions without any modifications or adjustments based on your individual needs.
While some people may feel more comfortable working out at home, others may find it harder to stay motivated when they’re not in a class setting, and without the support and motivation of a live instructor, it can be all too easy to get distracted or give up entirely when you’re working out alone. Abandoning your fitness goals is not what we want for our members!
Screens In-Studio Aren't Helpful!
While some Pilates studios have started to incorporate screens into their classes, we believe that this is not the best way to learn or practice Pilates.
For one, having a screen in the studio can be distracting for both instructors and students. It takes away from the personalised attention that our instructors are able to give each member, and it can be difficult to focus on your workout when there’s a TV playing in the background.
We believe that Pilates is best practiced in a group setting. It’s more motivating and fun to work out with other people, and you can learn from watching others as well. Having a screen in the studio takes away from this social aspect of Pilates.
You Time vs Screen Time: Why We Encourage Members to Ditch the Screens
The goal of every Club Pilates instructor, in each of our studios around the country, is to provide an intensive, purposeful session that helps you achieve your personal health and fitness goals. That’s why we not only avoid having TVs in our studios or using screen-led classes but also encourage our members to reduce their own screen time when in a session.
We believe that Pilates is a workout that should be enjoyed and savoured. It’s a chance to focus on your breath, connect with your body, and clear your mind of the day-to-day distractions that life throws at us. When you’re in a Club Pilates class, we want you to be present, in the moment and focused on your workout. Our mobiles can be a major source of distraction, taking away from the important you-time our classes provide.
Pilates is a workout that requires precision and focus. Like any workout, what you put in is what you will get out. If you’re not working with proper form, learning to control your breathing, or practising the precise movement Pilates requires, you’re likely not going to see the results you want.
Why the Club Pilates Way is the Best Way
At Club Pilates, we believe that in-studio, instructor-led classes are the best way to experience Pilates. Our small group sizes allow us to provide each member with the attention they deserve, while our lack of screens makes for a more intimate and personalised experience.
In addition to our group classes, we also offer private training sessions for those who want or need a little extra attention. No matter what your fitness level is, we believe that everyone can benefit from the Club Pilates way of working out.
Try a free Pilates class at a Club Pilates studio near you today to experience the true benefit of a holistic, comprehensive, and guided in-studio lesson!