How to Choose a Reputable Pilates Centre
Deciding to join a Pilates centre is an excellent decision. Regular Pilates sessions will not only strengthen your body and make you more flexible but it will improve your health and keep you supple.
There are many Pilates centres sprouting up all over the place because of the popularity of this training method. However, all Pilates centres are not created equal. Some are much better than others. This article will show you how to separate the wheat from the chaff.
There are a few things that you must be aware of and take into consideration when choosing a Pilates centre.
Proximity to your home or workplace
While this may seem like common sense, many people join swanky Pilates centres that are out of the way just because the centre looks good or is popular. The most important factor to consider is convenience.
You will be much less likely to skip workout sessions if the centre is somewhere close to your home or your workplace. You could easily train and go home. Choose a reputable centre that is nearby and easily accessible.
Appearance of facility
A good Pilates centre will look clean and pleasant. Reputable Pilates centres pay attention to detail and customer experience. If the Pilates centre looks messy, grimy or dirty, you should run the other way and not look back.
Class size
Ideally, you should join a Pilates centre where the classes are not overcrowded. In this way, the instructor will have time to check on each member’s form and correct them.
It’s also more serene and pleasant to train in a class that has sufficient space to breathe and move around freely.
Instructors’ qualifications
You should check that the Pilates instructors in the centre are qualified, experienced and accredited. There are many Pilates centres run by instructors who lack the proper certification. This can actually be dangerous because they will not be able to correct your poor technique and you may injure yourself.
Number of instructors
The number of instructors the centre has makes a difference too. There must be sufficient instructors to handle all the classes. You do not want a centre where 1 instructor is conducting 8 classes a day. He or she will be exhausted and not be able to give their best. Some Pilates centres try to cut costs by hiring the minimum number of instructors possible.
Other points to note would be how comfortable you feel with your trainer and the pace of the class. Women may prefer female instructors. Men may prefer female instructors too, but that’s another story.
What matters is that you find one that motivates you and is able to guide you properly. You may join a beginners class and as time progresses, you may go into the intermediate and advanced stages. Check if your instructor will follow you in the classes as you progress… or will some other instructor take over.
Make sure your Pilates centre caters to people at different stages of learning. It would be a mistake to join a centre that lumps beginners and advanced practitioners together and expects the beginners to just do what they can.
There should also be classes staggered at different times of the day. This will allow you some choice, in case your schedule is tight. The equipment provided by the centre such as mats, resistance bands, etc. should be in good condition.
Before signing up for a complete package, ask the Pilates centre if they offer a free trial class so that you can get a feel of the class and see if it’s something you will enjoy. In most cases, if you adhere to the pointers given above, you should find a reputable centre that will foster in you a love for Pilates that will grow with time. You’ll make Pilates a part of your life and never look back.
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