What Your Pilates Studio Should Include

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After you have your mind made up about opening a Pilates studio, what should you include in the studio to make it successful? Here are some of the key features:

1. A sound system for music and/or for instructional CD’s.

2. An inviting entrance.

3. A reception area.

4. Reception desk.

5. An office for the owner or manager. This can be carved out of the reception area or be a separate room with a door that closes.

6. A waiting area with comfortable chairs and magazines, etc., as well as water, coffee and/or tea if you want to make it available to your clients.

7. A restroom for clients and staff use only (unless you have one large restroom with a glass door that can be closed while one person uses the restroom). You don’t want to have your clients using a public restroom in your studio or, worse yet, having them walk next door to their place of business to use the bathroom!

8. Change rooms with lockers or cubbyholes for personal belongings and equipment that students may bring in from home (yoga mat, Pilates band, exercise ball). Lockers should be large enough to accommodate these items and any additional ones.

Dynamic Pilates Manly is a series of exercises designed to build strength, increase flexibility and improve posture. The Pilates method focuses on control, precision and breathing while working out. If you enjoy the benefits of Pilates but often feel uncomfortable in a large gym setting, you may be interested in joining a smaller studio.

Treatment areas: every Pilates studio should include treatment areas for stretching, massage and other therapies, as well as private spaces for individual workouts. Many studios also have saunas and whirlpools that are available for guests to use. Private classes: most studios offer private 1-on-1 sessions or small group class sizes where the instructor can provide additional assistance to the students. Some studios offer online classes where you can workout from home with an instructor via Skype or Google Hangouts. Equipment: most Pilates studios should have equipment such as reformers, mats, springboards, straps and rollers so that every student has access to equipment that works best for them. A good Pilates studio should also have a variety of props available so that students can work on different parts of the body. Instructors: a qualified Pilates instructor will be able to teach multiple types of exercises ranging from beginner to advanced based on the needs of the student.

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body through resistance from your own body weight. It’s not just for dancers and models, it’s designed to be effective for those who want to improve their physical wellbeing. Here are a few things you should be sure to find in any Pilates studio you attend:

Pilates Reformer Machine

A reformer machine is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a Pilates studio. There are many different types of Pilates reformers available, but they have many similarities. They are large machines with springs and pulleys that use gravity as resistance. This allows you to work with your own body weight while performing different exercises that help increase strength, flexibility and balance. The reformer machine is ideal for beginners, as well as those who have back issues or other physical limitations.

A Balance Board

It may be tempting to think that using a balance board is optional in a Pilates class, but this piece of equipment offers benefits that can’t be found elsewhere. A balance board forces you to engage your core muscles so you can maintain your balance while doing traditional exercises like the roll-up or leg lifts. It’s important to focus on the core during a Pilates routine.

What should you expect in a Pilates studio? A good Pilates studio should be clean, organized, and equipped with quality equipment that can accommodate all body types. The Pilates instructor should have proper credentials and experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions so you can make an informed decision about which studio is right for you!

What You’ll See

A Pilates studio will have a variety of exercise equipment including reformers, Cadillac (aka “The Apparatus”), the Reformer Table, Swings and Stands. Each piece of equipment may be rented in hourly increments. The more experienced the teacher is, the more likely she will own her own equipment and have it set up in her own space.

Expect to see other pieces of equipment such as wobble boards, exercise balls, foam rollers and stretch cords. Most studios now incorporate some form of cardiovascular training into their class offerings. You’ll also see mirrors – this is important because monitoring your own form is key to seeing improvement.

What You’ll Hear

You may hear instructors call out directions to class participants like “rotate your pelvis,” “pull your shoulder blades down,” or “lead with your elbows.” You’ll also hear grunting sounds along with students’ heavy breathing. Click here for the variety of exercises that you need.