Pilates: Strength, Flexibility, Posture and Core - Fitness Institute

Pilates is an exceptional way to gain strength, flexibility, improve your posture and develop core strength. Book a session with one of our qualified instructors to see ?what it can do for you!

By Marguerite Ogle

Updated October 10, 2012

Pilates has become so popular that opportunities to learn Pilates are cropping up everywhere. Here is an overview of the main ways that people are learning Pilates, along with some advice about how to make different methods work for you.

It is really best to begin training with a certified Pilates teacher. This could happen in private training sessions or group classes, and you can start with mat work, reformer workouts, or both. If you already have some experience with Pilates and you understand the basics such as neutral spine, C curve, and The Six Pilates Priciples then supplementing your study with books, DVDs and online instruction can be a very useful.

Mat or Reformer?

One of the first decisions to make is whether to start with Pilates mat work, or launch right in to working with equipment like the reformer. The advantage of starting with mat work is that you can focus on getting a foundation in the Pilates basics without the added complexity of equipment. Also, the mat work is easy to practice at home.

Choosing to start with the reformer will probably mean that you are going to be working out at a studio. Most Pilates studios offer both mat and reformer classes. Gyms and other situations usually offer only mat classes.

Private Instruction

Privates are the luxury way to study Pilates and very worthwhile if you can afford them. Pilates is a very exacting method of exercise and getting started with the help of one on one attention is optimal. Most Pilates studios offer privates. There are also many Pilates instructors who offer private instruction in their homes, and some will come to your home. Even if you plan to take group classes it is highly recommended that you start out with a few privates, and take refresher privates as you can. The average cost for a private lesson is $55 ? $75. Private instruction from highly experienced Pilates instructors can run quite a bit more.

Duets

Duets are the next best thing to private instruction and seem to be somewhat unique to the Pilates world. As the name implies, doing a duet means that you are taking a private class with just two people. Often friends make this kind of arrangement, but your studio may be willing to set up a duet partner for you. It is best to do duets with someone close to your own level. Duets are usually seen as a shared private, and the cost is close to the same as a private but split between two people.

????????? If the class size at your gym or studio is very large, make sure to supplement with an occasional private lesson.

Source: http://www.fitnessinstitute.com/pilates-strength-flexibility-posture-and-core/

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