There are so many options now when it comes to Pilates - on demand online studios, in person classes, live online classes. So how do you know what is right for you?
The short answer is...give it a go! Sometimes you need to try different offerings to see what works for you. But we can talk a little more about what each offering might give you...
In Person Classes
There are loads of physical benefits to Pilates, but what are the benefits of attending classes in person?
If you can find the right instructor, face to face classes can be really fun. It gives you the opportunity to get out of the house and go to a local venue, which can help you to get into the zone and away from any distractions. Sometimes it can be hard to exercise at home when you know there are chores to be done or your partner / kids / dogs are around! Leaving the house and having an hour to yourself can only be a good thing.
If you struggle with motivation and don't think you would do classes at home, face to face classes are likely to be your best option.
There is also a big social benefit to attending classes in person - you can get to know the other people in the class and build new friendships. Go for a coffee after the session with your class buddies and be with like minded people.
Finally, face to face classes might suit you better if you prefer to have an instructor in the same room as you that can do hands on corrections. If you're happy to be re-positioned as required, face to face classes may work better and this is not something that you can benefit from with online classes.
Live Online Classes
These classes are run via an online platform such as Zoom - you can be in the comfort of your own home and do a live class with the instructor on the other end of the camera.
These classes can be great if you can't find in person classes at a day or time to suit you, or if you feel a little worried about going to a face to face class (which many people did during Covid times!). I would say though, please don't be worried about going to a face to face class because you feel a little self conscious or you're concerned that you won't know what you're doing. Everyone is there for the same reason and ultimately, everyone has to start somewhere! The likelihood is, you will really enjoy it and everyone will be really welcoming.
However, if you're preference is online classes, there are plenty of them around. You don't need to worry about feeling self conscious, as you can turn your camera off if you want to. Some instructors may ask you to keep them on, as they will still keep an eye on what you're doing and if there are any modifications / adjustments you might need to make to the move. It's beneficial to keep your camera on to allow the instructor to help you.
This can be a great option if you'd like to stay in the comfort of your own home but still have an instructor on hand during a live class.
On Demand Online Studios
Online studios can be really great, particularly if you are self motivated to exercise.
On demand studios have various pre-recorded Pilates classes that you are able to access whenever you want! Classes may vary in intensity, length and /or focus on different body parts. If you struggle for time or your hours are a little unsociable, this could be the perfect option for you as you can fit in your Pilates practice at a time that works for you.
This is a great opportunity to create your own little Pilates space at home, where you can get on your mat and just have some time for you to move your body. You can also take the classes with you if you have to work away or you go on holiday - imagine a beautiful Pilates stretch session on your balcony in the sun!
If you need the flexibility to be able to do classes whenever you want, this is the perfect option for you.
There are loads of options available to ensure that you meet your needs and fit in your Pilates practice, you just need to find the right one for you.
Consider what you want / need from your practice and what environment you would like to be in - do you want an instructor in the same room so they can see how you move? Would you prefer to be in the comfort of your own home but still want an instructor on the other end of the camera who can give you verbal adjustment if needed? Or do you need the ability to fit in your Pilates practice around more unsociable hours where they may not be any live classes available?
Think about what you want and seek out the best option for you. You might need to try a few different in person classes, online live classes and on demand studios before finding the one that you love.
The Wellbeing Shed has both in person classes and an online studio - we'd love to welcome you to our classes, either face to face or online.
We look forward to seeing you on the mats.
Kelly
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