With the rising popularity of equipment-based or reformer Pilates against the backdrop of the increased costs of living. Why do clients opt for this style of Pilates? What are the advantages of a Private Pilates session in a studio over a group-based class either in a gym, studio or hall?
I can only speak for what I offer in my Private Pilates studio in rural Norfolk, but there are many instructors around the country offering equally bespoke, tailored Pilates for clients.
Not only am I an instructor, but I was a Pilates client for 10 years before I did my teacher training. I took part in group matwork classes, small group equipment classes, duets and private sessions, so I hope I can offer some perspective here.
There are cost implications, but if we set that aside and look at the advantages a Private Pilates could offer.
1. The session is tailored to you
This may seem obvious, but the reason for this being important really varies between clients. The fear I hear from many clients is that they either don’t want to slow the class down. They feel they lack either the ability or the confidence in their ability to do the moves. They don’t want to feel like they are slowing down the class.
There can also be the worry that if you are carrying an injury or health issue. That the class really won’t be suitable for you. Clients with long-term issues like Fibromyalgia or chronic pain find that their ability and energy can vary from day to day. What seems like a perfect class one week may not be suitable the next week or may feel too easy.
These are not concerns in a private pilates session. The session is all yours; want to work slowly because your energy is low, no problem; want a more challenging week or to work on something specific, great; want to avoid kneeling, ok.
It’s your session. Talk to the instructor. In my case, I was taught to ‘teach the body in front of me’ not to teach a lesson plan that means I teach you how you are today.
2. The space is private
This can be a huge factor for some clients due to any number of reasons (weight, nerves, a specific medical issue).
In a Private Bespoke Pilates studio, you may be the only person in the studio apart from your instructor (please check this when booking if this is important to you, as some larger studios can have other instructors teaching privates in the same space at the same time). I have the luxury of a small Private studio where I only have one client at a time, so anything discussed or any worries are completely private.
This may seem like a small concern to some, but for some clients, the confidentiality of somewhere to talk means more than the social aspect of a group class.
3. All the benefits of all the equipment
Often private Pilates sessions are offered on the Pilates equipment (though some matwork instructors offer this as well). This means you get to play on all the equipment, using what is best for you and your body.
In the Fascial Soul studio, there is the full suite of Pilates studio equipment: a reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Baby Chair, Ladder Barrel, Pedi Pole/Ped O Pull and a range of smaller pieces (See ‘More than just the Reformer‘). The equipment is designed to offer both assistance and resistance depending the exercise so the session really can be adapted to you.
4. Suits a variety of clients – rehab & elite
Pilates is used in both a rehab setting and by elite sports teams and individuals. Obviously, they are not in a class together, and their goals would be very different. However, both do have specific goals.
In a private Pilates class, these goals can be identified and worked on specifically. Want to improve foot and ankle mobility, there’s a piece of equipment and exercises for that; want to improve balance, we can work on that. Tailored sessions work on your goals, whether that’s sporting or everyday life.
This can mean goals are reached faster than they would be in a group setting.
5. Option to add extras in
This is one is rather specific and possibly divisive.
Some instructors also have other special interests, other therapies, and unique courses they’ve taken that may add more to your session than Pilates alone.
I’ve trained in Neural Reset Therapy and Rossiter Stretching. This means that when a client works in with a specific issue I am able to switch to a different modality that might better serve my client on that day. It may only take 10-15 minutes out of the session but adds a real advantage to a private Pilates session.
On a final note group classes are great and this is not me having a go. They have their place and they work brilliantly for many clients at a price point that is more accessible. However the advantages of private Pilates session either on their own or alongside group classes cannot be underestimated.
Intrigued? Get In Touch to see how Neural Reset Therapy or Rossiter Stretching could help you