10 reasons why Private Pilates classes are worth it
This #FitnessFriday we're here to answer some of our most commonly asked questions… What are the benefits of Private Pilates? Are private classes worth their price? Do I need private classes? Are they more effective than group Pilates classes?
While you will still notice the benefits of attending regular group classes, we strongly believe that Private Pilates sessions are essential and invaluable to your movement practice, if you can. Here we share the top 10 reasons why!
1. Understand Your Body
Our bodies are complicated. Even a common problem like back pain can stem from very different sources depending on the individual. Our natural physique, movement patterns and lifestyle habits – from how we sleep to even the way we breathe – can all create imbalances and misalignments in the body that eventually lead to physical discomfort, movement limitations, or even injuries.
That’s why our instructors begin your private Pilates journey with a postural and movement analysis. Using their wealth of Pilates, anatomical and movement knowledge gained through education and experience, they identify areas of imbalance and misalignment that are affecting your body – along with the most beneficial exercises and movement habits to correct them. You will gain an invaluable awareness about your body that only grows over time, session by session, contributing to the next benefit below.
“No two people are the same, which means no two conditions are exactly the same either. That’s why it’s so important to personalise the session to the client,” explains senior instructor Jiho. “Back pain, for example, can be caused by an imbalance at the ankles, weak glutes or another reason. The posture and movement analysis helps us as instructors to find where the pain or discomfort comes from, so that we can create a programme that’s specifically tailored to the individual’s needs.”
2. Progress Faster
Every minute of a Private Pilates session is totally tailored to you, your body and your goals, meaning you are guaranteed to progress and achieve your personal objectives in less time than by just attending group classes. Whether you’re looking to tone up, become more flexible, feel stronger or reduce aches and pains, your instructor will design a personalised plan to help you get there and will check in with you regularly to track your improvements. And now that you are learning more about your body every session, you will find that the exercises become more effective as you carry the movement habits you develop into everyday life.
“Everyone has a different level of body awareness and everyone learns in a slightly different way,” says Jiho. “Some clients find it more helpful to learn through descriptive cues, while others learn in a more visual way. In a one-on-one setting, we can adapt the style of teaching that is best suited to the client to help them to improve and progress.”
3. Take Care of Your Needs
Special care should be taken during all types of exercise if you are pregnant or post-natal, recovering from an injury (or in rehabilitation), have a specific physical condition or are of the older generation. That is exactly what our instructors are there to provide: special care and attention. By joining a Private Session, your instructor can ensure that not only is every movement and exercise safe and suitable for you, but also the most beneficial to your condition.
(Did you know some of our instructors are specialists in Pre-Natal Pilates, Post-Natal Pilates and injury rehabilitation?)
4. Get All the Attention
Unlike in group classes where their focus is split between multiple clients, during Private Pilates at SmartFit you will have your instructor’s undivided attention. Throughout each exercise, they will be watching for incorrect form, misalignment or other movement patterns that might slow your progress – or even cause pain over time. But be warned… with no-one else to distract them, there is no slacking off! Your Private Pilates instructor knows the goals you’re hoping to achieve and will keep you accountable, focused and on track to help you get the most out of every exercise. You’re on this journey together!
“In Private Sessions we focus a lot of attention on the client’s overall performance, rather than simply viewing it as ‘exercise’ training,” says STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor Grace. “I am always looking to understand my client better, while also checking on their body alignment, muscle engagement and energy levels.”
5. Mix It Up
Think Pilates is just about the mat and reformer? Think again! At SmartFit, we have a wide variety of Pilates equipment that can all be utilised during a Private Session. From the cadillac to the chair to the arc barrel to a variety of small props, each piece of equipment will challenge and change you in new and fun ways. Going private means your instructor has the time to introduce you to each one, enabling you to gain all the benefits – both physical and mental - of mixing up your training and keeping your workout fresh.
6. Go At Your Own Pace
When it comes to workouts, we should always be progressing. But it can be hard to know when to step it up, as going too hard too soon puts you at risk of injury. Our instructors have the experience and qualifications to take charge of this for you; advising and supporting you as you progress at a challenging yet safe pace. Once you’re ready, your instructor will gently begin to add more resistance, make the movement more dynamic/difficult or increase the number of repetitions (or all three!) They will be on hand from start to finish to ensure you keep seeing improvements. Finding the balance between pushing you to progress and allowing you time to adapt is key to helping you enjoy the burn and ensure you leave your sessions feeling great!
“We always want clients to feel adequately challenged and motivated,” Grace explains. “It’s for that reason that I regularly review my client’s programme and make adjustments to ensure they keep improving.”
7. Test Your Limits Safely
Whether you are new to Pilates or exercise in general, or are looking to kick your workout routine up a notch to reach a particular goal, safety should always be the top priority. Exercising under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor who’s completely focused on you ensures that you use the equipment safely at every step and can master the Pilates principles for a strong movement foundation. All of which prepare you to really push yourself in every session, without ever endangering your body!
8. Transform Your Relationship with Exercise
Our SmartFit Pilates instructors do this job because they are caring, knowledgeable and passionate about helping you to take charge of your health, sculpt the body you’ve always wanted and gain the confidence that you deserve. For anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable or embarrassed in a group class, Private Sessions will transform the way you think about exercise. The one-on-one nature means there is not one ounce of judgement or comparison. Your sessions are not about anyone else - only you. Your instructor is there to help you achieve what you want to achieve, and to feel better about your body. Remember: everyone starts somewhere. Your sessions are a safe and welcoming space to enjoy movement and feel yourself improving.
9. Build a Connection
We are proud of the community that we have built at SmartFit, where many of our clients and instructors now consider themselves friends. And it can be the same for you too. Like any relationship, if you see your instructor regularly, you’ll soon feel yourself building a personal connection and rapport, making your sessions all the more enjoyable. As you spend more time together, your instructor will learn to read your body, your ability and your levels of exertion so they can adapt and tailor the workouts even more - all between having a chat about what else might be going on in your lives. The chat will help to distract you from the burn too!
“I always want to ensure I’m providing the very best for my client in every session. Personal connections play a big part in that,” says SmartFit Pilates instructor Grace. “The consistency involved with seeing the same instructor regularly and working through a tailored programme is also important to help clients achieve better improvements. Consistency is key!”
10. You Deserve It
Taking private Pilates classes isn’t just about working out. It’s making a commitment to learning about and loving the only place you have to live in – your own body. It’s offering yourself the full attention and support of a movement professional in your journey towards the best version of yourself – and the life you want to lead. Whether that’s being free from pain, improved performance in sports, being able to keep up with the kids (or grand-kids), better posture or simply loving your reflection in the mirror. We believe that taking private Pilates classes is one of the highest forms of self-care - that you absolutely deserve.