Pilates "etiquette"

A great atmosphere makes Pilates more enjoyable. At Studio Blue, we strive to make your practice comfortable and productive by having proper equipment, excellent instructors, and a clean, peaceful studio. You can do your part to help make Pilates the enjoyable experience for everyone by keeping the following in mind.

• Reserve your class time in advance. Not only will you ensure a class space, you’ll be setting your mind towards regular workouts. Making a reservation means you have scheduled special time for your workout, and sooner than you realize it will become a habit you can’t quit!

• Arrive for class early. We invite you to use the mat room in the minutes before class to get yourself centered, and to stretch those areas you know are tight.

• Turn off the cell phone!

• Talk to your instructor. If you’re new to Studio Blue, our instructors will introduce themselves. But don’t be shy. Before class, make sure to tell your instructor about any injuries, pregnancies, and responses to previous workouts. After class, talk to the instructor if you don’t understand something, what feedback, or further clarification.

• Monitor yourself, and let go of your ego! There’s no prize for hurting yourself, or for overdoing it with Pilates. Some clients believe the goal is to lift the most weight, or to work at the highest level possible. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, our Pilates Fundamentals class can be the most challenging class we offer, depending on what you put into it. Working very slowly, focusing on perfect form, really feeling each movement, can challenge even the most seasoned Pilates instructor—so don’t confuse brawn with mastering Pilates.

• Resist the urge to chat. While classes are fun and build rapport, Pilates is a mind/body integration practice. It requires intense concentration, and distracting chat can disrupt the benefits others get from their work out.

• Don’t eat or drink too much before class. In fact, it’s best to do Pilates on an empty stomach. Besides, it’s pretty difficult to keep the core turned on when all you can think about is the urge to run to the restroom. etiquette