I wanted to share something that happened at the studio the other day that really got me thinking.
A client returned to My Pilates Studio after several months away. She had attended a couple of group classes with us in the spring, when she was new to Pilates. I’ll admit, I should have followed up when she didn’t return. Sometimes things slip through the cracks! As we got chatting, she explained that she'd been attending a large Pilates chain for three months.
During our Reformer class, we started with footwork, as we do in every Reformer class. Footwork is one of the foundational exercises in the Pilates method. It's where we begin to establish alignment, proper muscle engagement, control and an understanding of how the body moves.
I noticed she was unfamiliar with the exercise, so I spent some time helping her understand the different foot positions, what muscles she should be engaging and what she should be feeling.
I jokingly asked, "What, they don't do footwork at....?"
Her answer? "No."
I was genuinely surprised.
Three months of Pilates, several times a week, ON THE REFORMER and she hadn't been introduced to one of the most fundamental exercises in the Reformer repertoire.
She also mentioned something else that stayed with me. She said there was plenty of instruction, but very little correction or individual attention.
And that conversation reminded me exactly why I opened My Pilates Studio and why we've chosen to do things the way we do.
We're not just instructors. We're teachers.
There's a difference.
An instructor can tell you what exercise to do, how many repetitions to complete and when to move on to the next one.
A teacher helps you understand why you're doing it, how your body should move, what you should be feeling and how to make adjustments so the exercise actually benefits you.
A teacher observes, corrects, modifies, challenges and, most importantly, gets to know the person in front of them.
That's what we do at My Pilates Studio.
Why we keep our classes small
Our classes are limited to just four clients.
Not 12. Not 16. Not 20.
Four.
And that's intentional.
If our space was bigger - they'd still be small.
With four people, our teachers can actually watch you move. We can notice when something isn't quite right, make corrections, offer modifications and help you progress safely and confidently.
We get to know your body, your abilities, your limitations and your goals.
We know when to challenge you and when to pull back.
And for someone who is new to Pilates, returning after an injury, managing age-related changes or simply trying to move better, that individual attention can make an enormous difference.
Pilates is a method, not just a workout on a Reformer.
This is something I feel especially strongly about.
Pilates is a complete system of movement, developed with purpose and intention. The exercises build upon one another, and the equipment works together to help develop strength, mobility, stability, coordination and control.
At our studio, we teach on the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Chair, Barrels and Mat. We don't believe Pilates begins and ends on a Reformer.
Our teachers have invested years in their education, comprehensive certifications, mentorship and continuing education. And that learning never stops.
I'm currently continuing my own education in the Classical Pilates method, and the more I study, the more I appreciate the depth and brilliance of this work.
There is always more to learn, and I believe our clients deserve teachers who are committed to doing exactly that.
Quality Pilates doesn't have to be out of reach.
I also think there's a misconception that small, independently owned Pilates studios must be significantly more expensive than the larger chains.
But here's something worth considering.
At My Pilates Studio, our Group Class memberships and packages can bring your cost down to just $35 per class.
That's $350 for a 10-class package or $420 for a 12-class monthly membership.
And you're sharing that class with just three other people.
You're receiving personalized attention from a comprehensively trained teacher, using professional Pilates equipment, in a studio where we genuinely care about your progress.
I think that's pretty exceptional value.
A final thought...
I'm not sharing this story to criticize how anyone else chooses to exercise.
Movement is wonderful, and I'm happy whenever someone finds something that gets them moving.
But I do think it's important for people to understand that not all Pilates experiences are the same.
And I believe that when you're investing your time, money and trust in a studio, you deserve more than simply being told what exercise comes next.
You deserve to be taught.
To our current clients, thank you for trusting us with your bodies and allowing us to be part of your Pilates journey. We don't take that responsibility lightly.
And if you're reading this but haven't yet visited My Pilates Studio, I hope you'll come give us a try.
Whether you're completely new to Pilates, returning after years away, recovering from an injury or looking to deepen your practice, I promise we'll take good care of you.
That's why we're here.
See you at the studio,
Melissa
