Once upon a time, Pilates was considered an exercise that only dancers did. Over the last several decades, however, it’s evolved into a recognized fitness regimen because of its focus on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement.
Between 2022 and 2023, its popularity in the United States increased by 15% – with 11.86 million practitioners. Maybe you’re one of them.
Because it’s more widely known, many people are giving it a try at home using videos. And this is fine. But as you get deeper into the practice, you must grasp the benefits of a Pilates studio versus home practice. We’ll take a look.
Pilates Studio Versus Home Practice
Of course, cost is a key factor influencing people to practice Pilates at home. They’re opting instead to use free resources like YouTube tutorials or subscribing to affordable platforms.
Plus, practicing at home is convenient. So why bother going to a studio?
Well, there are several key reasons to mix in some studio classes with your home practice.
1. Guidance and Instructions
It’s important that Pilates is practiced using proper alignment and correct posture. The only way to ensure you’re getting this is through hands-on guidance from a certified Pilates instructor. And the only place you can get this is at a studio.
Pilates instructors can keep you motivated by customizing a routine that meets your specific needs. This is especially important if you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition. A studio that includes Pilates-based physical therapy is a bonus.
Meanwhile, practicing at home means you have to motivate yourself. Yet even if you’re golden in this area, you’ll still be lacking feedback from instructors who can correct any improper form you may start developing.
2. Use of Equipment
A professional Pilates studio is equipped with specialized machinery such as reformers, Cadillacs (no, not the car), and spine correctors. These apparatuses enable practitioners from various fitness levels to work with adjustable resistance and support.
Part of what makes Pilates so popular is that it isn’t like going to the gym. In a studio setting, you work with Pilates instructors to ensure you’re using the equipment correctly. Plus, a respectable studio adheres to the strictest hygiene and maintenance standards.
Practicing Pilates at home typically means you’ll be limited to movements on a mat with props such as a Pilates ring, resistance band, or weights. Now, if you happen to possess the money and space to have a reformer at home, that’s great. You still won’t have the expertise of an instructor to give you feedback though.
3. Establishing a Routine
Remaining consistent can be especially challenging if you have only a home practice. There’s a discipline in attending a regular studio class that can help you establish a routine. Plus, you’ll probably feel more motivated when sharing in the energy of other practitioners. And there’s something to be said for meeting other practitioners and inspiring one another to meet goals.
What’s more, many studios themed or specialized classes to keep you engaged. These include classes like prenatal Pilates or Pilates for athletic conditioning.
This isn’t to say that you can’t maintain a consistent practice at home. It’s just more challenging to do so. Plus, you don’t have the energy that comes from community and practicing with others. Again, supplementing your home practice with even just one studio class per week can make a big difference in sticking with it.
4. Ability to Progress
When you have only a home practice, it can be difficult to recognize how your strength and flexibility have improved. You can easily get stuck in a rut of the same routine that won’t help you advance your practice.
Instructors know how to tailor sessions to enhance your progress. They’ll introduce you to more advanced techniques and variations to keep your workouts dynamic. They may also offer special workshops or challenges to encourage continual growth so you don’t hit the dreaded fitness plateau.
Finally, if you’re very driven and tend to overexert yourself, a home practice can leave you depleted. Professional oversight helps you stay attuned to what your body is saying so you don’t overdo it.
Combining Your Studio and Home Practices
In many ways, it’s not so much Pilates studio versus home practice as it is finding a way to combine the two. That way you get structured guidance and the use of specialized equipment along with convenience and affordability.
So if you’re ready to see all the amazing ways Pilates can improve your overall well-being, contact us today. Our highly trained Pilates instructors will help you learn movements, refine your technique, and remain inspired.
And if you’re dealing with a chronic condition or injury, we have a Pilates-based physical therapist on staff as well. So don’t hesitate to reach out!