When creating your Pilates practice, you may wonder if you should just work out at home with DVDs or books, go to the Y or some other gym where the classes may be included in your membership fees, or whether you should invest the money to go to a Pilates studio.
A combination of these three options should help you create a balance that is great for both your balance and your pocket book. A home practice is absolutely essential because there are going to be times when life is going to get busy and not allow you to go to the gym or studio like you would like. BUT, a DVD or a book is never going to be able to give you feedback or correct your form, two things that are essential for your success in Pilates.
Pilates studios are expensive, but will give you an experience that you will not find at a gym. The people at the studio are there for one reason- to do Pilates and to connect with their bodies. When finding a studio, find out about where the teachers are trained. Ideally, they should have a national certification which recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance. PMA certified teachers can be found by visiting the PMA website. Studio teachers will also be trained and better equipped to deal with special conditions such as back problems or pregnancies.
Programs at gyms are nicer for the pocketbook, but the teachers are likely to not have as much training as the teachers you would find at a studio. (This isn't always the case, many gyms have great teacher training programs and many teachers teach at gyms for extra money, just do your research.) The environment will be different than you would find at a studio though.
Bottom line- do what works for you, just do it. Ideally 3 times a week or more. Visit www.pilatesformommies.net and click on resources for a list of books that I have enjoyed in creating my practice, and feel free to contact me for other suggestions!
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