I Prefer Personal Training/Group Classes Because…

I prefer personal training or, as we call it in Pilates – private lessons. Why? Because I like a lot of attention! But it’s not an ego thing. I simply benefit more from a training program designed specifically for me and what my body needs in order to advance my practice – safely, effectively, and strategically. Private lessons ensure that I’m being challenged appropriately and getting direct feedback and modifications whenever necessary. Plus, one-on-one lessons are an opportunity for me to ask all of my burning Pilates questions and work on specific exercises or movement patterns that challenge me the most. I can’t do that in the context of a group class because I have to play nice and share my teacher’s attention.

I also love developing a relationship with the same teachers over years. I’ve been training with one teacher for five years and another for two years. They know me, my learning style, how my body moves, and what it needs to get stronger. It’s as if we’re partners on the same mission and I feel their dedication to my practice. They have truly made me the Pilates practitioner and teacher I am today! And because I’m so comfortable with them, I’m not shy about “failing” at an exercise. We may laugh together at my mistakes or fruitless attempts at a hard (for me) exercise, but they also instill so much confidence in me that I know I might be a hot mess one day but have a total breakthrough the next day (or year). And because we’ve worked together so much, it’s as if they can anticipate my needs. They know the exact words, touch cues and/or exercises to guide me from one epiphany to the next. 

That being said, I still supplement my Private lessons with 1 group class/week. Not only is it a cost-effective way to train, but it challenges me to be a little more independent. To not rely on the constant attention from my teacher. In a group class, I have to trust that the work is in my body while also absorbing the more generalized cues directed toward the entire class. 

S.I.T. With Yourself in April

This month’s #soakedinthought journaling prompts are dedicated to body confidence and fitness as a lifestyle. As we move into Spring and the fitness industry ramps up its messaging about getting “in shape” for Summer, I hope you’ll sit with yourself to figure out what your body, mind, and spirit need to feel healthy, fit, and happy – without all the external voices.