There are a few things you can do to make your one-on-one Pilates session the most effective and enjoyable experience possible.
Manage Your Bookings
If you have to cancel or change an appointment, let your instructor know as soon as possible. Late cancellations and no-shows are usually charged, and for good reason: your instructor’s livelihood depends on clients, so be respectful of his or her time. If you’re running late, try to call and let the studio know you’re coming.
Dress Appropriately
Pilates instructors appreciate form-fitting clothing: it allows them to see your placement and movement more accurately, so try not to hide under bulky layers. If you’re cold, wear a top you can easily take off once you warm up. Try to limit the amount of bare skin your workout clothing exposes. Bare skin sticks to equipment, which can hamper your movement, and your sweat can make things slippery. Many instructors also use their hands to assist you, and it’s usually more comfortable to touch clothing rather than skin, so consider a top that covers your shoulder blades and midriff. Ankles, on the other hand, are best exposed, so your teacher can see your alignment; baggy pants can get caught in the springs of the equipment, so cropped pants or leggings are ideal.
Be Punctual
If at all possible, arrive with a few minutes to spare. You’ll need to put your belongings away, make sure your hair is tied back and you have all the workout gear you need, and perhaps organize payment, so allow time. Even two minutes to sit quietly and clear your thoughts will make a difference to your session—Pilates demands your fullest concentration, so it’s important to avoid rushing in five minutes late with other things on your mind. In addition, every minute you’re late means you miss out—your teacher may have a client or have to leave for another appointment directly after your session, so don’t assume she’ll be able to extend your time.
Look After Your Instructor
Chances are, your instructor has clients before and after you, so she or he will appreciate the chance to use the bathroom or grab a sip of water before joining you. Many studios keep their sessions to 55 minutes for this reason, so don’t be alarmed if your session begins a couple of minutes late—it gives everyone a chance to be more relaxed.
Work Your Mind
Pilates is mind-body fitness, and it should exercise your memory, willpower, and concentration as well as your body. You’ll gain much greater benefits if you make the effort to learn each exercise, remember what comes next, and be aware of the equipment setup. Ask questions, keep the flow of the workout going, and try to really understand the corrections your teacher gives you. A Pilates workout can be a fun chance to catch up with your teacher, but limit the irrelevant chitchat to before or after your session, if possible—after all, you’re not paying to talk about the weekend.
Enjoy Your Session
Take an hour to focus on nothing but your own workout, and ensure that you leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and strong!
 |
 |
 |
