Posts in category: Redddit

Pilates people!

I’ve been thinking about doing this for a LONG time, ever since I started setting up a medium sized fitness studio in my basement a few years ago. And now I’m finally at the point where I’m seriously considering opening it up to a small number of clients.

A little background: I’m a certified Personal Trainer and Mat Pilates Instructor, currently continuing my studies in anatomy/biomechanics and comprehensive classical Pilates. I’ve also completed training in a specific reformer/hot sculpt method, although I can’t use that particular method independently because of the contract I signed with the studio.

My home studio can comfortably fit about 6 people, and I’m thinking of keeping it intentionally small and intimate.

My current plan is:

Mat Pilates (ball, pilates circle, light weights, blocks, mats available for everyone)

Offering 4 classes per week

2 weekday evening classes & 2 weekend morning classes

1x/week & 2x/week memberships

Intimate, women’s safe space, calm, peaceful and lofi, jazz, bossa nova vibes.

Plants, salt lamp, low soft lights, mirrors, clean bathroom/changing room.

I’m also thinking about doing a small Pilates workshop/opening event first. Something that introduces people to Pilates, the history/principles, and some foundational movements. Using that as a way to get the studio rolling and hopefully convert a few people into founding members.

For those of you who teach Pilates out of your own home/studio: what do you wish you knew BEFORE you started?

I’d especially love to hear about things that aren’t obvious until you’re actually doing it.

Things like:

– Scheduling/payment systems (I currently have been playing with an app called ForActive have not tried finalizing a sale or anything so would like to know what other people are using)

– Boundaries with clients when they’re coming into your home

– Taxes/business setup (I am getting liability insurance)

– Burnout or overbooking yourself

– Things you underestimated

– Things you spent money on that you absolutely didn’t need

– Things you wish you had invested in sooner

I would love to hear the “I wish someone had warned me about this” stories too.

If you run a home-based Pilates studio, I’d really appreciate hearing what worked, what didn’t, and what you would do differently if you were starting over.

Thank you!

P.S. Currently teaching at a boutique studio (Reformer & Hot Sculpt), so I have experience and great feedback from clients.

Does anyone have any recommendations on the type and manufacturer of a good Cadillac reformer I can purchase to practice at home? I know there’s balance body but I’m just curious if there’s any better quality ones.

Does anyone who practices on an Allegro 1 Balanced Body Reformer feel like the safety strap past the platform is in a funky spot? Like for climb a tree I feel like the strap is way too far away. Or side overs. Thoughts?

i’m an instructor and I always start my classes with cat/cow, breathing, pelvic tilts, bridging, and hundreds (or some form or core warm up) before getting into a couple of the series of 5 exercises

i’d love to hear your favorite way to start class whether it’s the way you teach it or your favorite way an instructor starts a mat class

Hi all,

I am currently a classical pilates trainee and part of my program hours is self study. Unfortunately I did get hurt practicing with myself and I am a little lost and unsure what to do. I was trying to do the swab on the wunda chair. However I was too focused on opening my chest and upper body that I completely neglected my lower body and dumped/arched into my low back with the weight of the wunda chair spring (1 middle). It feels like I have compressed my low back in an arched position. This was definitely my fault so I am not here to complain, but rather understand what to do next, and how to explain this injury to a doctor or PT. It’s been 4 days and my back feels worse with each passing day. Does anyone know what may have happened anatomically and how I could describe it? I already have existing SI joint pain and it’s somehow exasperated that as well. It’s a bummer but I am just looking for advice in that sense. Thanks in advance.

one of the studios I teach at is a large 20 reformer studio (I know, I know, but it pays well and I do my best to be as thorough as possible with everyones form).

I have a ton of consistent regulars, which makes my life easy because I know their body habits and what to look out for. there is one regular though who is consistently out of sync with the rest of class. she’s older, overweight (stating this an objective challenge for herself in certain set ups, not as a moral failing), has severe arthritis, can’t be on her wrists or knees, and I could handle all of this easily if she would LISTEN TO ME but she doesn’t listen well and gets her lefts and rights confused. I had to talk to her recently about how she need to follow along with my set ups for exercises because she almost fell off of the reformer by not listening to me and I’m scared she’s going to get hurt. if this studio offered privates, I would suggest her to talk them, but it doesn’t and she throws off the class for me and other people are getting upset with her because I’ve had to stop class to keep her safe multiple times on pretty simple moves.

ive tried to tell her her alternative movements that are easier for her, but she doesn’t remember them and she’s a danger on the reformer.

what would you do in this scenario? I’m not allowed to ban her from classes, but I don’t think she’s safe. also this studio requires all classes to be ALL LEVELS so I can’t shepherd her to a beginner class because they’re all supposed to be all levels.

id love any and all advice regarding this liability who’s taking time away from everyone else.

Random question, but when squatting in the gym I’ve always been told “knee over toe”. The goal range of motion is to get those knees in line with your toes when squatting. However, I also do mat Pilates classes & lagree. Every. Single. Time. We’re in any form of a squat in these classes, with all instructors they always que “knees right in line with ankles”. After weight lifting and practicing deeper squats I find I really have to stare at myself in the mirror and stick my butt out, bend over much further, to get my knees to stay tracking with the ankles. What’s the difference and why?

I am looking for help with my teaser. Some days I can do 1 or 2 proper teasers, and some days I struggle to do more than a basic chest lift with extended legs engaged.
I spoke with an instructor at my studio, and she suggested that teaser uses the same muscles as “pike” on the chair.
I can (just barely) pike on the chair with one “2” spring, and feel it in my deep abdominal muscles and upper abdominals.
I suspect that teaser also uses more lower abdominal muscles and hip flexors than pike. Does that sound right?
Does anyone have advice for what muscles to strengthen and how?