Should I Do Pilates at Home or Join a Class?

Pilates is one of those training methods that can be done in the comfort of your own home or you could join a class and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with a group session.

It all depends on your personal preferences and personality. Some people are shy and feel intimidated in group setting. For such folks, learning Pilates at home by watching a video will still be beneficial and should suffice. Of course, it will be important to get a video where the instructor is a certified professional.

Your budget may be a deciding factor too. A Pilates DVD is a one-time investment and will probably set you back by $30 to $50. Whereas joining a class with an instructor will cost much more and the fees will be recurring as long as you stay enrolled.

If your budget is tight, then it’s fine to train at home. When choosing a Pilates DVD, do check that the course focuses on the 6 core principles of Pilates. Also note that there are videos for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Choose a video that’s appropriate to your skill level. Make sure that the DVD is formatted for the zone that you live in.

There is a drawback to training at home. You will not have a professional instructor to check on your form and correct any mistakes that you may be making. This is especially true for people who are trying to do Pilates at home by learning from a book. At least with a video, you’re able to see how the moves are executed. With a book, all you have are photos and diagrams.

Ideally, it would be best to go for a few Pilates classes at a Pilates centre where there is a qualified instructor. Once you learn good form and can do the moves correctly, you can always do Pilates at home. It will also be cheaper since you won’t need to pay monthly.

If you’re the type of person who likes going out and mingling, then joining a Pilates centre may be appropriate for you instead of being a Pilates hermit at home. There is really no right or wrong answer here.

Some people get motivation from training with like minded people. They can always fraternize once the Pilates sessions are over and exchange tips or even go out and have some fun.

At the end of the day, what matters is that you do what is right for you. Make Pilates a part of your life and be consistent with your training. Learn good form and progress at your own pace. There is no rush.

If you’ve been doing Pilates at home and you’re more confident and feel like joining a class, then go ahead. The rules are not set in stone. Always make sure you challenge yourself a little but don’t overdo it.

With time, you’ll notice your posture improve and aches and pains that you had before will no longer be an issue… or at the very least, there will be less pain. Pilates is an exercise that you can do well into your senior years. So, learn it and enjoy the benefits of Pilates.