Why a small studio could be better.

I often find I’m being drawn into conversations comparing large studios with 10 or more reformers with a boutique studio offering the full suite of Pilates apparatus and method, and what is better.  And honestly, I think it comes down to what the client is after.

What I will say is a reformer studio utilises just one of the pieces of equipment and there is so much more to the Pilates method – it is a system, combining Mat work with apparatus including the reformer, Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, Barrels and Spine correctors. There’s a lot to it!

If a client wants to delve into the method, then often a boutique studio will be the right fit offering Pilates the way the system was intended.  Smaller studios have less clients at once, Instructors that are comprehensively qualified and move around to see clients adding valuable insight to their practice – think modifications for ailments/injuries, use of different apparatus that would be more suited for particular exercises, corrections.  Small studios often have only a few instructors that know their clients, so you will find greater education, greater awareness & greater gains in your movement.

I’m not saying a large reformer room isn’t great, it’s probably a workout on a reformer, but it’s not a comprehensive as a small studio, it can’t be.  Some clients like to be smashed on a reformer and that’s ok, they are moving. Other clients want the full Pilates method that cant be done just on a reformer, you need the other apparatus including the Mat for the full system to work, as it was intended.

What I have done is stopped comparing Pointe to other large studio’s. It’s not what we are and not what I want our clients to experience. I want to give our clients the knowledge & guidance to improve their movement. Meaning what we do in the studio should make them better outside of it, perhaps walking a little taller, a little freer in their bodies, run more smoothly, less aches and pains and get off the ground from playing with grandkids or being out in the garden & athletes that move correctly to make those small gains that mean so much.  Changes are afoot at Pointe and I cannot wait to show you.