Best Miami Pilates Studios; How to find “Real” Pilates in Miami
Finding a Pilates studio is not an easy thing, especially for a beginner.
The popularity of Pilates has resulted in a surge of Pilates “spin-off” programs and studios popping up all over Miami.
While Megaformer and Pilates reformer-only studios advertise as “Pilates,” they don’t actually teach the Pilates system of exercises.
This can be incredibly confusing because they use the word “Pilates” to attract clients.
So how do you know if it’s real, authentic Pilates?
The studio is fully-equipped
Pilates is a full-body exercise system utilizing a variety of spring-based apparatuses.
Although many studios pack their space with the popular Pilates reformer and offer only reformer classes, the reformer is only a part of the Pilates system.
So it can be fun to do reformer classes, but you are not actually learning Pilates if you’re just working on the reformer.
Look for a studio where you will have the opportunity to work on the Cadillac, High/Electric Chair, Wunda Chair, Baby Arm Chair, and various barrels and small apparatuses like the Foot Corrector and Toe Exerciser IN ADDITION TO the Pilates Reformer.
The equipment is classical
Over the years, classical Pilates equipment has been adapted and altered to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts and physical therapists.
But, if you are going to do real, authentic Pilates, you need to work on classical equipment. Classical Pilates equipment brands include Gratz, Pilates Designs, and Legacy Pilates.
Classical Pilates equipment has several distinguishing factors:
Look for a reformer with leather straps (not ropes) and hard handles (not padded). The configuration of the straps is important because it allows the user to transition seamlessly from exercise to exercise, establishing flow. Classical Pilates is a great form of cardio because it becomes one continuous exercise from the beginning of class until the end. The hard handles are important for feedback and full-body connections.
The reformer should have one spring tension (no colored springs).
The straps should come from the height of the frame. Classical reformers do not utilize risers for the straps. This angle is important the pull of certain exercises.
Although you won’t be able to see this, the wheels of classical reformers are made of material that creates more resistance. This is important because it changes the way your body and the equipment work together.
Many times there will be no padding on classical footbars in an effort to achieve maximum feedback and establish connections all through the body. Some reformer spinoffs are equipped with wide, cushioned footbars. While it can feel more comfortable at first, a padded, wider footbar makes it impossible to establish important connections such as “feet to seat” or even how the hand grip connects the arms into the back.
Classical Pilates Cadillacs (*sometimes called Trapeze Tables) have safety chains instead of fabric ropes.
These are some of the most obvious visual differences between a real, classical Pilates studio, and a Pilates-inspired spin-off.
But the changes don’t stop there.
There is a system and an order to exercises
Pilates is a system. You learn certain skills through specific exercises, and build upon those skills with more complex and dynamic exercises and increased speed and flow.
Not everyone will learn the same exercises since teachers will choose those that are best suited for clients’ needs and goals.
However, there is an order and organization to the exercises. If you are in a classical studio, there is a good chance you will usually start with the Hundred.
Classical teachers don’t “make things up.” While there is plenty of room for creativity, there is structure. We are following a proven method to help clients achieve their maximum physical potential.
Classes are smaller and more focused
In order to experience the true benefits of Pilates, the student needs to learn the full system, utilizing all Pilates apparatuses.
This is best achieved with private Pilates lessons.
However, private lessons are not possible for everyone. In an effort to be more accessible, classical studios will often offer small group Reformer, Tower and Mat classes.
Some of the Pilates-inspired, spin-off studios host large reformer classes of 10 people or more, offering little individualized attention. While these classes can be fun and are a great entry point for people with little to no Pilates experience, you will not get the same benefits of a traditional, authentic Pilates class that provides one-on-one attention and a focus on form and concentration.
Pilates is not just about moving equipment around. The magic is in learning how to move. Students will have to listen to very specific cues and use a great deal of concentration and focus to control their movements using their minds.
For more information about Pilates, or to schedule an online, virtual Pilates or in-studio lesson, contact Pilatay - The Studio owner Tracy Belcher here.
Tracy Belcher is a Pilates teacher located in Miami, FL. She teaches at her fully-equipped, classical, privates-only Pilates studio in Miami, located between Coconut Grove and Brickell/Downtown Miami.