I’ve Done A Disservice To You All

I am feeling rather disappointed in myself right now, because I have realized that I’ve done a disservice to you all – and myself. How so? I’ve been talking about Pilates in a way that I ASSUMED others will respond to, rather than speaking my true opinions and experience. I have been holding back, and it has taken this time in isolation for me to realize this.

The “Lie” I Created

Clients ask me all the time, “How often should I work out? How much Pilates vs strength training should I do? Is mat or apparatus better?” Do you know what I answer? 

“Most clients come in one to three times a week.” 

Here is the thing; my answer is a fact – NOT an actual answer to their question! This has become such a standard answer of mine, that I hadn’t realized that I was lying to them – and myself. 

Why I Was Not Being Truthful

I love fitness of all kinds. I love it so much that I teach fitness AND still make time to work out for fun almost every day. As a result, I often hear comments like, “You are crazy,” or “I would die if I worked out that much!” 

After decades of hearing comments like these, I started to tone down my Pilates recommendations. I was worried that my clients would feel overwhelmed if I suggested they practice five to seven days a week. Since I am big on cross-training, how would my clients also fit in their running, weight lifting, or other fitness activities that they loved? 

I also know that Pilates classes or private/duo training comes at a higher price point than other activities out there. Teaching Pilates is costly due to the specialized equipment, education, and training, and I know my pricing is justified. I’d love for everyone to come in five days a week, but I worried that no one would pay that kind of money. So why even bring it up?

I Was Wrong

With all of this extra time alone, and as I learn to teach in different ways, I realized that I was wrong. I was wrong to evade my clients’ questions, and suggest twice-weekly visits are enough. I was wrong to let my fear guide me. I was wrong to make assumptions about overwhelming my clients with my experiences and well-educated opinions. I am a natural helper and teacher, but I can’t do those things without being honest.

The TRUTH About Your Practice Pilates

In order to get and feel results from Pilates, you should practice four to seven times a week. At the very least, you should get on your mat every other day. You should get on the apparatus one or two times a week as well. 

We talk about Pilates being a practice, because that is exactly what it is; carefully designed movements to build flexibility, strength, control, and endurance in the whole body. That means you should learn the exercises, and get moving! A full, advanced mat workout can be done in about forty-five minutes, but you can still get a great Pilates workout in twenty. 

Over the past nine weeks of practicing Pilates five to seven times a week (mostly mat), I am impressed with how much stronger I am. The exercises that I struggled with are getting easier. I set myself a goal of being able to hold my toes for every rep of the open-leg rocker. Guess what? Today I did it! I listened to my own advice, committed to my practice, and am seeing and feeling real results. 

But What About Other Exercises?

Like I said above, I LOVE fitness – and I recommend everyone do some sort of cross-training to protect their body from injury. So what is my ideal cross-training recommendation? 

Pilates 4 to 7x a week + Strength Training 1 to 3x a week + Cardio 3 to 5x a week.

Did I overwhelm you? It may look like a lot, but remember that workouts can be short AND effective if you do them well. Also, keep in mind that this schedule may not be ideal for every person. Talk to your doctor or a trainer (like me!) if you aren’t sure. 

And, gulp – won’t it be expensive? Nope – I have a solution for that. 

From Disservice to SERVICE

Did you know that “I have Apps for that”? Who knew that I had been creating a solution for  a problem I didn’t even know I had?

Learn Pilates from the ground up with the Beginner Series, a four-week video class. Each lesson builds on the next, so you can become confident taking your practice to the next level, or to the studio when we reopen. 

Once you have the Pilates basics down, or if you are missing your regular in-person workouts, subscribe to my monthly Sweat With Melissa workout library. Choose from a growing list of Pilates classes and strength workouts for just $15 a month. Classes range from thirty to fifty-five minutes long, and are meant to be done at home – no special equipment required. 

I always find it funny that I am reimpressed by the successes I have with Pilates. I chose to do my Pilates training because it made me feel amazing, and I continue to pursue ongoing training because my clients tell me how good it makes them feel. I’m not hiding it anymore; Pilates is for everyone, every day. Will you join me?