What does a personalised Pilates class look like?

When I first discovered Pilates, I was drawn to its promise of improving strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. But what truly transformed my experience was personalised Pilates sessions. These tailored workouts made all the difference, helping my clients move better, feel stronger, and even ease some nagging aches and pains. If you’ve ever wondered why Pilates teachers keep on talking about personalising Pilates classes, this post is for you.

I cannot speak for all teachers, this article discusses how I, at Sulene Ashton Pilates, design personalised sessions. It could be vastly different than other teachers depending on the techniques they have learnt.

Let’s explore why personalised Pilates sessions might be the key to unlocking your full movement potential.

What Makes a Pilates class a personalised session?

Personalised Pilates sessions are designed just for you. Unlike group classes where everyone follows the same routine, these sessions focus on your unique body, needs, and goals. This means every exercise is chosen and adjusted to suit you perfectly.

For example, if you have lower back pain, your instructor will modify exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your spine without causing discomfort. Different movements will be explored to create your own unique building blocks to a stronger posture. These will be movements that your body agrees with and that help restore confidence in movement.

Or, when working on improving your posture, your instructor will use movement assessments to find the best focal points for good results. This often includes homework that you can do the rest of the week to make sure your body creates a better posture as a new habit.

Here’s what you can expect from personalised Pilates sessions:

• Individual assessment: Your instructor will take time to understand your body, any limitations, and what you want to achieve.

• Tailored exercises: Movements are selected and adapted to fit your current abilities and goals.

• Focused attention: You get one-on-one guidance, ensuring you perform exercises safely and effectively.

• Progress tracking: Your instructor will monitor your improvements and adjust the program as you grow stronger.

• Unique adjustments: The way you do exercises and homework might look different than what you see on YouTube. This is specifically for your benefit.

  
  

This approach not only helps you get better results but also reduces the risk of injury. It’s like having a personal coach who knows exactly what your body needs.

How Personalised Pilates Sessions Support Movement, Strength, and Pain Relief

One of the biggest benefits of personalised Pilates sessions is how they support your body’s natural movement. Sulene will use breathing assessments and movement assessments to bring your body back into ease of movement. This is done by looking at your autonomic nervous system and making sure you are not in fight and flight when moving which will make any postural problem worse!

Movement

If you are experiencing stiffness or limited mobility, personalised Pilates can help you regain freedom of movement. Your instructor will guide you through exercises that gently stretch and strengthen muscles, improving your range of motion. This can make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. We will also use exercises and techniques that can bring your parasympathetic nervous system into function to access your body's natural ability to rest, recover and heal.

Strength

Pilates is well-known for building core strength, but personalised sessions go beyond that. Your instructor can target specific muscle groups that need extra attention, whether it’s your hips, shoulders, or back. This balanced strength helps support your joints and reduces strain on your body.

Pain Relief

Many people turn to Pilates to manage chronic pain or recover from injury. Personalised sessions are especially helpful here because they focus on your unique pain points. For instance, if you have neck pain, your instructor can design exercises that relieve tension and strengthen supporting muscles without aggravating the area. Your instructor can also help guide you with pain relief techniques at home and will know when to refer you to a medical practitioner.

If you’re curious about trying a private pilates class, you’ll find that this personalised approach can make a real difference in how you feel day to day.

How to Make the Most of Your Personalised Pilates Sessions

To get the best results from your personalized Pilates sessions, there are a few simple things you can do:

1. Be honest about your goals and limitations. Share any pain, injuries, or concerns with your instructor so they can tailor the sessions appropriately.

2. Commit to consistency. Like any form of exercise, regular practice is key to seeing improvements.

3. Ask questions. If you don’t understand an exercise or feel discomfort, speak up. Your instructor is there to help.

4. Practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing and body awareness during sessions to deepen your connection with the movements.

5. Incorporate Pilates principles into daily life. Pay attention to posture and movement outside of class to reinforce what you learn.

   
   

By actively participating and communicating with your instructor, you’ll create a positive cycle of progress and motivation.

Embracing Your Journey to Better Movement

Starting personalised Pilates sessions is more than just signing up for a workout. It’s a step toward understanding your body better and nurturing it with care. You don’t have to be an athlete or have perfect flexibility to benefit. Whether you want to build strength, relieve pain, or simply move with more ease, personalised Pilates can support you every step of the way.

Remember, progress might be gradual, but every small improvement counts. Celebrate your wins, listen to your body, and enjoy the process of becoming stronger and more balanced.

If you’re ready to take that first step, consider booking a private pilates class and experience the difference personalised attention can make.

I hope this post has inspired you to explore the benefits of personalised Pilates sessions. Your body deserves the best care, and with the right guidance, you can unlock a new level of movement and well-being.