Why Starting Pilates is Daunting

Over the last few years and especially after the pandemic closures of 2020-2021 i’ve found a lot of new clients who have come into the studio and even when I take classes I hear people say they were afraid to start pilates. It has a strong stigma around it and I've come to realize that it’s more than the social media that we’ve seen online that causes it.

Presence

Studios tend to have a very minimalistic approach to it’s studio design. Usually one or two main colors and a few accent colors but it all gives you the exclusivity, fresh, spa-like atmosphere that comes with a specific client base. Although usually not intentional it can be one of the reasons many newer to pilates clients find it to be a bit intimidating. As the freshness can make us feel the need to be perfectionists in movement. As if to perform for others rather than to feel what oneself is experiencing.

Pricing

As someone who has jumped into being a studio owner I’ve found the main reason most clients find it daunting to start is the price point. It is a social barrier to entry as the starting point can be quite high for the average lower/middle class working individual. Oftentimes we find most studios only discount those who can put a large fee upfront for a package that can be a whole paycheck and then some for new clients.

Teachers

This is one that may not be as surprising to those attracted to pilates from a social media perspective as they are more than likely the person these studios attract and engage with. However, seeing a teacher who was once a professional dancer, with the physique of a ballerina and the gracefulness of one can be a large reason why someone may not want to do pilates. Although it was for a long time a dancer's form of rehabilitation it surely was not only meant to be that way. It was a movement focused on some of the struggles Joseph Pilates experienced and saw: spine health, longevity and vitality in all of its unique ways. This comes as another barrier for a lot of masculine people who want to enjoy pilates but when cues, wording and banter is mostly catered towards a slim-fit physique feminine person it can feel off putting or unwelcoming.

Lack of Education

A lot of teacher trainings I find to be on the generic side. They meet a few weekends and require the teachers to meet 500 hours in total of self practice and teaching. Meeting the requirements to become a teacher and then only testing out by demonstrating a beginners session and a few exercises themselves. What these lacks is the difficulty of client interactions happening in real life. How we can tell people what we do is, what is pilates compared to xyz, how some things can be different for different people due to their own body structure and so on. These are the few points where I think more people should learn it. As it will help more clients feel welcomed, regardless of economics or social status. It is not an easily taught part of becoming a teacher but it will bring in a larger audience, an audience that does need pilates too.

I think overall these are seldom talked about but is a known fact once you are in the environment. To find a studio that is diverse and attracts those looking beyond the ballerina-esque environment can be hard but knowing you are supporting the diversity the industry needs is a foundation for others to create it more. I’ve always considered these factors especially as I see it more and more in Los Angeles, these barriers to entry is always a neon sign to what a studio is like.

We hope it can become different in the years to come but for now we are a private pilates studio in Culver City, CA catered to those injured, recovering or chronically ill who still want to enjoy movement without dealing with the external factors of body goals and slimming.