— photo from here via Instagram

I‘m in a new city for work for the next 9 weeks, and still want to get in as much Pilates work as possible. Besides, the idea of checking out new studios in a new city sounds really fun! I decided that using my ClassPass membership’s “Flex location” option was my best bet – I can try several studios over the first 2 weeks, and then buy some 5-10 packs at my favorites.

My first experience checking out new Pilates studios was over 2 years ago. I was just beginning my fitness efforts, and was an absolute beginner at Pilates, reformer, and fitness in general.  At that time, I was definitely going to sign up for the Beginner level class.  This time around was a lot more complicated – I’m pretty firmly in the Intermediate category, and find the heavier springs and longer/harder reps to give better results a lot faster.  Unfortunately, most of the studios with reformer classes had really intimidating disclaimers (check with instructor first, must take at least 10 intro classes, must do 1-on-1 with the studio beforehand, must contact studio prior to registering, etc) – not just on Intermediate classes, but even Beginner!

On the one hand, I get it: particularly with ClassPass, people tend to sign up based more on schedule than on whether the class level matches their experience level (I’ve been guilty of this myself just to get a workout in on a particularly rough week).  Nothing is more irritating at my home studios than starting an advanced class where a student reveals they’ve never done reformer before – the poor instructor spends most of the class babysitting that person.  On the other hand, I was most concerned about whether the beginner level classes could be as challenging as I’d like (mainly in the arm work – I’m not gonna get Michelle Obama arms on one blue spring, folks).

After some awkward introvert (read: hoping to avoid human interaction) deep thinking, I finally emailed the studios with the intimidating disclaimers, and simultaneously signed up for their beginner level classes.  I let them know that I have a few years of reformer experience already, am excited to try new things, and hope they can give me a better idea of which classes I would fit in best with after the first session.  All of the studios responded very welcomingly, which felt great. The classes themselves were pretty fun as well (except one studio that was FREEZING). I didn’t try any classes at the few studios that insisted on a 1-on-1 session before taking a class, regardless of experience.  I love a good 1-on-1, but to drop that kind of money I want either an instructor who I’ve worked with before and who knows my history and goals, or at least to be at a studio I already know and like.

The most surprising takeaway was that Beginner classes are still awesome.  I usually do a basic form-and-foundations yoga class every month or so just to check in on my form, so it’s kind of weird that it didn’t occur to me to do the same in Pilates.  Every class was an opportunity to get super into positions and movements, and basic moves like making perfectly symmetrical leg circles, or being able to tuck up an extra inch because my legs were in tabletop instead of at 45 degrees, ended up being pretty fun.  I was most worried about not breaking a sweat and feeling like I didn’t get in a good day’s workout, but that was not the case! I guess the beauty of Pilates is you can always make it harder and more awful (awesome?) for yourself.

And on that cheerful note…. bye for now.