Give Pilates a year and you’ll think it is the cheapest health care around!

Yes I guess Pilates is expensive, I kind of forgot….   I forgot how when I started Pilates the cost was a factor in my planning my Pilates classes and sessions.  These days I don’t think twice about what I pay for Pilates sessions.  What I do think about is how I feel if I haven’t been to the studio in a week due to travel or life (tight, creaky and missing my Pilates time…)   For me Pilates has become part of my health plan in my life and I wouldn’t consider not doing it (and since Mike and I spend part of our year traveling — I still do Pilates private sessions via Facetime when we travel.)

I don’t think about the cost of Pilates any more than I don’t think about the cost of my favorite Starbucks coffee drink or any more than I don’t think twice about how expensive my favorite cowboy boots were (because I love them and they are so comfortable and and so they are worth every penny).  So when my friend brought up the money thing when I mentioned she try Pilates I wasn’t quite prepared with an answer that might convince her to try an exercise method that could possibly change her life… and her quality of life.

As I think about it more I would remind her that you usually get what you pay for in life and Pilates is no exception.  A trained Pilates teacher spends a minimum 450 hours just to get their initial training and most of them spend years studying the Pilates method, anatomy, the body and movement in general.  Their training and expertise really shines through when you are looking for someone to help guide you through an exercise program for your life that is built upon the idea of learning to move properly, efficiently and without getting injured.   A Pilates teacher doesn’t spend their training just learning choreography.  Back in the day, I taught choreographed fitness, and I even taught a Pilates specialty class.    I cringe when I think about that now, because I was teaching after learning the method on a DVD, nothing like what the Pilates student teachers do at the studio I go to.    

Here’s a quick list of the things I treasure about my Pilates classes that I could never put a price on:

• I always feel amazing and better when I’m done!  (I have never really loved to exercise so I can’t believe I am writing that about any type of exercise!).   
• I have learned so many things about my body that allow me to take care of my body and my health… I finally know what that phrase self care means and I am continually learning ways to do it!   I run my own business, and as in any business — there’s always something to do.   I feel guilty if I take time for myself instead of working on my to do list!   I used to think of self care as an expensive hot stone massage, or a bubble bath.   Now I know that taking time for my Pilates sessions out of my days is an essential part of me being motivated and effective at running my business! 
• I love that my Pilates teacher knows me and my journey.  My Pilates teacher celebrates with me when I accomplish something in my body, she tailors sessions to my body no matter what is going on and how I’m feeling each day and I always know I’m doing movements that are safe and effective for my body.   

If the cost of Pilates is holding you back from trying it…I do understand but would encourage you to take the plunge and try it.  There is a reason that Pilates is more expensive than a membership to a gym and I think you’ll find that once you try it you’ll be hooked by the amazing changes in your body and life. 

At the very least, if you live within driving distance of Rivercity Pilates — try out a complimentary private session at Rivercity Pilates so that you have a better idea of what it could do for you.  The Rivercity Pilates staff is amazing and you will enjoy being able to try the Pilates method in your body without any pressure to purchase or make a quick decision about whether Pilates is for you.  What do you have to lose?