"Starters": First Lesson & Starter Lessons
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
The Short Version
Your One on One First Lesson is all about
- assessment & goal setting: finding out what you want, & what you need,
- trying some appropriate exercises and
- creating a goal orientated Pilates Programme just for you.
Your One on One Starter Lessons are all about:
- practising and learning your Pilates Programme,
- for best results, getting started with home practice and
- adding new exercises.
Have you seen the “What’s it all About…” video on the Home Page? click here
Mission Statement - more than just words...
This Pilates Studio / Gym is small, personal & independently run business that aims to offer the absolute best in bespoke Pilates training.
I firmly believe that Pilates is for EVERY body, regardless.
I aim to give you the best possible value for your money. That’s why there is a members’ video resource area to help you with both your home and studio practice .
I want you to fully experience the benefits of Pilates. It is the most time efficient, effective and comprehensive method of physical conditioning, bar none.
The Longer Version
Booking
Booking is online. It saves us playing phone tag and that circular conversation about each others’ availability.
There’s a short online questionnaire for health screening and finding out about you: expectations & objectives.
Need help booking? See the booking screencasts: here
Confirmation & Reminders
You’ll get a confirmation email immediately and reminders by text & email 48 hours before your appointment.
You can reschedule 24 hour befor an appointment.
Before you come I’ll give you a quick call to answer any questions you might have & to check you know where to go, parking etc…
First Lesson: on the day...
Give yourself plenty of time – the “Creative Quarter”, Digbeth is getting it’s well deserved tram & upgrade! But that can make travel slightly more difficult.
There are several car parks all around the Custard Factory complex. Grand Central and Moor St. train stations are just a 10 minute brisk walk away.
The 13, 17, 57, 58, 60, and 97 buses all stop on Digbeth High Street.
Starter Lessons: the process
Your five One on One sessions designed to get you up and running and independent as quickly as possible.
Precision is an important aspect of Pilates, BUT precision should never be sacrificed for moving. Moving comes first, precision, later. “Analysis Paralysis” stops you moving – Pilates is about finding connections in your body and you can’t do that if you’re not moving!
Perfection has nothing to do with Pilates. It’s learn, it’s practice and then dig deeper.
Most people find that after the First Lesson and Starter Lessons (that’s 6 hours + home practice) they can begin to work semi-autonomously.
Frequently Asked Questions
See the FAQs post with video (here).
Most most people can start on Reformer. If the Basic Reformer exercises are unsuitable for you then we can start off addressing your specific needs on Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrels or small apparatus…
As soon as you start, you’ll realise that you are in control at all times.
That’s a part of what Pilates is all about: control.
In fact, that is what Joe Pilates called his exercise system: “Contrology”.
It’s very rare that people really progress in groups. Most people spend all their time doing the same things week after week…
There are One on One Private Lessons and “Self Access”. Get in touch for Self Access in groups.
Pilates is about learning and progressing and everyone does that at their own speed and everyone is at their own level. That’s why groups don’t work.
Instead, you’ll have a personal programme and my job is to make sure that you master those exercises and progress onto greater challenges.
Sorry, I’m afraid not.
Yes, there is a shower room on the First Floor with two separate, lockable cubicles.
Close fitting and stretchy are best so that I can see clearly how your body, your spine especially, is moving.
No, Pilates is done without shoes.
Some people prefer not to take off their socks. Be aware that some exercise require standing or pushing off a surface. So, the if you do really want to wear socks, make sure that they are specially made for Pilates (yes, they exist :-)) with sticky pads on the soles to improve grip.
As long as you are not absolutely stuffed – a light meal isn’t usually a problem – unless you suffer from gastric problems.
You can use the confirmation email to reschedule up to 24 hours before your lesson. After that, you’ll have to call me to ask me if I would reschedule for you. Repeated rescheduling can result in the cancellation of your booking.
And it’s not all about exercise he was promoting physical and spiritual (not religious) health.
The idea is to create change. And creating change takes effort. Think of taking and “internal shower” rather than total exhaustion – no-one can move properly if you continue to total exhaustion, but it is supposed to be work.
A little bit frequently goes much further than total exhaustion infrequently.
Finding the Studio: a photo guide
If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, or you just want to say “hi”, don’t hesitate to call (or send a mail) – I love to help. Details are on the contact page.
Miguel 🙂
