What to expect from a one-to-one session at Lauren Hilton Pilates
If you are new to Pilates and are getting ready to take your first one-to-one session, or are considering giving it a try, you probably have a few questions about what to expect and what to do to make the experience great.
At Lauren Hilton Pilates, we warmly welcome first-timers into the studio, here’s all the info you need to walk into that first session with confidence and ease.
Before we get into the 5 tips for success, take a moment to give yourself some praise for taking the real first step of signing up!
When you are starting out a new movement practice, sometimes the very hardest part is committing to the journey. And you have done that. 👏
The rest will be easier than you may think. You may find it strange I used the word journey but this is the term I have used to describe my Pilates experience. It’s a journey, not a destination and at Lauren Hilton Pilates we are always so excited to start this journey with our clients.
Starting with one-to-one Pilates is the best way to get started. Why? Well, because every body is unique. That means we have different needs; you may be recovering from an injury or are post-op, you may have concerns with your pelvic health or have a back issue, so these and many other reasons may mean that starting 1:1 supports your needs better.
We make use of different Pilates props and equipment in one-to-one pilates sessions, depending on your body’s needs.
What can I expect in my first 1:1?
Prior to your one-to-one session, we will send you a health screening form where you can tell us about yourself and any injuries or concerns you may have. When you arrive for your session, we will warmly welcome you to the studio and ensure you are comfortable. We are always thrilled to support new clients who are beginning their Pilates journey. You can expect us to welcome you warmly, greet you by name, show you around the studio, and provide guidance on moving safely and effectively throughout that first session and beyond.
One way we ensure that our clients succeed is by getting to know them. To get the best out of your sessions the relationship you build with your teacher is important. To that end, we will ask a few questions that will help us give you the very best support. Some of those questions could include what you hope to accomplish with your practice, what experience you have with this type of movement and any factors that may impact your body, mind, or movement.
We get to know each other well and can often have a good giggle in one-to-one sessions.
Past or present injuries, areas of pain or tension, involvement in other sports or exercise, fatigue or energy management issues, how you hope to impact your well-being…all of this and more is relevant to your Pilates practice. Share this information with us and we will be better equipped to deliver the very best experience for your unique self. We will use all of the apparatus in the studio, some of this apparatus uses spring resistance to help build muscle. During our one-to-one, I will show you how to move safely around the equipment as well as how to get on and off the various pieces of equipment.
We will also do a movement screening together where you’ll be guided to do a few Pilates exercises that I observe and these help us to get a good idea of any restrictions you may have, I’ll ask for your feedback throughout too, and after this, we have a good picture of which Pilates movements will help you achieve your goals the most effectively.
What will we do in the session?
I will ask you for lots of feedback, you’ll hear us say ‘how does this feel’, and ‘notice’ and ‘sense’ certain parts of your body as you move. I do this because Pilates is a mindful movement practice and we want to support you in tuning into your body so that you can build this mindful presence and ultimately better understand your body and mind. We truly believe that this can build a lifelong pathway to wellbeing and happiness as well as all the other amazing benefits of Pilates such as feeling stronger, more flexible, more coordinated and improved posture!
What do I need to wear?
You do not need expensive leggings or gear to receive all of the amazing benefits Pilates can provide. That being said, you will feel better and get better instruction from your teacher with a little prep work on the inside and out. It is best to wear form-fitting clothing so I can observe your movements closely to check for alignment and form. We also ask that you wear grip socks for work on the apparatus and if you have long hair, that it is tied back for your safety on the apparatus. Be sure to drink plenty of water leading up to your session and stay hydrated afterwards, especially if you sweat. [Read more on the importance of hydration while exercising here]
Choose comfortable clothing (no zips or belts), grips socks and hair tied up for ease of movement during your class.
Avoid eating a full meal before your 1:1. Activating your core and a tummy full of digesting food is not a great combination. It’s likely that you will experience muscle soreness in the days following the class. Take care of your body with gentle stretches as often as you can. We know that starting a new movement practice can feel daunting. We applaud you for making the decision to come to the studio and begin this life-changing journey. If you have any questions at all, please reach out!
Here are 3 more helpful tips to consider before your one-to-one Pilates session:
Tip #1: Your positive mindset
If you feel a little intimidated to start a new movement practice, you are not alone! A survey found that about 50% of people feel the same way. (Source: Isopure) Start by cultivating a mindset towards more courage and less fear, self-care over self-doubt, and a bit of patience instead of immediate gratification. You have already proven that you have this mindset within you. Remember, showing up is often the hardest part and you took a huge first step by coming to a class!
Tip #2: Expect to hear and see things that are new to you
One of the most wonderful things about Pilates is that it is a practice. What do we mean by that? It means you will never know all there is to know. There will always be something new to learn about yourself, your body, and the movement. There will always be opportunities to take your practice deeper or further. And every single time you show up, your experience will be different based on where you are in that moment.
We practice Pilates. We do not perfect it. Embrace that aspect from the very beginning.
It is completely normal to not understand every term your teacher uses. The cues may make you think to work them out at first. Your body may not cooperate with every move you want it to make. And guess what? That is absolutely okay! Be open to the newness of it all and know that in time, your understanding will progress along with your body.
Tip #3: Focus on yourself, you are ultimately your best teacher
Pilates is a deeply personal practice. Your teacher is there as a guide but ultimately you know your body best, we encourage you to listen to its inner wisdom. Every one of us has our own unique body and circumstances. And those factors change within us constantly. The body you bring to the studio today will feel different than the one you bring to the studio tomorrow. Trying to ‘get it right’ or focusing purely on the aesthetic of a movement, i.e. ‘I want my abs to look good’ will not serve you or your movement. Focus on yourself inwardly and what you want, need and feel from the movement. Your experience will be more joyful, effective, and fulfilling as a result.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your unique goals, desires, and challenges and how our studio can support you on and off the mat.
I can't wait to welcome you. Lauren x
Lauren Hilton Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio specialising in mindful Pilates movement. Located in the heart of Shrewsbury our fully equipped studio has the ultimate Pilates experience for you.
Read more about our One-to-One Pilates sessions here
