Thinking of signing up for a studio membership?
WHAT IS A STUDIO?
A boutique studio environment would be any private or franchised studio that only offers directed classes and personal training usually only in one or two formats, such as Five Starr Pilates & Fitness that offers Pilates Reformer, Indoor Cycling and Personal Training.
BENEFITS OF A STUDIO ENVIRONMENT …
Classes are usually specialized and structured. The thing that boutique fitness studios really deliver on is structured classes in whatever focus they specialize in, whether that’s yoga, Pilates or cycling l. Because these studios usually only offer one format, they can really excel in that area, and hopefully, they do it well. If you know you want to improve in a format, or you know you enjoy a format, then a studio is the place for you.
You always get a full workout, even if you aren’t self-motivated. When you go to a studio and attend a class, you know you’re going to get in a workout and this is helpful when you’re low on inspiration, motivation or an idea of what you want to do that day. Classes take the guesswork out for you, and that’s so important when you don’t have the time or energy to think about what your workout should be that day.
The opportunity to book and reserve class spots ahead of time keeps you accountable. When you want to take a class at a studio, you usually have to reserve your space ahead of time and prepay. Once you’ve booked your class, you add it to your calendar and do your best to keep that commitment — I’ve heard many people say that when you prepay, you are much less likely to skip or cancel. Not to mention, if you get the chance to reserve your spot, you know that you have a place in class and don’t have to worry about showing up and being told the class is full or having to show up an hour before class to get a bike or reformer.
More personal attention in classes. Oftentimes, studio classes are delivered by instructors who quickly demo moves, then float throughout the class to correct form, rather than staying in the front of the room to do the whole workout with the class. This time spent correcting form in the room is always helpful for attendees who may need some hands-on assistance.
Chance to get to know the instructors better. Instructors at boutique studios often teach a lot of classes at that same studio, so you get to see them more often. If you start to fall in love with an instructor, it’s a good motivator to continually book into the classes they teach to stay consistent.
Studios build strong communities, and people know your name. While not every boutique fitness studio has a community vibe, a lot of them work really hard to offer events, products and other amenities to keep their members excited, involved and coming back. It feels good to be part of something, especially if it’s a chain studio with multiple locations, because you feel like you belong and are more likely to stay loyal and consistent. And you know what feels really good at a studio? When both the front desk staff and instructors know you by name!
Studios are ALWAYS cleaner and Safer. Attention is paid to details in smaller fitness studios. Safety and cleanliness are top priorities and in the days of pandemics, cleanliness and safety MUST be considerations for all consumers. Check out a studio before you sign up and take notice of their cleaning processes. Five Starr Pilates & Fitness has been a beacon in the community by always being one of the cleanest fitness studios around. Check out CDC guidelines for the fitness industry to make sure you are in a safe environment always…especially during your workout.
Ability to work with a highly educated personal trainer. Even though group fitness classes are WAY more fun and entertaining than personal training sessions, nothing is as tailored to your body like a one-on-one session. Working with a personal trainer is an amazing way to assess your movement patterns, see if you have any mobility issues or imbalances and address your individual goals and objectives with your fitness routine, while also getting to work out and have someone count your repetitions and correct your form.
No matter what studio you choose, remember these things …
- You want to switch up your workouts regularly, and try to get in a good mixture of strength, cardio and flexibility each week. And that means, no, you shouldn’t do cycling every single day.
- You want to take a rest day (or 2 or 3, depending on how hard your workouts are) each week, and try not to put two super difficult workouts on back-to-back days.
- You want to do movement that you enjoy and feels good on your body.
If you can answer yes to the above statements, then you’re doing it right!
