This is a good question, and in fact one of the most common questions we have been asked since the country went into Lockdown, and in person exercise classes ceased to run.  There are a lot of ‘free’ options out there, for all ages and abilities so why pay for something you can have for free? This blog will answer that question, and help to guide you towards the options that may suit you the best. 

As a qualified Physiotherapist, and a Pilates instructor, I have been working with people and assisting in rehabilitation and recovery for a long time! I know from my own experience, that the transition to online sessions for both Physiotherapy and my classes has been interesting, and at times a challenge.  But change has been good, and for some people, its been great! Every existing client that has made the transition have said the same thing – they love it!! And what’s more, we have had loads of people join us during lockdown, who may never have thought to join up before. 

So what makes a paid class different from a free class…

1. Paid classes are Live

 

You have a qualified instructor – in our case a therapist – right there with you every step of the way.  You can explain any aches or pains, exercises can be modified to suit your specific needs, and they will be watching you to ensure that your technique is not going to cause you any injuries. 

Why is this important…exercise can be great, but only when it is done correctly.  I cannot tell you how many people I have treated both before and during lockdown that injure themselves doing ‘new’ exercises. 

Taking up a new exercise regime (and doing lots of DIY) are the main causes of pain since lockdown began. 

Guided exercise alongside a qualified instructor or therapist ensures that these pesky injuries are not going to be a problem. 

 

2. They are at set times 

 

How many times have you uttered those words ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll do it later’ when you are thinking about exercise.  I know I have!  Well if you are signed up to a specific class, it makes you accountable to follow through.  And once you get into a routine, you will wonder how you managed without it.

 

3. You get to talk to people

 

I don’t know about you, but the thing I have craved most since lockdown began is a good old chinwag.  And we are so lucky that we have so many ways in which we can stay in ‘virtual’ contact with our nearest and dearest.

Before lockdown most of us had a lot more contact with other people than we are currently getting. And it has been so nice for me…and our clients to be able to stay in touch with each other and everyone else in the group. A lot of our clients have been with us a long time, but even those who are new to WDC have found it a real comfort to be able to chat to other likeminded people and continue the group camaraderie they have become accustomed to. If we give a hard exercise, you can moan together! If we do something different, you can be puzzled together! It is so much more fun than exercising by yourself. 

 

4. Therapist Led

 

I have alluded to this already – our team is made up of three Senior Chartered Physiotherapists and one Sports Rehabilitation Specialist and we are all APPI trained Pilates instructors. 

We fully understand the body, and can ensure that there are no injuries in our classes.  But even more than that, if you are one of the many people out there who suffers with back pain, or shoulder pain or knee pain we can ensure it doesn’t get worse.  Even better than just stopping things from getting worse, we can tailor the exercises to improve your pain. 

 

5. FREE Taster session

 

I’ve been there before…I join a gym, attend a new class, and find myself lost amongst people who all seem to know what they are doing.  I can’t keep up, I have no idea of the routine, and I never go back again.

For our Pilates classes, we ensure everyone has a one to one taster session first.  This way we find out about you, and your specific needs and goals.  And we can practice in a safe and calm way all the essential aspects of the exercise, allowing your first class to be a relaxed experience.  This can all be done online from the comfort of your own home. 

 

6. Childcare

 

One client commented the other day “its so nice not to have to worry about babysitters”. And its true, get set up, and take a bit of time for you.  We have many a child (or pet) joining in with class, and it just makes it more fun. 

 

7. Class sizes

 

We know if there are too many people in a class, we cannot make sure everyone is OK at the same time. So we keep our classes small – 10 people maximum.  That way we know we will ensure the safety of everyone involved.  

 

Online exercise classes are not going anywhere fast.  It will be a long time before we are all allowed to exercise in our Pilates Studio together.

So, when you are thinking about what you should turn your hand to next – consider looking into a paid option if you want to make sure you are safe and getting the most benefit out of doing an exercise class.

Maybe it will be Pilates, or perhaps you are more interested in yoga?

Could it be that you have had a knee replacement and no aftercare?, or maybe you just love a dance? What about if you have had a fall at home, or are worried about falling?

We have classes to suit all those needs.

So what are you waiting for? 🙂

Beth Dolman – Specialist Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor

Call us on 01702 613542 to find out more about our Specialist Led Classes or send us an email at: wdcphysiotherapy@gmail.com