In a game of word association, if you said Bronx, most people would respond by saying Yankees. The New York Yankees, or Bronx Bombers, seem to be synonymous with this New York City borough. In the Bronx fitness community, boxing is synonymous with this borough. Many people think of the famous boxing venues sprinkled throughout. However, there are plenty of other activities for the Bronx resident who wants to keep in shape. While boxing is legendary, many residents find refuge in Pilates and yoga. The question that many of them ask is if they should do classes or private sessions.
For many, this is a question that is easily determined by budget. Both options require an examination of one’s finances. Bronx Pilates classes can be expensive over the course of a year, but one-on-one sessions are by far the more luxurious option. Once you are able to determine what you are able to spend on Pilates or yoga, you can begin pricing out the options available to you in your area. Keep in mind that rates can vary from instructor to instructor and studio to studio, so it is best to price out a few of each and ask relevant questions.
The first choice is to get one on one session with a Bronx Pilates instructor. Private sessions provide the best option for maximizing results. With personal attention, your instructor has total focus and concentration on you. Your Bronx Pilates instructor will be closely watching your form and correct any missteps. The session will move along at your pace. Your own abilities to handle the movements will dictate the pace of the sessions and how quickly you progress. During these private sessions, you will also have the privilege of learning the right movements for you and how you can do them properly on your own. Location flexibility is also a huge advantage. Your sessions can take place wherever you and your instructor agree, not on a predetermined meeting point.
A great alternative to private sessions, especially when the budget won’t allow them, are group Pilates sessions. Most group sessions are of mat-based Pilates, but you may also be able to find small group classes where the reformer is being used. While you may lose some of the individual attention you enjoyed privately, sometimes a group setting can be motivating. Not only do you still have the instruction of an expert following a program, but now you can add the option of doing classes with a friend. Financially, there is a great advantage. Because you are in class with multiple people, you are splitting the cost of the instructor, making things more cost effective and potentially aiding you in continuing taking the classes for a longer period of time.
In the long run, a more common sense approach may be a combination of both types of sessions. Starting with privates sessions to really understand Pilates and your body, then move onto group sessions where you can manage on your own with less instruction and bring in some outside motivation. These same ideas can be applied in other settings such as a Bronx yoga or martial arts. Whatever fitness activities motivate you, it is important to get the proper instruction from the beginning. In the Bronx you can find an expert for just about any of them.
