Pilates is increasingly popular as a method of exercise, and its benefits are known to many, even those who do not follow a specific exercise regime. There is great demand for Pilates classes, and yet it would be ignorant to suggest that they are something everyone can afford. It is certainly true that taking as many Pilates classes as you would like, especially in the current financial climate, might not make economic sense. Therefore, it is important to find an economical way of making Pilates work for you.

For a beginning, it is essential to see what you can do on your own time. Of course there are clear benefits to having an instructor present when you are doing Pilates exercises, as they have studied the techniques and the equipment to a point where they have them mastered, However, you will also find that when you go to a Pilates class there are elements that you feel perfectly comfortable doing on your own without supervision. Do these at home to augment your classes.

Further to that, it is advantageous to buy some Pilates equipment which you can use unsupervised at home. The up front layout may seem large, but when you set it against what you can spend attending classes where you don’t need the supervision of an instructor, it will work out to be cheaper. You’ll always have that equipment. When you need exercises that rely upon bigger or more expensive equipment, then a class will be preferable. This way you make your money go further and get a bit more benefit from it.

If you are taking private Pilates classes, now might be the time to stop completely or to cut down on them. Yes, they are efficient and the undivided focus of an instructor will focus your exercise regime considerably. If, however, you are spending so much money on them that you have to economise elsewhere, then it is unsustainable. Consider instead a DVD or book which focuses on your specific areas of weakness, and get the best out of your home workouts. By taking a judgement approach to your Pilates needs, you will get more out of Pilates and keep more in the bank.