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Sorry if this is a repeat topic. I only have a minute on here right now.

I am seriously considering focusing on my home studio and expanding it. Currently, I have just a few pieces (reformer, mat, sp. corrector, small barrel and small things like weights, MC's, etc.) I only have a couple of consistent clients because I haven't tried to get more. I have spent the past few years focusing on my kids. My equipment is in a room with other things like toys, furniture, etc. It still looks nice; it just isn't a dedicated space for Pilates.

Lately, I have had a lot of people inquire about my services and many of them have asked for business cards to share with others. I already have at least five people ready to come in for that first private.

My husband and I want to move into a bigger home for other reasons, but now I am thinking I would like a house with an extra room that would be a dedicated space for my business. Of the homes we have seen (online), most are a litte out of our price range. I was wondering if there are grants or loans out there for people in my shoes who need a little money towards a home business. I would also love some more equipment. Any thoughts?

I think a home studio is a great way to establish a base clientele. In fact, several of my friends did this before opening full studios outside of the home. My husband and I have dreams of opening a place someday, but not while our kids are so young so this seems like a good option. I am ready to teach more than I have been since my daughter will start elementary school in the fall and my son is beyond the baby years.

Thanks for any help/input!

Hola,

First of all, congratulations for this fantastic forum. This is my first post but I've being reading it since some time ago and I really think this is the best resource for Pilates teachers in the Web. I've learn a lot reading it.

I've being trying to find some discussion about the question in the topic without any success.

In the exercises that need to be performed not symmetrically (first with one side/leg/arm and then with the other) I've seen (during my certification, reading books, in resources on the Web, etc.) that the usual is to always (in different sessions) start with the same side/leg/arm.

For example, in the spine twist (or saw), first rotate to the right and then to the left; or in the side kick, always start lying on the same side.

This could be a problem because we are not doing a "symmetric" work. May be in some exercises your are more tired for the second side (for example in a long
side kick series) so you always do a better work with the first side. Or, on the other hand, the first repetition to the first side is not as good as the next because you are still "getting into the exercise" (for example in the saw), so you are always doing a "less quality" repetition to the same side.

If this is a relevant problem, another approach would be to start one day with the right and the next day with the left. In my opinion this is at least as
good as starting always with the right. Do you see any problems in teaching the classes in this way?

In my personal training I've followed this way:

• Always start with the right.
• Start one day with the right and one day with the left.
• (Now) Start with the side it feels better (the side my body wants to go).

Someone told me that in the Alexander Technique movements are made as in point 3 (but I'm not sure of this).

Thanks in advance, and sorry if the topic is too big. English is not my mother language (as you can see), so it's difficult for me to explain me with less
words.

I've heard a number of teachers refer to certain exercises or ways of assisting exercises as "candy"--treats that teachers can give when they're feeling up for it and when the client appreciates and values the extra-special attention. I love getting a stretch and massage in Push-Through, a stretch in Short Spine, and having someone give me resistance at my feet in Jackknife or Overhead. When I'm really lucky I get the Hip Stretch and Bicycle Stretch on the Cadillac, and I love it when someone spots me on the Ballet Stretches to the back on the Ladder Barrel by pulling my foot to my head (my shoulders won't do it for me, but with help it's so good).

One time a teacher rolled spiky balls on my back in rest position and I nearly got translated into another plane of existence. It was nice.

What are your favourite treats to get in a Pilates lesson? Or what do you give your clients that makes them melt and swear allegiance to you for life?

Hi all,
I am re-doing my studio floor, and wanted to hear what is recommended by the experts.

I feel that wood floor or laminate wood floor would be most professional and clean looking, easier to clean, more multipurpose friendly. I currently have tile that is hard, cold and difficult to clean in white.

What is your favorite floor type for a studio?

I appreciate your opinion.