Dear Pilates V Fam,
We’re happy to see so many of our current AND new family members returning to the studios and getting after your Commit to You in 2022 goals!
We all have plenty of choices for getting our fitness and wellness goals met, so this month I thought I’d put out a primer on how to find the right fit for your needs, and how to find a studio, instructors and community that really fits your vibe; what I call your Vibe Tribe.
Pilates V studios was founded on the culture of positive Vibes. When we opened our first Pilates V studio in Sunnyvale 8 years ago, we had a Word of the Week that started with a V, like Victory, and Vitality, which drove our focus for the week and upheld that sense of good vibrations in the studio, and here we are, 8 years later, still holding those “good vibrations”.
People will bring out all different worlds from you but what world feels best? What space are you most yourself in? What rhythm or wavelength does your energy continuously vibe effortlessly with? Those are the very best people to be surrounded by. They’re nourishment. Take notice. - Victoria Erickson
Which leads me to Principle #1
Happy Instructors make happy students
Find a studio that has a positive company culture-
I’ve spent hours in studios over many years, and I’ve learned that the most successful studios have a company culture that invests in the support of their instructors. This means ensuring life balance, growth, recognition, and financial reward.
When instructors are upheld, they are able to bring their best to their students. They understand what it means to be seen, to be supported in their role to bring the best in teaching to their classes. When instructors shine, that vibe rubs off on everyone in class!
It's the Maya Angelou principle of “people may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel” idea.
Principle # 2
Happy Students make a happy studio
There’s nothing like walking into a studio with a community of students who are just so happy to be in class together. It’s palpable, and even if you’re new to class, the joy of moving together spills over as your fellow students smile and welcome you to the Tribe. A spirit of helpfulness, support and the ability to laugh together makes for a workout that lifts your vibe in mind/body and spirit.
Principle # 3
We’re all here to grow and learn together.
Sometimes, a class format or a particular instructor may not fit your needs or be your vibe. Instructors are people who have stepped up to learn and then teach you, and in Pilates in particular, the learning process takes time and incredible commitment, so there may be times when we all need to be patient as an instructor or a fellow student needs more time to develop their skills. Being part of a Tribe means asking for what you want and need and supporting the instructors and studios toward improving.
This is where your communications with instructors, client services and myself, the Empowerment Lead can help us understand where and how we can improve, and lift the vibe for all!
So, here are some good questions to ask yourself as you are looking for the right fit and finding YOUR Vibe Tribe-
Do you feel like just another person coming and going in class, or does your instructor REALLY see you and connect with you?
Do you sense that your instructor WANTS to be in the studio, and that teaching is a passion?
Do you feel welcomed into the studio and the Pilates community? Is this your Vibe and your Tribe?
Are you supported in your mental and physical goals?
Do you leave classes feeling physically and mentally better than you did when you walked in?
Can you express your wants and needs and are you supported by the studio, instructors and company staff?
As a Tribe, are you supporting something larger than yourselves in the community?
What Vibe can YOU bring to encourage and uphold the Tribe?
To finish up, one of the benchmarks for longevity and mental well being is being part of a community.
At Pilates V Studios, we’re here to support and uphold you as you Commit to You in 2022!
Thanks for connecting here! - Mimi