How to Design Inclusive Pilates Classes

Offering Pilates classes that everyone can participate in is more than good business—it's an important part of promoting inclusivity. Different participants may have mobility challenges, visual and auditory impairments, or other obstacles. However, high-quality Pilates equipment and resources can go a long way in making sure every exercise fits your practitioners' needs by offering complete customization over the settings, positions, and weight—and by making those customizations easy to use. Incorporate these tactics to ensure all bodies and abilities are welcome in your studio. 

Understanding Diverse Client Needs

Inclusive Pilates studios will see practitioners of all ages and experience levels. However, diverse clientele also means diverse clientele needs. Consider some of these factors: 

• Mobility limitations that may make some exercise inaccessible or unsafe
• Chronic conditions, pregnancy, or age-related concerns that warrant specific workouts
• Different body sizes that may require different heights, lengths, and weight capacities on your equipment
• People with injuries who need modifications

The more you can account for these factors while offering excellent Pilates classes, the more welcome your clients will feel and the better your brand reputation will be. 

Equipment That Supports Inclusivity

Different instruction styles, modified exercises, and well-designed environments will play a role in accommodating diverse needs, but the equipment you choose is one of the biggest factors to account for. At BASI Systems, we develop well-crafted Pilates equipment built for modifications and inclusivity: 

• BASI System Reformer: A classic component of Pilates workouts, this traditional piece of equipment is easy to adjust. Our equipment includes adjustable settings for every surface position and multiple springs for different levels of tension. It's also stable and has smooth resistance that won't cause jerky motions or discomfort. 
• Wunda Chair: Practitioners can use a Wunda Chair for targeted workouts. With this accessory, you and individual users can easily modify the tension and positioning to create a personalized experience, no matter what goals and requirements you may have. 

We also provide Pilates Reformers with Towers, modular spring systems for adjusting tension to accommodate all practitioners, and more. You can use our modifiable equipment to set up special classes and teach individual users how to customize their own settings for ease of access.

Class Structure Modifications

Along with providing the right equipment, start experimenting with different class structures. For example, you can introduce new exercises with two or three variations and start new practitioners at a baseline difficulty level before suggesting modified difficulty options. Include plenty of class time for explaining modifications and variations, and include rest breaks that both let practitioners recover and give you a moment for quick individualized instruction. 

The most important element of your class structure will be communication. Make sure your practitioners have channels for expressing their needs or concerns before, during, and after class. 

Safety Considerations

One of the most important components of Pilates is safety, and inclusive Pilates classes need an even greater emphasis on safe practices. Start by prescreening new practitioners so you can be sure you can accommodate their needs. Also, establish clear emergency protocols so you and your staff can respond immediately in the event of an injury or incident. You should also monitor each person's form routinely throughout each session to preempt dangerous practices and potential injuries.

As part of your due diligence, also implement routine equipment checks and space inspections. 

Make Your Class More Inclusive With BASI Systems