As a teacher, I often find myself in conversations with people about how many Pilates sessions they should take and how often should they practice Pilates. I also hear comments on how much people like the way pilates feels, but don’t really see the results they want. So, what did Joe have to say about how many sessions it would take to get results with his method of body contrology (what we now call Pilates)? He had a theory, “In 10 sessions you FEEL a difference, 20 sessions SEE a difference, and 30 sessions be TRANSFORMED!

At our studio, we seek to offer a variety of options for every budget and schedule, but that can sometimes lead to confusion on how to accomplish your fitness goals. As with any exercise regimen it takes consistency and regularity of practice to reap the rewards physically and mentally. Practicing Pilates one time a week will not tone your thighs and strengthen core enough to see significant progress. Joe's formula refers to 30 sessions over a specified period of time, not over the course of a year!

In Joe Pilates New York Body Contrology studio, there weren’t group classes or equipment classes to choose from. Students came in and worked privately with Joe and Clara at least 2-3 times a week. Over the last 12 years of teaching, I have consistently noticed significant progress in clients who work privately with a teacher 2-3 times a week. Their fitness level, overall health and mental focus improve faster and better with the one-on-one attention. I have seen this formula work many times over the years and I challenge anyone to try out his theory because it works!

In today’s studios, group and equipment classes are a great maintenance plan, but private sessions can offer the intensity and personalization needed to progress to the next level of health and fitness. In addition, working on the Reformer, Cadillac, Ped-i-Pul and Wunda Chair give the body the feedback and spring based resistance that doesn’t come from simply practicing matwork. With tough economic times it’s important to invest wisely in your wellness program so that you see the results you are working to achieve. It pays to put Joe’s magic formula to the test! Take 30 private sessions (2-3 times per week)-- you will see and feel the difference plus you will get much better results out of your group and equipment classes afterwards. See our Summer Special below for a discount on a 30 session program.

If Joe’s formula out of reach at this time, you can still reap the benefits of this exercise system if you apply some basic principles. This is what I suggest:

• Add one private per week to your Pilates practice. Make sure that you workout with focus and commitment at least another two times per week with equipment or group classes.
• If you take only group classes, mix it up! Try magic circle, matwork, and small barrel on different days. Most importantly get some time on the equipment through an equipment class, private session, or independent workout.
• Try taking an occasional private to get some personal attention on some of those corrections you keep struggling with in class.
• When traveling, don’t skip your workout! Take a session wherever you happen to be, do some exercises in your hotel, or bring along one of our great DVDs to play on your computer.
• Take a few private sessions to establish an indepenent workout program or a home program (or both). This is a wonderful investment if you are very self motivated.
• Do the homework the teacher gives you…waiting between sessions only delays your progress.

Finally, Pilates is a discipline of the mind and body and takes practice. The rewards of Pilates should last for a lifetime, and can truly be transformative!

Click here for a great article written by Amanda Altman who put Joe's Magic Formula to the test by doing 30 private sessions in 10 weeks to have a brand new body for her wedding day!

Try out Joe's Magic Formula this Summer!

30 Sessions in 90 days for $1750

Use code JOE09 to take advantage of this offer.