Exploring MyPT The Studio: A Pilates Instructor’s Perspective

While in Croydon, I had the opportunity to visit MyPT The Studio, which I quickly realised is a hub for anyone’s fitness needs. As a Pilates instructor, I was intrigued to see how this studio’s classes compared to those I’ve attended and taught in the past. I decided to attend two of the many classes on offer, and I must say, I left each session feeling completely energised with a renewed appreciation for the art of teaching and the fun found through exercise. The instructors at MyPT made me feel both safe and supported throughout and the studio itself provided a welcoming, open space, perfect for moving freely and confidently.

A Fresh Perspective on a Classic Pilates Practice

While I am an experienced Pilates instructor myself, I always find it refreshing to attend a class where I can learn new things and explore different repertoire to incorporate into my own practice and teaching. At MyPT The Studio, I had just that opportunity. Our group was small but comprised of dedicated regulars, clearly devoted to the class. The atmosphere was immediately inviting, with our instructor, Vessi Mileva, setting a warm, friendly, and humorous tone that had us giggling even before we assumed our first Pilates position!

The class was thorough and well-structured. We began with a standing warm-up that focused on spinal flexion and mobility, incorporating balance poses that engaged us from head to toe. Coordination was key, and throughout the warm-up, Vessi emphasised the importance of the Pilates breath—an essential element within Pilates. We worked through slow and controlled squats in both parallel and turned-out positions, which prepared our bodies perfectly for the mat work to follow. By the time we reached the mat, I felt both warmed up and mobile, a clear indication that the warm-up had served its purpose.

Now, let’s talk about the plank we did. As someone who has done many, many, many planks, I was intrigued when Vessi introduced a slight variation: a complete tuck of the pelvis while holding the plank. It may sound simple, but trust me, the shakes were very real! The tuck forced my lower abdominals to work extra hard to support my body weight in this position. If you’re looking to ramp up your plank game, I highly recommend giving the tuck a try!

As the class continued, I appreciated the natural flow of movements, which is so important in Pilates. In the side-lying series, Vessi had us hold our legs in place before starting the leg lift repetitions. This not only activated our quads and glutes but also delivered a burn like no other! The clear instruction and controlled movements throughout the class ensured that everyone could follow along effectively.

Even though I was familiar with many of the classic Pilates moves, I thoroughly enjoyed the personal twist Vessi added to the session. It’s always a pleasure to be in a space where you feel challenged, inspired, and welcomed, and MyPT The Studio provided exactly that.

Why Pilates is Essential for Everyone: Beyond the Stereotypes

A quick side note on why I’m such a strong advocate for Pilates (and not just because I’m an instructor!). Pilates is often misunderstood as an exercise form exclusively for women or those recovering from injuries on the advice of their physiotherapists. While Pilates was initially created by Joseph Pilates to aid in the strengthening of weak, sick bodies, it can also be a versatile and powerful form of exercise that challenges even the strongest of people, according to an article by the National Library of Medicine. Pilates will complement any type of training you do, whether you’re into weightlifting, running, swimming, or any other sport.

At its core, Pilates focuses on breath, control, core strength, precision and flow. It teaches you how to engage your core muscles—an essential skill for lifting weights, improving your running form, and even enhancing your swimming technique. Pilates also emphasises the activation of smaller, often overlooked muscles throughout your body. This means you can move and perform with greater safety and confidence, knowing that your body is fully supported and engaged.

If you’re interested in experiencing these benefits, consider searching for a Pilates class near me or an affordable gym that offers Pilates classes. Whether you’re an athlete looking to boost your performance or someone who wants to improve overall fitness and body awareness, Pilates really does offer something valuable for everyone.

It’s Called…The Hybrid Hustle

After attending the Pilates class at MYPT The Studio, I was excited to see how their Hybrid class would compare, especially as it promised a blend of strength and conditioning—a combination that I personally enjoy integrating into my fitness regime.

The Hybrid class took place on Thursday, 8th August, and was led by the ever-energetic Cassia Perkins. Cassia’s enthusiasm was infectious; she had a bubbly personality that immediately put the group at ease while simultaneously gearing us up for what was to come.

The session was divided into three main blocks, each with a different focus but all centred around the ultimate goal of full-body conditioning. The first block involved exercises based on repetitions. We started with barbell squats, which, even for someone like me who is no stranger to weightlifting, were challenging. Next, we moved on to exercises that included Plate GTOH (Ground to Overhead)s and bent-over rows, finishing with squats using a kettlebell. Although the weights were heavy, Cassia was vigilant about ensuring our form was spot-on. Her approach to coaching was hands-on, with constant checks, individual tweaks, and reminders to take a minute’s break between exercises. During those breaks, Cassia kept the energy high with dance breaks – honestly such fun!

The second block shifted gears with a focus on eccentric movement and cardio. We tackled step-back deadlifts and shoulder presses with dumbbells, followed by Zone 2 cardio in the form of sprints. This block was where the heart rate started to soar, and the blend of strength training with bursts of cardio truly brought the session to life. Again, the music and Cassia’s infectious energy made it easy to push through the challenge—feeling strong, capable, and more than a little bit powerful.

The final block of the class was all about conditioning, and it certainly lived up to its name. We alternated between sprints on the treadmill, TRX pulls, and deadlifts. The combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with strength exercises created a dynamic and exhilarating workout. I appreciated how Cassia ensured we had a proper cool-down afterwards, allowing our bodies to recover and our heart rates to return to normal.

As someone who regularly incorporates traditional strength training alongside my Pilates practice, the Hybrid class was a refreshing alternative. It was a well-formulated workout that kept me on my toes—literally and figuratively!

If you’re in Croydon and looking for an affordable gym that offers a variety of classes, along with a community of like-minded, fitness-loving individuals, then MyPT The Gym and MyPT The Studio should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the diverse range of sessions, coupled with the supportive atmosphere, makes it a fantastic place to work out. So, if you’re in the area, I highly recommend you give it a try—you won’t be disappointed! Contact MyPT here to get signed up today.