This is 1 of the most famous Joseph Pilates’ quotes. Remember, while it is possible to have a whole new body in 30 sessions, that entirely depends on your level of commitment, both financially and mentally.
People coming to Pilates once or twice a week are probably not going to have a whole new body in 30 sessions. In Joseph Pilates’s time, when people were coming to see him, they weren’t coming in once a week – they were coming in 3 to 4 times a week. And they were studying with the master who demanded their focus and their strict adherence to his ideals. He also expected that they would continue their practice at home, on their own time.
Also, not all of us need or want a new body, and not all of us have the same standards for what a “whole new body” should be. It may be a more flexible body and a calmer mind. It could also be a pain-free body.
The beautiful thing is that no matter how you practice Pilates – whether as your sole exercise, or as an adjunct to your other activities – you will see, feel and experience the difference, regardless if you come to group classes once a week, or take privates 3 times a week. I have seen it myself through my clients as well as what they have told me. Because Pilates doesn’t stay in the studio – you take it with you when you leave, in your posture, in your breathing, in your awareness of your body. The key is don’t get hung up on the whole new body in 30 sessions. If that’s what you desire and what you need and you have the means to achieve it, then by all means – go for it! But what I have found in my studio is that no matter how often you do Pilates, as long as you do it regularly, you will see the benefits – from your very first session to your umpteenth group class.