FAQ
What kind of results can I expect?
Practicing Pilates on a regular basis will help you lose inches, improve your posture and relieve stress and back pain. You will feel and look stronger, longer and leaner. Functional and athletic movement will feel fluid and controlled. Physically you can expect to:
- Create longer, leaner muscles
- Increase mobility and flexibility, especially in the low back, shoulders, and hips
- Improve balance and coordination
- Decrease back pain and stiffness
- Improve your posture
- Shorten recovery time following strenuous activity
Mentally you can expect to:
- Gain body awareness
- Improve focus and stimulate the mind
- De-stress the body and mind
How Do I Get Started?
Private training sessions are a wonderful way to learn about your body and increase the benefits of group class. A beginner introductory class is also preferred to be done at least 5 times prior to entering a class already progressed. Every individual is different. Talk to your instructor for the best path forward for you.
What is a Pilates Reformer Classes?
The Pilates Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in pilates. It is spring based and glides on rollers providing an excellent way without hurting the joints while strengthening muscles. To attend a group reformer class you should have at least five (5) Private lessons from a Pilates professional or attended a specially designed Reformer Introduction class. You must know the names of basic reformer exercises and how to adjust Reformer settings on your own. Classes should be no more than 15 people to work in unison with a staff member directing class and assisting in corrections. This class is geared toward those who have pilates experience and want to work out at a steady pace with limited personal attention.
What should I bring and wear?
Wear comfortable but snug fitting clothing (Ladies - pants, leggings, T Shirt, Men - bike shorts with shorts and T Shirt). For hygiene requirements, please bring a small towel and clean socks (preferably socks with non-slip on bottom) - you don't need gym shoes. Please do not wear perfumes or oils. If you are attending a Pilates Mat Class we recommend that you bring your own mat. Having your own mat will also allow you to work out at home. Cell-phones need to be switched off at all times!
What age group is Pilates for?
Pilates can be beneficial for all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. Pilates is still popular with dancers, gymnasts, athletes and others in their physical prime but it is equally suitable for almost any age. Indeed, one of the beauties of Pilates is that we tailor it to suit each person, age and physical condition. Older clients should ask medical advice before taking up Pilates and start slowly. Many people, however, do Pilates into their eighties and nineties. A properly tailored Pilates program is one of the best-known ways to ward off the infirmities of old age.
Is Pilates mainly for women?
Far from it. Pilates, after all, was invented by a man, Joseph Pilates, originally for his own benefit - and was only later adapted for women. Men, tend to be less flexible than women; therefore, need Pilates even more. There are countless athletes and celebrity devotees of Pilates, from Tiger Woods, Calvin Johnson, Koby Bryant to Hugh Grant, Martin Amis, Anglelina Jolie. The numbers are ever growing.
What's better, mat or equipment Pilates exercises?
It's not a matter of one being better than another. The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a mat alone, and great results can be achieved through beginner, intermediate and advanced moves. However, the various equipment pieces such as the Reformer, Tower and Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt tone and stretch the muscles. The various Barrels provide support that allows you to safely manipulate your body to stretch and engage muscles otherwise challenging to isolate. Smaller Pilates equipment pieces such resistance bands, circles and balls also provide an element of variety and focus to a Pilates regimen.
How often should I do Pilates?
Try to work out 2-4 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity (walking, bicycling, cardio group X classes). This kind of regular, consistent practice will help you make the mind-body connection and integrate the various Pilates principles (list). You should start seeing and feeling results in about 10 to 15 sessions.
I have a back problem—will Pilates help me?
If you have any sort of back or joint problem you should always check with your doctor or specialist before embarking on any new exercise program. However, Pilates is recognized as being of particular benefit to many back problems. By using and developing the strength of the deep abdominal muscles, the supportive spinal muscles, the muscles of the pelvic floor and the stabilizing muscles of the upper back and shoulder area, you will learn to correct your posture, reduce strain and stress and realign the body. Your back will get stronger and your pain will gradually reduce. Many osteopaths, physiotherapists and doctors now recognize the benefits of Pilates based exercises and recommend the technique to their own patients.
How does Pilates differ from yoga?
Pilates is about movement, rather than the holding of postures that is yoga. The breathing is different, and you are asked to pull your stomach in rather than allowing it to fill with breath. Pilates is a functional exercise that emphasizes optimal strength and flexibility; yoga emphasizes flexibility. Yoga is meditative in its approach; pilates is based on rhythm and movement.