Frequently Asked Questions
Back pain is a complex phenomenon that scientists continue to research to understand what ultimately causes it and how to eliminate it. However, there is hope! Exercise science has proven time and again that regularly moving your body is beneficial in decreasing pain levels. The strength and flexibility of the spine was the main focus of Pilates’ work. As such, at our studio we will teach you powerful movement patterns and tools that will help you to better manage your back pain with the goal of helping you eliminate it completely!
Pilates is safe to practice at any age as all the movements can be modified to work with your individual needs and limitations. Elderly clients benefit tremendously from building muscle strength, maintaining flexibility, supporting healthy posture, working their coordination, and maintaining agility.
Yes, Pilates is suitable for individuals with chronic conditions. Our experienced instructors have worked with clients with various chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, vertigo, asthma, and degenerative disc disease. We listen to your symptoms and treatment journey, research your condition if needed, and receive regular training to support you effectively. We also welcome guidance from your healthcare providers to help you feel and move better.
Yes, it is safe to practice Pilates during pregnancy. If you have been practicing Pilates regularly before pregnancy, you can usually continue in your first trimester with your doctor's approval. If you are new to Pilates, we recommend starting in your second trimester with written clearance from your doctor. Pilates helps prepare your body for pregnancy, supports your core muscles, reduces back, hip, and leg pain, and builds upper body strength for carrying and feeding your baby. Pre-natal Pilates also prepares your pelvic floor muscles for childbirth.
Pilates pays a tremendous amount of attention to the health, strength, and flexibility of the feet and ankles. You will be practicing a lot of Foot Work exercises on the different equipment. You will find that these exercises will help relieve the pain you have been experiencing. You will also start to notice how your foot muscles start to strengthen and you will feel more connected into the soles of your feet as you walk.
Please dress in comfortable workout clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid baggy or loose clothing as it can get caught in the equipment. No zippers, long jewelry, or sharp-edged rings to prevent damage and injury. Gentlemen should wear cycle shorts under workout shorts or sweatpants. Grip socks and personal Pilates loops are required for all visitors.
Mat Pilates is often the most challenging part of the Pilates repertoire. Unlike equipment-based Pilates, mat Pilates relies solely on your body and gravity, making it incredibly challenging when done correctly. Equipment-based Pilates provides feedback and support through springs and equipment, helping you understand your body's position and the exertion needed for movements. A balanced Pilates practice incorporates both mat and equipment exercises to target various muscle groups effectively.
The Pilates Method as laid out by Joseph Pilates included a mat warm-up followed by a reformer series and then a selection of wunda chair and/or Cadillac exercises depending on the individual needs of the client. As Pilates has evolved over time, instructors have chosen to teach the repertoire in different sequences depending on their training, perspective, and experience.
At our studio we do not market our group classes based on the equipment being used. Our group classes are simply designated as “Semi-private Equipment Group Classes” because they make a use of a rotation of the equipment over time. This allows for greater flexibility for the instructor to decide what work they want to cover with their clients based on the needs of each individual group on any given day. It also allows clients to be challenged by using the wide array of equipment over time.
