Frequently asked questions

Pilates is a system of exercises designed by Joseph Pilates that works to correct imbalances in your muscular system. It is the perfect combination of strength and stretch with control. The release of tension combined with strength building creates efficient movement within the body increasing range of motion and decreasing pain.

Pilates is different from other forms of exercise mainly because of the equipment used in the system. With springs for resistance, many of the pieces look like torture devices! However, I guarantee that once you get familiar with the apparatus, you will develop a new way of working. Precision in how you work/move is another big difference in Pilates. We do not want you to run through the motions creating the picture of the exercise, rather we want to help you find the work in order to move from your deep stabilizing muscles first thus supporting the bones and joints correctly. This will help create new muscular patterns. Using top quality  equipment is key in assisting in making these connections within the body. Our studio is equipped with apparatus by Contrology (Balanced Body) and Gratz.

We always recommend starting with at least one private, if not more. In a private session, we teach the principles and foundations of the work. This way, you have a deeper understanding of what we are asking for once you are in a group setting. It also gives us a chance to focus on what your body needs, making you aware of any imbalances or patterns that are not feeding your body well and may be contributing to causing pain. 

The benefits of Pilates are many, including:

• Better awareness and use of core
• Increased strength and flexibility
• Recovery from injury
• Relief from back pain
• Increased lung capacity through lateral breathing
• Oxygenation of cells leads to repair of tissues and better health
• Improved alignment and posture
• Used to help with certain illnesses such as cancer

Yes. As long as you are not in acute pain, Pilates is great as a rehabilitative tool. We work with you at a pace that is suitable to help release or strengthen muscles around the problem area. As teachers, we look at the whole body, noticing what is not being supported and what is overworking.

Pilates can be done on a daily basis. It is ongoing maintenance for your body. We do not overwork any one part of the body to the point where it is completely fatigued. Pilates is a full body workout in each exercise if done correctly. We focus on the quality of the movement, not the quantity. The average client comes to the studio 3 times per week.

Pilates is built as a system of exercises on a system of apparatus where each piece of apparatus (the mat, reformer, Cadillac, chair, etc.) feeds and supports the body in a different way assisting you in making new connections thus making changes within your body. What you have difficulty finding on one apparatus may be easier to find on a different piece of apparatus. In our studio, we strongly believe that everyone has access to work on all pieces. Our Foundations Intensive classes give you the best access to the all the equipment so that you feel confident when working on your own inthe studio.

We refer to the Pilates equipment as apparatus, not machines. Your body must move the equipment, not the equipment moving you. It is this approach that creates a deeper level of work within the body generating heat for the body.

Check out our equipment.

We ask clients to bring a water bottle and to wear comfortable workout wear without zippers (these can damage the vinyl on the equipment). We also ask clients to wear socks in class for hygienic reasons. Grip socks are best to help you feel stable during your workout.