Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pilates?Pilates is an exercise system developed to strengthen muscles,increase flexibility, and improve overall health. Pilates works on improving alignment without gravity so that muscle imbalances are corrected and posture is improved. The Pilates system includes exercises for every part of the body and applications for every kind of activity.
What is the difference between Pilates Mat and Pilates Equipment?
Mat Pilates consists of exercises done on the floor (on a mat!) and can be done with or without small equipment (stretch bands, resistance circles, etc.) to add support or increase a challenge. Mat Pilates tends to be more challenging to the abdominals as you are moving your own body weight without support. For clients with lower back issues,or neck issues, we do not suggest attending a mat class without first taking a few private lessons.
Equipment Pilates consists of over 700 exercises using a Reformer,
Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. The equipment provides the support necessary to
strengthen the abdominals and low back without the risk of injury The Equipment
work is also more full body oriented using the arms,legs,shoulder and hip joints.
All the work on the equipment is supported which gives this a lot more stability
for clients with injuries or low back issues.
How often should I come?
If you are just starting out, we recommend you come at least two times a week for the first month or two so that you and your body can learn the exercises. If you can only come once a week, you will still derive benefits; however, the "learning curve" will be a little longer as we may have to re-teach exercises from week to week.
If you can only afford one equipment session a week, we strongly recommend that you supplement your session with one of our many mat classes in order to keep your body conditioned, or purchase a video to do at home.
How long will it take for me to see results?
"In 10 sessions you will feel a difference; in 20 sessions you will see a difference; and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body."
This was a quote from Joseph Pilates himself. Joseph Pilates prided himself on working his clients out every day. With the time restraints of current day not every one is capable of working out every day. So dependent on your attendance, everybody reacts differently to the workout. . Some of our clients have noticed differences in their posture and the way they carry themselves in as few as three sessions. More significant changes take longer, however, we had clients report a drop in two belt sizes in a month coming three times a week .