FAQs

In Pilates we can modify any exercise to each individual clients needs. Pilates is for everyone, every fitness level, age or experience. The best way to begin Pilates is always with private instruction.

When first learning Pilates, it is usually not a cardiovascular work out. However it does burn calories and increases muscle strength, which speeds up your metabolism. If your goal is to lose weight in addition to Pilates you will need to do some sort of cardiovascular exercise and to eat a healthy diet. At an advanced level however Pilates can definitely become an amazing cardiovascular workout! If you are consistent, Pilates will change the way your body looks and feels.

Classical Pilates preserves the integrity of the method created by Joseph Pilates. This is a very well thought out system and there is a reason for the order and progression through the exercises. In classical Pilates this order of exercises allow you to focus on your body, breath, and alignment without distractions, this way you can truly feel when your body is becoming stronger and more flexible. Classical Pilates is a complete exercise system with hundreds of exercises to pull from. Classical Pilates has stood the test of time and it works!

Generally it is best not begin a new type of exercise when pregnant. However, those that have experience with Pilates can benefit greatly by continuing through their pregnancy. Your instructor will make modifications to the exercises as your body changes through your pregnancy. Practicing Pilates while pregnant can keep you feeling strong, help you to comfortably adapt to the changes in your body, and give you increased energy. Please check with your health care provider before exercising while pregnant.

Three times per week is ideal to experience the most benefits of Pilates but it is safe enough to do everyday. However, this doesn’t need to be all done in the studio with your instructor. When your instructor feels you are ready, they can begin to give you a mat program that you can do on your own at home to supplement your Pilates lessons. This can start off with a little as 20 minutes of personal practice. That being said if you can only fit in Pilates once per week, this will still be very beneficial to you.

It is important to remember that Pilates instructors are not physiotherapists unless they have had additional training. However, Pilates instructors do teach proper movement and alignment and therefore Pilates is a fantastic exercise to do when your physiotherapist feels you are ready. Pilates is also the ideal exercise for injury prevention.

Yes, Joseph Pilates was boxer and gymnast himself. He originally developed his method in the early 20th century the method to heal recovering soldier and train athletes.

Pilates has it’s own unique exercises and equipment that are different from yoga. In Pilates we do not hold positions, we flow through movement often using equipment with springs to both strengthen and support the movement. However, Pilates and yoga are very complimentary to each other and both emphasize a connection between your mind and your body. Pilates can improve your yoga practice by strengthening the core muscles of your body, increasing your lung capacity and improving your awareness of alignment.

All lessons are 55 minutes.