Is Pilates right for me?

Pilates is for everyone, from young to old, sedentary to athletic. It is for people who are strong or weak, flexible or inflexible. It is for pregnant women, is great for rehabilitation from injury, and is often recommended by doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors. Pilates can be used as a complete fitness program as well as a supplement to other methods of fitness, or as a tool to educate the body to have better posture, or to move in a more effective way.

What is the difference between machine pilates and mat pilates ?

In machine pilates, you will work one-on-one or in small groups with a certified instructor, who has been trained extensively to design a program and modify the exercises with your specific needs in mind. Your
instructor will move you from one piece of equipment to another, choosing from well over 500 exercises, after mutually assessing your specific needs and goals.
In mat pilates, you will be one of a group of 6-15 people, performing the same exercises, at the same pace. With a mat class, the instructor may only be able to occasionally give you specific instruction, based on your movement, and will direct the group as a whole. Its recommended that you only do mat classes if you are without injuries and are relatively fit and pain-free. Since there is no apparatus in a mat class, you will look to your own body to create resistance, an amazing way to connect with and strengthen your core.

How do I begin a pilates program?

Its recommended that your first Pilates session be a private lesson. This will introduce you to the Pilates equipment, give you and the instructor an idea of where your body's strengths and weaknesses lie and provide the attention needed to formulate your goals. After your private session you will be more comfortable with the principles and philosophy of Pilates, and you and your teacher will decide how you will proceed from there.

Can I start with Pilates mat classes?

Yes, you can start with Pilates mat classes, as long as you have a healthy, injury free body. If you have injuries, its recommended that your first lesson be a private one.

How often should I do pilates?

Two to three times a week is a great amount. Like any form of exercise, consistency is key, and it is helpful to not let too much time pass in order to remember the previous lesson and incorporate the information in your body. You will be happy at how you look and feel after just a few weeks. It is also great to combine private lessons with duets and/or mat classes during the course of a week.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably so that your movement is free, but try not to wear clothing that is TOO loose fitting. It is important that the instructor be able to observe your body as you move. You will not wear trainers but please bring socks.

What is a small group?

A small group is a pilates lesson for two,three or four people. It is great for those who like working out with friends or family members. Because of people's hectic schedules, its required that you find your partners for your group, so that if one of you needs to cancel, the others are responsible for the lesson. Its also recommend that your fitness levels are compatible with each other's so that you can move at a fairly similar pace. A small group works for people at all levels.

Can I learn Pilates from a video?

While you can learn the choreography of the exercises from a video, it is unlikely that you will be performing them correctly. A certified teacher is there to help guide you through the exercises, focusing on form and breathing techniques.

What is the difference between Pilates and other forms of abdominal
training techniques?

Pilates focuses on strengthening the deepest layers of abdominals which form a corset around your torso, while other forms of abdominal training focus only on the superficial layer of abs.

How does Pilates differ from yoga?

Joseph Pilates was inspired by both eastern and western forms while developing his method, so there are many similarities. The breathing is different, and you are asked to pull your stomach in rather than allowing it to fill with breath. Pilates is also movement, rather than the holding of postures that is yoga