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.

How do I begin a pilates program?
We recommend 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.

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 incorporatethe 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 sneakers but please bring socks.

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.