Pilates is a form of exercise designed to strengthen your body from the core out. It was invented by Joseph Pilates, a gymnast and physical therapist, during WWI to rehabilitate soldiers. It was later taught to dancers, athletes, and a variety of other clients as a way to increase strength and mobility and improve alignment. It is an adaptable type of resistance training that can be performed with or without equipment and modified to meet your goals.

Pilates is considered strength training as it uses resistance to build muscle strength and endurance. However, it was not designed solely for hypertrophy (increasing muscle size). Instead it centers functional movement, improving your performance of everyday activities and/or specific sports. As an instructor, rather than simply teaching the same Pilates exercises to every client, I look through a personal training lens by accessing your strengths and weaknesses, focusing on your goals, and using Pilates as a framework to meet them. We can always shift the focus to more strength, flexibility, or a specific goal you may have.

Although Pilates may increase your heart rate and offer some cardiovascular health benefits, it is not considered cardio. However, it can help improve your form, breathing, and specific strength needed for running, cycling, swimming, dance etc. and decrease your chance of injury during these faster paced activities.

There are 3 types of machines we use at the studio. All 3 use spring resistance similarly to stretch bands.

1. The Reformer: A long frame with a spring resisted gliding platform that looks similar to a rowing machine. Exercises are performed lying down, seated, or standing, and pushing or pulling against the spring resistance with your arms or legs.

2. The Cadillac: A long padded table (resembling a massage table) with a frame similar to a canopy bed that has spring attachments at varying heights. Exercises are performed lying down, seated, or standing, and pulling or pushing against the spring resistance with your arms or legs.

3. The Stability Chair: A tall and sturdy box with handles on each side and springs beneath that attach to a split-pedal. Exercises are performed lying down, seated, or standing, and pushing against the spring resistance with your arms or legs.

Similarly to the machines at a gym they can look intimidating at first, but don’t worry! I usually have clients start on the Cadillac and use it like an elevated yoga mat. Then as clients become more comfortable and confident we utilize the other equipment.

As an instructor, I meet you where you are at. First we’ll talk about your goals and what a program to meet them could look like. If you have any specific needs addressed we can talk about that as well. If your session is at the studio, I’ll show you around and explain how to use the equipment. Sessions start with a warm up and exercises to help you increase your body awareness. It will likely feel gentle on your body at first and we can pick up the pace as you’re comfortable. I won’t be focusing on how you look, but instead on how you feel, what muscles are engaging, and how your joints are moving. Sessions should feel like a conversation. I’ll lead the way, but you can always let me know if you need more or less challenge or for me to describe something differently and I will regularly check in about what you want to focus on. If you have any specific concerns feel free to let me know ahead of time and I’ll do my best to help you feel comfortable.

Form fitting, flexible clothing is best so it doesn’t get in your way while you move, but loose clothing is fine if that is what you are comfortable in. Yoga pants, sweat pants, or biker shorts work well. Layers can be nice as you’ll warm up throughout the work out. I recommend grip socks, but regular socks are fine for your first sessions. No bare feet in the studio for sanitary reasons.

Once a week is a great place to start! I would consider once a week maintenance, twice a week for more noticeable progression, and three times a week for perfecting technique or for those who simply love Pilates! I also offer an optional app you can use at home between sessions and many of the exercises can be done daily. Just pay attention to your body and what feels right for you.

You do not have to be at any specific level of fitness or flexibility to do Pilates. I will cater your sessions to your body and goals. There are so many reasons why you may not have been moving or working out as much as you would like and I am not here to judge! Let’s just get you moving at a pace you’re comfortable with and feels sustainable for you!

You can always let me know if you feel like your sessions aren’t challenging enough and I will make adjustments. However, many Pilates exercises challenge your body in different ways than traditional weight lifting or cardio. I encourage you to keep an open mind, especially during your first sessions when you are learning the foundations. I regularly check in about the spring resistance or weight and we can stay in communication to find the right level of challenge for you!

The studio is accessible by elevator and your sessions will be catered to your specific needs. There are many different ways to use the equipment and attachments/props to include differently abled bodies. For example, supportive attachments for people with limb loss or difference, props that provide stability for people with joint pain, and props that elevate pregnant clients to an angle appropriate for their second and third trimesters.

The studio is a sensory friendly space. It is scent free, we can adjust the music as you like or turn it off, and can dim the lights to your comfort level. You are welcome to wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in. I don’t ever have to touch your body, but if you are comfortable with touch and find it helpful for cueing, I will always ask before doing so. If you have any other accommodations you would find helpful, let me know and I will do my best to provide them.

For online sessions it is helpful for you to set up a space you can move well in. You can use a variety of props you may already have at home and I can let you know if there’s others that would be helpful or needed. For example, a yoga mat, stretch bands, yoga blocks, a ball etc. If it is challenging for you to get up and down from the ground we can do seated exercises in a chair, standing exercises, and utilize what is available to you in your home environment.

Pilates is a great form of exercise throughout pregnancy. However, during your second and third trimester you should receive a doctor’s consent. We will make necessary adjustments for your comfort and safety, but it is generally very beneficial to continue exercising while pregnant. We can focus on strength needed for labor and postpartum.

If you are unable to find child care or the added cost is prohibitive, you are welcome to bring your child to the studio or have them join you for an online session. We can set them up with an art activity, in a pack n play, or whatever works best for your child. I have taught many sessions with a baby in a carrier. Just let me know ahead of time so I am prepared. They must stay off the equipment at the studio for safety reasons and noise levels will need to be considered, with neighboring businesses in the shared building in mind.

Currently I offer sessions for up to 3 people, but do not offer any drop-in group classes. Both duets and trios need to be scheduled ahead of time just like private sessions. You will receive much more detailed attention during these sessions than you would in a bigger group environment. They can also be fun if you want to do Pilates with a small group of friends of family members, or get to know a few new people in a more intimate setting.

Please give 24 hours+ notice with the exception of emergencies. If you have a cold, mild illness, or are traveling and still want to exercise we can do an online session. For other scheduling conflicts, advanced notice is greatly appreciated.

For groups: the same 24 hour+ notice applies. If you give me 24+ notice that one or two people in the group are unable to attend we can adjust the cost of your session to reflect the number of people who will attend. For example, if you are a group of 3 and one person is unable to attend a session, I will charge you the cost of a duet. If you are a duet and one person is unable to attend a session, I will charge you the cost of a private session. This only applies if I am given 24+ hours notice, otherwise you will be charged the full amount for the session you booked. If one person in the group cancels last minute or does not show up they will still be responsible for their portion of the total payment. If you have any questions about this we can go over expectations together. I appreciate your understanding.

24+ notice or the full cost of the session applies to both online and in studio sessions.