Matwork/Led Reformer Class Questions:

Which class level is appropriate for me?

General Questions:

Will I get bulky muscles doing Pilates?

I'm not very flexible or coordinated. Can I still do Pilates?

Will Pilates help with my knee/shoulder/low back pain?

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Do I need instruction to do Pilates?

How many Pilates sessions should I take per week?
 
What is the difference between matwork and apparatus work?

Is Pilates covered by medical insurance?

Can I do Pilates if I have osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, or other physical limitations?

What kind of training do your instructors have?

Pregnancy Questions:

Do you offer Prenatal Pilates?

I have signed up for Pilates mat classes, but have just found out I’m pregnant. Should I continue?

My physician/midwife has approved me to begin Pilates. How do I get started?

I’ve recently had a baby and want to do something to tone my abs and get back into shape. Will Pilates help me tone and lose the baby weight?

Why is Apparatus Pilates more appropriate than Matwork Pilates?

Q: Which class level is appropriate for me?

Level 1-for those who have:
-taken 0-6 Pilates Classes in the past 6 months or have tried Pilates with a book or dvd/video
-been away from Pilates for over 12 months

Level 2-for those who have:
-taken 6-12 Beginner classes in the past 6 months
-taken beginner classes but have been away from Pilates for 6-12 months

Q: Will I get bulky muscles doing Pilates?

Pilates develops long, lean balanced muscles. In fact, if you are bulky in certain muscle groups, it is likely that they will get leaner as you do Pilates, without losing any strength.

Absolutely! Pilates is not an exercise for professional athletes or dancers only. Regular practice (2-3 times per week) will help you to gain flexibility and build strength, while improving your balance and coordination.

Pilates seems to be quite effective with rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation. Make sure that you get an instructor to help you who has some experience and knowledge of rehabilitation and then discuss your problem with him/her. Of course, always check with your physician before starting any fitness or rehabilitation program.

Q: Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates helps shape and tone muscles, will get you standing taller, feeling stronger, and will give you a flatter tummy. Pilates will change the shape of your body however, Pilates is not an aerobic (cardio) workout, so adding biking, swimming or the elliptical trainer (or a combination) with Pilates is a must, if your goal is to lose weight and tone.

Without proper instruction from a qualified teacher, you may not get the results you are looking for. Furthermore, you could actually hurt yourself by doing them incorrectly. Pilates focuses on performing movements with precision, in correct form. If you are watching a dvd or looking at a book, it is impossible to be in correct form.

Two-Three sessions per week is considered the minimum to see and feel results quickly. Some people love it so do more and those with time restrictions will do less.

Both systems follow the same fundamentals. In matwork your resistance is the weight of your own body and supporting that during movement. With equipment you work against the weight of springs for resistance in both directions; on the push out as well as resisting the return.

You will need to contact your medical insurance provider. I.C.B.C or W.C.B have been known to pay for rehabilitation Pilates sessions but you will need to talk with your lawyer about getting reimbursed.

Always consult with your doctor or alternate health practitioner before beginning any new exercise program in this kind of situation. Generally speaking, Equipment Pilates is the recommendation, as an individual program is best for addressing individual needs, as well as being more flexible for scheduling.

All our instructors have taken courses which include apprenticeship to become certified Pilates instructors. They are experienced and committed to continued education. Apprentices are supervised by a certified instructor.

Q: Do you offer Prenatal Pilates?

We recommend Equipment work and have instructors who are experienced in working with prenatal clients. We offer 3 packages with 6 month expiration dates:

- 5 Intro Pilates Privates: working with our Master Instructor to set up your initial program. Continue with semi-private or private lessons

- 5 Privates: continue to work on program with our Master Instructor

- 10 Privates: continue to work on program with our Master Instructor

Q: I have signed up for Pilates mat classes, but have just found out I’m pregnant.  Should I continue?

Whether you have done Pilates before or not, the first thing to do is talk with your physician or midwife. They can guide you as per your health needs/concerns. If you get the green light, we do recommend that those new to Pilates start with Equipment work, as well as those who haven’t been taking classes for more than 4 weeks.  Those who are current with classes need to inform their instructor immediately, and generally should be able to continue under closer supervision until entering the 2nd trimester, making a switch to equipment work.

Q: My physician/midwife has approved me to begin Pilates.  How do I get started?

Call the studio to book your first appointment and choose your package option.  We recommend starting with 4-5 intro private lessons to have your initial program created and taught to you. One to two additional private lessons in each trimester should be planned, so the initial program can be modified and updated to be both challenging for you and safe, as baby and belly grow!

Q: I’ve recently had a baby and want to do something to tone my abs and get back into shape. Will Pilates help me tone and lose the baby weight?

Be sure you have approval from your physician or midwife to begin exercising again, which usually occurs 4-12 weeks post-partum.  Some women experience diastasis recti, which is the right & left side separation of the abdominal muscles, usually joined together at the linea alba (midline of the rectus).  This should be confirmed by your physician as healed before beginning Pilates.  Pilates is not a cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise.  It is a strength training system which builds muscle tone and creates a strong core, with regular practice of Mat or Equipment work. If you want to lose weight and tone, Pilates combined with gentle cardio such as swimming, cycling, blading or elliptical machine (along with healthy eating) will help you achieve your goal.

Q: Why is Apparatus Pilates more appropriate than Matwork Pilates?

Apparatus (equipment) is more adaptable and therefore more suitable for the rapid changes during pregnancy. An individual program allows the instructor to create exercises in positions which are safe for both Mom and Baby. Much of the Mat work repertoire involves many contraindicated positions, and as classes are generally one-size-fits-all, it can be difficult for an instructor to give adequate attention and corrections necessary. Click here for more detailed information.