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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions frequently asked about the Pilates Method and Training.
- What is the difference between Pilates on the apparatus and Mat Work classes?
- Would I start in Private sessions or Semi-privates as a beginner?
- How many different pieces of Pilates apparatus and exercises are there?
- I have a medical condition or injury. Is it good for me to do Pilates?
- Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
- When can I expect to see or feel results?
- Can Pilates help me with weight reduction?
- How many times per week should I do a Pilates workout?
- How is Pilates different from Yoga?
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What is the difference between Pilates on the apparatus and Mat Work classes?
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The complete Pilates Method of Body Conditioning involves both apparatus and mat exercises. If you are interested in working out on the apparatus, we offer Private (solo) and Semi-private (duet) sessions. Some individuals prefer individual attention, while some enjoy the dynamics of a partner or a small group. It is also common to combine both mat work classes and apparatus sessions in a Pilates exercise program. Pilates Mat Work classes are offered in Studio II, and are designed to accommodate all levels of fitness.
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Would I start in Private sessions or Semi-privates as a beginner?
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Equilibrium Fitness requires that you complete ten private sessions, our Fundamental Intensive, designed to give you a basic foundation of the core principles of the Pilates repertoire.
During your first ten sessions, your postural alignment, strengths, and weaknesses will be accessed, as well as your personal fitness goals. Upon completion of these ten sessions, you have the option to move into semi-private sessions.
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How many different pieces of pilates appartus and exercises are there?
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Equilibrium Fitness is a fully equipped Pilates studio with all of the Pilates apparatus including the Universal Reformer, Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Wunda Chair, Highback Chair, and Ped-o-pul. The original work of Joseph Pilates consists of over 500 different exercises of which, there are various levels, and modifications. As the Pilates profession progresses, though inherent to the original repertoire, new Pilates-based sports and injury specific exercise variations and modifications have been developed. These exercises utilize both apparatus and small accessories (eg. stability ball, BOSU, resistance band, hand weights).
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I have a medical condition or injury. Is it good for me to do PIlates?
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As with any medical condition or injury, it is important that you speak with your physician prior to doing any form of exercise. If you have recently had any type of major surgery, your physician will need to provide us with a Medical Release stating that you are cleared to participate in an exercise program. When participating in our Post-rehabilitation Program, our qualified trainers will make the necessary modifications required to facilitate your medical condition or injury, to provide you with a safe and beneficial within our scope of practice. Pilates receives referrals from physical therapists, neurologists, doctors, and chiropractors.
Clients with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain syndrome respond excellently to a regular Pilates practice. Many of our clients started doing Pilates pre/post hip replacement, pre/post knee and back surgery, post-breast cancer surgery, or are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. They have all found Pilates to be very beneficial to their maintenance, recovery, and overall well-being!
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Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
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Equilibrium Fitness has a Prenatal and Postpartum Specific Exercise Program. If you have studied Pilates prior to your pregnancy, your instructor will make the necessary modifications to your program as your pregnancy progresses. New clients will be assessed on an individual basis dependent upon prior exercise programs and fitness level. Postpartum program begins approximately 6 - 8 weeks after delivery upon medical clearance. Newborns/Infants may accompany postpartum clients who participate in Private Sessions.
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When can I expect to see or feel results?
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The benefits of Pilates include increased endurance, flexibility, muscular strength and definition. Result time is individual depending on your commitment and specific fitness goals. Joseph Pilates stated, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, in 30 you’ll have a new body”.
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Can Pilates help me with weight reduction?
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Pilates does provide resistance training which is beneficial for weight loss. You will find that you will “lose inches” as your muscles become longer and leaner, your postural alignment changes, and your body is reshaped and balanced. Trainers will design a cardiovascular program for clients to facilitate weight loss, and cardio equipment is available for your use 20 minutes before or after your Pilates sessions. We also offer ongoing low-impact cardio classes in Studio II.
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How many times per week should I do a Pilates workout?
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Pilates is a form of exercise that you can do daily with a combination of apparatus and mat work. We recommend two to three times per week to receive the full benefit of a Pilates practice. Pilates is a mind-body form of body conditioning that can be applied to all other aspects of your daily life whether you are sitting at your computer or running a marathon. Many clients integrate group classes into their regular Pilates practice.
Pilates is ideal for cross training purposes as it will help create a better understanding of posture and how this relates to all forms of exercise. In addition it will help to correct postural faults that can develop through repetitive forms of exercise.
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How is Pilates different from Yoga?
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In reading Joseph Pilates book Return to Life, you will find Pilates is designed to be a mind, body, and spiritual practice as well, with a focus on full body wellness. Although similar to yoga, in addition to increasing flexibility and range of motion, Pilates adds movement, repetition, and spring loaded resistance, instead of maintaining static postures. A key focus is “core conditioning” - the strengthening and stabilization of the abdominals, spine, and pelvis. All Pilates exercises are taught with a breath sequence, but it is not the main emphasis of the technique.
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