F.A.Q. My Choices
Is a group class or private lesson best for me?
The most beneficial type of lesson depends on the student’s needs and goals.
Group classes provide an excellent and cost effective way to receive professional training in the wide range of Pilates exercises. Group classes provide a fun social setting with the mutual support in the group to learn and grow together.
Private lessons provide the best opportunity for the teacher to understand your needs, current physical condition and your personal goals. In the one-to-one setting, private lessons allow your teacher to gain a thorough understanding of you and to design a unique regime of exercises tailored to your needs and goals helping you to learn and grow most quickly.
Private lessons are always recommended for beginners. The teacher will assess the new student’s biomechanical skill level and help the student establish correct and safe movement patterns. The student will learn the key aspects of the Pilates language, exercises and principles.
An investment in private lessons at the beginning of your Pilates journey will save money in the long run as the student’s progress is the quickest in the one-to-one setting. With this knowledge and proficiency the student can choose to continue with private lessons, change to group classes or to follow a combination of both.
Is a mat or apparatus class best for me?
The most beneficial type of lesson depends on the student’s needs and goals.
Training the body to work against resistance is at the heart of the Pilates workout in both mat and apparatus classes.
Both Pilates mat and apparatus workouts train the body’s ‘powerhouse’ improving core strength, posture, agility, flexibility and lean muscle tone across the entire body. This makes daily activities safer and easier to perform and enhances sporting performance.
The ‘powerhouse’ is the combination of the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, inner thighs and buttocks.
Mat
Mat work is a great option for beginners because of its emphasis on learning how to control your muscles during the exercises (Mari Winsor). Students learn to use their own body weight to create the resistance. Mat work teaches ‘functional fitness’ and that the most important tool to physical fitness is the body itself. Additional props such as Dyna Bands, Magic Circles, Pilates Balls, Sit Cushions, Small Barrels and Foam Rollers are often used to help students make the right muscular connections.
Apparatus
Apparatus work is great for people with physical restrictions or injuries as it promotes the safe execution of specific, customized exercises avoiding the risk of over taxing the student. Apparatus work is also great for advanced students and athletes who seek the greatest challenge in strength and endurance workout. The apparatus’ use pulleys, springs, bars and straps to create isometric resistance with the body’s weight to massage, align, stretch and strengthen muscles. Attachments can be used to further modify the apparatus, further increasing the range of exercises possible.
How many people are in a mat and apparatus class?
The number of students differs per type of class.
Mat
A mat class comprises anywhere between 8 to 12 students.
The small group setting allows the trainer to view each student clearly, ensuring accurate execution of the various exercises throughout the class. You will also experience a high level of personal attention. Three levels of mat class are available; Introduction/Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Reformer
A reformer class typically comprises 2 to 4 students.
It is a requirement that ‘Reformer students’ be of the same or similar level of competency.
Tower
A tower class typically comprises 4 to 6 students.
It is a requirement that ‘Tower students’ be of the same or similar level of competency.
Are the group lessons mixed gender?
Some classes are mixed, some all female, providing our students the choice.
Pilates brings benefits to everybody and all genders.
The female body generally is more flexible and has a greater range of motion. Women tend to perform well in Pilates stretching exercises while they find the weight bearing exercises more challenging as they are usually less strong in the upper body.
The male body generally is more strong especially in the upper body. Men tend to perform well in Pilates weight bearing and strength exercises, while they find the stretching exercises more challenging as they are usually tighter in the hips and hamstrings.
The wide repertoire of exercises enables the Pilates teacher to take into account the inherent physical differences between the male and the female body, while designing a challenging bespoke program of exercise to achieve the unique goals of each individual.
While Pilates has typically been seen as a ‘women’s exercise program’, it is becoming increasingly popular amongst men. Especially male athletes and those with (physically and mentally) demanding occupations like footballers, runners and dancers are increasingly enjoying the benefits Pilates brings to their physical and mental health.
How long is a lesson?
All classes are 55 minutes.
All Pilates lessons; mat, reformer, tower, private (one on one, duet, trio, quartet), rehab and pregnancy classes are 55 minutes long.
What happens in an intake appointment?
Together we will conduct a full assessment of the students condition, needs and goals.
The intake appointment typically lasts 60 minutes. The session is made of three key parts.
The first part is to understand the student’s ambitions and goals.
The second part is to discuss relevant health issues, physical restrictions or injuries and current fitness activities or therapies being followed.
The third part is a dynamic assessment of the student’s physical condition, posture, alignment and bio mechanical movement possibilities. This includes analysis of the skeletal and muscular structures of the body.
The student will also become acquainted with the essential principles of Pilates, the studio, the apparatus and props.
Can I follow an introduction group class?
Yes anyone can follow an introduction group class.
Everyone considering Pilates can join a group class to experience the Pilates method of exercise. To join the student simply needs to contact our studio by phone or e-mail.
After this class you and your teacher will discuss your experience of the class. And review your ability and goals in order to recommend the optimal type of Pilates training for you.
Alternatively we offer an introduction package for 3 private lessons. These ‘one on one’ lessons allow a thorough assessment of the students’ ability and goals. For anyone with physical restrictions or health issues we highly recommend this package as the first step into Pilates. For more information please see our price list.
Can I progress from private lessons to group classes?
Yes you can.
The Pilates method provides clear criteria for students to smoothly progress from private lessons to group classes. This ensures the student has attained the proficiency and has the knowledge needed to allow continued growth in a group setting.
This includes the ability to:
- perform the basic Pilates exercises
- execute 80% of the workout from the ‘powerhouse’ or core
- put into practice all 6 Pilates principles
- use and set up the Pilates equipment such as the Reformer and Cadillac
How often should I do Pilates to see results?
2 to 3 times per week is ideal to achieve and maintain a healthy body.
Joseph Pilates famously said “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 sessions you will see the difference. And in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body.”
Pilates is a movement method which is safe to do everyday. But how often you should do it depends on the results you are seeking.
If you want to improve your posture, gain lean muscle, create a strong core, relieve back pain or recover from injury, regain your pre-baby body, increase sports performance or simply tone up some flab, then you need to be consistent and committed to your Pilates practice for 2 to 3 times a week. This can include a few lessons at the studio in combination with a home practice.
And Pilates does not need to be your only form of exercise. Commit to movement everyday to gain and maintain a high level of physical (and mental) health.
Can I choose a specific Pilates trainer?
Yes, in consultation we assign the trainer matching your individual needs.
Each student has their own needs arising from their physical condition, their goals, their experience level and knowledge of Pilates.
Together with you we assign the trainer to match your needs and – importantly – your personality.
Our aim is to nurture a strong ‘student teacher chemistry’. We believe the bond and trust our students have in our teachers is key.