FAQs

Pilates is an exercise program that focuses on stretch, strength, and control.

NO!! but it sure is perfect for them!!!

My favorite answer to this question is: “Yoga is done with your eyes closed while reflecting on your inner-self, Pilates is done with your eyes open while squeezing your butt.”

Pilates is like learning a foreign language. After your first foreign language class, you are not going to be able to speak fluently. But you will eventually and you'll have fun learning!

Pilates is like a new language for your body.

Like any fitness activity, Pilates requires more than an occasional visit to the studio — you have to commit. To reap its many benefits, most Pilates instructors recommend at least two to three, or more, sessions per week. Individuals who are dedicated to long-term fitness, instead of just a 'quick fix,' will find Pilates the most rewarding.

YES! Regardless of your age, gender, goals or fitness level, you will discover that Pilates transforms the way your body looks, feels & performs. It teaches mental & physical balance to the elite athlete, the recovering back surgery patient, and those in physical therapy rehabilitation. Pilates can be done either on a mat or on specially designed equipment.

Yes!!! Pilates is an excellent form of exercise for older people. With literally hundreds of exercises, there is something for everyone.

By calling 925-938-2022 and making an appointment! Simple!!!

All exercises are taught with a breath sequence, but it isn't the main emphasis of the technique.

Yes, but only after firstly consulting your doctor (as you should do before embarking on any exercise program), and secondly seeking specialist advice with a qualified Pilates Instructor.

It is considered ideal for those who wish to include Pilates with their gym training, 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 imbalances in muscle structures that can develop through repetitive forms of exercise and help reduce the bulkiness and tightness of muscles.

Each exercise engages the abdominal muscles, and the method emphasizes the strengthening of the 'powerhouse' region - abdomen, lower back, inner/outer thighs and buttocks. Pilates focuses on lengthening, strengthening and toning your body, without adding bulk to your muscles.

No. Joseph H. Pilates designed the spring resistance apparatus in association with a matwork program, and your complete workout includes exercises on a combination of the Reformer, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Half Barrel, Cadillac and the mat.

Less IS more! Each Pilates exercise has only 3, 5 or 10 repetitions. The exercises were designed to work your body with precision and effectiveness, making additional repetitions unnecessary.

Most people feel better in just a few sessions. And it only gets better from there.

When most people first start Pilates, there's a lot of new information for the body to learn, so you probably won't get an aerobic workout at the beginning. Pilates can be aerobic at intermediate and advanced levels when the movement becomes more familiar. Also, Pilates combines stretching and strengthening, using springs and your own body weight as resistance, in a way that may appear easier than other forms of exercise; yet you actually work harder and more deeply through the muscles.

Yes, definitely. Pilates has a long history of helping people with previous and current injuries. Both physical therapists and chiropractors have collaborated with Pilates instructors to help heal, and recover, from various physical problems.

Comfortable, stretchy, fitted clothing works best - Guys, should remember… loose fitting shorts are not recommended.

Pilates is not meant to bulk you up. You will gain strength, definition and flexibility.

The Pilates equipment uses springs for resistance, not weights. Different combinations of springs will provide varying levels of resistance - your instructor will help you make the right selection. Remember, heavier springs is not necessarily making the exercise harder.