Frequently Asked Questions

Don't worry! Pilates Mat Repertoire is often considered as or more challenging than Reformer based classes as there isn't any assistance from apparatus to perform the movement- it's all you! All of our online sessions are Mat based unless you're a client who already owns Pilates equipment that can be incorporated into our workouts; our studios sessions are Mat and equipment based. Pilates originally created his exercises for the Mat, using just body weight to build strength and mobility. You don't need a Reformer to get that Pilates body you're looking for! 

Yes! While both Pilates apparatus and props are great bonuses to work with if you have them, a Mat is truly all you need to start on your Pilates journey. Body weight and proper alignment can build the kind of body you're looking for, but as your practice evolves and your pocketbook allows, adding in props is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to increase the challenge and improve the results you'll get from the Mat repertoire. We can talk props at your Intro session or feel free to reach out beforehand for Pilates Body Care's best recommendation on which props you can purchase prior to your first session. 

Pilates focuses on building bodily awareness so you can learn how to work with your body where it is today, safely building strength and flexibility so you can improve at the pace that is right for you. That's the beauty of Pilates' work- it meets you where you are. Pilates Body Care has worked with professional athletes, overweight, elderly, young adults, soccer moms, and everyone in between. If you don't think you're "in shape", don't worry! You will be after working with us.  

While Joseph Pilates was inspired by yoga when creating his exercises, Pilates' focus is more on proper core and pelvic floor engagement, understanding the breath connection with the exercises, and lengthening the spine for improved posture and ease of movement. Both Pilates and Yoga aim to move the body equally and in all planes of motion, as well as learning to unite the body with mind and spirit but the basis of their strength building is different. While Yoga has many different styles, all are generally done through held postures in connection with the breath, and although Yoga flows sometimes move through set postures or poses to create that yogi line, Pilates builds strength through active movement in connection with the breath to help build a longer, leaner, dancer-like physique. Pilates is easily customized to injuries and bodily imbalances as its exercises can be modified and adjusted to create the necessary challenges to improve posture, alignment, and imbalances. 

Absolutely! Pilate Body Care begins with the basics and works at the pace you're most comfortable with, so whether it's been 2 weeks or 20 years since you've moved your body, don't stress. We can work with you where you're at to reach your fitness goals. As long as you're willing to put in the work, and have patience with the process, you'll see the results. 

Injuries are welcome here and Pilates is one of the most recommended forms of exercise by medical professionals and physical therapists for post-surgery/injury rehabilitation. In fact, many physical therapist offices are starting to incorporate Pilates repertoire and apparatus in their rehab programs due to the many well-known benefits of this low-impact, core building exercise modality. The free consultation will allow us to work within any limits you may have due to your injuries, and help you learn pain-free ways to discover your best self.

*All first sessions MUST have a doctor's clearance for exercise*

Beginning a new exercise regiment should always be based on the guidance of your surgeon and physician, but Pilates is often recommended as a top post-op practice to rebuild strength and improve imbalances from or due to the injury or surgery. Each surgery is different, and each body is unique, so Pilates Body Care works with your doctor's advice to help provide you the best workout post-op. Surgery doesn't need to slow you down, and oftentimes Pilates can provide you a better way to reconnect with your body at a safe pace that is best suited to your body post-surgery.

*All first sessions MUST have a doctor's clearance for exercise*

First off, congratulations! And yes! Pilates is a fabulous way to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy or help you learn to navigate your new body postpartum in a safe, supportive, and low-impact way. There are a multitude of ways that Pilates can benefit your pregnant or postpartum body from helping you stay at a healthy weight while you carry, continuing to build good posture and alignment as your body changes, and enabling you to reconnect to your core faster post-delivery. Studies have shown that moms who stay fit during their pregnancies have easier labors, deliver babies at healthier weights, and often suffer from less postpartum issues than moms who do not. Whether you're having your first baby or your last, an easy pregnancy or high-risk one, or have been inspired to get fit for yourself and the new life you're carrying, Pilates Body Care can easily work with you to modify and adjust with each week and trimester that passes to keep you and baby healthy and happy. 

*All first sessions MUST have a doctor's clearance for exercise*

It depends on how active you were before beginning your Pilates practice and it's important to take into consideration any injuries or issues, but Joseph Pilates intended for his exercises to be done every day for the greatest results. Pilates Body Care includes "homework" for each client via videos that they can do on their own on the days they don't have lessons to keep their practice active and the benefits building. Don't be surprised if you get addicted to the feelings and results of a daily practice!

As with anything, the effort you put into your practice will be proportional to what you get out. The more you're willing to focus on the work, understanding the principles, and the correct way to do the exercises, the faster you'll improve and the greater results you'll see. What is sometimes easy to forget is that Pilates is not the same as cardio or weight-based training, so the results may be more subtle as you build your awareness of a new movement style and body connection. The bonus is that the better your body becomes at implementing the Pilates Principles, the better your cross training results will be. The more you engage in your practice, the faster you'll meet your fitness goals. 

Online provides flexibility in scheduling and availability for both you and the instructor- it allows us to work together at your pace and timing, and is a great option for those who are high-risk or most comfortable staying at home. It also provides a great way to keep up with your practice while traveling or unable to meet in person/studio. While in-person offers different benefits, the cueing used by Pilates Body Care in the online sessions means that you'll still be able to get the best benefits from our workouts. 

The free consultation prior to the first lessons allows me to get all the necessary medical, health, and lifestyle information out of the way so the first time we meet to move, we can get right into the exercises. It also allows me to correctly level your lessons so you're not being over or under challenged. While it isn't required, it is strongly recommended, because if we don't do the consultation prior to the first session, some of your first session will have to be devoted to a compressed intake of information to make sure that I'm keeping you safe as we work together. Might as well do it for free initially so you can get your full money's worth in each lesson!