Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  What are the benefits of Pilates?

A:  A regular Pilates Workout can:

·       improve agility

·       strengthen musculature without creating bulk

·       reduce stress

·       strengthen the center of the body

·       relieve chronic back and joint pain

·       improve balance and coordination

·       improve stamina

·       encourage a slender waist and physique

·       stimulate blood circulation and metabolism

·       improve athletic performance

·       train an upright anatomically sound posture

·       increase self-confidence

·       improve oxygen uptake

·       help to prevent osteoporosis

·       prevent injury through improvements in balance and coordination

Q:  How big are your classes?

A:  The Pilates method was not originally intended for teaching large groups.  The method is most effective when cued specifically for individual bodies.  Because of this we offer Privates, Semi Privates or group equipment classes with a maximum of four people.  Our instructors are hands on and you will receive a great deal of personal correction and cueing.

Q:  What do I wear?

A:  Wear clothing that is comfortable and allows easy movement. Yoga or gym attire is appropriate. Pilates is generally done in bare feet, but can also be done with socks on if that is more comfortable.

Q:  What style do you teach?

A:  There are a variety of ways to present the Pilates method.  Our teachers have varied training backgrounds and all offer a slightly different approach.  We stay current with new approaches and are continually updating our training methods since ongoing development is very important to us. Check out the “our people” page to get information about specific training backgrounds for each teacher. If you would like to request a specific type of class or style we will do our best to accommodate you! We can be as Classical or as contemporary as you would like.

Q:  What kind of equipment do you use?

A:  We are proud to offer a selection of types of apparatus at the studio.  Everything was chosen by our teachers based on years of working with every major manufacturer and was selected for its ability to get clients connected quickly and safely. Our reformers and towers are Basil Pilates manufactured equipment.  Basil Blecher worked for Gratz, the original equipment manufacturers hired by Joseph Pilates himself.  He opened his own manufacturing company and that company makes some of the most authentic equipment out there.  We are proud to be one of the few studios in Canada offering Basil Equipment.  You will feel a difference if you are accustomed to Stott or Balanced Body reformers!  In addition to the Basil Reformers and Towers we also use Centreline Chairs designed by The Pilates Centre in Boulder, Colorado and our Cadillac is designed in partnership with Jay Grimes and is part of Balanced Body’s Contrology Series. Come check it all out!

Q:  Is Pilates like Yoga?

A:  No.  While both approaches are considered Mind/Body Exercise they are quite different.  Yoga is a series of static stretches with a different cueing of the breath than usually found in Pilates.  While Pilates can be a profound physical experience there is no spiritual aspect to the work.  You will not chant or meditate at Pilates class!  Pilates can be a wonderful complementary form of exercise to support your Yoga practice.

In Pilates we stretch and lengthen the muscle dynamically with fewer held stretches.  One of the over-arching Pilates goals is uniform development.  We will endeavor to stretch what is tight, and strengthen what is weak but we will do it through the incorporation of resistance-based equipment.