Everyone can do Pilates. The exercises can be modified to fit anyone’s fitness level. Whether your goal is to improve posture, recover from an injury, strengthen and tone your body, or just add something new to your program, Pilates can be adapted to meet you needs.

Some clients come twice a week but most clients come once a week. While consistency is important to master the exercises and Principles of Pilates, the focus is on quality not necessarily quantity. In addition, most clients supplement with a variety of other activities such as cycling, golfing, running, hiking, skiing, dancing, and frequent their favorite health club.

Sessions are 55 minutes.

Group classes are wonderful but offer little individual attention and instruction. Private sessions provide you with one on one instruction, which is especially nice when just getting started, and for addressing specific issues. There is a lot to learn and integrate. In a private session you work at your own pace ensuring a safe and effective program.

It’s best to dress in layers so you can manage your body temperature. Comfortable clothing that breaths is best. Avoid wide legged, flowing pants and short shorts. Pilates is generally done in bare feet. Many clients like to wear Toe Sox to enhance footwork and improve stability.

A small snack and water before a session is fine and may help to sustain your energy. It is best however not to have a large meal before your session as you will be working on strengthening your abdominal muscles. You will feel better and make better progress with a less full stomach. Water is available to stay hydrated.

It is important to stop when you are experiencing movements that cause discomfort or pain especially in regards to the back, neck, and shoulders. If you have several repetitions before completing any exercise but feel extreme muscle fatigue it is best to stop for safety reasons. Over time you will learn when it is appropriate to push yourself and when it is best to take a break.

In Pilates we practice “ribcage breathing” which guides our inhalation in to the sides and back of our ribcage instead of in to our stomach. If our breath is allowed to push our stomach out we lose the support of our core. This breathing technique allows for maximum support from our core throughout our exercises and keeps our ribs and thoracic spine mobile and flexible.

Practicing between sessions will help you better integrate what you are learning, improve posture, help to speed recovery from an injury, and if you are in pain, it can help to reduce your level of discomfort. There are often a few exercises or postural changes suggested as homework to speed you on your way.

While I do not take insurance directly, some insurance companies may reimburse you. I am happy to provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance company.