Pilates Questions?
Pilates Questions?
Pilates Frequently Asked Questions
As a person gets started with Pilates or grows their practice, there are always questions. We try to answer them here. Ask us if you don’t see the answer to your question!
- All
- About Pilates
- Certification
- Classes
- Getting Results
- Getting Started with Instructor Training
- Instructor Exams
- Policy
- Pricing
- Selecting Courses
Pilates targets the layer of muscles that provides stability and support to larger muscles, so the result is lengthening and strengthening of muscles, and improved balance, stability, posture, and flexibility. Learn More
Yes, because Pilates targets the deep intrinsic layer of muscle and learning to control your arms and legs by using your breath and your core, people experience better control and efficiency in every day movements, and increased performance in sports or social activities. Learn More
Fascia is connective tissue, like webbing that runs continuously throughout the body, and it is a necessary to keep fascia hydrated and to hydrate it, it has to accesses and releases. Hydrated fascia leads to better movement of the body. Because the load in Pilates isn’t heavy, but the postural connection is, Pilates integrates fascial movement. Pilates can incorporate fascial release or fascial release techniques can be introduced separately and deliberately. Learn More
Practice practice practice. It takes time to get more out of Pilates. Be patient with yourself. If you have been taking Pilates and want more benefit from the effort you are already making, finding a studio or trainer that offers private sessions will help to customize your efforts to your goals. Slowing down can also be beneficial and can boost your ability to focus on movements and breathing. Learn More
Find a trainer and a studio that delivers the Pilates Method as it was intended: controlled and measured. Be sure the trainers offer you one-on-one sessions to help you learn the basic principles and essential repertoire of the Pilates Method. With a few one-on-one sessions you can safely become ready for classes. Be wary of studios that just usher you in to a class setting without any prior experience. Learn More
Lagree is focused on bodybuilding. At the Pilates Loft we offer two ways to use the Reformer: Pilates Reformer and Strength Reformer. Our Strength Reformer format is tempo based using music to move the body through repetitions to progressive fatigue. This is a fun upbeat method of strength training with a strong attention to Pilates principles. Our Pilates Reformer class focuses on Pilates repertoire that is not tempo driven. Both formats complement each other. Both are available to any member.
Solid core is a Minnesota-local sister methodology to Lagree. While a Solidcore advertises offering a “Pilates base”, it is not Pilates, it is strength training in the reformer. At the Pilates Loft we offer BOTH strength training on the reformer and Pilates on the reformer all in one membership.
No. The location does not include childcare facilities or a waiting area appropriate for children. Membership is offered to those over the age of 18, and all members are welcome.
Yes! Pilates benefits any physical activity you want to do, but in particular will support your strength training efforts. This is because Pilates focuses on strengthening the bodies framework, which intern allows you to go further with strength training overall, and do so safely and with a better foundation. Are you interested in wrapping strength, training and Pilates together? Try Strength Reformer and Pilates Reformer with one membership.
All adults can benefit from Pilates, at any age. In particular, Pilates improves body awareness by strengthening postural muscles, which is a benefit to anyone whether just in daily activity, or in specific physical training or pursuits. There’s also a benefit as we age, where Pilates, and particular classes and exercises, can support areas such as bone density and balance, reducing injury risk and improving body strength in daily life.
Yes, all private sessions expire in 6 months. All sessions are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Yes. All group classes is part of membership pricing. These are billed monthly and expire at the end of each billing cycle.
We try to never cancel classes.
We know storms are coming, and if you don’t want to risk it, we ask that you take yourself out of classes 24 hours prior to avoid late canceling charges. Then if it’s not as bad as they predict, you can always put yourself back in. Classes are likely never full on a snowy day.
If you are sick, we don’t want you here, we want you to get better. While exercise is important, rest is more important when you’re under the weather. Contact us so that we can cancel your session or class without penalty.
It is recommended to practice Pilates 2-3 times per week for general improvements in strength and flexibility. For more specific goals like muscle building or weight loss, ask your instructor. Learn more.
Most people notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and posture within 2-3 months of consistent practice. However, some benefits may be felt sooner. Learn more.
It’s a mixed level format, meaning that people are varying levels and abilities can take the class. Essential intermediate and advanced options may be given. You will learn, preps and progressions appropriate for your own level. It’s not a race! Enjoy the process. Learn More
Pilates is unlike other forms of exercise. It requires a keen sense of body awareness, mobility, and stability. We are not a drop-in studio. If you have never done Pilates, we require that you take our Studio Starter before entering a group class. Some clients will be ready for group work after those three sessions, and some may need a few more one on ones to make the transition to group work successfully. Safety is our priority. If you have done Pilates, send us an email to schedule a time to come in, see our space, meet with a trainer and try out a reformer. We can assess you within 20 to 30 minutes if you’d be ready for a group work. Safety is our main concern.
We are not a drop in studio. To take group classes, we require connecting with us via email first to discuss your experience. From there we can determine next steps for you personally.
Know what you need to get started, including fitness/readiness, what to wear or bring, and why one-to-one instruction is helpful. Learn about getting started with Pilates.
Turn your curiosity into confidence by working directly with a Certified Pilates Instructor for a safe and practical introduction that will set you up for success when you are ready to continue with group classes. Get curious here.
Getting started, individuals typically take one or more one-on-one classes. This step ensures comfort and readiness for group Pilates classes. Learn more about Studio Starter here or contact us directly for more information.
Yes! This is for your safety and your understanding of what your posture is doing while you’re using the Reformer. At the Pilates Loft we want you to get the most benefit from using the Reformer. Without knowledge of your posture and how to correct it on the Reformer, you can easily hurt yourself. Safety is our priority.
Pilates Reformer is our staple class so you can get into group work at a time that works for you. Advanced Reformer is for the highly-experienced where modifications and progressions are not offered, so these two “book-end” the reformer series at the Pilates Loft. Pilates Reformer is designed to be multi level and allows people to learn preps and progressions appropriate for their own level. In Pilates Reformer, instructors will guide you through progressions slowly and deliberately TOWARD advanced preps and/or repertoire. It’s not a race! Enjoy the process.