Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates?  

Please see our What is Pilates? page for more details.

What are the principles of a STOTT Pilates session?

STOTT PILATES improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. It focuses specifically on:
1. Breathing
2. Pelvic placement
3. Rib-cage placement
4. Scapular movement
5. Head & cervical spine placement


How is Pilates different from other exercises?

Pilates trains the body from the inside out.  A trained pilates instructor will teach you how to feel and connect your core stabilizing muscles before you move, versus moving the body around in attempt to feel something working.  Pilates is a gentle and effective form of exercise that requires an individual to learn how to focus attention of a movement completely from start to finish.

Students of Pilates are taught to work all of the muscles simultaneously from the start to the end of a movement.  Students are then able to move the body in all planes of motion with control, efficiency and strength, while maintaining flexibility for ease of movement.

Once well trained in Pilates based techniques, you can translate the principles of Pilates into any form of exercise, work related setting, or activities of daily life.


How does Pilates compare to Yoga?

Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement.   Each emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. Because the body and breath are emphasized, movements flow from one to another, and a great deal of mental focus and concentration is required some circles have defined Pilates as "yoga with movement".  That however, is where the similarities end.  Pilates does not include a philosophical or meditative component.  

STOTT Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically based. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness.  Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, and adheres to a meditative focus.


How often can I do Pilates?

My experience is that students progress the quickest when they can come 2-3x/week.  That, however, is not feasible for everyone so I recommend at least 1x/week.

A well-trained student of Pilates can do it everyday.


When can I expect to notice results (and/or lose weight) from doing Pilates?  

Pilates himself said "In 10 classes you will feel the difference.  In 20 classes you will see the difference, and in 30 classes you will have a whole new body".  Noticing results however, does depend on your lifestyle and habits.  

In my opinion, Pilates alone will not change your body.  A healthy diet, consistent cardiovascular exercise, and regular attendance in STOTT Pilates sessions can create a transformed posture and physique.

The average active person, doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and things such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they have any existing injuries.


What are the benefits of doing Pilates?

By participating in a STOTT Pilates program, you can expect an increase in flexibility, mobility, balance, and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain/other general pains over time.


What is the difference between an equipment-based class and a mat-based class?

There are different forms of Pilates training; the two most common are matwork and reformer.  
 
Matwork Pilates is done without any equipment, using one's own internal resistance to stretch and strengthen the core stabilizing muscles.  Because there is no need for specialized pieces of equipment or additional training for the instructor, the cost of a matwork session tends to be lower than a reformer session.  Matwork however is actually very difficult for most beginning students (de-conditioning, postural misalignment, old injuries) and in my experience, a form of exercise to work up towards.  Many new students need cervical or lumbar support, assistance in ranges of motion you and I consider being normal, and building blocks to step up from.  That's where the reformer and small equipment come into play.
 
The Reformer helps one establish torso stability and postural alignment while working peripheral limbs through full range of motion.   There are adjustable springs, straps, cushions and other small pieces of equipment that allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles.  The biggest difference is that matwork once learned properly, can be done at home by oneself.  The reformer will always require a trained instructor to be at a client's side for safety.  The training for the reformer is extensive as is the equipment, and therefore the cost difference.  

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A Reformer workout will add resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a mat routine would.
 
Since Pilates has gotten so hot over the past few years, most people think that it's just the matwork and should be easy to do at home with a video.  Unfortunately, that same audience is probably missing a big piece of the puzzle.  Without trained instruction it is very easy to hurt yourself, or totally miss the picture.  A trained Pilates instructor will teach you not how to move to feel something (as we do in the fitness studio), she will teach you how to feel something before you move.


Where should I start - on the mat or on the equipment?

I usually recommend that students come and try a session first so I can explain Pilates to them, do a postural analysis, review the key principles of Pilates, and give the student an opportunity to try all of the different options available to them.  From there, most students have an idea of which workout suits them best to continue with.


Can the Pilates reformer replace strength training?

I usually recommend that students come and try a session first so I can explain Pilates to them, do a postural analysis, review the key principles of Pilates, and give the student an opportunity to try all of the different options available to them.  From there, most students have an idea of which workout suits them best to continue with.

On a Pilates reformer, you are working with resistance, and your own body weight acts as resistance as well. Some of the benefits of working on the reformer include:

Pilates reformers are great for building longer leaner muscles without bulking up. You can get a total body workout on the reformer and perform rehabilitative exercises. A Pilates reformer is also great for athletes and, depending on the accessories of the reformer, it is also great for a cardiovascular workout with the jumpboard.

Whether the Pilates reformer will replace strength training or not depends on your fitness goals. I don't think one will replace the other as they both have great benefits and can be done together. You can get a lot of variety of movement from both strength training and the reformer, and you can also be muscle specific with both. If you wanted to bulk up for a competition or something like that, then I would add in strength training with free weights or machines on top of a Pilates workout. If you are looking to simply tone up without bulk, or if you are working on injury recovery and improving posture while gaining a greater sense of core strength, a Pilates reformer workout a few times a week is perfect.


Can I drop-in to a mat class?

Yes, but mat work experience is required.  Please call ahead to reserve a space.


I have an injury/medical condition.  Can I do Pilates?

Yes, but as with any medical condition or injury, it is vital that you have consulted your physician prior to starting any exercise program.  STOTT Pilates is a very safe and effective method of training a person recovering from an injury or working with a medical condition.  Look for a STOTT Certified Instructor who has completed the Injuries and Special Populations program.

A STOTT Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.
 


Can I do Pilates if I'm pregnant?

Yes, with prior experience.  It is best that you discuss your pregnancy with your physician and instructor to develop a safe and effective workout throughout the course of the pregnancy.  

If you have never done STOTT Pilates before conceiving, it is recommended that you wait until after delivery and your six-week check-up before beginning.


What are the ages of your clients?

My youngest student is 13 years old; the oldest is in her late 70's.  Each client receives individualized attention designed to help meet his/her goals, regardless of age and physical condition.


How do I start?

If you are recovering from an injury, please consult your physician first.  Otherwise, just call to book a consultation.
 

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable exercise clothing (may be loose fitting but not bulky), socks or barefoot only.  Tights or yoga pants with a form fitting tank top of t-shirt work well.


What if I have more questions?

Please don't hesitate to contact us.

"We learn by observation, imitation and repetition."
-- Denis Waitley.