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Frequently asked questions
General
Wear Comfortable Clothing:
• Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Most Pilates exercises involve a lot of movement, so you want to be able to move freely.
Bring Grip Socks:
• These have grips on the bottom to provide traction on the equipment.
Arrive Early:
• Arrive a little early for your first class. This will give you time to fill out any necessary paperwork, get familiar with the studio, and speak with the instructor if you have any questions or concerns.
Communicate Any Injuries or Concerns:
• If you have any injuries or specific concerns, let us know before the class starts. We can provide modifications or alternatives to certain exercises to accommodate your needs.
Focus on Alignment and Breathing:
• At Body Atelier we place a strong emphasis on proper alignment and controlled breathing. Listen carefully to cues about body alignment and breath patterns. These are integral to getting the most benefit from each exercise.
Start Slow and Listen to Your Body:
• Pilates can be challenging, especially if you're new to it. Listen to your body, and if something doesn't feel right, let us know.
It's a Full-Body Workout:
• Pilates works the entire body, including deep stabilizing muscles. Don't be surprised if you feel muscles working that you didn't know you had. This is normal, and it's a sign that Pilates is engaging your body in a comprehensive way.
Mind-Body Connection:
• Pilates is not just about physical strength; it also involves a strong mind-body connection. Focus on the quality of movement, precision, and control. It's not about doing as many reps as possible but doing each movement with intention.
Stay Consistent:
• Like any form of exercise, consistency is key. The more consistently you practice Pilates, the more benefits you'll experience. Consider making it a regular part of your fitness routine.
Remember that Pilates is adaptable to various fitness levels, and we are trained to modify exercises to suit individual needs. Enjoy the experience, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification on anything during the class.
Mat Pilates:
• On the Floor: Mat Pilates is performed on a mat or padded surface, making it a portable and accessible form of exercise.
• Body Weight: In Mat Pilates, the resistance comes primarily from the body's own weight. Exercises often involve lifting or supporting parts of the body against gravity.
• Accessible: Mat Pilates is more accessible as it doesn't require specialized equipment. It can be practiced at home or in group classes with minimal setup.
• Core Strength: Mat Pilates places a strong emphasis on core strength and stability. Many exercises target the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvis.
• Bodyweight Movements: Mat Pilates exercises often include classic bodyweight movements like planks, bridges, leg lifts, and various abdominal exercises.
Reformer Pilates
• Whole-Body Integration: Reformer Pilates offers a more comprehensive, whole-body workout. The machine provides support, resistance, and assistance, allowing users to target specific muscle groups effectively.
• Adaptability: Reformer Pilates can be adapted to suit individuals at different fitness levels. It allows for a broader range of exercises compared to mat Pilates.
• Personalized Programming: In a one-on-one session, we will create a highly personalized program using the Reformer to address specific needs, imbalances, or injuries.
• Assisted Movements: The Reformer's design enables assisted movements, allowing users to work on proper alignment and form with less strain on certain joints. Conversely, the adjustable resistance provides challenges for strength-building.
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