Frequently Asked Questions

This question is answered with a sumarization of the four stages of rehabilitition by Porterfield and DeRosa and the Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Program

Pilates uses great progressions for rehabilitation of low back pain.  At first a Pilates client will work to stabilize the movement of the back while strengthening other parts of the body.  Often to take the pressure off of the back so that the inflammation can be relieved, a student will be laying supine (on the back) doing exercises that isolate the movement of the arms and legs to give the back a break.

After this step some gentle movement is introduced to the back muscles so that these myofascial configurations can begin to learn healthy and efficient movement.  Then a client begins to challenge himself with proprioceptive challenges that trick the new movement patterns and create neural pathways that make them happen, and finally integrating the new movement patterns into daily life.  This is a process that empowers the client to learn how to take care of the back!

One of the best parts of a Pilates practice is that there are no numbers attached.  As clients get stronger the progress is measured by activities not the amount of resistance.  Once a client who started doing Pilates after a back injury, came into the studio very excited.  She said “On Thanksgiving I pulled a huge Turkey out of the oven and lifted it to the counter by myself!” As a Pilates practice progresses the measures come from life not from numbers.   When an exercise gets too easy, an instructor will not ask for more repetition, she will give a new exercise, or she will add a proprioceptive challenge (like trying that exercise standing on one leg). Clients are encouraged to notice how their body feels instead of counting repetitions.

That depends on a lot of factors- what else do you do for exercise? What other activities do you participate in? How much time can you devote? There is no right answer as everyone’s situations will be different. At The Pilates Studio we push for consistency. Doing a session once a week regularly will be better than a lot one week, and none the next. The studio offers many possibilities for different types of sessions and classes. We also encourage and help clients to establish a home program.

Our focus is on helping you move so you feel good. Most people who start at our studio are coming because they want to feel better, not because they are already good at Pilates!

Officially Sessions are 50 minutes, and Classes are 50-60minutes. This allows for Instructors to schedule future Sessions, and take payments. Most of the time, after you settle up with your instructor, you are welcome to stay after and use available space in the studio to stretch, or complete your workout.

If you arrive and your instructor is still working with another client feel free to get started.

The Pilates Studio encourages working out with a different Pilates instructor from time to time to keep your workout fresh, challenging and exciting but for the most part you will be scheduled with the same instructor. When you first come to the studio for Sessions we will pair you up with a Pilates instructor based on your availability, background and goals. Occasionally you might have a substitute but your main instructor will arrange that with you ahead of time. Very rarely, will you have a surprise substitute for a Session and you always have the option to reschedule.

Our staff works as a tight knit team.  All of our Pilates instructors are trained and certified through Polestar Pilates so there is a consistent language amongst them when it comes to Pilates.  On a weekly basis our instructors share and work together on case studies, and continuing education. While you may be working with one particular instructor you will always have the whole team supporting you. Each instructor came to The Pilates Studio with her own unique background, experience and specialties.  Scoliosis? Ask for Jenni. Athlete? Ask for Kay. Horseback rider? Ask for Suzanne. Neck problems? Ask for Ruth. Dancer? Ask for Maureen or Ivy. Yogi? Ask for Nancy. Cross Fitter? Ask for Holly.

Ideally you would start with The Intro Package. This is a series of 3 private sessions scheduled by appointment. The first session is a complete assessment so your instructor can design a program specifically for you. Whether you are rehabbing an injury, starting Pilates because your friend recommended it, wanting to learn a workout you can do at home, or preparing for group classes the Intro Pack is for you. Some people don’t know what they want out of it, but you’re instructor will help you figure that out.