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Integrating Body and Mind for Strength, Flexibility, and Balance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you work with Seniors?

Yes! Seniors experiencing change in their bodies can safely participate in Pilates and Barre-4-Bones. These classes can help address decreased muscle tone and strength, decreased bone density, balance concerns, aches and joint stiffness Barre-4-Bones is specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors and others wanting to improve strength, flexibility and balance.

I am recovering from an injury?

Yes! As a Polestar Pilates trained instructor, I specialize in modifications to address the needs of clients dealing with injury recovery. With your doctor’s release to resume exercise, and working in conjunction with your Physical Therapist, the Pilates Method can help you progress into functional movement.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in and that is not too tight or bulky. Fitted clothing helps us to evaluate your postural alignment. Avoid buttons, belts or zippers. For Pilates, Barre 4 Bones, or Yoga no socks or toes socks are best. For Zumba Gold heavy socks or dance shoes work best.

How many times per week should I do Pilates and/or Yoga?

For optimal benefits – including a strong, flexible body and mental focus - it’s important to practice regularly. Two to three times per week is ideal, but Pilates and yoga can be gentle enough to do every day. Your regular practice can consist of private sessions, classes and home exercise. Even one session a week will produce results over time.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates increases strength, flexibility, and balance. Increased strength will increase your muscle mass. Increasing metabolically active muscle increases the Calories you burn. You will be most successful at weight loss if you maintain a healthy diet and regular aerobic exercise. Toning your muscles and improving your posture changes your appearance. As your postural alignment improves, you will stand taller and appear slimmer.

Will Pilates help with back pain?

Pilates exercises help you build core strength and improve flexibility. The core muscles include the abdomen, hip flexors, back and buttocks. Building core strength and flexibility supports the spine, creates balance in your muscles and improves posture. With regular practice and a program that addresses your specific postural alignment, Pilates can help reduce and prevent back pain. During your first session, your posture and current fitness level will be assessed.

I am recovering from an injury. Can you work with me?

Yes. As instructors certified by the Pilates Method Alliance we have knowledge in developing programs and exercise modifications for clients dealing with injuries and physical limitations. We have skills and experience to help progress you into functional movement. We appreciate all useful information and recommend your doctor’s approval prior to beginning exercising.

What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?

Pilates and yoga are complementary practices and very effective forms of mind/body movement. Both help to lengthen and strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, coordination and balance. The physical practice of both Pilates and yoga involves mindful movements guided by breath. Pilates can offer specific resistance training moving from a strong core. Yoga poses build strength and flexibility using body weight. Yoga practices can include meditation and restorative sequences.

Do you work with seniors?

Yes! We work with seniors, many who have made profound changes in their bodies. Our exercise programs help address physical conditions that can be of concern: decreased muscle tone, decreased bone density, aches and pains, decreased energy, poor posture, stiff joints and tight muscles. Two of our small group classes, Barre 4 Bones and Zumba Gold are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors in a small group setting.

What kind of results can I expect?

  • • Improved posture, balance, coordination and overall body awareness
  • • Longer, leaner muscles
  • • Increased core strength
  • • Improved flexibility
  • • Injury prevention
  • • Stress reduction
  • • Increased stamina
  • • Enhanced self esteem

When will I notice results?

You will begin to notice how your body feels while moving. The physical changes will depend on your focus, time commitment, and how your body responds to exercise. At first, you may notice changes in your posture. Workouts will be energizing. Over time, you may develop more muscle tone, improved balance, and an ease of movement.

Is it OK to work with different instructors?

Yes! All of us at Momentum Fitness Studio are highly qualified, PMA-certified instructors. Clients may take privates from one instructor and small group classes with another. We share our knowledge and skills with one another. Offering a variety of options helps our clients meet their exercise goals, whether in private sessions, classes, or a combination.

I want to try a Pilates equipment group. How do I do this?

It is recommended that students interested in joining a group equipment class schedule a private session for assessment and instruction in the fundamentals. Reformer classes are limited to five clients. Most classes are multi-level and we provide modification options throughout the class. Please contact the studio at (831) 625-1360 for additional information or to reserve a space.

Which is better, Pilates mat or equipment?

Pilates mat and Pilates equipment are both beneficial as exercise practices. A benefit of Pilates on the mat is that you can practice anywhere. Pilates exercises range from beginning fundamentals to advanced on the mat as well as on the equipment. The spring resistance/assistance apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze, Chair) offer hundreds of options for exercises many adapted from the mat. The equipment can be used for assistance in learning the exercises or for resistance to increase the challenge of the exercise.