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FAQs
Who can do Pilates? Anyone! Pilates is suitable for a beginner as well as a seasoned athlete, and
can be modified to accommodate pregnancy or post-injury rehabilitative needs. At our studio, we teach a contemporary version of Joseph
Pilates' original exercises, with preparatory exercises and modifications to make the method safer, more effective, and more accessible.
Our classes are designed to restore and support the natural curves of the spine and
rebalance muscles around the joints by using low-impact and tension free movements.
I have never done Pilates before, how do I begin?
All clients begin training at Evolution Pilates with 3 introductory private lessons. This allows an instructor to evaluate your needs through
postural analysis and dynamic muscle testing; begin creating awareness of the core musculature of the body that we will rely on for all
exercises; and introduce beginning exercises in a private environment. We encourage you to ask questions in the private sessions in order to
gain a deeper understanding of the method. In the meantime, your instructor can personalize the routine, creating modifications to keep the
exercises safe, challenging and exciting! After the initial 3 lessons, you can join group classes or repeat the private lesson series
if you need more time to work on the fundamentals or heal from injury. I have been practicing Pilates for some time now. How can I progress to the next level of Pilates exercises? Pilates is an exercise system with well-defined skills required at each level,
from beginner to advanced. When working with an instructor, you will be guided through the different levels. Working with a different instructor
for a few sessions can offer new challenges, as each instructor has their own unique style. If you feel like you have hit a plateau, try making
small changes to your routine, such as modifying the tempo or adding a prop, like the stability ball or weights. This may also be a good
opportunity to try using equipment, such as the reformer or cadillac, to
add resistance and increased challenge to your workout.
Will I get the same results with a mat workout as with an equipment workout? Mat-based workouts focus primarily on conditioning the muscles of the
trunk—abdominals, back, hips, and shoulder girdle. Mat work is popular because it can be done anywhere, requiring only you and gravity's pull.
At the studio, we use small props in our mat class (fitness bands, small weights, exercise balls) to help clients gain a deeper understanding of the
traditional mat repertoire. These props allow us to add more variety to the classes, emphasize coordination and balance, and deepen the arm and
leg conditioning.
Equipment workouts on the reformer or stability chair provide a full body workout. While there is still an emphasis on the fundamentals of breathing and core stability, the addition of spring resistance allows us to incorporate more arm and leg work than on the mat. Equipment-based Pilates is especially effective in correcting muscular imbalances and improving posture. The spring system can work as either resistance or support, depending on the exercise. The other apparatus (cadillac and barrels) can also provide challenge with added resistance, or can be used to modify mat exercises. What should I bring with me to the Pilates lessons? Our studio will supply any equipment, including mats, that you will need for your
workout. Please dress comfortably in clothes you would wear to exercise (no jeans, please). Be sure your shirt isn’t so long that you might sit on
the tail of it, and that your shorts are appropriate for when your legs to be in the air. Class will be done in bare or socked feet.
What should I bring with me to Total Barre® classes? We recommend bringing a water bottle and a small towel, especially if you tend to
sweat a lot when exercising. Barre classes are usually done without shoes, to allow for appropriate mobility of the foot. The studio has
laminate floors, so we recommend clients are barefoot or wear sticky socks to class. (Toe sox and crescent moon socks are available for
purchase at the studio.) Please be conscious of the length of your pants when attending barre class. If they ride
lower than your heel, you may trip on them during class. Capris or ankle length pants are ideal.
Can I eat before class? It is best to consume a balanced meal 4-5 hours before class,
with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, to ensure you have the proper energy for your workout. If you snack 1-2 hours before class,
we recommend a light meal that is easy to digest, but also contains complex carbohydrates, protein, and good fats.
Make sure to stay well hydrated before, during, and after all workouts.
Will Pilates make me sweat? In general, Pilates isn't a sweaty workout. Most of the movements are
done in rhythm with the pace of one's breathing, so it does not usually heat the body to the point of sweating. You may occasionally
sweat based on a position or intensity of an exercise, but it is not enough to need a shower. Conversely, barre classes or more athletic
Pilates workouts will make you sweat. In both of these workouts, we mix strength training with plyometrics in order to elevate the heart rate as
part of cardiovascular conditioning.
Do you accept credit cards? Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Is the studio kept warm? The studio is kept between 68-70 degrees, for your comfort. During the cold
months, we do recommend dressing in layers,
because our heating system is forced air and tends to fluctuate a little between cycles.
How do I register? If you are new to the studio, we request that you
reach out to us by phone or email so we can discuss the best way for you to begin a pilates or barre program. You can register by phone at (860) 644-4455, by
email at info@evolutionpilates.com, or in person.
Is there a minimum age to begin practicing Pilates? Although there is no minimum age required to practice Pilates, we have
found that the ability to stay focused and concentrate on applying the basic principles does take maturity. For group classes, we ask that
clients be at least 15 years old. For private training, we welcome clients of any age.
We also ask that you do not leave your children unattended at the studio.
I’m over 60, can I benefit from Pilates classes? Absolutely! A primary focus of Pilates is core strengthening—abdomen, obliques,
lower back—and the benefits of developing your core include a stronger back, better balance, and improved posture. As a
weight-bearing exercise, Pilates can also help to strengthen your bones and build muscle without the risk of lifting weights.
The emphasis on proper alignment can reduce strain on your joints and possibly decrease some of those nagging aches and pains.
Increased flexibility? You bet! More energy? Yes! Relieve stress? With every breath. Although you should always consult with your doctor
before beginning any type of fitness plan, Pilates is a safe and low-impact way for people over 60 to get in shape.
How long will I have to do Pilates or barre before seeing results? The average active person doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results
within 10-12 classes. Of course, this can vary depending on individual fitness and activity level, number of classes taken each week, whether those classes are private or group, and whether there are any existing injuries. If you commit
yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.
I have a bad back. Will I be able to do Pilates? Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness
routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden or jarring movements. It is 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.
When joining a group session, our flow classes are more appropriate for a restorative or rehabilitative setting. Power classes are geared towards athletic conditioning, and move at slightly faster pace. Total Barre® classes are appropriate for healthy individuals. If you are unsure about which class is best for you, please consult one of our instructors.
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