FAQs
Usually twice a week is a good schedule to gain strength and to reinforce the movements and training.
Sometimes couples or friends want to work together and that usually works if their goals and needs are somewhat similar. Some people find it is a good way to get their partner moving again without the stress of a large gym.
It is usually best if two people who know each other schedule the semi-private classes. We are happy to find someone of similar experience to work with you
If you are new to the Pilates method you need to have at least 4 or 5 private lessons to learn the method, the equipment, and for us to learn about you, before you join a group equipment class. If you have done Pilates before and feel confident about the method and equipment, then the classes will probably work for you, with the teachers approval. Mat work is available to all, but we highly recommend a private lesson to help you understand the mat work
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in easily. Please don’t wear jewelry, perfume or tight-fitting clothes that will prevent free movement. We work without shoes, so if you’re uncomfortable bare footed, no-slip socks are recommended.
Pilates exercises are designed to support the spine. All of the muscles that support the spine, from the arches of you feet up, are the “core”. Most people just move their arms and legs without thinking; it’s the muscles around the spine and joints in the trunk (torso) that gives support to the limbs. We work from the center body to the edges.
We use the Reformer, the Cadillac or Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Wonda Chair and Spine Corrector. We use small props as well as other tools to help us target certain areas.
That is our goal at Pilates Palm Springs. We want you to learn and incorporate the lessons so that they become a routine part of your life. Once you understand the method and equipment, we encourage you to come in and guide your own workout.
Anyone can improve their balance and agility whether you are 9 or 90. If you have a body, you can do pilates.
Pilates is about building strength with correct alignment, efficient movement, and awareness. You need to build strength in order to move well. You will discover muscles you didn’t know you had!
Pilates is a very effective rehabilitation method. If you have an injury, we look at the way you use your body to see if that is part of the problem or is negatively impacting your recovery. Pilates may be the ideal solution to help you regain full function and strength.
Everyone’s body is different and everyone responds differently, so it is impossible to set a time frame. Many people sense less pain very quickly if they can learn and maintain the corrections. Muscle strength takes time to build. According to Joseph Pilates: “In 10 sessions you will feel better, in 20 you will look better, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.” If you are doing 2-3 classes a week, you should feel a difference in one or 2 lessons, and if you stick with it, your improvement will continue.
Yoga was created as a spiritual practice intended to help you “transcend” your body. Pilates is about embodiment; to feel your body specifically and deeply. Joseph Pilates designed his method, “Contrology” to help you understand, strengthen, and fine tune your body for optimal use and free movement.
If you go to the gym and just do repetitions without doing them efficiently and structurally correct, you will create and re-enforce negative patterns. Pilates teaches you to move in the best way for YOUR body; by using your brain!
You will be guided through your program. The information becomes yours. That said, we encourage you to commit the exercises to memory.
You should be able to go to another Pilates studio and recognize the exercises.
Physical Therapist Joseph Pilates developed the method as a rehabilitation technique during and after World War II. When Pilates arrived in NYC, he and his wife Clara, further developed his work. The program continued to evolve through the original group of his students, those that we call the “elders,” or first generation. There are only 3 who are still living, and all of them still teaching (in their late 70’s and 80’s!). One of Pilates’ students, Ron Fletcher, was Susan’s mentor. Since it’s beginning, Pilates has been embraced by dancers and athletes the world over as part of their regular workout routine for the better part of a century.
We will teach you. Since they are complex “machines” we require that all group participants have at least five private or semi-private sessions so the can learn the method and the machine. If you have done Pilates at another location, we request you take at least one private lesson to demonstrate your knowledge of the equipment. We encourage you to do self-guided sessions, $25 each, when you become proficient with the work to develop your own practice.