WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAT
CLASSES AND ONE ON ONE SESSIONS?
Mat classes can offer you immediate consistency in studying
Pilates® and is the most affordable
program we offer. In a group setting, you will learn
exercises that you can practice at home as mat work does not
require apparatus. A one on one session is the best place for
anyone with injuries or health issues to begin and is also an
excellent way to experience the entire Pilates®
Method (apparatus and mat exercises). Another benefit to One
on One sessions is a more individualized workout.
SHOULD I START WITH MAT CLASSES
OR ON THE APPARATUS?
You can begin with either mat classes or one on one
(apparatus plus mat) sessions. Both are equally beneficial.
Mat classes can offer you immediate consistency in studying
Pilates® and is the most affordable
program we offer. You will also learn exercises that you can
practice at home as mat work does not require apparatus. A
one on one (apparatus and mat) session is the best place for
anyone with injuries or health issues to begin and is also an
excellent way to experience the entire Pilates®
Method. Another benefit to One on One sessions is a more
individualized workout.
CAN I START OUT DOING A DUET OR A
SMALL GROUP AS A BEGINNER?
It is best to start with a one on one session so that your
fitness level can be assessed and matched to another
individual. However, if you have a friend that you are
confident is at a similar fitness level, then you could begin
as a duet. Small Group sessions require experience and
permission of an instructor.
WHEN DO MAT CLASSES START? CAN I
DROP IN TO ANY CLASS?
Mat classes are offered in 6 week sessions. Registration is
required for each session. For the next schedule of mat
classes click here.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND A MAT
CLASS?
Our mat classes are limited to 15 people per class.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO
PROGRESS TO THE NEXT MAT CLASS LEVEL?
As you attend your first mat class session, your instructor
will encourage you to practice the exercises at home to help
with your progression. Progress will depend on your
commitment to practice and your current fitness level. The
Pilates® Method is an in depth
exercise system and most clients take each mat class level at
least twice.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT PIECES OF
APPARATUS DO YOU HAVE, HOW MANY DIFFERENT EXERCISES CAN YOU
PERFORM ON THEM?
Our studio encompasses 3500 square feet of space including a
fully-equipped pilates studio in addition to an open area for
mat and yoga classes. Our studio is equipped with all of the
Pilates® apparati including reformers
and cadillacs. Our mat class area is 20x40, enrollment is
limited to fifteen. The Pilates®
Method consists of over 500 different exercises.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR
INJURY, IS IT STILL GOOD FOR ME TO DO PILATES ®?
As with any medical condition or injury, it is important that
you have a release from your physician to exercise. The
Pilates® Method integrates into a
rehabilitative exercise program to speed recovery from many
medical conditions and injuries.
CAN I DO PILATES® IF I'M
PREGNANT?
If you have never done Pilates®, wait
until delivery and permission from your doctor. If you have
studied Pilates® prior to your
pregnancy, this is a matter to discuss with your instructor.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE/FEEL
RESULTS?
Benefits of Pilates® include,
increased flexibility and strength with more defined longer
leaner muscles, emphasizing precision, control and form.
Through Pilates®, the abdomen,
gluteals and lower back are strengthened enabling the body to
move more efficiently and freely. Result time is individual
depending on your commitment to Pilates®.
Generally, clients begin to feel these benefits within one
session and start to see them in ten sessions.
CAN PILATES® HELP ME WITH WEIGHT
REDUCTION?
For many, Pilates® has been helpful
with weight loss. Pilates® does
provide some resistance training which is beneficial for
weight loss.
HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK SHOULD I
DO A PILATES® WORKOUT?
Pilates® is a form of exercise that
you can do daily. We recommend one to three times per week to
get started.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO WORK OUT
IN?
You should where workout clothing that you feel comfortable
exercising in. Most clients wear sweat pants, t-shirts,
leggings and leotards. Layers are best. If you wear shorts,
please wear long shorts. You will need a pair of socks for
your workout. No shoes are necessary.
WHAT FORM OF PAYMENT DO YOU
ACCEPT?
Cash, Checks and Money Orders. We also accept Visa,
Mastercard & American Express.
WHEN CAN I START INDEPENDENT
WORKOUTS?
Independent workouts require a high level of experience.
Achieving that level of experience depends on your current
fitness level. If this is a goal of yours for the future, you
should discuss this with your instructor.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE
STUDIO WHILE I WORKOUT?
Part of our commitment to every Excel client is to provide a
supportive atmosphere in which clients may grow, learn, and
be guided towards a fitter lifestyle. Our facility does not
have the ability to provide child care.
CAN I GIVE PILATES® CLASSES AS A
GIFT TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes, gift certificates are available. Please call us to make
arrangements, 408-993-YOGA.