New to Pilates?
Frequently Asked Questions
On your first visit to Ray Pilates, we want you to get the most out of your time with us. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your visit. This will give you a chance to get settled and fill out the client forms. As a Pilates beginner, your first session includes a fully personalized postural assessment and an opportunity to talk to your Pilates teacher and discuss goals, concerns and any previous injuries you may have. We want to know where you’re at now and where you’d like to be in the future. Your goals are important to us, so we can design a Pilates program customized to meet your needs.
Comfortable athletic wear, free of buttons, snaps, and zippers. The studio is co-ed so please dress accordingly. Baggy shorts should be avoided as we incorporate inversions and straddle stretches in our workouts. We require socks to be worn in our studios. Sticky bottom socks provide the best grip throughout a workout. If you do not own sticky socks, we have them for purchase at each studio location.
Click here to learn the Pilates principles and a brief history of Joseph Pilates.
Pilates beginners often wonder if they should start with mat or reformer Pilates. A good Pilates program includes both mat and reformer work. Mat classes give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the foundations of Pilates. It is hard to cut corners in a mat class because you are supporting your own body weight and tackling balance without any support from a machine. Working on the reformer gives you additional resistance from the machine’s spring system and challenges your strength and endurance within a limited range of motion that is safe for your joints. Both teach you how to you work your core in different ways. We encourage you to call the studio, so we can recommend the right program for you.
We recommend you practice Pilates two or three times per week.
You will find descriptions of each of our classes by hovering over the class type on the schedule page. In a nutshell, our classes are limited to 10 or less, and you will always use the spring driven equipment. Expect a lot of hands on and personal attention.
Joseph Pilates said it best: “In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you’ll be on your way to having a whole new body.”
Pilates is one of the safest forms of exercise for Moms-to-be. We recommend speaking with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Feel free to call us to discuss how Pilates can be beneficial for you during your pregnancy.
Pilates has a proven track record, when it comes to rehabilitation. It is gentle on the joints and can be beneficial for people with back, neck, and shoulder issues. Pilates can also provide support and relief from arthritis, osteoporosis, and neuromuscular conditions. Always consult your health practitioner before beginning any new exercise program.