Two people practicing Pilates indoors, focusing on an extended arm position.

We answer the most frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

 
  • Pilates is named after its founder, Joseph Pilates, a German-born physical fitness enthusiast who developed the method and founded the first Pilates studio in 1926 in New York City.

  • In most cases, yes! The Pilates method is highly adaptable and can be modified to accommodate a wide range of injuries and physical conditions. Tiffany is trained in protocols for safely working with common injuries and conditions. Depending on the specific injury or condition, we generally recommend that clients initially participate in private sessions rather than group classes. For acute injuries, we strongly advise consulting a medical professional and obtaining clearance before engaging in Pilates sessions with us.

  • Comfortable workout attire that allows free movement, without zippers, knots, ties, or design features that may cause discomfort when lying on your back or stomach. We also suggest wearing Pilates grip socks for your initial session. Although we have them available for purchase at the studio, any brand from any retailer is suitable. After your first introductory session (which can be completed barefoot), grip socks are required for all future sessions. Please remove and store shoes and sneakers prior to your workout.

  • Tiffany is a formally certified Pilates professional from reputable, nationally, and internationally recognized programs. Two comprehensive Pilates certifications one with Balanced Body.  Tiffany did extensive training in anatomy, exercise biomechanics, and the traditional principles of Pilates in Exercise Sport Science and with Balanced Body. Ongoing continuing education ensures our team stays current with the latest research and developments in exercise science. Instructors are trained to modify, challenge, and progress clients safely and appropriately according to individual needs.

  • Absolutely! Pilates can improve your flexibility, but it’s suitable for people of all flexibility and strength levels. The Pilates method is organized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercises, so everyone can start where they feel comfortable. We’re prepared to help anyone—from those recovering from injuries or trying exercise for the first time in their 80s, to elite athletes.

  • Deep breathing is an essential part of Pilates exercise. And not just a big inhale, but also when you make a conscious effort to exhale fully, getting rid of every bit of stale air and allowing fresh, invigorating air to rush in. 

    In Pilates, the breath leads the movement and gives it power. All of Joseph Pilates' movements are coordinated with the breath and most equipment exercises are taught with breath patterns as well.

    Typically, when people think of deep breathing they fill up their upper chest. In Pilates, however, we want to use all of the breathing space we have available to us. We therefore consciously use two related but slightly different types of breathing:

    • Diaphragmatic Breathing: This is deep belly breathing where we bring the breath all the way into the body allowing the belly to expand with the inhale and deflate with the exhale. Diaphragmatic breathing is a "best practice" breath for life in general. 

    • Lateral Breathing: Sometimes, in Pilates and other types of exercise, we do focused training with abdominal muscles in a way that makes it impossible to allow the belly to raise up with the inflow of air. Lateral breathing teaches us to expand our ribcage and back to allow for a full intake of air. 

  • Equipment Pilates is similar to, yet distinctly different from, mat-based Pilates. Reformer (and other apparatuses) Pilates is performed using the Pilates reformer machine and generally offers a more intense and dynamic workout, as it incorporates resistance through the use of springs integrated into the machine.

    While mat classes rely on bodyweight exercises, the Reformer introduces additional resistance via its springs, enhancing the effectiveness of the movements. Pilates mat work serves as the foundation for the entire Pilates system of exercises.
    Both approaches are valuable methods of practicing Pilates, each offering unique benefits. At Fleurishing Pilates, we incorporate a blend of mat, barre, and apparatus-based exercises to optimize your studio experience.

  • Pilates is a popular low-impact exercise. It is effective for toning up, building lean muscle, and improving posture. Practicing Pilates can be beneficial for your health and help you maintain a healthy weight. Pilates may not be as effective for weight loss as other cardio exercises, such as running or swimming.

    To quote 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 start to see results in 10-12 weeks. If you attend one class a week, you will still see results but it might take longer.

  • It all depends on the client; Pilates is so flexible in training that each client receives custom-tailored sessions according to their specific health needs or goals. Most work is done on the reformer but there is/can be some light warm-up cardio and stretching before and throughout to keep muscles activated and loose for maximum results.

    The main focus is to push each client in a safe and productive way while helping them to become more aware of their mental experience, breathing techniques, and most importantly, posture and form.

  • For your first visit, please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for completing any necessary paperwork and settling in.

  • Yes, all packages have expiration dates.

  • We require a 24-hour cancellation to avoid being charged a full session 

  • We do not provide refunds, so please ensure you are confident in your purchase. We are committed to making your experience here as positive as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the studio owners, Tiffany via email: fleurishingpilates@gmail.com

Two women sitting on a Pilates reformer machine

“Breathing is the first act of life, and the last. Our very life depends on it…above all learn how to breathe correctly.”

— Joseph Pilates, Inventor and Promoter of Pilates method of physical fitness.