FAQ's
“Man should bear in mind and ponder over the Greek admonition: Not Too Much, Not Too Little.”--Joseph Pilates
I have never taken a Pilates Class, can I really do Pilates?
Don't be afraid of Pilates Classes! Some people are intimidated by Pilates. Don't be! ProperPilates Studio is a welcoming environment where all kinds of people are taking advantage of the benefits of Pilates for different reasons. People of all sizes, shapes, and ages take classes. If you have any concerns, please call the Studio and speak to someone to help ease any fears or concerns you may have.
What do I wear to Pilates?
There are a few things to consider when you dress for a Pilates workout. First, make sure your clothes give enough to let you move and stretch fully. Your instructor will need to be able to see your body well enough to see the alignment of you bones and how your muscles are engaging, so while loose is OK, baggy is not. You will also want to avoid baggy clothes because some Pilates exercises could be a bit revealing if your clothes are too loose. Pilates is usually done barefoot, so no fancy footwear is needed. Some people wear specialized socks with grippies, as a light barrier or to enhance their footing on the equipment.
You will also want to avoid excess accessories while you're working out. Long necklaces, belts, dangling bracelets and such could not only be distracting, but could be dangerous if they got caught up in the equipment. Similarly, hair needs to be out of the face and tied back if it is long.
One other note: Many people are sensitive to perfumes and strongly scented deodorants so the Studio kindly requests that clients refrain from wearing strong scents.
What if I need to cancel?
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR cancellation is required for all appointment (private) sessions you have signed up for online in advance or with the instructor. You will be charged for the session if 24 hour notice is not given.
FOURTEEN hours cancellation before class time is required for all classes you have signed up for online in advance or with the instructor.
If you have an illness or emergency, you are allowed two free no-charge lessons or classes per year.
Please call the Studio. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail or you can cancel online on your mindbody account (desktop) or mindbody app (available for download on most smartphones). This is the only way to cancel and avoid being charged.
If class/appointment has been cancelled outside the fourteen hour cancellation window you will not be charged and will be credited for the class or appointment.
What if I am running late?
Please call the studio to notify the instructor. For safety reasons and courtesy to other clients, if you are running later than 10 minutes to class, even if you have signed up online, you will lose your reservation and not be able to join the class upon arrival. You will be charged for the class as if you had attended.
What if I need to use my cell phone?
Unless it’s an emergency, we ask that you please turn your cell phone off. If you need to take a call or text, please go to the change room or step outside so you won’t disturb others. Thanks!
Where do I put my belongings?
Please remove your shoes at the door and take all personal belongings including your shoes to the cubby provided. We want to keep the clean feel of the studio. (Please no heeled shoes across the floor beyond the front entrance, even if they are clean.)
Note: ProperPilates isn’t responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
How long is a session?
Joseph Pilates said “Pilates and a shower in an hour.” Sessions are meant to be approximately 50 minutes in length. This also gives instructors time to schedule appointments, get payment and use the restroom!
What about drop-ins to scheduled classes?
Drop-ins are permitted for scheduled classes, provided space is available. It is recommended that you call the studio prior to coming in for class to ensure that it is still scheduled and that a spot for a drop-in is available.
How do I sign up for group classes?
Register and sign up on Mindbody online to create an account. Once created, you can purchase and then schedule your desired classes in advance to save your spot!
How do I book a private session?
Private Session availability has limited space until further notice. If you would like to book an appointment or are interested in more information about private sessions, please call or email the Studio.
How do I get a private session partner?
If you are interested in doing a duet or trio, please notify your instructor. You are responsible for finding your own Pilates partner in crime. We can work on matching you up with someone at the same level if a waiting list presents itself.
Can I pay for services after attending a class or lesson?
All services must be paid for before class or appointment attendance. This insures for prompt check in and/or that all class times continue to run on time.
Is there a shower available?
Joseph believed practicing Pilates was the equivalent of an 'internal shower': "As the spring freshness born of the heavy rains and vast masses of melting snows on mountains in the hinterlands cause rivers to swell and rush turbulently onward to the sea, so too will your blood flow with renewed vigor as the direct result of your faithfully performing the Contrology exercises." As for "external" showers, ProperPilates Studio does not offer a place to do so after class. There are two bathroom facilities that will provide all the necessities needed to change attire and refreshen as necessary.
Have a concern or an issue?
Please make any suggestions to the Studio owner and she will do her best to remedy a situation or problem.
Etiquette for Pilates Classes - Do's and Don'ts:
Do Arrive On Time: It is important to be at class on time. Arriving late interrupts the flow of a class, and your body won't get the full benefit. Being on time is a sign of respect for the instructor and other students.
Don't Be a "No Show": Please call if you are going to miss your class. Even if something comes up at the last minute and you are embarrassed, or you forgot class and remembered too late to go, call. If you are signed up for a class, that spot is being held for you until the very last minute, but you have up to FOURTEEN hours before class time to cancel before being charged as if you had attended the class. Giving notice allows for other clients to sign up and also lets the Studio know you are OK.
Do Warm Up Before Class: If you have time before class, warm up is the best way to use it. Focus on basic alignment, centeredness, stretching and breathing on the mat while as you wait for class to start.
Don't Intrude On the Class Before Yours: If a class is going on, be respectful. That means not holding prolonged conversations within hearing of the students. It also means that you may have to hold off on your warm up until the class ends. If you can find a quiet corner to do your own thing in, that is usually fine. It is usually not good to help yourself to an empty piece of equipment and start doing as you desire when a class is in progress. Please depend on your common sense.
Do Let Your Instructor Know About Injuries or Changes in Your Body: Often, an instructor will check in with students before a class, and ask how they are feeling and if there is anything special going on. But if something really new is going on for you, don't wait to be asked. Politely approach the instructor before class and inform them of any changes. New bodily pains or strains are important to communicate. As are significant changes like a surgery or pregnancy.
Don't Do Exercises that Hurt Your Body: You are responsible for your body. If the instructor asks you to do something that really doesn't feel right for you (which is different than "requires exertion"), it is alright not to do it. There are also ways to modify each of the exercises if they are too challenging for you at that time.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Make sure your clothes give enough to let you move and stretch fully. Your instructor will need to be able to see your body well enough to see the alignment of you bones and how your muscles are engaging.
Leave The Equipment and Other Pilates "Toys" as You Found Them: After class, please wipe down the mat and/or equipment with the cleaning solution and towel provided for you. All weights, poles, magic circles, etc. returned back to their designated places.