FAQ
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was created by Joseph Pilates, a boxer and
gymnast from Germany who created this exercise system in his NYC studio in the
20’s. It is a core strengthening system of exercise that is safe for everyone.
It works also on stretch, stability and stamina. The importance of a healthy
spine is at the basis of this exercise that Pilates called “Contrology.”
What is Purely Pilates?
We are a classical Pilates exercise studio that offers private sessions and group classes. The large studio, located in San Carlos, is a fully equipped with the equipment that Joseph Pilates invented. Purely Pilates is staffed with fully certified Pilates instructors and is also the sole affiliate studio to Power Pilates of NYC, the standard in Pilates education, for training Pilates instructors.
Why Purely Pilates instead of another location?
Purely Pilates strives to offer you the finest in Pilates education. There are many styles of Pilates now, and many levels of Pilates education. We ask you to give us a try and compare us to other Pilates classes and studios and make your own educated decision.
Why does it seem so expensive?
Classes at Purely Pilates are smaller than most because we want to make sure that you get the personal attention that will allow you to get the greatest results in the shortest amount of time. The individual attention makes all the difference.
But what about books and DVD’s and the equipment that is for sale at stores and on the web? Can’t I just learn Pilates at home?
Many of our clients have come to us originally saying that they have been doing Pilates with a video for a year. They come to one class or session and tell us afterwards that they learned more in the one class about how to use their muscles properly than all of the time with the video! Part of the reason is that a good Pilates session should work with the individual needs. If you have a bad lower back, for example, we will give you modifications that will help you to improve faster. Once you have really learned the method we are very happy to have you work at home as well. We encourage our clients to learn a mini mat routine that they can do at home to supplement the work that they do with us. We want you to know how to exercise safely!
I’ve heard that classes are full of beautiful dancers and I feel intimidated. If there a focus on dancers or athletes or can anyone do it?
Pilates is a method of exercise for everyone! Dancers have been doing Pilates
since the 20’s to recover from injuries and cross train as many athletes do.
Dancers in NYC discovered the Pilates method because Joseph Pilates gym was in
the same building as the studios of New York City Ballet. Joseph Pilates worked
with the dancers just as he worked with any other client. But he did not create
his method for dancers.
Why don’t I feel like I worked out after my first Pilates class?
The work in Pilates is deep core work. At first it will move at a slower pace
as you learn how to work your core safely. As the work gets more advanced it
can really move! But it is always a workout! Many clients tell us that they realize
how hard they worked in their session later that day or the next day.
I took a Pilates class once and it hurt my back (neck, leg etc). Why?
Pilates should never hurt you! This is the art of Contrology! If you are trained
by a certified instructor and you learn to work with safety for your body then
there should be no injury. You must listen to your body however and tell the
teacher
is something doesn’t work for you. And you must tell the instructor if you have
any pre existing conditions such as a herniated disk so that they can give you
the modifications that are right for you.
Isn’t Pilates just a fad workout?
We believe that Pilates is here to stay! The Pilates method was a “secret” in
New York City from the 20’s until the early 90’s when actors brought the method
to Los Angeles and it made it’s way into the fashion magazines. It has grown
tremendously in popularity since that time. But as more people discover that
it is a safe form of exercise that will benefit anyon,e at any time of their
lives,
it will continue to establish itself as a mainstream type of exercise! 
"Double Leg Stretch"
"Mermaid"
"Single Leg Stretch"
“After I had my baby, I really needed help. Pilates zipped up my tummy and gave me the strength in my back that I really needed. I haven't let my next pregnancy get in the way of my Pilates workout, either. It's safe and make me feel so strong and energized!”
Niki, Purely Pilates Client
963 D Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA
(650)593-4366