Frequently Asked Questions
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 20s. 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 Mr. Pilates called “Contrology.”
What is Purely Pilates?We are a classical Pilates exercise studio that offers private sessions and group classes. The comfortable studio, located in Belmont, CA 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 in a boutique studio setting. We maintain class size restrictions so you will always receive personal attention whether you are in a private, semi-private or group session. 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 DVDs 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 20s 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, there should be no injury. You must listen to your body, however, and tell the teacher if 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 so you can train safely.
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 20s until the early 90s 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 anyone at any time of their lives, it will continue to establish itself as a mainstream type of exercise!
What should I wear to a Pilates class or session?In a lot of the Pilates exercises you will be on your back or sitting upright, either on the mat or reformer and you will want to wear longer shorts or form fitting pants. Many of our male clients wear bicycle shorts to get that tight fit. Form-fitting clothing allows your instructor to check your alignment and see if you are engaging the proper muscle groups (“deepening the Powerhouse”).
A fitted, but longer-cut shirt or tank top is helpful because you don’t want to be constantly tugging the shirt down while exercising.
Additionally, some of our clients wear “ToeSox” because of the gripping,non-slip soles. The five toe design promotes toe strength and flexibility by allowing independent movement of your toes and the line at the base of your toes helps you check your alignment.
Many clients prefer cotton material, while others prefer high-tech breathable material. The choice is up to you. The most important thing is comfort.
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 20s. 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 Mr. Pilates called “Contrology.”
What is Purely Pilates?We are a classical Pilates exercise studio that offers private sessions and group classes. The comfortable studio, located in Belmont, CA 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 in a boutique studio setting. We maintain class size restrictions so you will always receive personal attention whether you are in a private, semi-private or group session. 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 DVDs 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 20s 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, there should be no injury. You must listen to your body, however, and tell the teacher if 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 so you can train safely.
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 20s until the early 90s 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 anyone at any time of their lives, it will continue to establish itself as a mainstream type of exercise!
What should I wear to a Pilates class or session?In a lot of the Pilates exercises you will be on your back or sitting upright, either on the mat or reformer and you will want to wear longer shorts or form fitting pants. Many of our male clients wear bicycle shorts to get that tight fit. Form-fitting clothing allows your instructor to check your alignment and see if you are engaging the proper muscle groups (“deepening the Powerhouse”).
A fitted, but longer-cut shirt or tank top is helpful because you don’t want to be constantly tugging the shirt down while exercising.
Additionally, some of our clients wear “ToeSox” because of the gripping,non-slip soles. The five toe design promotes toe strength and flexibility by allowing independent movement of your toes and the line at the base of your toes helps you check your alignment.
Many clients prefer cotton material, while others prefer high-tech breathable material. The choice is up to you. The most important thing is comfort.