What are the differences between the types of Pilates workouts: Privates, Semi-Privates & Mat Classes?
In a Private Pilates workout it’s just you training with a teacher. This is the safest way to familiarize yourself with the Pilates exercises and the apparatus. The one-on-one nature of these sessions allows you and your instructors to explore and to discover your specific needs, personal challenges and establish fitness goals.
We also offer Semi-Private workouts, where two to four clients work with one teacher at one time. Semi-Privates use all of the Pilates apparatus and incorporate Pilates matwork. They are a great way to stay fit with friends or fellow practitioners. You don’t need to bring a friend, just let us know that you’re interested and we’ll work on finding a good match for your Semi-Private.
Our Mat+ Classes are Classical matwork sometimes with added springs and occasionally other apparatus. These are Advanced Workouts for clients who want to supplement their current Pilates workouts routine.
How do Atlas Pilates teachers differ from other Pilates teachers?
All of our Pilates instructors have completed an immersive year-long Classical Pilates training program with progressively complex written and practical testing and they do regular continuing education. They are well trained in using all of the apparatus and other tools in the studio. They are experienced in the development and management of effective individualized workout programs for all types of bodies of all ages. And they are singularly focused on your progress, helping you to reach your fitness goals efficiently and safely. There are no formal national standards or credentialing for Pilates teachers, and it’s unusual for Pilates teachers in other venues to have the comprehensive training and experience of our career professionals.
Why should I do Pilates in a studio vs a health club or other gym?
Pilates has become increasingly popular online and in health club and gym settings, but the quality of the instruction varies from high quality to unrecognizable (and even dangerous). We’re dedicated to teaching in the way that Joseph Pilates intended it to be taught; utilizing the full array of classical exercises and equipment. Our expert instructors are committed to thoughtfully crafting workouts to the needs of their clients in a way that is difficult to reproduce in group settings.
How much do Pilates Workouts cost?
Atlas Pilates is committed to making Pilates as affordable as possible by keeping our overhead and marketing costs low, but Seattle rents are high and our staff’s time is valuable. We have no membership fees, dues or other recurring charges, and don’t sell big “packages” like some other studios. We offer Private Pilates, Semi-Private Pilates, and Mat Classes at very competitive hourly rates. Visit our Rates and Deals page for more information.
Is Pilates a safe form of exercise?
Pilates, done correctly, is known for being a safer low-impact effective alternative to more aggressive functional fitness modalities that involve heavy weights and repetitive motion. Our instructors are sensitive to pre-existing injuries and carefully consider the strengths and challenges of the client in front of them. While Pilates is frequently recommended by medical professionals as a relatively safe workout system, it is important that you seek advice from your doctor or Physical Therapist before beginning any new exercise program.
Will my insurance pay for Pilates?
Atlas Pilates does not accept insurance and Pilates is not typically covered by insurance. Occasionally, clients referred to Atlas Pilates by a physician are able to collect reimbursement from their insurance company. For individuals who receive a wellness stipend (or other similar benefits) from their employer: previous clients have successfully used those allotments toward Pilates sessions.
How do I know if Pilates is right for me?
You won’t know until try! The Pilates Method is built on principles that are universally essential to daily living: core strength and stability, posture, muscle control, balance, and endurance. Atlas Pilates is confident that consistent Pilates practice will lead clients of all ages and ability levels to feel better equipped for the demands of daily life. However, individuals with acute injuries and/or chronic health concerns must seek advice from a doctor or physical therapist before starting Pilates.
How often should I do Pilates?
We recommend scheduling three Pilates workouts per week to experience the full benefits of the practice. If for some reason three workouts isn’t possible, a minimum of two Pilates workouts weekly is advised. The benefits of Pilates exercise are powerful and lasting, but consistent attendance is crucial. You will get as much out of Pilates as you put into it!
What should I wear?
Clothing that is fitted and comfortable is recommended while practicing Pilates. Come dressed in something that you are comfortable moving in and that allows your instructors to clearly see your body. Should you choose to wear loose fitting shorts, we ask that you wear tight, bike-style shorts underneath.
What are the differences between Pilates “styles” like Classical, Contemporary, Fusion etc.?
“Classical Pilates” generally refers to Pilates that mostly conforms to the original work that Joe Pilates describes in his books and taught in his famous New York studio. Many of his students dedicated their lives to teaching and training the way they learned form Joe. We’re directly descended from that studio, having been trained in the tradition by his protegee Roman Kyzanowska. Joe Pilates called his system “Contrology,” but we usually just call what we do “Pilates.”
“Contemporary Pilates” and other varieties might be rooted in the same principles, but often include novel exercises, workout orders, and apparatus. The name Pilates is not trademarked, it’s generic like yoga, and anyone can pretty much claim that what they’re doing is Pilates. There are a lot of great studios and schools and some not so reputable, and it takes a little reputation research to find the differences. A Pilates business is very difficult to scale-up, and it’s common to find that bigger Pilates businesses and franchises will try to oversimplify, like taking away “riskier” exercises that require expert teachers, or break the work into smaller pieces like only offering mat work or group springs, building their own proprietary apparatus, incorporating Yoga poses, or borrowing exercises from competitive sports training.
We stay comprehensive and focused on what we do – because we know it works – and because Joe Pilates system gives us enough latitude to make the right kind of adjustments without feeling like we need to re-invent.
Why do I need to start with Privates?
Private Pilates Workouts are the best way to become familiar with the equipment and movement vocabulary before scheduling Semi-Private Workouts or Mat Classes. These one-on-one workouts allow our instructors to get to know you and provide feedback based upon your specific needs, goals and challenges.
What kind of results can I expect? How long will it take?
Joe Pilates said, “In 10 sessions you will feel better, in 20 you will look better, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.” In our many years we’ve seen life changing positive results in our ourselves and other who do Pilates con result in increased muscle tone, improved posture, and greater sense of strength, balance, and ease of movement.
Will I lose weight or get slimmer with Pilates?
For individuals interested in losing weight, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified health professional to craft a plan that makes that most sense for your body. As a general rule, Pilates is not an effective form of weight loss on its own. More aerobic forms of exercise such as swimming, biking, and running are more effective for burning calories and pair well with the conditioning you will be doing in your Pilates Workouts!
Will my back pain go away?
For practitioners who have been medically cleared to do Pilates, our workouts have a reputation for being reliably safe and effective for mitigating back pain. Atlas Pilates instructors are not certified health care professionals and are not qualified to treat injuries. However, they are prepared to craft workouts that are safe for injured clients.
What Pilates videos do you recommend?
Visit our Resources page for a running list of books, videos and additional recommendations compiled by our Pilates Instructors!