Am I able to do Pilates?
YES!

Yes, you can!  If you are able to get on and off a mat or the reformer independently and are in fairly good health, then you can certainly do Pilates!

For my group mat Pilates classes, the classes are intentionally small so that I am able to watch and see that you are doing your exercises in proper form.  For private one-on-one instruction, I am able to give more attention to each individual focusing on specific needs and goals that you want to achieve through practicing Pilates.  Note, for private sessions, you will need to be able to walk downstairs to the reformer and other large pieces of Pilates equipment. 

I have never tried Pilates.  What are the benefits of Pilates?

​Pilates is for everyone no matter your age.  It is a unique exercise ideal for most fairly healthy individuals.  Pilates is an exercise helping you to move functionally, as you were designed to move so that you can move actively, with increased mobility and strength excelling in your favorite physical hobbies such as tennis, pickle ball, biking, skiing, plus improving your well-being in doing your daily activities such as working at your office, caring for your household and loved ones, and your other personal pursuits.

Pilates will help with:

• Coordination, balance, flexibility, mobility, awareness of posture & alignment.
• Strength training for overall health plus strength training to improve athletic performance.
• Back, Neck, & Joint Pain
• Pilates stimulates your digestive system & addresses digestive ailments.
• Osteoporosis and Scoliosis prevention and alleviation of symptoms
• Incontinence, Postpartum pelvic floor and abdominal recovery
  
• Stress and depression
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Why should I have a private Pilates session?

A private Pilates session is a one-on-one session between you and I, a Certified Pilates Instructor, teaching and training you various Pilates exercises aimed at meeting your specific fitness goals.  A private session provides you the space to discuss your specific exercise needs in the privacy of my at-home Pilates space.  Added, each session is customized and dedicated to YOUR NEEDS and thus, the time is efficiently spent and the results that you are seeking are attained more effectively in a private Pilates session.

​What is the difference between a Pilates group class (mat or
reformer) and a personalized, at-home private Pilates studio?

​In a Pilates group class (mat or reformer), clients follow a standard program.  A staffed instructor offers general direction, and depending on their expertise can provide options for modifications.  

In a personalized Pilates studio session, clients’ condition is immediately assessed determining the direction of that day’s session format, in accordance with their overall personal goals for Pilates and how they feel on that day.

At my at-home Pilates studio, you are met with personalized Pilates studio sessions that enable a relationship to develop between me, your Certified Pilates Instructor and you, the client.  I will "know" your body’s natural capabilities and the Pilates method can be more thoroughly explored, customized, and tailor-made for your specific needs.  Each session is thoroughly and specifically guided by me.
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​Pilates is a mind-body exercise which means you need to focus on which part of your muscles you will need to recruit and sequencing the correct muscles.  At a group Pilates studio, neighboring clients conversing or the sound of multiple Pilates equipment moving, challenge a client's ability to focus.  Also, at a group Pilates studio, the consistency of instruction and the equipment's functionality and cleanliness is difficult to maintain consistently.

My Pilates studio is dedicated to a single client, you, and it is extremely professional.  Upon arriving, you will park in my driveway, and I will greet you as I escort you down to a small group of steps to my private studio.  You, the client, arrive already attired with your Pilates gear donned prior to arrival so that you are ready for your appointed session time.  You may place your personal belongings and store your shoes and, if necessary, you may visit the private restroom adjacent to my studio.  

The studio is newly furnished with commercial grade Pilates apparatuses.  The Pilates equipment contained in my studio are the Balanced Body USA made Allegro 1 Reformer, Tower, and Arc.  Each are impeccable workhorses designed for countless Pilates movements and creative repertoire.  Added, I have a Merrithew STOTT Split-Pedal Stability Chair™ plus a raised pad, jump board, hand weights, resistance bands, and stability balls.  I will utilize any combination of Pilates apparatuses plus props and training tools according to your needs on the day we meet.  

All equipment is maintained and checked regularly and thoroughly cleaned after each private session.
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Is there anything I should do before my Pilates session?

​Pilates is for everyone and is designed for every individual.  Arrive to your Pilates session already attired with your gym clothes with an open mind and a willingness to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
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Do I need to wear Pilates specific gear?

No specific Pilates gear is required. Simply, arrive wearing clothing that makes you comfortable and will not restrict a full range of motion while providing appropriate coverage.  For example, tops that are longer, pants with waist band, or shorts lined for coverage. Some recommended Pilates or workout gear are:

• elastic athletic shorts
• elastic compression leggings/pants
• elastic track pants
• elastic yoga leggings
• elastic Pilates leggings

Please avoid clothing that is heavy, baggy, or drawstring pants with belts, buttons, rivets, or zippers as they can get caught on the reformer carriage.  Remove earrings and bracelets and eyewear if possible.
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Pilates is generally done barefoot, however, wearing socks with grips on the soles or toe socks may be worn.   

Please do not wear perfumes, lotions or heavy sunscreen as they are very difficult to remove from the equipment.    
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How frequently should I do Pilates?

Regularity is key so that means coming once, twice or three times a week.  Consistency is vital. Pilates is a functional movement exercise system that is learned and practiced.  Consistency will allow you to develop fundamental Pilates movements allowing you to progress and advance developing deeper strength, improving your posture, and solidifying the mind-body connection that is inherent to the Pilates exercise.

Each of us trade self-care to be self-sacrificing individuals to our work, spouses, kids, friends and family.  This sets a poor habit of placing ourselves last.  Self-care is not selfish, and it is vital for our well-being.  Intentionally scheduling time for your Pilates session is physically and mentally nourishing and the ample Pilates benefits pours into our lives enabling us to be at our best at our work, at home, and other sectors of our lives. 
 
After each Pilates session, clients often remark how glad they committed to coming to their sessions.  And clients unable to come to their Pilates sessions due to illness or travel, will comment how much they missed their weekly Pilates sessions.   


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What is the difference between 'fitness'
Pilates, 'physio' Pilates, and what you do?

‘Fitness’ Pilates is generally taught in groups, and the content is pre-set sequencing. It will usually not cater to specific needs of the individual. It is generic Pilates. If taught well, it is beneficial to the individual who has great body awareness and/or no physical complications.  This type of Pilates is popular and accessible through a DVD or online (YouTube, Vimeo, or other social media platforms) resulting in the "Pilates influencer" personality to arise.  

‘Physio’ Pilates is often an abbreviated form of Pilates, using some of the core Pilates exercises to help patients on the road to recovery. Many people experience benefits post-injury and post-surgery this way. However, some physiotherapists do no more than a weekend Pilates course to be eligible to teach Pilates in their clinics, making it difficult for them to fully embrace the nuances of Pilates.

What I do is different because I specifically and only am Pilates trained.  I understand the Pilates method, and its various styles and applications. 

My education in Pilates is steeped in its history, its modern approaches, its fundamentals, and in the way I program sessions. Additionally, I have been trained to be aware of how to move every part of my own body – athletically - and to see movement patterns in others’ bodies.  I am highly skilled at being able to translate how to feel movement, and how to modify and progress Pilates to suit an individual’s needs.

While there are many good instructors in the fitness and rehabilitative fields, it’s my firm belief that Pilates should not be taught by those who have limited mastery of movement within their own body.

Pilates was and is its own genre of movement. It is such an adaptable method, and it works so well for so many reasons, which is why other industries have keenly adopted it.  Each professional in their field understands their purpose – be it ‘general fitness’ or ‘clinical aid’ – and they use Pilates to help their cause.

At the end of the day, you the consumer know what you need and like.

The main thing is to ensure you receive correct core strengthening and find your own way for Pilates to enhance your life.

​What if I need to cancel?  Can I get a refund?

 
CANCELLATION:  If you need to cancel your scheduled Pilates session with me, then I ask that you provide me a minimum 24-hour advance notice of your intent to cancel.  Anything less than a 24-hour advance notice is subject to the full session fee.

There are no exceptions to this studio policy (including but not limited to: sudden illness, injury, inclement weather, sick children, unplanned work meeting, traffic, or car problems).


REFUND:  Individual sessions and packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. I am dedicated to exceeding my client's private Pilates studio experience.  I check regularly with my client for their feedback and will tweak, modify, or vary exercises as needed.  I highly recommend clients communicate any questions or concerns they might have during their Pilates session.


REDEMPTION OF PURCHASED SESSIONS:  All purchased sessions must be redeemed within 90 business days of purchase date. If you have any precluding circumstances preventing the redemption of your sessions within 90 days, then please communicate in advance to determine if this is agreeable to both parties.
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INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:  If the media announces that Rapid City Schools are closed, then Pilates Whole Body will also be closed.  Regular private sessions and group classes will be cancelled and rescheduled to the following week landing on the same day and time that you meet with Pilates Whole Body.

Pilates Whole Body Studio Policy

Pilates Whole Body is a private, referral based at-home studio and reserves the right to refuse service.

Clients arriving 5-15 minutes early or 5-15 minutes late, are either early or late for their appointed Pilates session.  Client sessions are designed and catered to each individuals' particular needs and, in consideration to clients preceding or proceeding your appointment, please arrive on time attired in your Pilates outfit ready to begin at your appointed time.  

How can I best reach you?  Did you receive my text?  I did not hear back from you.

It is best to reach me by email and I will confirm receipt with an email response.  If you have sent a text message and you do not hear back from me by the next business day, I did not receive your text message and I recommend you send me an email.  Thank you.
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Do I need to fill out any forms?

​For all clients meeting with Pilates Whole Body for a private Pilates session, group pop up Pilates or virtual Pilates session, a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Waiver Form must be signed.  For clients meeting for private Pilates session, a health history form will need to be filled out and will be provided at your initial appointment.

Is Pilates Whole Body a Pilates Teacher Training or Pilates Mentoring Studio?

Not at this time. Pilates Whole Body is professional apparatus Pilates studio dedicated to serving clients seeking Pilates conditioning, athleticism, core strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility through contemporary Pilates.  
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