Okay, so these aren't really questions, more like suggestions for making your Pilates Sessions and Class experience more enjoyable and effective.

1. Pilates is appropriate exercise for people of all fitness levels, for men and women and anyone over the age of 12 years. The quality of the session can have a relaxing effect or a very vigorous effect leaving you sweating, depending on your focus and fitness goals!

2. You may wonder what are the benefits of working out on the apparatus. Pilates originally designed his exercise system on the mat. As his practice progressed and he discovered that not everyone was as fit as he, he developed the apparatus to assist people in performing the exercises. Many people find the apparatus work to be a nice compliment to the mat work, and vice versa. Furthermore, the Pilates system of exercise is just that, a system of exercise, not meant to be practiced in isolation (mat only, reformer only, etc.)

3. Sometimes people confuse Pilates and Yoga. The two are actually quite different.
*Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years, Pilates...not so long, about 90 years.
*Breathing patterns are different. Pilates is always in through the nose, out through the mouth. Yoga is in/out through the nose.
*Pilates has two basic styles, East Coast and West Coast. Yoga has numerous styles.
*Pilates focuses on working from the core of the body, utilizing the entire body in constantly moving exercise positions. Yoga works from stationary positions that are held for longer amounts of time.

4. As with most types of exercise, it is not recommended that you eat just before practicing. It is also recommended that you empty your bladder. You may bring water to drink during the session.

5. Please arrive on time. Your appointment or class begins when it is scheduled, whether you are there or not, and I really want you to get the most out of your time. Each individual appointment may range from 45-60 minutes depending upon the work to be done. Mat Classes are 60 minutes.

6. Please wear comfortable, athletic, yet form fitting clothes. Avoid belts and bulky jewelry. Shoes are not worn. You may be more comfortable wearing socks, which is fine, but bare feet are more effective. Please have clean hands and feet prior to your session.

7. Please turn cell phones off. Do we really need to explain this one?

8. Finally, please let Cathy know if you are experiencing any new or ongoing physical concerns, so that she may adjust your workout accordingly. Speaking of physical, this type of exercise involves physical/therapeutic touch to correct or reinforce your form as you workout. If you are sensitive to touch and have related body issues, please let Cathy know and she will adjust her directions accordingly.