Frequently Asked Questions
Why Pilates Punx?
At Pilates Punx we strive to teach Pilates in a welcoming space for all bodies – regardless of your starting point, we believe that Pilates is for every BODY. We offer modifications as needed and focus on setup and precision through proper Pilates practice rather than focusing on high reps. We also understand the need for a good soundtrack to get you through the work – you can expect some great music and real instructors who are here to care for you and your practice. We want to help you get strong and “trick” you into loving Pilates!
It’s my first visit? What should I expect?
If it’s your first time in to the studio we will ask you to fill out a new client form, so please arrive a few minutes early to complete this.
We require grip socks during your session, so be prepared to either bring your own or purchase them in the studio. Wear clothes that you can move in, whatever you feel comfortable in. The more form-fitting, the easier it is for your instructor to see what your body is doing, but ultimately it is up to you for comfort – there’s no uniform here!
We have cubbies for you to stash your personal belongings in and we will ask you to leave your phone in there and take some time for yourself!
You will be introduced to the apparatus and how it works, and then you will be taken through a workout that is challenging, yet achievable to you!
We recommend bringing a water bottle and if you tend to sweat, your own towel. We have a water cooler at the studio where you can refill your water, but we do try to cut down on waste and don’t provide single-use cups.
Should I start with Private Sessions or Group Classes?
We recommend anyone who’s brand new to Pilates begin with a Private Session – but we do understand that this might be a bit cost-restrictive to some clients. If you have injuries or have never done Pilates or group fitness before, feel uncomfortable in a group setting, or just want that special 1:1 attention, we recommend privates. If you are new to Pilates but have body awareness and can listen to instruction in a group setting, with no major injuries – you might be ready to hop into a class! And the good news is that you can always start with one and still do the other!
What class should I take on my first visit?
We recommend starting with either the Classical Pilates or Contemporary Pilates Beginner/Intermediate classes if it’s your first time doing Pilates. Both classes will give you a good introduction to the Reformer. Classical will be a bit slower with heavier springs and fewer reps, with a focus on precision and proper form. Contemporary will have higher reps on lighter springs and may incorporate some familiar exercises from other types of fitness, incorporated with our Pilates building blocks.
:: Deciding which class for you is a matter of preference. We recommend trying them all and seeing what works for you. Classical Pilates is great for getting the form and precision in, it’s great for all clients, but especially anyone with injuries, anyone who’s using Pilates for Physical Therapy reasons, etc. Contemporary Pilates is great for folks who want to feel that burn, get their body sweating, that just don’t have the patience for a slow burn.
:: Bottom line: It’s all good for you, come in and see what you like the most!
What are your cancellation, no show, and refund policies?
You can find our Studio Polices here.
What are the different apparatuses?
At Pilates Punx, we have Reformers, Wunda Chairs, Mat, Cadillac, Pedi-pull, Large Barrel, and a number of small apparatus including Jumpboard and Spine Corrector.
The Reformers are a moving apparatus that uses spring tension and it glides as the carriage bed moves. It is your job to control the carriage. We will use the Reformer in group classes.
The Wunda Chairs have a pedal that also uses spring tension – you’re using a lot more control finding your place in space with the Wunda Chair. We also use the Wunda Chair in group classes.
The Cadillac is our largest apparatus and can be used from beginning exercises for a nice stretchy workout to advanced exercises that get acrobatic! The separate springs require unilateral movement and can challenge you to find balance between your left and right side. Cadillac is used only during Private Sessions
Mat Pilates – while not requiring springs, can require the most control within your body and can be quite challenging!
What happens if I join the Waitlist?
We are busy at the studio and you might find that classes are Waitlist-only. Our clients are eager to plan their schedules in advance, but often cancel as it gets closer to the class so we advise you to get on that waitlist! You only use your class credit if you get IN to the class roster and you always have the choice of declining the spot if you no longer want it. If a spot does open up you will receive an email and a text alerting you to the opening. You then have to accept or decline the spot – you have a 4 hour window to do so. If you don’t respond within the window the spot will go on to the next person on the list.
** We ask that you decline the spot if you no longer want it so that someone else can get notified ** Alerts must be turned on in order to receive the waitlist notifications.
What’s the difference between a Membership and Class Packages?
Our Membership options are auto-renew memberships that allow you to book not only within the month but also into the future as your membership will continue into the following month. There is a savings with your commitment to Pialtes Punx and you don’t have to think about the purchase – it will automatically recur each month. Classes do not roll over to the next month and will need to be used within the month.
Our Class Packages (5/10/20) do not have to be used within a single month and don’t expire. There’s savings the more you buy – these are good options when you aren’t sure how many times you can come in each month!
What style of Pilates do you offer? Are there modifications for injuries?
We offer the best of both worlds at Pilates Punx! We have both Classical Pilates as well as Contemporary Pilates, some instructors who specialize in one style or others who can teach both!
Our certification program is a Classical Pilates program as we believe that it is important for teachers to learn the building blocks before they stray.
Whether Classical or Contemporary, the best thing about Pilates is that there are modifications for EVERYTHING – so we can help you find what works best for your body!
:: There are two schools of thought when it comes to Pilates, Classical (the system of exercises that Joseph Pilates invented, which he called Contrology) and Contemporary (a more modern spin on the original set of exercises.) Classical Pilates will be a slower-paced class with a set regimented order with more focus on the building blocks of Pilates, set up and alignment, and proper form for a few slower reps. Contemporary Pilates will have a little bit more of a quick pace, a flow around the reformer, and no two classes will be the same.
:: Deciding which class for you is a matter of preference. We recommend trying them all and seeing what works for you. Classical Pilates is great for getting the form and precision in, it’s great for all clients, but especially anyone with injuries, anyone who’s using Pilates for Physical Therapy reasons, etc. Contemporary Pilates is great for folks who want to feel that burn, get their body sweating, that just don’t have the patience for a slow burn.
:: Bottom line: It’s all good for you, come in and see what you like the most!
Why don’t you have leveled classes? I want an Advanced class on the schedule!
We hear you and appreciate the feedback. We don’t have “Advanced” classes on the schedule because we have found that clients are either intimidated by the class even if they are the perfect client for it or clients sign up based on class time and not level, and we wind up with clients who are not ready for an Advanced class signing up anyway. If you are interested in Advanced work, we do offer privates, duos, trios, or can book a private class – so you can coordinate with friends, or just book a solo session. Feel free to chat with other clients to buddy up.
Pro tip: Our students learn some high-level stuff that never gets taught in class across all of the apparatuses. You can take a 1:1 private with a student for only $35!
Additionally, we don’t have Beginner classes on the schedule because we want each hour to be open to all levels. We encourage clients to accept modifications and adjustments in class – we can always make any exercise accessible to the most beginner client to more advanced clients – and we promise – it’s not going to be easy – just more achievable. Private Sessions are also a good choice for new clients who want to get the basics down before attending class – whether with a Certified Instructor or with a Certification Student!
Are you hiring for a front desk position?
We get this question quite frequently, and no, we are not, as that is not a position that we have at Pilates Punx. We are a small boutique studio where our instructors will greet you and check you in, get that face time upon arrival, and know you by name. The only position that we do hire for is a Certified Pilates Instructor. And if you’re not certified but interested in becoming a Certified Instructor we do have a Certification Program that we offer 2x a year.