FAQ
Below are some common questions that newcomers to our studio often wonder about. But we’d love to talk to you regardless – feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
FAQ Pilates
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I am a total beginner. Where do I start?
Most newcomers begin with Introdution to Pilates I – our 6 lesson course designed to teach you the fundamental of the technique on the mat. Introdution to Pilates I can be followed by Introduction to Pilates II, another 6 lesson course which goes further. After that, you are “qualified” to attend some of our open classes, whose levels are higher. If you are new but want to start with privates, that’s an option too. Just email or call to make an appointment.
Is pilates going to cure my back pain?
Possibly. Pilates strengthens the deep postural muscles of the spine, as well as the deep abdominals, which are responsible for good posture. Since a lot of back pain stems from slouching and bad use, your back pain may well improve once you start doing Pilates regularly.
How often should I do Pilates to see some results?
We recommend a minimum of 2 times a week, preferably 3. That quota can be filled by doing only privates, only mat classes or a combination of the two.
Can men do Pilates?
Absolutely! Pilates is great for men. Generally speaking, men tend to be tight in certain areas (shoulders, hamstrings, hips, necks) and Pilates can help a lot. Athletic men who take Pilates lessons will almost always notice a jump in their performance thanks to the attention the technique pays to coordination, good alignment and breathing.
How are Smartbody’s teachers qualified to teach Pilates?
Smartbody’s teachers have all undergone rigorous training programs to become Pilates teachers at various studios across the world. Quite a few of them were certified by Smartbody studio itself! Most of Smartbody’s teachers are also current or former dancers, and a couple even have Yoga certifications as well. The expertise of our teachers is one of the things we are most proud of.
I’m newly pregnant. Can I do Pilates?
Yes, though you will have to modify what you do and how you do it. If you’re already a Pilates student, make sure you take it easy in the first trimester. If you are pregnant but new to the technique, please call us to schedule a private lesson. Pilates can be very beneficial to the pregnant woman, but expert guidance is required. Every pregnant woman is different, so you may want to contact us for more information.
I’ve just had a baby. How soon can I resume with my Pilates training?
It depends on what kind of delivery you’ve had, your fitness level prior to giving birth and how you are feeling physically. We recommend that you wait for 6 weeks, though some students are ready earlier. If in doubt, please contact us for more information.
What is the difference between equipment classes and mat classes?
In the equipment classes, you will work with equipment designed for Pilates exercises. These classes are taught privately or for semiprivate small groups, except for one piece of equipment – the springboard. The springboard is a special piece that can be used in group classes. In the mat classes, you also may use smaller “equipment” such as balls, weights, and rollers. Most of the exercizes in the mat class are performed without any equipment.
Can I buy equipment?
Yes, you can. We can help you select the equipment that is right for you, order it for you, arrange to have it set up in your house or business, and offer you private lessons in using the equipment. Contact us directly for more information.
I have done Pilates at other studios. Can I just drop in and take a class?
Yes. Depending on how experienced you are, start with Pilates Basics (less) or Intermediate (more) and see how it goes. No teacher of Pilates teaches the same class, even within our studio. Shop around a little, and find a teacher you “click with”.
FAQ Alexander Technique
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What is Alexander technique?
Alexander technique is one of the most respected and time-tested methods for improving posture, coordination, and general well being. The student learns to reduce harmful patterns of muscle tension and improve alignment. This results in a more balanced, efficient posture that can support all activities and improve ones quality of life.
Why take Alexander Technique lessons?
There are many reasons to start taking lessons. Many people come to the technique with chronic pain, excess tension, or RSI. Others come because they want to improve their posture and coordination. Leaders and presenters who speak to groups come to improve their vocal projection, poise, and calm. Musicians, actors, dancers, and athletes, come to improve their poise, mobility and balance in performance. Desk workers come to learn how to sit and interact with a computer with less tension. In fact, because the technique offers so much insight into how to use your body and mind, it can help you enjoy and excel at just about any activity.
Should I do Pilates or Alexander technique?
There are both similarities and differences between Pilates and Alexander Technique. Both improve alignment, coordination, balance, and general well being bringing you more “in your body”. While Pilates emphasizes precision exercises that strengthen and stretch, Alexander technique emphasizes release of tension and clear thinking as a means for change. If, in the process of getting “into your body” you are particularly looking to build strength and flexibility, Pilates is probably your choice. If you want to emphasize ease of movement or are particularly concerned with muscle spasm and chronic stiffness, Alexander might be the way to go. Feeling adventurous? Try both. Read more »
Can Alexander technique cure my back pain?
Yes. Alexander technique should help you alot with chronic back pain. While many things may offer temporary relief, including drugs, massage, and simple bed rest, Alexander helps you to understand the causes of your pain and address it in an intelligent way. In this way Alexander offers the potential for long term relief. Perhaps that is why it recently performed so well in a clinical trial in reducing a back pain over the long term. See the following question for more information.
Is there scientific support for Alexander Technique?
Yes. In a remarkable study, students of the Alexander Technique learned to dramatically reduce their back pain over the long term. This study was published in the British Medical Journal, one of the foremost medical journals in the world. The study followed the most rigorous protocols including multiple control groups and proper randomization. It showed striking evidence for the effectiveness of the technique in reducing pain and improving quality of life, even 1 year after the first lessons. No other method for treating chronic back pain, including standard physical therapy, Mensendick, Cesaer therapy, etc. have scientific support of this quality. The article is available for free: Click here for Alexander Technique backpain study .
What are lessons like?
Lessons combine verbal instruction with expert light touch manipulation. This combination allows the student to develop a practical understanding of both his own harmful habits and of proper postural coordination. Typically, the student walks away from a lesson feeling very relaxed (“like a really good massage”) with a feeling of ease of movement (“as if the joints have been oiled”) and with an improved understanding of the fundamentals of how the body is designed to function. This unique combination of bodily experience and intellectual understanding allows the student develop his own means for change.
How many lessons do I need?
We will work with you to tailor a course of lessons that meets your needs, depending on your problems, your goals, and your budget. While a standard course of lessons is twenty to thirty lessons, as few as six lessons have been shown to provide a long term benefit.
Are there group classes?
Yes. Alexander technique is typically taught in a one-on-one setting, where personalized attention allows us to identify and change your personal postural habits. However we also offer small group classes as an effective and budget friendly way to get to know Alexander technique. Best is to give us a call or send us an email and we can discuss your individual situation, needs, and goals.
