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Pilates Perth, WA | The Perth Pilates Studio

6/299 Charles St, North Perth, WA 08 9227 6641

 

Beginner's Pilates FAQ

 
Do you have questions about starting lessons at The Perth Pilates Studio? Read through our FAQ & email info@perthpilatesstudio.com if there's anything else you'd like to know. 
 

Are all your classes suitable for beginners? 

Yes! All of our classes are open level and suitable for students from beginners to advanced. 

When choosing a class, be aware that there are certain lesson types that may be particularly beneficial (or not appropriate) depending on your own individual needs. 

Generally speaking, group classes are not suitable for rehabilitation purposes. If you're a beginner with injuries or someone who'd like a program designed specifically for you, we recommend private & semi-private studio Pilates lessons. Studio lessons are also the best option if you're pregnant or early post-natal (less than 12 weeks postpartum), have pelvic floor issues or have osteoporosis. Email info@perthpilatesstudio.com if you need help deciding on the best lessons for you. 
 

Am I too old / unfit / inflexible to attend?

Definitely not! We have clients of all ages and body types at our studio, and feeling unfit or inflexible when you start is completely normal. This is why most of us take up Pilates in the first place! 


It's typical to feel nervous & self-conscious when beginning any new exercise regime. You'll probably feel first time jitters, but we will go out of our way to make you feel welcome so those nerves calm down quickly. In no time at all the studio will be like your second home, full of friends and familiar faces.


Most of our clients have been coming to us for years and we look forward to you becoming a long term part of our studio community too. 

 

What do I need to bring for in-studio classes? 

Nothing. We’ve got you covered. Mats, props and everything else you'll need are provided. 


Some people like to bring a water bottle (especially for barre, power plate & HIIT classes) but we have a water filter with cups if you forget as well as bottled water for sale.   

 

What do I need for online classes?

For online workouts, we recommend exercising on a floor mat or carpeted surface. If you don't have either of these options available, a couple of thick towels should suffice.


For Barre or Sweat classes only you'll want a stable chair (eg dining table chair) to use for support. We may also use light hand weights (0.5 - 1kg) during these classes. You can easily substitute 2 x 425g cans or 2 x 600ml water bottles if weights are not available.


Some of our group classes are specifically designed to include props. Where props are required they will always be listed in the class name & description (eg Foam Roller Pilates or Fitball Pilates). If you'd like to purchase props for use in these classes, the studio operates an online store with FREE next business day delivery within the Perth metropolitan area.


No props are required for private and semi-private studio lessons. That said, if you have items such as foam rollers, resistance bands or balls available, we may choose to integrate them into your class. We suggest placing these items nearby so you can access them if required. 

 

What should I wear? 

Wear comfy clothes that aren’t too loose so your teacher can get a better view of your form to help you out. If you’re wearing loose shorts, watch the um, well, you know, view. No one needs to see that in class.

Most of our clients wear leggings or tracksuit pants & a t-shirt. You'll also want a pair of clean socks (no shoes required). 
 

Do I need to book in advance? 

As our classes are small we advise you book your lesson in advance. You can easily book through our website (scroll up to our header where it says "click here to book online") or download our booking app to use at any time of the day or night (search "The Perth Pilates Studio" in the app store or on google play). 
 

How often do you recommend doing Pilates? 

Our accountant tells us that you should do classes every day! That said, 2-3 times a week should keep you in tip-top shape. 

It’s good to mix up the core focus of the mat classes with the additional strengthening benefits of the apparatus (studio equipment, reformer &/or power plate classes). 

There is a significant risk that you will become addicted to these classes. Unlike cigarettes and donuts, though, this addiction is perfectly healthy. So, if you want to come more often, we’ll be happy to see you.
 

Will your classes help me lose weight? 

In theory, there’s a very simple equation to weight loss. Calories out must surpass calories in. 

So, if you’re taking one class per week and then eating an entire pizza for dinner every night, you probably won’t lose weight. But, if you’re taking three classes per week, and then eating an entire pizza for dinner once a week, and eating more reasonable meals the rest of the time, then probably, yes. 

While all our lessons will help you burn calories, the best classes for weight loss at our studio are barre, HIIT and Power Plate. These classes burn a lot of calories and increase lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism and helps burn fat. And, they’re fun, so working out feels a lot less like work.

You might like to check out the online article "Will Pilates Help me Lose Weight?" for more information on Pilates & weight loss. 
 

How about that coveted six pack? 

Ah, the six pack. It’s already there! Maybe it’s hiding, but we assure you, unless you’ve had some bizarre major abdominal surgery to remove it, you have a six-pack. 

We hate to break it to you, but it’s kind of a superficial muscle. We’ll redefine it, but we’ll get way deeper than that. You’ll learn to love the infamous TA – your transverse abdominis. It's your deepest abdominal muscle, responsible for drawing your tummy flat and supporting your spine. Make that one strong, and you’ll flatten your stomach and stand up taller.
 

Should I eat before coming to class? 

Try not to eat a big meal before class. Core work + a full stomach = uncomfortable students.

Something light to eat an hour or so beforehand is fine and may be a good idea if it's first thing in the morning or you're rushing in from work before dinner. 
 

Do you have men in your classes? 

Pilates was created by a man! Men love our classes and are always surprised at how challenging and rewarding Pilates is. 


Over the years a perception has been built that Pilates is only for girls (possibly due to its early popularity among dancers). As a result, women do outnumber men in our classes but, in recent years, more and more men are flocking to Pilates.


We have men training with us who are professional footballers, swimmers, cyclists, runners and even pro surfers. Perhaps you'll spot a local WAFL player or member of our national cycling team. Athletes and actors including Chris Judd, Pat Cash, Hugh Grant, Brad Pitt and Tiger Woods are known to be Pilates fans. 


Our male clients enjoy the strength challenge and control aspect of our Pilates classes – the exercises are harder than they look!