Frequently Asked Questions

How is Pilates with Teresa different from other Pilates studios?

What should I expect in my first session at Pilates with Teresa?

• Evaluation of range of motion, strength, flexibility, medical history assessment and postural analysis along with an introduction to the core principles and exercises of the Pilates system.
• Manual physical therapy techniques when appropriate

What should I wear?

• Comfortable clothes that you can move in easily. (no spandex necessary!)

Do you specialize in particular populations?

• Osteoporosis, spine disorders, pre/postnatal women, dancers and competitive athletes
• Go to my Blog and see the post for "Offsite Group classes", to learn more about my Stanford University classes covering topics such as osteoporosis, posture and flexibility.

What kind of equipment do you have?

• Standard Pilates equipment (Reformer, Trapeze Table, Step Barrel, Combo Chair)
• Avalon System® of Pilates equipment
• TRX Suspension Training integrated with Pilates principles
• Ballet Barre
• Physioballs, BOSUs, foam rollers, rotating discs, bongers and fitness bands round out the studio environment. 

Is Pilates safe for Pregnancy?

Absolutely! Pilates is a great way to celebrate the changes your body will undergo by strengthening and stretching key muscles. See Pilates for Pregnancy.

What makes Pilates different from other exercise forms? 

• Pilates focuses on core stabilization and working the whole body symmetrically in a functional way that has crossover to our daily lives.
• Unique equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, unlike anything else you've experienced.
• Emphasis on breath control and harnessing the mind to effect change in the body which is powerful and at times, life changing.

What exactly is Pilates?

• Pilates is a system of exercise that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength, endurance, and coordination.
• The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. It was originally used as a rehabilitation program for prisoners of war and was later found to be of great benefit to anyone seeking a higher level of fitness.
• Pilates originally called his method Contrology, because he believed that his method uses the mind to control the muscles.
• Exercise science caught up to the principles that Pilates had been teaching all along, and now we enjoy the rich evolution of the Pilates work that we have today.

How many sessions a week should I take?

2-3x per week is optimal. Since that is not practical for many people, some of my clients take 1 private or 1 semiprivate a week supplemented by a home exercise program designed for them. I encourage autonomy and give my clients mat exercises they can do at home to continue to address their goals. The more diligent you are with the exercises, the greater the results.

When can I expect results to be seen or felt?

Results are individual and dependent on one's level of commitment. Generally though my clients report feeling benefits within 1 session and seeing results within 10 sessions.

Will I be sore after my session?

• Pilates does not fatigue the muscles to exhaustion, rather it uses movement patterns, mental focus and muscle memory to build strength and awareness into the body.
• Pilates leaves you energized and while you may experience some soreness as your body experiences changes, you will not experience debilitating soreness.

Since you are a physical therapist can I see you under my insurance plan?

• I do not accept insurance plans.
• I can provide a detailed invoice and my professional license number so you can submit your sessions toward your flex spending account, if you have one through your job.

I travel a lot. Any hints to keep up with my Pilates while on the road?

To learn easy tips to integrate Pilates and keep your body intact while traveling, visit my blog and view the post for "Pilates and Travel"

Do you offer studio design space consultation?

Teresa is currently available for consultation regarding exercise space design, equipment selection and Pilates programming including onsite classes for local businesses. Contact:  teresa@pilateswithteresa.com