Where do I start?
Start with our Intro Package. See Getting Started for more details.
How much does it cost?
We have a variety of options for all price ranges. See Fees and Policies for our options on private sessions, mat classes, group classes, etc.
How do I know what level I should take?
If you are interested in private sessions, you may start at any time.
If you would like to join our group mat classes and have never done Pilates before, try taking Intro Level Mat, Open Level Mat + Stretch, or Level 1 Mat for a great place to start. If you would like to join an upper-level group mat class, please call the studio to get advice on class placement.
It is always best to start with a Level 1 class in Mat and then ask the teacher if they recommend you move up!
How often should I do Pilates?
You can do Pilates every day! It is not a method of exercise from which you need to recover. Most people take a class or a session 2-3 times a week. We recommend a minimum of once a week to retain information and progress.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
The benefits of Pilates are a stronger core, a healthier more articulate spine, more flexible muscles, improved breathing function, increased body awareness and balance, and an overall sense of well-being. Pilates is an invigorating and energizing workout. Pilates can also be therapeutic on a rehabilitative level. So if you are an elite athlete, recovering from an injury, or somewhere in between, Pilates has something to offer you.
How long until I see/feel results?
Joseph Pilates said, “In 10 sessions, you feel better; in 20 sessions, you look better; in 30 sessions, you have a completely new body.”
The more often you do Pilates, the more quickly and intensely you see and feel a difference in your body. For maximum results, we recommend 30 intense sessions: 3 times a week for ten weeks.
After one session, you will feel the work. The first thing people notice is that their posture improves, then their clothes fit differently. With time and practice, the results are longer, leaner muscles, a healthier spine, better posture, and more efficient functional movement.
What is the Reformer/Apparatus?
The Reformer/Apparatus is a primary piece of equipment used in Pilates, invented by Joseph Pilates. It is a small bed-like structure with a carriage on wheels that uses springs, pulleys, and straps for resistance. This apparatus provides challenge and support in the execution of a Pilates exercise.
What is the Tower/Wall Unit?
The Tower/Wall Unit consists of a raised mat and a vertical frame with springs and bars attached. These attachments are used to add challenge and feedback for the muscle to find increased strength and range of motion in Pilates exercises.
What is the difference between Mat and Apparatus work?
Pilates Mat work is a series of systematically layered exercises that utilize the Mat only, no equipment. The equipment can help to provide feedback and support to help find deeper muscles a little faster. The mat work challenge is that the body does all the work on its own.
What should I wear?
We recommend regular athletic wear without zippers. Most people wear sweatpants or leggings with a t-shirt or athletic top. If you wear shorts we recommend longer “biker” length shorts. In the winter it’s always good to layer so you can shed those layers as the body warms up. You do not need shoes but we do require that you wear socks for your Pilates workout.
Do men do Pilates?
Yes! Joseph Pilates was a man! About 35% of our clients are men.
Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
If you have never done Pilates before, wait until after delivery. If you started Pilates before you became pregnant, you can do Pilates with some modifications as your body changes throughout your pregnancy. Your physician should always be consulted.
What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Pilates and Yoga have many different forms.
Pilates is based on a variety of exercise forms as well as its own principles of Precision, Control, Centering, Balance, Flow, and Concentration. Joseph Pilates called his work Contrology, the study of control. There may be some similarities to some yoga exercises. You will also notice some similarities to gymnastics, dance, and boxing, among other disciplines.
Are there any contraindications for group classes?
Pilates is accessible to everyone. However, clients with specific spinal issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and other conditions like hip replacement, knee replacement, or who are post-surgical should take Pilates one-on-one for a personalized program. Always bring any sort of injury to the attention of your teacher.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, and American Express credit cards.
Do my sessions/purchases expire?
All purchases include an expiration date. The number of days to use purchase is listed on our Fees and Policies page next to each item.
Where do I park?
Excel Pilates has one designated parking spot in the lot just outside of the studio. That spot is first come, first serve. As a courtesy to others, if you use the reserved spot in front of the building, please be sure to only park there during your session. This allows for the space to be open for the next student arriving for their class or session. There is additional parking available to clients of Excel in the gravel lot adjacent to the studio. You will need a parking pass for this lot as the studio does not own the space, the lot is private and towing is enforced. We have parking passes in the studio and they’re valid for 1hr. Parking can also be found in the neighborhood and on 7th and Monroe in the paid PMI garage. Please allow time before your session to find parking.