My real, unfiltered responses to the most common questions in the studio

While it might surprise some of my clients (possibly co-workers too) I filter a lot of my responses to questions asked during sessions. If we're being honest most of the time I HAVE to filter because:

• I might hurt your feelings 
• I'll definitely hurt your feelings 
• I just don't have the time to jump down the rabbit hole the answer I would like to give you will I take us down (most often the reason for my filter) 
• I am not a doctor - sometimes it's a thin line to walk between what I can a share without risking sounding like I'm prescribing ( I will usually encourage you to ask very specific questions from your doctor in this situation. I want you to receive the information you are searching for).

So what are some of those questions? Here are some of my favorites and the honest responses that go with them. Sit down folks - it's going to get real.

1.) How often should I do Pilates?

• This question usually arises by a potential or brand new client. It's a tough one to answer because the honest truth might scare you away. Why?
• Pilates is a practice - not just an exercises. Therefore, Pilates should and can be done daily. Before you panic, when I say daily I do not mean you have to be in the studio every day in a class or private setting. But you should be doing exercises that are supporting your goals for a minimum of 15-30 minutes every day. 
• How many times should you be in the studio? The answer truly depends on your body. If you have a strong mind body connection and have the dedication to practice outside of the studio you may be able to get away with only twice a week. On the other hand, if you struggle with connecting to your movements (coordination) or lack the dedication to do it on your own three times a week is the minimum number of times you should be visiting the studio for best results.

2.) How long should a do Pilates?

• ....  I often want to walk away after this question is asked... come on guys... Pilates is a practice. It is not a group exercise class or a 12 week periodized exercise program. Pilates is a LIFE LONG PRACTICE. You don't stop doing yoga, Tai Chi, or other mind body practices - Pilates is the no different. Your body is always changing and your Pilates routine grows and develops with your body. 

3.) I'm just starting so I think I should only come once a week until my body adjusts.

• This is another one that truly baffles me. When you first begin a healthier living routine you need more guidance than any other time in your Pilates practice. Pilates builds on muscle memory - if you wait too long between sessions your results are MUCH slower because your body can not develop the muscle memory required to progress. 

4.) I can only come once a week, is it even worth coming if I can only commit to one time a week?

• I love that you accepted the need for frequency in your Pilates practice and yes your results will be slower, but if you can truly only commit to one time a week of course it will be better than not attending at all. 
• How much will it slow your progress? Joseph Pilates was quoted "in 10 sessions you will feel a difference, in 20 sessions you will see a difference, and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body" In my experience this holds true. Here's another way to look at it:
• Eventually you will meet your goals if you stick with it, but how quickly you get there is similar to traveling:
• Once a week is like walking cross country - you'll get there but the progress will be slow
• Twice a week upgrades you to a train - faster than walking but still slower than other options
• Three times a week - You've jumped in a sports car and can travel much faster to your end results
• 4-5 times a week - this is like taking a jet to your destination. Results happen fast!

5.) I keep forgetting the breath patterns!

• No worries. If you are a beginner just breathe - focus on learning the movements. Pilates is designed to be learned in layers. Focus on what you can in each session and you will improve as you increase the number of sessions completed. 
• If you're still stuck on breath here's a good rule of thumb
• Exhale on spinal flexion (pulling into the body) and inhale on spinal extension (reaching away from the body)
• OR (this is my favorite way to remember) exhale when drawing the core tight/together

6.) Should my toes be pointed or flexed?

• This question usually arises during a group class from a "green" Pilates client. I assure you - if you need to be focusing on your foot position I will cue it for you. In most cases there are so many more important things for you to be focusing on in the exercise that I will tell you "let's save that for another day". This is not to say it will not be important one day, but not today. :-) 

7.) What should I eat?

• I love that you are thinking about what to fuel your body with! But in a class or during transitions to and from class might not be the best time for us to discuss this. Every person has different needs and focuses to reach their healthiest place in life. I can not give the best advice in a 3 minute time span. 
• I want to help you with nutrition! I do - it is vital to your success. But we need a time to sit and discuss you for me to give you the best advice. Schedule a nutrition session for us to set up a plan. 

8.) Pilates is too expensive/Why isn't Pilates included in my membership?

• Oh my goodness! This one feels like a punch in the gut every time I hear it. Ouch. 
• Your Pilates instructors have often invested YEARS, possibly DECADES in education. Pilates is not a hobby to us. This is our passion, our life mission, and our livelihood. Pilates is how I provide for my family, plan for my own future, and finance my own continuing education.
• Becoming a Pilates instructor is one of the most challenging fitness certifications out there if not the most challenging, It requires anatomy along the same lines of Physical Therapy. It is a huge financial investment ($3,000 - $10,000 investment depending on the certifying body). It requires years to become fully certified with an accredited Pilates institution and continuing education if you hope to stay relevant in the field. 
• It also changes the body in ways that are unparalleled in other wellness/fitness practices. The benefits of Pilates stretches far beyond the vanity results. The health benefits of Pilates include:
• improved flexibility
• increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
• balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
• enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
• improved stabilisation of your spine
• improved posture
• rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
• improved physical coordination and balance
• relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
• safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
• increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
• improved concentration
• increased body awareness
• stress management and relaxation.

9.) Why do you sound so happy when the session is over?

• I am happy when the we complete a session! I know we have accomplished something great in your body - I'm proud of that. I'm also proud of the work you have put in during your session. I'm honored you have chosen me to walk next you as you grow. And I am ecstatic when we discover new things about your body in your sessions. 
• I am not excited to see you go. But I am excited know that you will be leaving one step closer to your goals ;-)

Until next time - be healthy, be kind (to yourself and others), stand tall and continue your Pilates practice.

~Brittaney