FAQs

Pilates is a form of exercise that has been around for a century. It was first developed in Germany in the early 1900s, and since then, it has undergone almost 100 years of research and modification. While some Pilates purists believe in teaching the method exactly as Joseph Pilates taught it, others, like Moira Stott, take a different approach. They believe in a modernised version of Pilates that still adheres to the method’s basic principles, including breathing, concentration, and fluidity of movement.

STOTT PILATES® is one of the contemporary versions of the Classical Pilates method. Moira Stott and Lindsay Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine professionals, and fitness experts, have spent years refining the Classical method to incorporate modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation. STOTT PILATES® is one of the safest and most effective methods available and is frequently used for rehabilitation and prenatal clients, athletes, and dancers. Both STOTT PILATES® and Classical Pilates emphasise precise and controlled movements. However, the sequencing of exercises, postural alignment, and addition of props are the primary differences between the two methods.

In general, STOTT PILATES® encourages a more neutral position of the axial skeleton, which allows the muscles to lie evenly on both sides of the body, leading to a balance between the agonist and antagonist and between strength and flexibility. In contrast, Classical Pilates often emphasises an imprinted position. Both methods must consider the client’s physical ability, and every movement, concept, and variation can be adjusted to suit an individual’s needs.

STOTT PILATES® frequently incorporates many props, including fitness circles, weights, and bands, to enhance the exercises during practice. Classical Pilates does not use these tools, possibly because they were unavailable to Joseph when he developed his method. However, if Joseph were practising Pilates today, he would likely use them himself because he wanted to give clients the best possible training and benefit from their practice.

Both STOTT PILATES® and Classical Pilates have strict qualifications for instructors, requiring candidates to apprentice with a certified instructor from their respective methods. In the past, there were limited Classical Pilates instructors in North America, and candidates had to travel to New York City to complete their certification. Meanwhile, Moira Stott forged an affiliation with IDEA Health & Fitness Association and other fitness professionals, enabling potential certification candidates to learn about the technique and bring the method to all parts of the world. As a result, Stott is partially responsible for the growing popularity of the Pilates method.

Most current Pilates methods, including STOTT PILATES®, have studied Pilates methods to adapt them to changes in how humans live and make progress in research. Regardless of the version of the Pilates method, the focus should be on the client’s abilities, not the method itself. The ultimate goal of any Pilates practice is to strengthen the core and create full-body control and flexibility by performing low repetitions of a sequence of exercises that strengthen the muscles and build a strong mind-body connection to achieve optimal physical and mental health.

Every pregnancy is different. Pilates is a great workout during pregnancy. However, it can be dangerous for you and your baby to attend standard Pilates classes (not modified for pregnancy) in the second and third trimesters. Group Pilates classes are designed for non-pregnant bodies and involve a lot of abdominal work. You can participate in these classes during your first trimester, but from the second trimester onwards, the level of abdominal work can put you at risk of diastasis (abdominal muscle separation) and cause issues with your abs after giving birth.

Many traditional Pilates exercises are done lying flat on your back. Exercising in this position during the second and third trimester puts pressure on the major blood vessels in your abdomen and affects blood flow to your baby. Exercising while lying flat on your back during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and adverse birth outcomes. Therefore, it’s important not to perform exercises in this position once you’re 16 weeks pregnant or more.

Some Pilates instructors say they can modify the exercises in a general group Pilates class to make them suitable for pregnancy, but this is difficult to do without extensive specialist training and experience. We have rehabbed many post-natal clients with diastasis because they were given inappropriate exercises in group classes during pregnancy.

Your safety is our priority. For this reason, we don’t allow pregnant clients to participate in duo or trio Pilates mat or reformer classes from the second trimester onwards. However, we strongly encourage you to participate in one-to-one lessons, lasting a maximum of 40 minutes, using the Stability Chair as the main piece of equipment and the Cadillac in all upright positions. This way, you can work with a program specifically designed for you and your body throughout pregnancy. It will have significant benefits for both you and your baby!

You can resume private or semi-private studio Pilates lessons six weeks after delivery. For group Pilates classes, we recommend waiting until 12 weeks after delivery. These recommendations apply to both natural and caesarean deliveries. However, if you have any complications that may affect your postnatal recovery, please check with your doctor or general practitioner.

Absolutely! Joseph Pilates, a man, created the Pilates method. Both professional athletes and regular men have experienced significant benefits from using the Pilates method for body conditioning.

Pilates is suitable for people of any age or fitness level. Its unique approach to fitness allows individuals to set their own goals and work on their specific needs, whether they are a beginner or an athlete.

When exercising, it is advisable to wear comfortable and well-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely. Loose-fitting clothes should be avoided as they may slip or open up during the workout. Wearing oversized clothing can also make it difficult for your instructor to observe your body movements. During exercise, you should wear socks and NO shoes.

Due to the studio’s generous open-space layout, we strongly recommend arriving already dressed for your session to make the most of your training time. It’s worth noting that the restrooms are located outside the studio at Bow Wharf and are exclusively designated for the use of Re-Core Pilates staff and clientele. For access, you will need to collect the restroom keys from the studio. Furthermore, if you find yourself in need of changing space, we encourage clientele to use the unisex/disabled bathroom, which does not include shower facilities but provides a more spacious environment for your convenience. By considering these details, we aim to ensure that your experience at Re-Core Pilates studio is as comfortable and seamless as possible.

Fortu has devoted his entire life to the field of dance. He began his career as a professional dancer and then became a dance teacher. Later, he pursued a career as a comprehensive Pilates instructor. His initial speciality track was Pilates for dance. If you are a professional dancer or a dance student, Fortu can design a customised program to meet your specific needs.

Joseph Pilates once said, “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.” Consistency is essential for any exercise routine. Initially, your body learns new things and establishes a mind/body connection. Exercising 2-3 times a week is recommended, but even doing it once a week regularly can be beneficial if you incorporate some other form of exercise during the week.

Joseph Pilates had a difficult childhood, suffering from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. As a result, he dedicated his life to improving his physical strength. The Pilates method aims to develop strength, stability, balance, and symmetry in areas of the body that may have been misaligned due to an injury. If you have recently been injured and wish to participate in the Pilates Exercise Program, it is recommended that you first obtain a release from your physician. In addition, if you are managing a chronic illness, please make sure to note this on your client information form and share the details with your instructor. This will help us ensure that your regimen is appropriate for your needs.

It all depends on your body awareness and fitness level. Pilates doesn’t make your muscles fatigue to exhaustion; instead, it uses movement patterns and mental focus to build strength and awareness within the body. Pilates leaves you feeling energised, and while you might feel a minor soreness as your body experiences changes, you won’t experience any debilitating soreness.

Pilates is a system of exercises that focuses on reshaping not only your body but also your mind. It utilises various types of apparatus and the weight of your body to tone your muscles and elongate areas such as the waistline, upper thighs, and arms. Adding Pilates to your regular cardiovascular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly affect your overall appearance.

Joseph Pilates developed his exercise method based on principles from both Eastern and Western forms of exercise and wellness. There are many similarities between Pilates and yoga, but there are also some differences. For example, the breathing techniques used in Pilates differ from yoga. In Pilates, you are asked to keep your tummy tight and use your ribcage rather than allowing your tummy to expand with breath, as done in yoga. Moreover, Pilates is more dynamic, emphasising movement rather than the holding of postures, as yoga dictates.

By practising Pilates, you can expect to improve your flexibility, mobility, balance, posture, and overall strength. You may also experience decreased back pain or other general body pains. Many people have reported a reshaping of their body, particularly in the waistline and upper thigh regions. Most importantly, you’ll develop a much better posture.

Trainees who are undergoing STOTT PILATES® training are always welcome to observe any class or group. We offer concessions for attending classes and renting the studio. Our studio is equipped with Merrithew® apparatus, including three reformers, two of which have a tower, one Cadillac, one Stability Chair, one Arc Barrel, one Spine Corrector, and a Lite Arc Barrel, along with all the necessary props for your training. If you require more information or wish to make a request, please send an email to info@recorepilates.com