Frequently Asked Questions

At Balance Bloom Pilates, we take a holistic approach to each session, tuning into your body’s unique needs and tailoring your Pilates workout to suit your energy levels. Our studio features two deluxe reformers that conveniently convert into a tower, allowing us to perform a variety of exercises suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. We use classical Pilates methods combined with resistance-based strength training, utilizing mat work, reformers, and chair Pilates. Additionally, all our trainers are highly skilled, ensuring you receive top-quality instruction and personalized attention.

Come early.  Please arrive 10 minutes before your class starts to meet us, especially for Mat classes, fill out some paperwork and familiarise yourself with the Reformer. Wear comfortable exercise clothing and bring a towel and drink bottle. Water is provided at the studio, and there is no need for shoes we ask you to wear Pilate socks that have grip under the soles for support, you can purchase at the studio.

This depends on what injury you have and stage of rehabilitation. Generally, you want to seek medical advice and clearance before exercising with us. Starting with a Private 1:1 session is recommended when recovering from injury or about 6 weeks after an operation.  We can then assess if you will be ready for the class environment and provide adaptations to exercises if required.  If you do have an injury, or are recovering from one, it is advised that you speak to one of our instructors prior to your class.

You want to wear clothes that allow you to fully focus on your workout. Wear a jumpsuit or something tight with a slight hug feel around your body. Something that you do not need to drag into place, or that is falling over your head, when you are twisting and turning. If you have long hair we recommend you tie it up and take your jewellery off so it won’t get stuck in the equipment.

The ideal practice of Pilates is 3 times a week. However, you need to take into considerations, finances and time, stress level and burning out. We suggest starting with one session and adding on more sessions when you can. You can also try mat classes. You will see the results quickly if you do more sessions each week.

Pilates is famous for creating long lean fit bodies. On of the best ways to look and feel leaner is to have a beautiful posture. Pilates classes create a leaner look by emphasizing both length and good alignments.

Mat classes really focus on core work and require you to support your body and are very challenging. Pilates equipment gives you a frame to work within that is often more helpful than mat but can be more challenging when springs are added or taken away. Working on the equipment can also target and tone specific areas of your body very efficiently.

We recommend doing the Initial Private even if you have done Pilates before so you can brush up on your Pilates, get a great deal and do a Private with a teacher who will guide you to the right class for your level. If you really would rather jump right into mat then you will need to begin with beginners class.

In less than one month you will feel and hopefully even visually see a difference. Everyone responds differently but wonderful changes will happen if you commit to doing Pilates every week! “10 sessions- Feel the difference. 20 sessions- See the difference. 30 sessions- Have a new body!” -Joseph Pilates

Everything you do in Pilates is supported from the core (transverse abdominals, pelvic floor, spinal muscles and diaphragm make up the core). Pilates also focuses on breath, balance, flexibility, coordination, control, stamina, toning, posture and overall health.

Yes, we have a growing number of male clients participating in both Reformer and Mat classes. They enjoy the classes and quickly notice the benefits in their bodies and lifestyles. Increased strength and flexibility can be life-changing within just a few months of regular Pilates practice.

Yes, depending on what type of surgery. We do require a medical release from your doctor. Once you have received clearance, an instructor will then be able to work with you to begin strengthening and getting you back to your best self!

The short answer to this question is simply “no”. We have clients who join us at all levels of fitness and experience and at all ages. Our job as Pilates instructors is to tailor a program to your body and requirements, not to make you meet any pre-defined level of fitness.

We will start wherever you happen to be and the one thing that we can promise you is that with consistent attendance, you will see your body improve.

Pilates and yoga come from very different places. Pilates is the creation of a German student of anatomy just a few decades ago whereas yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has been around for centuries. Despite their different origins, Pilates and yoga do share some important qualities though.

Both Pilates and yoga are considered mind-body disciplines emphasizing deep breathing and concentration. They both focus on achieving what some might call “effortless effort” rather than exerting brute strength.

They also both involve smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and become more supple. Good posture and a healthy back are among the key benefits that both can offer you.

In terms of what you will do in a class, yoga focuses more on moving from one static position to another without multiple repetitions. Pilates, on the other hand, flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic and often involve performing a movement several times to target a set of muscles.

Many people do practice a bit of both which is also a great option – they complement each other quite well!

Because Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, it is quite safe to do at any body weight. In fact, Pilates is a wonderful discipline for those who are starting or have already started, a weight loss program. You will learn to activate useful muscles and move your body safely utilizing your core. This will help prepare you to engage in other activities and further support your weight loss.

Our studio provides a warm and accepting environment and your instructor will make sure that you are doing exercise that is suited to your body. Whether you decide to take individual classes or join a Pilates Mat group class, we hope you will find the environment much more pleasant than that of a typical gym.

You should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine. However, Pilates is a discipline designed with back rehabilitation in mind. Many people significantly alleviate back and other pain through consistent Pilates practice. It is very important that you communicate clearly with your instructor about any diagnosed conditions and pain experienced both inside and outside the Studio. Based on this information, we will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations and, in many cases, address the underlying issues. If you have back or any other issues, please feel free to get in touch to discuss how Pilates might work for you.

Yes, Pilates is an excellent exercise discipline for seniors. Joseph Pilates himself practiced his method into his eighties. At Balance Bloom Pilates, we have worked with several clients who have demonstrated that staying active is possible well into later years!

One of the great advantages of Pilates is its adaptability to suit almost anyone. By keeping our classes small and intimate, we ensure that we can tailor programs to meet each client’s specific needs. Private classes are also available, allowing us to customize the exercises to your individual fitness level.

Additionally, many benefits of Pilates directly combat the effects of aging. For example, Pilates supports posture and alleviates joint pain, common issues as we age.