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Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF YOUR TEACHERS?
Our fully certified teachers have fulfilled a minimum of 700
hours of active training in all equipment and mat exercises, seminars, and
apprentice teaching. After completion of these hours, all
certified teachers must pass both written and practical examinations. After
certification, teachers are annually required to complete a continuing
education course.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPARATUS/EQUIPMENT SESSIONS AND MAT CLASSES?
The complete Pilates Method of Body Conditioning involves both apparatus
and mat exercises. If you are interested in working out on the apparatus,
you have several options depending on your goals. Apparatus sessions can be incorporated in a variety of ways.
Some individuals prefer individual attention, while some enjoy the dynamics
of a partner or a group. It is also common to combine both mat classes and
apparatus sessions in a Pilates exercise program. Mat classes are offered
at a various times and days and are offered in six week sessions (see our Washington, DC Mat Class Schedule and our Annapolis Mat Class Schedule). Mat classes at Excel Movement Studios are graduated from
beginning level classes through advanced. Each mat class level has a
curriculum and is designed with specific goals.
SHOULD I START WITH MAT CLASSES OR ON THE APPARATUS?
You can begin with either mat classes or appartus sessions. It is common to
combine both mat classes and apparatus sessions in your exercise program
(see Appartus/Equipment Sessions and Mat Class Schedules for more information). Mat classes are the most affordable program we offer. In a group setting, you will learn exercises that you can practice at home, no equipment is
necessary. Apparatus sessions are offerred by appointment. They are an excellent way to
experience the complete Pilates Method. They are also the best place to
begin for anyone with injuries, health issues or specific training goals to
begin.
CAN I START OUT DOING A DUET OR A SMALL GROUP AS A BEGINNER?
It is best to start with a one on one session so that your fitness level can
be assessed and matched to another individual. However, if you have a friend
that you are confident is at a similar fitness level, then you could begin as
a duet. Small Group sessions require experience and permission of an
instructor.
WHEN DO MAT CLASSES START? CAN I DROP IN TO ANY CLASS?
Mat classes are offered in eight-week sessions. Registration is required for
each session. For the next schedule of mat classes in Washington, DC click here. For the next schedule of mat classes in Annapolis, MD click here.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND A MAT CLASS?
Our mat classes are limited to 15 people per class in Washington, DC, and 10 people per class in Annapolis, MD.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO PROGRESS TO THE NEXT MAT CLASS LEVEL?
As you attend your first mat class session, your instructor will encourage
you to practice the exercises at home to help with your progression.
Progress will depend on your commitment to practice and your current fitness
level. The Pilates Method is an in depth exercise system and most clients
take each mat class level at least twice.
HOW DO I GET TO EXCEL MOVEMENT STUDIOS?
For directions to our Washington, DC studio click here. For directions to our Annapolis, MD studio, clear here.
IS IT EASIER TO GET TO THE WASHINGTON, DC STUDIO BY METRO OR CAR? AND DO YOU HAVE PARKING?
Our Washington, DC studio is convenient by metro, only one block from the Brookland/CUA metro stop
on the Red Line. Both Washington, DC and Annapolis, MD studios have parking areas.
WHAT ARE THE NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE AT THE EXCEL STUDIOS?
For information about our Washington, DC studio and neighborhood, click here. For information on our Annapolis, MD studio and neighborhood, click here.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT PIECES OF APPARATUS DO YOU HAVE? HOW MANY DIFFERENT
EXERCISES CAN YOU PERFORM ON THEM?
Our Washington, DC facility is one of the largest Pilates studios in the country. Both of our studios are equipped with all of the Pilates apparati, including reformers and cadillacs.
Our mat class area is 20x60. Enrollment for mat classes is limited to seventeen people in Washington, DC, and ten people in Annapolis, MD. The Pilates Method consists of over 500 different exercises.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR INJURY, IS IT STILL GOOD FOR ME TO DO PILATES ?
As with any medical condition or injury, it is important that you have a
release from your physician to exercise. The Pilates Method integrates into
a rehabilitative exercise program to speed recovery from many medical
conditions and injuries.
CAN I DO PILATES IF I'M PREGNANT?
If you have never done Pilates, wait until delivery and permission from your
doctor. If you have studied Pilates prior to your pregnancy, this is a
matter to discuss with your instructor.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE/FEEL RESULTS?
Benefits of Pilates include increased flexibility and strength, with more defined, longer, leaner muscles. Through Pilates, the abdomen, gluteals and lower back are strengthened
enabling the body to move more efficiently and freely. Result time is
individual depending on your commitment to Pilates. Generally, clients
begin to feel these benefits within one session and start to see them in ten
sessions.
CAN PILATES HELP ME WITH WEIGHT REDUCTION?
For many, Pilates has been helpful with weight loss. Pilates does provide
some resistance training which is beneficial for weight loss.
HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK SHOULD I DO A PILATES WORKOUT?
Pilates is a form of exercise that you can do daily. We recommend one to three times per week to get started.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO WORK OUT IN?
You should where workout clothing that you feel comfortable exercising in.
Most clients wear sweat pants, t-shirts, leggings and leotards. Layers are
best. If you wear shorts, please wear long shorts. You will need a pair of
socks for your workout. No shoes are necessary.
WHAT FORM OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Cash, Checks and Money Orders. We do not accept credit cards.
WHEN CAN I START INDEPENDENT WORKOUTS?
Independent workouts require a high level of experience. Achieving that
level of experience depends on your current fitness level. If this is a goal
of yours for the future, you should discuss this with your instructor.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE STUDIO WHILE I WORKOUT?
Part of our commitment to every Excel client is to provide a supportive
atmosphere in which clients may grow, learn, and be guided towards a fitter
lifestyle. Our facilities do not have the ability to provide child care. If
you have an emergency situation where you must bring your child, we request
that you arrange for your child to be attended by another adult while you are
at the studio. Supervised children must remain in the waiting area only. The waiting area in our Annapolis, MD studio is limited in space; therefore, it would be best not to bring children.
CAN I GIVE PILATES CLASSES AS A GIFT TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes, gift certificates are available. Please call us to make arrangements,
410.897.0550.
HOW DO I FIND A CERTIFIED TEACHER NEAR ME?
For information on certified teachers in your area, please visit the web sites of The Pilates Studio at http://www.pilates-studio.com, The Pilates Center at http://www.thepilatescenter.com, or True Classical Pilates at http://www.classicalpilates.net.
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