What is Pilates? 
Pilates is a system of more than 500 exercises developed by Joseph Pilates over the course of his lifetime that challenges and conditions the body as a whole. Using his own body to experiment, Joseph Pilates created a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, balance, breath and creates long, lean muscles. Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle) through smooth, continuous motion and powerful, muscular breath. The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity of repetitions, which helps to train the body more efficiently and effectively, leaving you feeling invigorated and energized after your practice.

What are the benefits of Pilates? 
Some, but by no means all, of the effects you can experience with a regular Pilates practice are: 
* Improved strength, flexibility and balance
* Relief from back pain
* Corrected postural alignment
* Toned, lean muscles
* Enhanced body awareness (proprioception)
* Reduced risk of injury due to body awareness and core strength
* Recovery from injury or surgery
* A stronger, more flexible spine
* Increased joint range of motion
* Improved circulation
* Correction of bad physical habits and/or over-training of muscle groups
* Enhanced mobility, agility and stamina
* Improved sports performance through cross-training
* Development of functional fitness for daily life

What's the difference between mat and equipment Pilates? 
Both mat and equipment Pilates apply the same fundamental principles of core strength, length, balance, and stability, just in different ways:

* Mat classes are usually done in a group setting using only mats and your own body weight to strengthen and condition the body. Mat classes are a fun, fast-paced way to practice Pilates and are a moderately priced alternative to private sessions.

* Equipment sessions can be done in private single, duo, or trio sessions, as well as in small group classess. Joseph Pilates designed special apparatus and props to further enhance the mat exercises he had already developed and to make them accessible to people recovering from injuries. These various pieces of equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles under the guidance of a certified trainer. This weighted resistance enables more detailed, form-specific work making it ideal for its original purpose as physical therapy work, and of course it also provides an excellent, challenging workout for any healthy body as well.

How often should I do Pilates? 
Ideally you should aim for 2-4 times a week, whether in mat classes, equipment classes or private sessions. This kind of regular, consistent practice will help develop muscle memory more quickly and enable you to integrate the various Pilates principles. But don't be intimidated by a big time commitment--any Pilates is better than no Pilates!

Will I lose weight through Pilates? 
Although Pilates can be a vigorous workout, it is not a cardiovascular workout, therefore burning calories is not its main focus. Pilates exercises help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles. Whether the number on the scale goes down or not, you will look and feel better through a continued Pilates practice.

Will I be sore after my session? 
Pilates doesn't aim to fatigue the muscles to exhaustion, instead it uses changing movement patterns, mental focus and muscle memory to build strength and awareness into the body. Therefore Pilates leaves you feeling more energized than exhausted. Muscle pain is caused by lactic acid build-up in the muscle, improper stretching, or tearing of the muscles. By emphasizing quality over quantity and loading the muscles in the lengthening, eccentric contraction, Pilates doesn't usually lead to severe soreness. The “no pain, no gain” exercise philosophy has no place in Pilates--Joseph Pilates figured out that an exercise doesn't have to be painful to be effective, therefore his exercises work directly with the deepest muscles in the body, developing strength without the pain associated with conventional exercise.

What should I wear? 
Your comfort is most important, but a few guidelines help:

* The tighter the better! Close-fitting clothes allow the trainer to see what your body is doing, therefore enabling more specific, focused cuing and corrections. But your comfort is most important, so just make sure you can move easily in whatever you wear.

* No shoes are necessary—socks or bare feet, it’s entirely up to you!

The Fine Print

  • All services and classes at Pilates Underground must be prepaid to secure your reservation.

  • All sales are final.

  • All sessions/packages expire 6 months after purchase, unless arrangements to extend are made prior to expiration.

  • All services and classes at Pilates Underground require a minimum of 24 hours cancellation notice. Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in the forfeiture of the prepaid class or service credit.

  • In the event you need to cancel outside the 24 hour window, your prepaid class or session will be credited to your account for future use. We are unable to offer refunds.

  • Waitlists: if you sign up for a class waitlist you will be notified via email if an opening becomes available. The 24 hour cancellation policy applies to waitlist registrations; you will not be automatically added to a waitlist inside the 24 hour window. If a last minute opening becomes available we will personally reach out to see if you are still able to come. Please note: if you unsubscribe from reminders and schedule changes in your online profile, you will not receive waitlist notifications, which will result in missing your class and forfeiting that credit.

Pilates Underground COVID-19 Protocols

Here at Pilates Underground the continued health and safety of our community is our top priority. Therefore, in accordance with CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines, we have put into place the following protocols in response to the COVID-19 outbreak:

What we are doing to keep you safe in the studio:

1. The studio has been rearranged to accommodate for a minimum of 6 feet between Reformers and the studio logistics have been made as touch-free as possible.

2. We have purchased the highest rated air purifiers on the market that completely clean the air in the studio five times per hour. We also have our own new, dedicated HVAC unit with fresh air intake and MERV 13 high-rated filters to ensure excellent air quality in the studio--we do not share air with anyone else in the building!

3. We have purchased a powerful, commercial disinfectant that meets the EPA List N criteria for use against COVID-19 and is also botanically derived, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.

4. We have taken an online, 5-week certification course covering the proper cleaning, maintenance, and disinfecting of the specialized Pilates equipment.

5. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the studio.

What you can do to keep us all safe in the studio:

1. Stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has.

2. Wash your hands frequently, and wear your mask if you wish.

3. Do your best to maintain 6 feet between yourself and others in the studio.