How do I sign up for my first class?

We suggest pre-registering by signing up online.  Once you have found a class you would like to try on our schedule, click “sign up now” and the system will take you step by step through the registration process.

We also offer a free app for both an iPhone and Droid.  You can download them for free from your app store by searching Mindful Movements Pilates Fort Wayne or see the link offered on this page.

How do I schedule a private session?

All private and semi-private sessions are scheduled by appointment with an appropriate instructor for your needs.  To schedule a private session contact the studio or email at mindfulmovementspilates@yahoo.com.

How early should I arrive for a class/session?

You should plan to arrive a minimum of 5 minutes before the start of a barre, mat, or TRX class.  You should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to Spin class because it will take you longer to prepare your bike and change your shoes.  Pedaling starts exactly when the class is scheduled so you need to be on the bike at start time.

What should I bring?

Water is always an important thing to bring to any class. Most classes require a mat, which you can borrow at the studio if you don’t have your own. Shoes are not permitted in classes but are necessary for the Spinning classes.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you can move and stretch in.  Long fitted pants work best for pilates, barre and TRX while cycling shorts and/or capri style leggings work best for Spinning.  Men typically where longer shorts with compression shorts underneath.  If you feel that you will slip during barre class, then you may want to bring special socks with “grips” on the bottom of them, however they are not necessary.  Shorts and crop/bra like tops are not recommend for any of the classes on the schedule.

Do I need special shoes for Spinning?

Cycling shoes are highly recommended if you are going to make Spinning a regular part of your workout routine.  Our bikes will accommodate bike shoes with SPD clips.  If you are new you can wear a sturdy pair of tennis shoes until you have experienced a few classes.

Do you have beginner classes?

Most of our classes will accommodate beginners other than some TRX and Barre Amped Fire class.  We suggest starting with a mat class or a private session to introduce you to the pilates principles taught throughout all of our programs.  If you are not sure, contact us and we will be happy to direct you to a program that fits your needs.

Periodically through the year we offer 6 week Intro courses for our programs.  Be sure to “like” our Facebook page and sign up for our newsletter to receive information on when these classes are offered.

Do you offer mats?

Yes, mats and towels are provided for you in the studio.  However, feel free to bring your own mat if you have one you use regularly.

What is your cancellation policy?

We have a 6 hour cancellation policy in effect for our group classes and a 24 hour cancellation policy in effect for Private/Semi-Private Sessions.  Please refer to the policies section of the website for a full description of our cancellation policies.

Will the SpinPOWER classes be too advanced for a beginner?

The great thing about cycling is that you can make the class your own, so it is perfect for beginners. You can choose to follow the instructor at their pace, or you can choose to back off and cycle at your own pace. At different times during the class you will be instructed to add weight to your wheel by turning a knob on your bike; you can choose to simply stay where you are if you are not comfortable adding more weight. Be sure you let the instructor know it is your first class so they can help you set up your bike properly.

What is Pilates?

“Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.”
-Joseph H. Pilates

The Pilates Method is an approach in mind & body integration that was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. The fundamental principles focus on balance, concentration, control, centered awareness, fluid movements, and breathe. Pilates enhances a core strength that increases flexibility, coordination and special awareness. The repertoire is performed as a mat class or on specialized equipment utilizing springs for resistance. Pilates engages the whole person, not just the muscles. For everybody from an athlete to mother, Pilates will develop and enhance stamina, posture, alignment & core strength for elite performance to everyday activities.

What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?

Pilates mainly concentrates on cultivating core strength in the body and lengthening the spine. Also, Pilates is a valuable tool for increasing strength, definition and proper posture. Yoga aims to work the body equally and unite the body with mind and spirit. Yoga is often considered therapeutic when compared to Pilates, as it helps people find harmony and release stress. Yoga has many different styles, but all are generally performed in a group setting on a Yoga mat with the aid of a Yoga instructor. Pilates has a full component of mat work, but it also incorporates work on Pilates machines which help build a longer, leaner, dancer-like physique.

What if I have injuries?

One reason that Pilates has become so popular is because it is safe to do with almost any injury or limitation. We have worked with clients: after knee and hip replacements, after back, shoulder, wrist or foot surgery, after a stroke, with MS, vertigo, scoliosis, whiplash, herniated discs, compression fractures, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, during radiation treatments, after a Mastectomy, after broken bones and more.
Pilates Instructors are not physical therapists. In fact, our training is to give you a good workout while taking care to avoid the injured area. No amount of pain is considered OK. Our motto at the studio is, “No pain, No pain!” (Never: “No pain, No gain.”)
Once you have been released from Physical Therapy, Pilates is a great way to continue rehabilitating your body. Pilates will help to correct any muscle imbalances that may have caused the injury by strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight muscles around an injured joint. Pilates is a great “tune-up” for your body, and making it a part of your lifestyle will help you maintain your strength and flexibility.

Our staff will discuss your issues with you and direct you into the most effective program to fit your needs.

I have back issues including herniated discs, will Pilates be good for my back?

Yes, Pilates is wonderful for back issues! Pilates is able to help in back pain treatment mainly in two ways. The first is by the strengthening your muscles and making them more flexible, while the second is through improving your posture. Pilates enables your joints and muscles to become stronger and more flexible. By doing so, you will be able to make them tough enough to withstand the strain and other stresses that happen as you are doing your regular activities. When your muscles are stronger, they can withstand injury better. When the muscles are more flexible, you have less risk of straining them when you contort your body into awkward positions. In this regard, Pilates would really help you in your back pain treatment.
Having stronger and more flexible muscles would definitely help in preventing back pain from occurring again. One of the leading causes of back pain is poor posture. A person’s poor posture, whether while standing or sitting, contribute to the unnecessary strain in the muscles that would eventually make them feel pain. A person who does the Pilates exercises would be able to improve their posture because of the movements and training that they do. The exercises would make it easier for the person to stand straight, not slouch, and avoid other poor positions that contribute to the back pain.

Will I be sore after a workout?

You shouldn’t be. When you are first starting to workout, attempt a new exercise or learn to work “deeper,” you may be using muscles you are not used to using, or be using them in a different way than you have before. It is normal to feel a little muscle soreness a day or two after a workout like this. However, this is the exception. After a Pilates workout your body should just feel lighter, taller and stronger.
In Pilates we do not work any muscle group to the point of “feeling the burn.” Working in this way actually tears muscle fibers. Other types of exercise that have a goal of “bulking up” do this intentionally to build muscle. Pilates creates long lean muscles if done correctly, so we want to avoid those muscle tears.
The order of the Pilates exercises is designed to work a muscle group, then stretch that muscle group to prevent stiffness, soreness, and create a long muscle. The number of repetitions of each exercise is specific and minimum. Less really is more. The majority of exercises are done only 3-5x. A very few are done 10x at MAX.
If executed correctly, that is all that is needed. The body will benefit more from one properly executed repetition, than from 20 done poorly. Studies have shown that the first and second time your body does an exercise it is trying to figure out what it needs to do, the third and fourth repetition is usually the most correct, and after the fifth the quality starts to go downhill. Muscles have “memory” so we quit while we’re ahead. As practice does not make perfect…it makes permanent.
Occasionally we will have a client that comes to the studio because they have tried Pilates somewhere else before and loved it because they “were so sore they could barely move” after class. We are always happy to meet someone that is as excited about Pilates as we are, but this person most likely will be disappointed when they walk out of our studio pain free. Pilates is exercise. You should work as hard and as deeply as you possibly can on that day and you should sweat. You should not be sore.
If you leave a Pilates class feeling extremely sore or feel very sore muscles a day or two after your Pilates workout please notify your instructor. We never support the motto “No Pain, No Gain” … in Pilates it is always “No pain, no pain!”