What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that incorporates a series of movements involving contracting and lengthening of core stabilizing muscles. Whether performed on machines or on the mat, Pilates improves alignment and flexibility, enhances balance and coordination, reduces joint stress, and develops overall strength and muscle tone. Pilates’ emphasis on breathing and proper form enables one to perform few repetitions of each exercise, better targeting the key muscles while stimulating the mind.

What should I wear?
Clients should wear comfortable clothes in which they can easily move. No shoes are needed for workouts.

How soon before results can be seen and felt?
Results are usually felt immediately. As with any other form of exercise, results will appear more quickly the more frequently one works out. Usually people feel a significant improvement in strength in a few weeks and see them in six weeks to two months.

Can I do Pilates if I’m injured/compromised?
The location and extent of the injury will determine whether someone can do Pilates, but in many cases Pilates is used as a form of rehabilitation encouraged by doctors and physical therapists. In fact, Pilates greatly benefits those with back pain, previously herniated disks and shoulder injuries as well knee reconstruction.

Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant?
The medical profession is now recognizing Pilates as a superior form of exercise for pregnant women because of its emphasis on strengthening the pelvic floor, abdominals and back muscles. Certain exercises must be modified at specific points in the pregnancy to avoid strain or potential damage; therefore it is important for pregnant women to work with a knowledgeable and trained instructor.

As a beginner, can I take group classes?
The Kane School offers classes for all levels, catering to those with no background in movement or exercise as well professional dancers on the other end of the spectrum. Pilates Mat: Core Principles taught by founder Kelly Kane provides an excellent introduction to Pilates and offers a solid foundation for further study.

What’s the difference between Mat and equipment?
Mat work is primarily done on the floor lying on the back, side or stomach, using gravity to strengthen the trunk and core abdominals. In contrast, the apparatus use resistance generated through springs and incorporate a more complex repertoire of leg and arm work. The common benefits of both mat and apparatus work are stability, strength and flexibility.

What is Gyrotonic®?
The Gyrotonic Expansion System® is a unique system of equipment and exercise that incorporates movement principles of yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and tai-chi. Gyrotonic is a newer growing exercise form gaining awareness and popularity, and it offers potential applications outside of the realm of Pilates. Whereas Pilates is linear and moves within planes focusing on stabilization, Gyrotonic involves circular, spiral movements using dynamic imagery. Like Pilates, it produces similar effects of lengthening muscles and increasing strength with flexibility.