Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have men in your Pilates classes?
Yes, men absoutely love our classes and are always surprised at how challenging Pilates really is. Pilates is great for men as initially they are often less flexible than women, which can often lead to imbalances in the body and possible back pain in the future - men are often surprised to notice such a vast difference in their flexibility even after one session. At PFI we have men training with us who are professional footballers, swimmers, cyclists, runners and even pro surfers. We also offer Corporate Pilates sessions for their sports teams and currently work with the WA Football Commission.
Athletes including Chris Judd, Pat Cash, Hugh Grant, Brad Pitt and Tiger Woods are known to be Pilates fans. Our male clients enjoy the strength challenge and control aspect of our Pilates classes - the exercises are harder than they look!
Can I do Pilates when I'm pregnant?
Pilates is great for pregnant women as long as you attend specifically tailored pregnancy classes such as our Pregnancy Pilates classes.
No Pilates experience is required - you only need to be past your first trimester and have checked with your health care professional that you are find to undertake this type of exercise.
Specific Pregnancy Pilates is essential as some of the regular Pilates exercises aren’t suitable if you are expecting... and some simply aren't necessary. We do more arm and shoulder strengthening (to help with all that holding and lifting you will be doing), we still cover lower body work, lots of pelvic floor function and breathing exercises, but less specific abdominal work. We actually "activate" the core differently, so it's important to stick with the antenatal classes only even though we know there are always a few die-hard members who have trouble giving up their regular classes for a whole trimester!
Once you have had your baby, you can come back to join us for Post Natal + Babes classes, enabling you to start back with Pilates in a relaxed class where your baby is able to attend with you until they become highly mobile. We still keep the pelvic floor focus, and simplify the exercises a little to accommodate post natal abdominals!
I hear of it all the time... but what is Pilates?
Please see our What is Pilates page.
Is Pilates the same wherever you go?
There are actually many different styles of Pilates!
Firstly, there is clinical Pilates which you will find at physiotherapist centres and is specifically for rehabilitating new or severe injuries.
Please be aware that we do not instruct "clinical pilates" in our group classes. If you have an existing back injury, a history of bulging or ruptured vertebral discs, limited joint movement or if you have had recent surgery, then clinical pilates under physiotherapist supervision is probably better suited to you. If you do not have a serious injury, but require extra support for your core or joints, Reformer Pilates is a better direction to start with. Please contact our office on 9330 8900 if you need help determining your best option.
PFI delivers a totally unique style of Pilates based on the pure Joseph Pilates method, combined with the most cutting edge Pilates research for the best fitness results through Power Pilates. Our classes are an intense whole body workout designed to energise and resculpt your figure, giving you a longer, leaner, more toned physique.
Will it help me lose weight?
Yes - at PFI we teach a unique style of Power Pilates which has increased cardio benefits due to it's flowing and faster paced style. Due to the intensity of your workout with us, you will be burning plenty of kilojoules, which can result in fantastic weigh loss results when teamed with a healthy diet.
How often, ideally, should I be attending classes?
The more classes you can attend, the faster you will reach your goals - our recommendation is two to three times per week attendance for maintaining good health and well-being. Pilates is a unique form of exercise and due to its low impact, it is not necessary to have a rest day between classes as is sometimes recommended in other types of exercise.
What do I need to wear?
The most important thing of all is that you feel comfortable.
We recommend moveable pants (not shorter than knee length for both men and women), as well as a t-shirt or fitted top so you are comfortable when rolling down and up, and will allow our instructors to see your body to aid your technique. We work in bare feet or grip socks during the floor classes, and grip socks or normal socks during reformer classes, so there is no need to worry about shoes. We also stock the beautiful Abi & Joseph Pilates range of clothing at all studios.