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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was created by Joseph Pilates. It is a "core" strengthening system of exercises that balances and heals the chronic weaknesses in the body. It focuses on Strength, Stamina, Stability and Stretch. It is a very focused form of exercise which is why Joseph Pilates called this "Contrology". You will see both Eastern and Western influences in Pilates.
WHAT IS BUCKINGHAM PILATES?
We are a "classical" Pilates studio. Here we focus on the classical system of the method that Joseph Pilates invented. We offer both mat and equipment work which is what Joseph Pilates practiced. The staff is fully certified to keep you safe.
HOW DOES PILATES DIFFER FROM YOGA?
Pilates focuses more on Core Strength and the abdominals—known as the "Power House" in Pilates. Pilates will help the mind learn to better work the muscles in balance. It is a more fitness based method.
WHAT SHOULD I EAT BEFORE CLASS?
If you can avoid it, please try not to eat at least one to two hours prior to Pilates. If you need to, eat something small and lean or non-bloating. Since Pilates work begins at the center of the body (the abdominals), you will feel a large meal during the work!
I’M NOT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO DO PILATES! I’M NOT A DANCER...
NO PROBLEM! You do not have to be flexible to do Pilates. In fact, many dancers that come to Pilates are coming to learn to better control the body’s flexibility. Pilates certainly will help your flexibility! At Buckingham Pilates, you will not be doing choreography, you will be doing Pilates!
SHOULD I DO PILATES WITH EQUIPMENT OR ON THE MAT?
We like to say, "Do Pilates in all your workouts!" Whether you’re running or on the reformer. But, to answer this question—the equipment will give you resistance that may enhance your workout and it may offer you some opportunities to try additional exercises. The equipment gives you deeper work and can be more advanced. However, you can also advance on the mat and it will offer you a fantastic workout—you provide your own resistance! The group setting is motivating and it is a cost effective way to add Pilates into your weekly routine!
WHAT IF I HAVE A BAD KNEE OR BACK?
Our instructors are trained in all body issues. Please tell your instructor about your condition so he/she may design that workout to help you. If your condition is serious and painful at all times, please see your doctor first. If you are in recovery and are okayed by a doctor, you’re okay to do Pilates! In fact, the doctor may recommend it. We will modify the exercises so you get a fantastic workout without strain on the injury.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Please wear something you feel comfortable in and that covers the body well. Bike shorts or long shorts are recommended for men (or women) and snug fitting exercise pants for women. Please try to avoid over-sized t-shirts as it is difficult to see the body lines. Wear clean socks or clean bare feet. We sanitize our equipment and mats after each use.
IS PILATES FOR MEN TOO?
Absolutely! Joseph Pilates (a man!) worked with many men in the beginning! In fact, he did Pilates quite vigorously. Because so many dancers came to him in the early days, Pilates became very popular with the dance community and developed into a very female clientele. However, men do it all the time—many professional athletes!