FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening the core, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. It combines breath control, mindful movement, and precise exercises to promote alignment, posture, and muscle strength. Pilates can be done on a mat or using specialized equipment like the Reformer.

Not at all! Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors are trained to offer modifications and adjustments to suit individual needs, so whether you’re new to fitness or have been practicing for years, you’ll find a class that works for you.

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid loose clothing, as it can get in the way of certain movements. Pilates is practiced in our studio with grip socks for alignment, safety, & comfort.

Mat Pilates: This is the traditional Pilates method performed on the floor using a mat. It focuses on bodyweight exercises that target core strength, stability, and flexibility.

Reformer Pilates: Involves the use of a Reformer machine, which uses springs for resistance. This allows for a greater range of motion and more dynamic exercises, making it easier to challenge and modify movements based on your fitness level.

Both methods are highly effective, and each offers its own benefits! A well-rounded routine incorporates both styles.

We have a parking lot located directly in front of our building, exclusively for Village West clients, making parking convenient and hassle-free. Please park in our lot first. If it’s full, you’re welcome to use the side lot.

(We love our neighbors!)

The ideal number of classes depends on your personal goals and schedule. For most people, 2-3 classes per week is a great starting point for building strength and flexibility without overtraining. Once Pilates becomes part of your routine, a typical practice is 3-5 classes per week to see lasting results. Consistency is key, but always listen to your body and rest when needed.

Yes! Pilates is known for improving posture, strengthening the core muscles, and increasing flexibility—all of which can help alleviate back pain. Our instructors can guide you through exercises specifically designed to relieve tension and improve alignment. If you have chronic back pain, we recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

While Pilates may not burn as many calories as high-intensity cardio workouts, it’s an excellent way to build lean muscle, manage cortisol, and improve body composition. A strong, balanced body burns calories more efficiently, and Pilates helps with overall muscle strength and posture.

Grip socks are required to take our classes and can be purchased in our studio. We strongly recommend bringing a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or clip so your hair does not get caught in the reformer.

One quick Google search and you’ll see—mirrors are a hot topic in the Pilates world!

At Village West, our decision to have a mirror-free studio is intentional. After spending countless hours in a variety of studios, we’ve found there’s something uniquely grounding about a space without mirrors. And this isn’t unusual—many boutique studios are mirror-free because Pilates is ultimately about how movement feels, not how it looks.

And here’s some peace of mind: safety in Pilates doesn’t come from a mirror on the wall—it comes from the guidance of your instructor, clear cueing, and moving at a pace that supports you. Every so often you might turn your body to catch a demonstration, and that’s completely natural. We twist and rotate all the time in daily life (like checking a blind spot), and in class those movements are taught in a safe, supported way. Often, mirrors actually pull people out of alignment, while learning to feel the movement keeps you right where you need to be.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Deeper awareness. Without mirrors, you’ll build proprioception—your body’s natural ability to sense alignment, balance, and movement in space without needing a reflection. Proprioception isn’t something we automatically excel at; like a muscle, it gets stronger the more you train it. This becomes especially important as we age, since proprioception naturally declines over time, affecting balance and increasing fall risk. Training it through Pilates helps prevent injuries, supports coordination, and makes you more confident in everyday movement—whether you’re lifting groceries, running, carrying your kids, or staying steady as you get older. Pilates is one of the most effective ways to strengthen proprioception, because every exercise is designed to build awareness, control, and precision from the inside out.

• Fewer distractions. No comparisons, no outfit checks, no noticing your hair mid-class. Just you, your breath, and your strength.

• A more inclusive space. A mirror-free studio creates an environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported, regardless of body type, age, or experience level. Mirrors can sometimes trigger self-consciousness, comparison, or even body image concerns—and that can pull focus away from the joy and effectiveness of the work. By removing mirrors, we take the pressure off how you look and shift the spotlight to what your body can do. This fosters body neutrality, helping clients of all backgrounds feel at ease, confident, and fully present in their practice.

The bottom line: You don’t have to love or hate mirrors—but we invite you to be open-minded, and experience what it’s like to move in a space that’s about feeling strong from the inside out.

A Reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment that consists of a sliding platform, springs for resistance, and adjustable straps. It allows for a wider variety of movements and exercises than mat Pilates and can be used to target specific muscle groups more effectively. The Reformer offers greater support and allows for modifications, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.