Classes & Workshops

Getting started with Pilates is easy! Whether you are interested in joining a class, starting your introductory private sessions, or are unsure of what is right for you. Call or e-mail us (see our Contact page) and we would be happy to discuss your goals with you and help you select the program that best suits your body. If you are new to Pilates, you can start your private sessions at any time. We will work with you to book times that are convenient for you. After your private sessions, you can join an existing group class – you do not need to wait until the next session. You can join a group at any time, and the fee will be prorated for the classes that you attend.

Prior to attending your first Pilates session, we ask that you fill out a health form and waiver. The forms can be picked up or e-mailed to you. These forms are then reviewed by your instructor prior to your first meeting and discussed with you when you arrive.

When attending any Pilates class, be sure to wear clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move easily. Men should wear exercise pants or shorts with a liner. You may wish to bring a water bottle, and if you are attending a mat class, please bring your own mat if you have one. We do have mats at the studio to borrow if you forget to bring one.

Initially, practicing Pilates won’t burn the necessary amount of calories to promote weight loss. However, what Pilates will do is reshape and lengthen muscles to create a more streamlined, leaner appearance. People find that their clothes fit differently as Pilates tones such “trouble areas” as their mid section and hips. Pilates improves posture so people stand taller and therefore appear thinner. If you are looking to lose weight, a sound cardiovascular training program in addition to Pilates is a good bet” (Canadian Pilates Association).

For optimum results, Pilates should be practiced 3 or 4 times a week. A minimum of 2 sessions a week is recommended. A combination of 2 Reformer and 1 Mat class per week are a compliment to a person’s ongoing lifestyle and would encompass all aspects of the Pilates regime.

The Reformers and other auxiliary equipment that Joseph Pilates developed work on a system of springs. The springs closely resemble the way the body’s muscles move in real life, developing tension while simultaneously lengthening. Use of the springs with exercise means no strain on the joint at the beginning of the range of motion and the benefit of a large amount of resistance at the end of the range of motion (Canadian Pilates Association).

If you are practicing Pilates 3 times a week you should expect to see changes in roughly 4 to 6 weeks.

Pilates is a great adjunct to many sports such as tennis, golf, rowing and running. Many professional athletes, from football players to skaters, use Pilates as a valuable cross training regimen to improve their skills and to prevent injury. Pilates has great benefit to weight trainers also. Conventional weight training tends to train larger muscles but can miss smaller stabilizing muscles. Over time this imbalance can lead to injury and tightness. Pilates makes sure that the entire body gets worked-out in a balanced fashion” (Canadian Pilates Association).

Although registration is session based, we do offer ongoing registration throughout current sessions, subject to class availability. Contact the office for more information.

We ask that you give us at least 24 hours advanced notice if you will be unable to attend a class. We will then find you a make-up class time within the current session. Missed private or group classes without advanced notice cannot be made up.

If you are dealing with a chronic or ongoing condition you will need your doctor’s approval to start a Pilates program. Please contact the studio to book a short session to find out how Pilates can benefit your situation. Pilates is a form of movement exercise that can be modified for almost any body. At Victoria Pilates Inc., each client has their own personal program developed for their needs to ensure success.