Before Each Work Out

• Make sure to eat something healthy about two hours before your appointment.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Make sure you are rested and ready to work.
• Wear your workout clothes.

What to Wear

• Students may wear comfortable exercise clothes that provide good coverage while avoiding items that are loose and baggy.
• Clothing should be form-fitting without restricting freedom of movement. This allows your instructor to clearly observe your alignment to ensure your safety and the proper execution of the exercises.
• Clothing also needs to provide proper coverage and support for your body for the numerous body positions you will be moving through during training.
• Items such as shorts, sports bras & sleeveless tops are permitted as long as they provide adequate coverage.
• Socks are generally not worn as they can be hazardous and can lead to injury during the use of props and equipment. However, special Pilates socks are permitted and encouraged.
• Shoes are not worn in Pilates mat or equipment classes. However, for those who require them, clean orthotics that are not used for street wear are allowed.

After the Session

• Be sure to continue drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Make sure you eat a healthy snack or meal within a two-hour period after training.
• Do not be surprised if you don't experience the after workout soreness that is typically associated with most strength training methods. In fact, most people feel relaxed, light and energized after a Pilates workout.

What to Expect During Your Assessment Session
Your initial session will not be very difficult as it is designed to introduce you to the core Principles of Pilates and for your instructor to assess your body's strengths and weaknesses.
You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to work your entire body very precisely as a whole and complete unit instead of compartmentally. This approach requires as much brain power as it does muscle power and takes time to absorb. But don't worry! Herculean feats of strength are not expected. In fact, you may feel that some exercises are very easy at first, but over time you will learn how to utilize the movement on entirely new and progressive levels. In Pilates, a few repetitions of quality movement are far more effective than countless repetitions just to achieve a "burn".

Student Responsibility
Think of your workout as a balanced partnership between you, your body, and your instructor. To be effective, each must share in the work in order to help you accomplish your goals. This means that have a big say and it is your responsibility to be alert and mindful of your own body.
Never rely on your instructor to be able to "know" what is going on in your body... only you know how you feel. So, if at any time something doesn't feel right or you begin to feel faint, nauseous, dizzy, have pain, or plain just don't feel good... stop what you are doing and tell your instructor right away.
You also have the right to question and decline any instruction that is unclear or makes you feel uncomfortable. All activity will stop until your questions are addressed to your satisfaction. Your health, safety and well-being are always the first priority.