Introduction to Pilates with Pilates Bound

Practice Pilates, and Stand Up for YOUrself. ~ Christine, aka Pilates Bound

I’m celebrating 1 year of blogging! Woo hoo! Yes, it’s monthly, so it doesn’t seem that I’ve been writing that much, except for that 8-week period where I came up with a theme about Pilates props. You know me and themes! And let me be perfectly honest… I’m not a writer, it doesn’t come naturally to me, and maybe it’s because I’ve used pretty much all my brain cells for thinking and writing at my “day” job that when I come here, I don’t know what to say. But I’m making a promise to myself right now to try this again for another year to see what I see, learn what I learn, and share what I know.

So, let’s go back to the beginning, shall we? Pilates with me!

After you’ve read my blog for the Introduction to Pilates, and read whether you should try Pilates or Yoga, maybe you decided that you’d like to start with Pilates. We all got clarity from 2020, and zero’d in on what really matters – your health. Perhaps you’re ready to know more about Pilates with me? First, thanks for your interest! Second, let’s answer some of your questions to see if we’re a good fit, shall we?

What classes/sessions do you offer?
1. Currently, I offer group mat classes and private sessions.
2. Group mat classes are still virtual for the time being. Group mat in-person classes may return.
  1. Sun morning classes are theme-based. I weave a theme throughout the mat sequence, so we all have a focal point.
  2. Wed evening classes are prop-based. There are 7 props I rotate on a weekly basis, and one of the props (two 1-lb weights) has 2 types of mat classes – one following a mat sequence with weights, and another using a reformer sequence on the mat and the weights act as handles.
3. Private sessions:
  1. My home studio is open. Let’s address your specific needs to get stronger while looking after your physical and general well-being and overall health.
  2. Not ready to come in-person? Tight on time, yet still looking for a workout? I’m available for virtual private sessions as well. All of my private sessions on my schedule can be converted to virtual. Just let me know when you book, and I’ll send you a Zoom link.
How do I sign up for a group class or a private session?
1. Near the end of every month, I publish Group mat classes and Private sessions for the following month.
2. Important Note: For private sessions, you’ll need to contact me separately to get a booking password to complete the transaction as my home studio is not open to the general public. I want to vet people prior to coming to my home, as well as determine if I’m the right teacher for you.
For a virtual group mat class or virtual private session, where and how do I set up my device?
1. First, it’s best to use a laptop for a better view of the teacher.
2. Second, position your laptop camera so that your mat area is fully visible from the side, or a slight angle to the side.
What style of Pilates do you teach?
1. It’s mostly classical with a few variations and/or stretches added in as appropriate.
2. But here’s what you probably want to know … what kind of a teacher am I really… I’ll try to describe how I teach based on my top core values: Honesty, Humor, Authenticity, Determination, and Success. What does this mean for you?
3. My cues are straightforward, to the point, and I describe in detail what it means so that when you hear my cues, you know what to engage in your body.
4. My attitude is positive to keep it light and fun. After all, we’re practicing movement in our bodies. We’re rolling, and we’re rocking. Doesn’t it sound like playtime?
5. WYSIWYG – “what you see is what you get”. With my honesty and sense of humor, I’m unabashedly myself, and stay true to myself and my experiences. With nothing to hide, and not a lot of filters going on, you’re going to quickly see who I am and what I’m all about.
6. I want to share my love for Pilates with you, and teach you a healthier body pattern to reduce aches, pains, and imbalances. If there’s something you’re not getting or understanding, I will not stop until I’ve figured out the best way I know how to describe the feeling I want you to feel in your body.
7. Here’s something else to know about me: I will push you. You can do hard things. You will level up. I want to show you your potential, so you can get stronger, more balanced, have confidence, and stand up for yourself.
8. I love to celebrate wins because I don’t think we do this enough in our daily lives. Plus it’s so easy in Pilates to say “I can’t do that”, but how about we focus on what you can do, what you can work on, and I’ll always present options for you. Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is work on the fundamentals, the foundation of where everything starts.
9. I hope that gives you a better picture of what kind of teacher I am. Any questions?
What kind of equipment is in your studio?
1. At this time, I have 5 apparatuses. Contrology Cadillac, Contrology reformer, Peak Pilates ladder barrel, Yoga Wall system, and a custom made Wunda chair.
2. I’ve got my eye on a couple more additional purchases. I’ll announce when I add to my collection.
What are your studio protocols specific to COVID-19?
1. Students are required to wear a face mask and grippy socks during your session. Please put long hair up in a ponytail as well.
2. Both of us will wash our hands before each session. Or if you choose to use your own hand sanitizer before your session, that’s fine too.
3. We will have to maintain physical distance. No hands-on cues.
4. When possible, I’ll instruct students on changing springs. Otherwise, I’ll change the springs, or set up the equipment for you, especially on the Cadillac.
5. Students will gently clean/scrub the equipment and some (but not all) accessories after each session. I’ll explain how to do this during our session.
6. I will disinfect the equipment, accessories, and clean/disinfect springs after you cleaned/scrubbed.
7. If you are feeling under the weather, please cancel or transfer your booking 24 hours PRIOR to your private session start time using my scheduling platform (Bookwhen). You can kick this off with your confirmation emails.

Maybe I didn’t answer all of your questions. Have more questions? Ask me, and I’ll get back to you.