1. Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout?
2. Can I lose weight through Pilates?
3. How different is Pilates from Yoga?
4. Can Pilates be combined with other sports?
5. Do I need to invest in any special attire or equipment in order to do Pilates?
6. Do I need to be in a studio to do pilates? Can I do it at home?
7. Is Pilates conducted in a group or individual sessions?
8. How many hours a week, or how often should I spend on Pilates?
9. Can a programme be specially tailored to suit my physical needs?
10. What is different about iPilates Studio?

1. Is Pilates a cardiovascular workout?

   Pilates is not a cardiovascular workout as how you would experience when you run or play basketball, or aerobic dance. However, once you’re skilled in the exercises and are able to execute the movements fluidly, your heart rate will increase and you will sweat, providing you with an aerobic workout.

2. Can I lose weight through Pilates?

   In order for anyone to lose weight effectively, there needs to be a combination of an exercise regime, a proper diet plan and possibly a change in lifestyle. Pilates enables you to develop your mind and body uniformly and gain strength. It is most effective in relieving aches and pains, correcting posture and coordination, balance and alignment, toning and strengthening the muscles, thus providing good circulation throughout the body. Therefore, although there may not be an immediate effect in the weight loss objective, all these positive effects mentioned above, will ultimately have a huge impact on anyone’s long-term weight loss plan.

3. How different is Pilates from Yoga?

   Yoga, which originates from India some 2,000 years ago, aims to refine one’s behaviour in the outer world, and then focus inwardly until one reaches liberation or enlightenment. By engaging in a series of physical movements and postures, it is aimed at purifying the body and providing strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

   Pilates on the other hand is created by Joseph Pilates about 80 years ago to help our physical bodies return to its natural form and achieve core strength, muscular balance and coordination, through a series of movements and exercises.

   Although both forms of exercises aim at connecting the mind, body, breath and spirit, Pilates is entirely non-spiritual, but believes that when all parts of our body are in balance - when our minds understand and properly control the body - our bodies will work in the most efficient and effective manner.

4. Can Pilates be combined with other sports?

   Pilates can most certainly be combined with any type of exercise and sport. In fact, it can enhance your performance at the sport as you learn to be more in tuned with your body and muscle balance through Pilates. Many sports people - from ball players to swimmers to golfers - have attested to the complimentary effects and benefits of Pilates in their sport.

5. Do I need to invest in any special attire or equipment in order to do Pilates?

   Just like with any other exercise, comfortable attire will do; no need to invest in any special attire. Most of the Pilates exercises are done on a mat, and these exercises form the foundation and lay the groundwork for all other movements in Pilates. However, there are many other movements that use various apparatus to enhance the exercise to a more advanced level in order to achieve maximum effects. This equipment can range from simple ones such as exercise bands, to rubber balls, lightweights, to bigger apparatus such as the Barrels, Performer and Wall Springs. This equipment can be found in most Pilates studios.

6. Do I need to be in a studio to do pilates? Can I do it at home?

   No, Pilates does not need to be done in a studio. It can be practised at home or even when you’re travelling. What’s more important is to first learn the right techniques (especially in breathing and movement) from a good Pilates instructor. Equipped with the skills, anyone can practice Pilates anywhere. However, a Pilates studio will provide use of equipment, which you might otherwise not have access to at home.

7. Is Pilates conducted in a group or individual sessions?

   Pilates can be conducted either in a group or one-to-one. However, it will be more effective for beginners to start with individual sessions as this enables the instructor to address the specific physical and mental needs of the individual.

8. How many hours a week, or how often should I spend on Pilates?

   In order to be fluent with the movements and benefit from Pilates, it should be practised about 3 times a week. Each session usually lasts about an hour.

9. Can a programme be specially tailored to suit my physical needs?

   Yes, most definitely. Everyone’s body is different and have different needs. The uniqueness of Pilates is that it’s able to meet those needs as it aims to help you understand your body better and use it in the most efficient way so as to reap the benefits of a balanced body. Pilates have been most effective in helping many relieve or even solve their aches and pains - whether it’s due to injury or just bad lifestyle habits. Also, as you progress with the Pilates exercises, your needs will change and the programme should be altered accordingly to continue to meet your needs.

10. What is different about iPilates Studio?

    iPilates Studio is a very personalised set-up dedicated to only teaching Pilates. Affiliated to the Ron Fletcher Program of Study in USA, iPilates teaches Pilates that is true to its original form. Its founders and instructors are passionate about Pilates and are all professionally trained and certified to help you meet your physical needs. With a fully equipped studio, iPilates offers programmes of various levels ranging from beginners to trainers. Conveniently located in town and cosily tucked away in Claymore Hill, iPilates aims to help you truly enjoy your workout and at the same time reap the benefits of it.

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