What should I wear or bring to my yoga or Pilates session?

Wear comfortable exercise clothing and bare feet (socks with grip soles are recommended for Pilates).  Most students purchase their own yoga mat, however, we do have mats available to borrow.

How should I begin my Pilates or yoga practice?

If you’re new to yoga, we offer Intro to Yoga classes that are designed specifically for first-time students.  Any Alignment Yoga class is also appropriate for beginners.  Pilates Mat classes are open to all levels and provide a strong foundation for beginners.  If you’re interested in trying the Pilates equipment, we offer introductory packages at a special rate for three private sessions.  After completing these sessions, most students are then ready to attend our Pilates equipment classes.   Many students also prefer to continue private instruction for both Pilates and yoga.

Do I need to sign up for class ahead of time?

You don’t have to sign up for yoga or Pilates Mat classes, but it’s always a good idea to reserve a spot online in your favorite class (room capacity is 15).  Online registration is ALWAYS required for all Pilates equipment classes due to limited class sizes.

I have lower back issues.  Are Pilates and yoga OK for me?

Always consult with your doctor first, but both practices can help you learn to recruit different muscles in daily movement, enabling you to correct imbalances within the body, which are often the source of lower back pain.  Strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles of the core (back and abdominals) and working to free restrictions within the body are key to increasing spinal mobility and range of motion.

Can I do Pilates or yoga if I’m pregnant?

With the OK from your doctor, both can provide wonderful maintenance during pregnancy if done with proper supervision and modifications.  Private sessions or special pre-natal classes are recommended to ensure that additional stress is never put on the body.

I’m a runner with tight hamstrings!  What’s best for me?

Both Pilates and yoga are excellent for stretching the strong and often “over-used” muscles of the legs.  We offer three styles of yoga -- Hatha Flow, Ashtanga and Alignment/Restorative – all of which provide modifications to assist students with challenging poses as the body’s own natural state of balance is restored.  But in general, our Alignment/Restorative classes move most slowly and gently, and often utilize a number of props (like blankets, blocks and chairs) to assist individuals with specific areas of tension and stress.  Likewise, the Pilates equipment is designed to assist and support the individual as major muscle groups (including the hamstrings) are “re-trained” to allow the stabilizing muscle of the core (abdominals and back) to do more work.   

My husband thinks Pilates and yoga are for girls.  Do men attend classes?

Pilates and yoga have become mainstream exercise regimes with both male and female professional athletes and celebrities, and have been incorporated into intensive “core training” programs for special military forces like the Navy Seals.  And more importantly, at Lotus Mind & Body, “real men” do Pilates and yoga everyday!  Initially, they often want to improve flexibility and range of motion to take a few strokes off their golf game or improve their tennis swing.  But within a short time, a shift often occurs and they find themselves regularly on their mats, with no other desire than to just “be.”