I keep seeing ads on Instagram for Pilates bars on Instagram. Are they legitimate? And if so, what is a reputable brand?

I’m just finishing up active treatment and looking for exercise that will continue to build mobility, regain strength, and help me through 5+ years of estrogen blockers (with the expected joint pain).

Curious if Pilates has helped you, and which other exercise regimes have also been beneficial.

Pre-diagnosis, I used to do mat Pilates a couple times a month and enjoyed it, but I didn’t have these specific goals in mind.

Hello everyone! I recently started to strength train with a personal trainer, and I am loving how I feel. I feel healthier physically and mentally, and I can see obvious growth in my arms and legs. However, my stomach (which is my problem area), seems to want to stay!

I see my PT 3 days a week, and the other days I workout at my local gym. I want to incorporate Pilates because I’d like to slim down my tummy.

Could you lovely people please recommend some exercises to do after my strength training portion in the gym?
Thank you!

I’ve been doing pilates a little over a year now.. As of recently, I DEFINITELY noticed I’ve gotten like an inch taller. My bf even mentioned it too.

I was already tall (I’m 5’9 & a half) & honestly I’ve always been a bit insecure about my height. I really don’t enjoy being this tall. Now, I think i’m closer to 5’11.

Has anyone had experience with this? If so, my question is do you continue to grow a few inches every so often or did your body just lengthen that one time?

I do understand anyone’s body& experience is different.. I just to see what happened for most people because I dislike being tall so much that I will stop pilates if I’m gonna continue to get taller.

I bought this used A2, but the sellers cat unfortunately had made a slight scratch in the headrest area of the reformer carriage. Is there anything I can do or apply to keep it from worsening with usage? Thank you!

I do Pilates at home but I caught a nasty cold 3 days ago and rested for those days. I’m feeling better today but still have a few symptoms and am wondering when is an ideal time to start exercising again?

just wondering, is there website to help teachers or studio to get the right job/candidate?

if there is no, I am hoping to build one. But not sure if this would be helpful, or is there many people going to use? please give me some feedback on this.

Hi Everyone! Just started doing pilates!! I was wondering if u guys have any recommended supplemental workouts that are DIY (Youtube or others) that i could do throughout the week. I only have time for one reformer class each week because i also do gym 3 times a week and other sports plus work.

Hi! So I got a job offer for a studio where the base pay is $33 and then $5 per head but it’s capped at 4 heads… this is the first time I hear about a cap and it honestly seems a bit unfair? I am going to ask if it’s negotiable but i just want to check if I’m just being delusional? I feel like even something like $3-$4 per head up to 12 is more reasonable? (Or am I lowballing myself?) What’s the incentive to teach such large groups (this isn’t club pilates btw) if they cap the pay?? Teaching large classes is not easy and the extra pay is the reason I choose to do groups over privates, because I get the opportunity to go over my base if I retain larger clientelle. I don’t want to come off as delusional or greedy but I just want to get payed accordingly and fairly.

Is expecting $5 per 12 heads unreasonable (I’m assuming it is which is why I said $3-$4 per head would make sense)? Or is it? Can someone give me some insight? Also I live in LA so it might be different compared to smaller cities. Any advice? What do you think a good standard base rate is? Thank you.

I’m hoping someone(s) out here has experience with this piece of equipment, especially the raised mat version. Some questions about this:

1. Does the raised mat have much “flex” to it, or is completely rigid?
2. Is it easy and quick to convert?
3. Do the support “pillars” (not sure what they’re really called) on the mat interfere with storing the mat conversion when it’s not in use? Or are they part of the frame?

Any information, experience, advice you have with this apparatus is welcome!

Would also love to see someone putting the mat in, in case you have a link to a video? I just searched YouTube but didn’t spot anything that showed this, maybe I’m not using the right keywords 🧐

I have tried ladder and found a love for Pilates. From ladder I went to fitwithcoco and it went from stuff I could do to I couldn’t even keep up! I also did not like the app compared to ladder. Is there something like ladder but more Pilates focused?

I’ve had 5 sessions of beginner reformer group classes and enjoyed it a lot. However, I think it is too light & easy for me. So I tried joining an intermediate class and I struggled with some of the movements and coordination. I felt that I am not on that level yet.

Note: I only do Pilates once a week. I mostly do strength training at home with dumbbells.

My questions are:

1. How long did it take you to move from beginner level to intermediate?

2. What supplemental workouts can I do to get stronger so I can power through all the pilates exercises?

Thanks in advance!

I started taking reformer pilates classes this past summer and I’m hooked. After a long convalescence due to illness, this was one of the first exercises I was able to start up again. YAY. Though it’s challenging, it also felt accessible to start with because it’s low impact. Plus, I never knew what core strength felt like until now!! It’s so functional (for reference I’m 31).

However, even after many months of classes, I’ve noticed that my morning pilates classes leave me with some fatigue/exhaustion later in the afternoon to the point where I often need a nap. I am now at the point where I’ve also been doing plenty of walking, hiking, occasional running, and consistent weight training with a trainer.

Even though I usually push myself VERY hard when doing weight training (to the point it’s a problem sometimes lol), I feel energized from it. On the other hand, pilates wipes me out!! I have never been one to nap, but pilates consistently leaves me wanting a nap in the afternoon. If I sleep for even 30min, I wake up feeling SO much better and re-energized!

Why is this?? Is it the deep core & muscle exercises? Would love some input on this!

I keep seeing the Fluidform Pilates 8 week Wedding Programme advertised and, although my wedding isn’t for 6 months, I’m interested!

Has anyone tried it?

I’m only 2 weeks into Pilates, and overall I’ve loved being active and ultimately enjoy the classes as a whole. I do however find myself having issues with any movements that require 1) my legs to be lifted straight in the air, and 2) keeping my knees together. My legs feel heavy and like I can’t support the weight of my legs, then I get frustrated and try to make modifications that work for me, but I want to push myself to do it right.

My body frame is not slender, and I’m on the thicker side- but I’ve been a dancer for years and have good control of my movements. Even when I was younger and at my most fit, I’ve had issues with movements like this- which leads me to believe that there’s muscles that I’m not properly engaging or need to work on more to make this easier.

Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone have any suggestions for me? If there’s any modifications that could help me work up to doing these movements correctly, I’m interested to learn! Thanks☺️

Hey everyone, new to Pilates here. Is there something I can search to find mat Pilates classes, or do people mostly do mat Pilates on their own? Seems like all the classes near me are reformer, and are pretty pricey (I love them though). Thanks!

Hello! I am recovering from multiple chronic illnesses and reformer Pilates helped me overcome my exercise intolerance 🙌🏻 my body LOVES it, but my bank account does not. I found a basic at-home reformer on a local FB swap group. I know myself and know that if I don't have a dedicated day and time and a slot that I signed up for, my brain will find excuses not to do it. So... I need options for livestream classes. I've read some past posts, but many were Covid-era and aren't relevant. What are the best options in 2024? Thanks!

I don't have a lot of space right now, but I would love an Allegro 2 reformer. They just look so much nicer, but given the space I have the allegro 1 just makes more sense. I want the upholsey in adobe white and I contacted support but they don't have any images on file. Does anyone happen to own an Allegro 1 with the adobe white so I can see what it looks like? Thank you!

I am super bummed my reformer studio is closing. It has become my safe space the last five months. There’s not a ton of reformer studios within my “willing to drive here four to five times a week” range.

How have you gone about finding a new studio or routine? Currently in the BIG SAD moment and also BIG MAD they’ve given us a week notice.

Anyone done the online BASI mat training course? I am considering doing it but worried that there is a lot of extra things I will need to do before being certified. Such as training hours, self practice and teaching others...

Also will I be qualified enough to teach others after completing the course?

I'm considering starting a Pilates studio but feeling quite scared about it. I've been doing Pilates for over a year and I'm keen on owning a studio. In my area which is very posh (I feel my business could attract steady quality clients, there are no nearby Pilates studios, and I wonder if it's due to high rates, as all studios are at least 5 miles away .

I'm curious about what it takes to start a studio, as I have limited experience in this area. How difficult is it to get certified, and is certification necessary to own a studio?

I'm planning to start with used reformers, aiming for 8-12 units. I'd offer 30-minute free trial classes once a week and unlimited classes in barre, yoga, and strength training. Currently listening to a few podcasts such as 'Pilates teachers' manual to educate myself.

I had a food truck business that didn't work out due to industry challenges, which made going back to a 9-5 job tough. I currently work in commercial real estate (2 years now and can easily look for space with the tools my work provide, currently make about $60k a year . I have great credit about $30,000 in savings from my previous business , . Currently looking at spaces in my area $17 NNN 2000 SF . I wouldn't quit my 9-5 pm , they are very flexible .

My husband owns a construction company, and while his income has decreased post-COVID, he's supportive of my venture . My sister suggests opening an affordable daycare Like she has because she claims Pilates isn't an essential business, but I'm drawn to the idea of a Pilates studio and she doesn't seem to think they are that profitable so I figured I would ask here on expectation.

I'm seeking advice and experiences from others who have started Pilates studios or similar businesses. Any insights or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'm determined not to let doubts hold me back from pursuing this dream but I am still a realist. Also, as a minority in a predominantly white, conservative area, I'm nervous about how my venture will be received. Any advice would be helpful too on what i should expect as far as worst case and best scenarios if I do indeed venture towards that route .

Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Hi everyone, looking for some tips and contacts of where I can get hold of new springs and foot straps to fit the Coombs Benchworks reformer I have just been given. If anyone has tips on maintenance I should do or a checklist that would be great too. Its working fine but needs some TLC.

https://preview.redd.it/gjox8dj3mq0d1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9fa572ea29be7541355aa00ea2b8bf3a60d492c

I’ve taken barre before at pure barre and equinox briefly, and I was a dancer, so I know what it’s like, but can anyone share any thoughts on what benefits differentiate from Pilates? I care more about muscle building, proprioception and balance correction, than I do burning calories. Would barre still be worth picking up again?

I thought I have strong core as I am able to do other sequence with no problem. However, I can’t seem to pike properly. I can’t keep my legs straight when piking and can’t even hold it for 2 seconds when at the peak.

What alternative exercise can I do to help me perform ‘pike’ properly? Tips to correct my form is very much needed. Thank you! 🙏🏻

And perhaps as a regular member too. Why support such blatantly racist company?

I should’ve done more research before signing up for Equinox’s teacher training program (it didn’t occur to me that a gym chain located mainly on the coasts catering to diverse members could be racist). As a student going through the program, your access to studio use may be more limited, you may not get as much attention and feedback from the instructors, etc. if you are not white. And they advertise the ability to work at Equinox while completing the program as a perk. Equinox isn’t known for treating their people well, I know, but they are also blatantly racist. A quick google search on “Equinox racism” got me numerous articles on racism and sexism lawsuits.

Some quotes from two different lawsuits:

… derogatory comments such as “Black guys are good for nothing but bodybuilding and physical work” - source

…Equinox repeatedly ignored her complaints of racist and sexually inappropriate behavior by a fitness manager who reported to her and remains employed by Equinox. Europe said that the manager frequently made vulgar comments about Black women’s bodies, harassed Equinox employees using offensive language, and diverted personal training clients away from employees of color. - source

There are many other classical Pilates training programs out there. And I’d like to believe that there are better studios to work for.

It’s a throwaway account to protect my identity. But if you have any suggestions on classical Pilates studios that are not racist and actually care about their teachers, please share! I’d love to come back to this post and learn about them.

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Is there a difference between these footbars? I know there is carbon and steel, but is there a difference between the "crinkled" version and the non-crinkled ones?

also is there an easy way to tell the difference between if one in pictures is carbon or steel?

Hi folks,

I'm looking at doing a mat teacher training to start teaching as a side hustle (mat primarily because I'm obsessed with mat and that's how I have fallen in love with pilates, but also because it's more financially accessible to low-income communities that I would like to serve).

Anyway, I'm in NYC and I've narrowed it down to in-person BASI mat program or in-person Power Pilates Core Mat I and II. I'm wondering: Does anyone have a success story with actually starting a successful side hustle after going through either of these mat programs? I'm leaning toward Power Pilates because it seems to actually hire (some of?) its Core Mat II graduates and also has a page on its website where it shows available jobs; so the network seems promising. If anyone is willing to share, I would love to hear details and whether either of these programs have actually been reliable routes for anyone to get hired part-time. Thanks ever so much!

I was hoping there were folks here that practice Pilates and also bike. I am not sure if this is the right forum for this question. Please let me know if it’s not.

I recently started practicing Pilates and have been enjoying it a lot (>50 classes so far). I bike occasionally and I was wondering if the right biking posture is in neutral pelvis or with a small tilt?

After about 6 months of regular Romana Pilates at a studio near my home, I want to continue it while on a trip!

Visiting the Mesa area at the end of the month and want to attend a drop-in reformer class but:

1. Idk if that’s a thing
2. If it is (without class pass), does anyone know of a good studio that welcomes drop in clients?

Thanks!!