FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your first session at Urban Pilates will be personalized to your needs and goals. You’ll:

• Receive expert guidance tailored to your body’s movement patterns 
• Learn fundamental Pilates principles 
• Develop better body awareness 
• Gain an understanding of how Pilates can help you reach your fitness goals

And yes, you'll have fun!

Wear form-fitting athletic attire such as:

• Leggings or shorts 
• A fitted athletic top or t-shirt 
• Socks (grip socks recommended for beginners)

Avoid:

• Loose or baggy clothing (can interfere with equipment) 
• Zippers, rivets, or jewelry (may damage equipment)

If you have long hair, tie it up securely to prevent interference with movements. 

Avoid eating heavy meals at least two hours before class 

Hydrate well before and after your session 

Arrive on time, ready to move.

• Urban Pilates offers Classical Pilates with highly personalized instruction in a welcoming studio environment.
• Clients describe it as a hidden gem in Portland, with expert instruction, Powerhouse (aka: core) development, and a transformative Pilates experience.
• Our studio is known for:
• Top-tier equipment 
• Comprehensive instructor expertise 
• A supportive, community-driven atmosphere 
• Focused attention on form and technique

Urban Pilates offers Authentic Pilates on Gratz™ equipment built to Joseph Pilates' original specifications, taught by comprehensively certified instructors. Michelle W. shares: "After years at big box gyms, I was burned out and needed something new. Pilates at Urban Pilates was a game-changer!" Our personalized approach ensures proper form and progression, resulting in more effective, lasting results than typical fitness center offerings.

Learning Classical Pilates is like learning a musical instrument—you wouldn’t join an orchestra without taking private lessons first. Private sessions help you build a strong foundation by:

• Providing personalized instruction and immediate feedback 
• Progressing at your optimal pace 
• Ensuring proper movement mechanics from the start 
• Offering modifications for injuries or special conditions

Private sessions create a structured, progressive practice by developing the six principles of Classical Pilates. Each session builds upon the last, allowing skills to deepen over time rather than being rushed.

 Concentration  

One-on-one sessions sharpen mental focus. With fewer external distractions, you learn to fully direct your attention to the movement at hand, increasing awareness and efficiency.

 Control  

Rather than moving through exercises quickly, private instruction emphasizes control in every phase of movement. This leads to safer, more intentional work and greater mastery of the system.

 Breath (without tension)  

You learn how to coordinate breath with movement while maintaining engagement of the powerhouse. Proper breathing supports strength and stamina without unnecessary effort or strain.

 Flow  

As understanding improves, exercises begin to connect seamlessly. Private sessions allow you to develop continuity between movements, creating a rhythm that supports strength, endurance, and coordination.

Centering (proper alignment)  

Individual instruction ensures that each exercise is built from correct alignment and deep core support. This foundation allows the work to be both effective and sustainable over time.

Precision  

Small adjustments matter. Private sessions refine placement, timing, and intention so each movement does exactly what it’s designed to do, leading to better results with less repetition.

Group classes are earned through proper preparation. The foundation built in private sessions allows you to participate safely and effectively in group settings, maximizing results while minimizing injury risk. The more private sessions you invest in early on, the more capable and confident you become.

In Pilates, progress isn't measured by repetition count. Being "advanced" means incorporating all six key principles (concentration, control, breath, flow, centering, and  precision) into every single repetition. We prioritize quality over quantity. For more information, check out Jessica Marcussen’s excellent post on Instagram that speaks to this directly.

As beginners, you'll do more repetitions while learning new movements. As you advance, you'll do fewer repetitions of MORE exercises. The goal is to perform the Classical Pilates sequence with proper form, doing few repetitions of as many exercises as appropriate for your body. This provides more movement variety and three-dimensional joint mobility.

Remember that Pilates is a lifelong practice – even advanced practitioners are beginners at certain exercises.

The equipment was designed to help build strength and flexibility for mat work, which is extremely challenging when done properly. Each apparatus targets specific areas needing development or greater freedom. All equipment works together to teach Pilates principles in different ways.

Our instructors are skilled at modifying exercises for various conditions. During your initial sessions, we'll assess your specific situation and create a personalized approach that respects your limitations while helping you build strength safely.

Three times weekly is optimal, especially when starting. As you develop strength and proper body mechanics, once weekly can maintain your progress. Combining studio sessions with home mat work is ideal.

Absolutely. Many of our senior clients thrive in Classical Pilates.

One long-time client shares: "As a senior, I appreciate the instructors’ ability to modify exercises for my body. Urban Pilates has helped me maintain mobility, strength, and endurance."

Pilates is an excellent low-impact exercise that enhances:

• Balance 
• Joint mobility 
• Flexibility and coordination

Pilates is not physical therapy or a medical treatment, and it does not diagnose or “cure” orthopedic conditions. However, when practiced properly, Pilates offers significant therapeutic benefits.

A consistent Pilates practice can help reduce discomfort by improving strength, alignment, mobility, and body awareness. Many people experience relief from chronic tension and pain as they learn to move with better support, control, and efficiency.

That said, orthopedic injuries and medical conditions require appropriate medical care. If you are under a physician’s supervision, recovering from surgery, or managing a diagnosed condition, you should receive clearance from your healthcare provider before beginning Pilates.

When integrated thoughtfully, Pilates can be a powerful complement to medical treatment and an effective tool for injury prevention and long-term physical resilience.

• 24-hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule 
• Late cancellations forfeit the session fee/credit, no exceptions (including illness) 
• Cancellations can be made via: 
• App/scheduler 
• Text: 503-505-9203  
• Email: frontdesk@urban-pilates.com

• If you're ill, please cancel 
• No jewelry or scented products 
• Wear appropriate clothing (see "What should I wear") 
• Tie up long hair 
• Socks required