Frequently Asked Pilates Questions

  • We offer a variety of private and group classes, but in-person private sessions is the best way to start off. These sessions are tailored to you and your body’s needs. You will be introduced to the Classical Pilates exercises and routine. If you schedule an in-person private, then you will also learn about the Reformer and how it works.

    Visit the schedule page to book a class.

  • Please wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and that your instructor will be able to see your body moving in. When wearing shorts, it is a good idea to wear form-fitting shorts under loose shorts.

    Classes are performed with socks on.

    Spin classes require either sneakers or clip–in spin shoes.

    All classes will have props provided for you, including mats.

    If you need a towel please bring one. Please bring or buy water for your sessions.

  • You really just need a mat and room to move! Classes that require props will list that in the description. Feel free to reach out to the studio if you are looking to borrow or purchase any props/apparatus.

  • This depends on your personal goals and budget. The more you practice, the quicker you improve and notice a change in your body. Ideally, doing Pilates at least 2-3 days a week is great. If you are able to do a couple of private sessions a week, fantastic!! If that doesn’t work for you, maybe a couple of mat classes. Or maybe you need some cardio work in there too and you can do a spin or barre class and then a Pilates class the next day.

  • The goal of Pilates is muscle strength and stamina, lengthening of muscles, and not the bulking/building of muscles with a heavy load. It is a form of body conditioning that is actually like a form of preventive medicine. It assists with flexibility and aims towards better posture.

  • Pilates has numerous benefits, but the ultimate benefit being improved overall health and wellbeing. Some specific benefits: increased flexibility, muscles strengthen and tone, better posture, core strength, pelvic and shoulder girdle stabilization, focus, and clarity are improved, breath stamina, weight loss/inches lost.

  • While both exercise regimens are on the mind/body spectrum, Pilates and Yoga vary quite significantly. In Pilates, the body is in fluid, flowing motion throughout the whole session. Movements happen with the breath and there is very little static holding poses. Classes are only 55 minutes long as opposed to traditional Yoga classes which are approximately 90 minutes long.

    In Pilates, there is a mind/body component in that we stress focus and concentration, and some clients feel that there is a form of ‘meditation within the movement’ but, unlike Yoga, there is never a formal meditation period and instructors do not delve into the more meditative aspects of Yoga philosophy.

  • Power Pilates is a style of Pilates that originated in NYC and has representatives worldwide. It is a Classical, Systematic, Integrative approach to Pilates education and client experience. This means that it is Classical – it is based on the integrity of the work the way Joseph Pilates taught it and meant for it to be carried forth. It is Systematic – Instructors are taught a routine that allows them to successfully teach a brand new beginner student and move them through Intermediate to Advanced repertoire as they see the client reaching particular milestones of achievement throughout the routine. It is Integrative in that our approach to education includes teaching new instructors to use all pieces of apparatus in the Pilates repertoire. Students will learn, at a minimum, 4 different pieces of apparatus from their very first session.

  • Absolutely! Our teachers are skilled at watching the students and cueing what you need. Many of our clients have said they feel the work the same, if not more! You have a lot of class options to choose from and both modifications and more advanced variations will be provided.

  • Our studio has branched out to offer classes that are not Pilates. So, our spin and barre classes do not perform typical Pilates exercises, however, the components of Pilates philosophy—of core strength, posture, and proper movement form are indeed stressed during all classes.

  • Overall, yes! Our instructors are trained to work with all types of physical issues and injuries. We believe that working around the issue and training the rest of the body will actually help balance the body and strengthen the surrounding muscles to heal the presenting issue. We ask that clients tell their instructor at the beginning of each session what their injury/diagnosis is. If an injury is acute, we may ask the client for a medical professional’s clearance for exercise.

  • Class registration closes 1 hour prior to the start of class.

    Online class registration closes 15 minutes before the start of class.

    This allows us to have time to make sure everyone has the invite and we are fully prepared for class.

    Please call us at 401-595-8462 if you’d like to join the class within that window.

  • Please share the love of Pilates with someone you care about. Purchase a Gift Card through MindBody online. Click on Book a Class. This takes you to MindBody where you can log in or create an account. From there click on Online Store and then Gift Cards.

  • We have three studios in Rhode Island.

    Main Studio: Providence - 5 Lincoln Ave, Providence, RI 02906. If using GPS, please enter 189 Cole Ave.

    North Studio: Cumberland - 2364 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864

    South Studio: Kingstown Road in Narragansett, RI

  • Main Studio: Providence - There is plenty of street parking. The studio entrance is off of Lincoln Ave, the building in the rear.

    North Studio: Cumberland - We have a large parking in front of our studio.

  • Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid late fees. All cancellations made within 24 hours will be charged the full amount of the class or session. All early cancellations must be done online at the MindBody app. If you have any difficulties, contact us at provpilates@gmail.com

  • Please download the health waiver and bring it with you for your first session.

  • Our classes are spoken in English. We teach private classes in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.