What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise method based on the work of Joseph Pilates. Its focus is on strengthening the “powerhouse” to execute the exercises which are designed to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve posture. Pilates will lengthen and strengthen your muscles without the bulk. The method involves concentration and the coordination of movement and breath, thereby helping to balance mind and body.

Where do I begin?
For those seeking to work on on the Pilates equipment, we always suggest you start with private sessions. We want you to be familiar with your body’s strengths and needs and work correctly from the beginning. You will be introduced to the philosophy of Pilates, the terminology, and the different apparatuses. There’s a lot of information that needs focus in the beginning to help set up your platform for your future training.

How many times a week should I do Pilates?
For best results, two to three times a week is what we suggest to our new clients. Pilates is like a language, consistency is the key.

What should I wear?
Clothing that’s comfortable and not too loose. For Pilates equipment training socks are required but you don’t need shoes. For training on the CoreAlign, we suggest pliable athletic shoes. For men we suggest pants or very long shorts and a t-shirt.

How do I know if Pilates is right for me?
Making an accurate appraisal should take several sessions to know if Pilates is right for you. Pilates is not only a physical discipline but one that incorporates an attendant philosophy; an awareness of both is the most effective way to make a decision.

Why choose Suncoast Pilates?
Suncoast has some of the most highly trained, most highly certified  and most experienced Pilates instructors in the Tampa Bay area, and has been in business fifteen years.  It is important to know how your instructor was trained and certified and with whom your instructor has studied as well the length of time an instructor has been training.  An instructor who has studied with one of the few living Pilates Elders brings the highest level of training to the client. Suncoast has some of the few Tanpa Bay area instructors who have studied directly with one of the Pilates Elders who worked directly for and with Joseph Pilates himself. All of our Pilates instructors are also Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates trainers, or will soon be sitting for the exam, an industry distinction above and beyond the instructor’s original Pilates certification. Suncoast instructors conduct safe, effective workouts, each session tailored to the individual.  All Pilates training is NOT alike!