Frequently asked questions

What is Pilates?

Pilates is an effective form of training that aims to strengthen the core muscles (especially the muscles that stabilize the spine, which are difficult to train). All other muscle groups are also trained and stretched. The result is a wonderful feeling of relaxation and those who train regularly will quickly get rid of back pain and shoulder tension. It is the ideal equalizing exercise for all sedentary and standing workers. Athletes can also use it to eliminate imbalances in the body. Comprehensive information about Pilates, its origins, effects and effectiveness is available in the theory course that can be attended regularly.

That's definitely something new again...

In fact, Pilates (named after Josef Pilates, a German) was developed during the First World War and then refined. The aim of his method was to loosen and stretch muscles and ligaments while strengthening the muscles. The idea is to achieve balance of body and mind through the conscious control of all muscle movements in the body. Pilates taught his method, called Contrology, very successfully in his New York studio for decades. After his death, it was renamed Pilates.

What do you do in training?

The training is a varied combination of exercises standing and on the mat, which involves strengthening, stretching, relaxing and controlled breathing. You can read what our participants have to say about it here.

Not everyone can do that, right?

Mat Pilates is also suitable for people with physical limitations, the training is individually adapted. Relatively fit older people can also practice it. Before someone takes part,  medical history is checked so that the trainer can get a clear picture of any existing conditions.

Small groups for better training

Because the trainer is very careful about the exercises to be carried out correctly, the groups are limited to 10-12 participants. That enables her to look after each person individually.

Can I also take part online?

We do not want to offer online training. Pilates is all about doing the exercises correctly. If even tiny things are done wrong, in the best case scenario, they will simply not be effective. Worst case however, you could harm yourself. Seeing the exercising person during live online training with a camera is not enough. The trainer often uses finger pressure to check whether the muscles are properly tensed during an exercise.

I need to buy material again...

You don't need much for Pilates.

The trainer provides you with Pilates balls, rings, rollers and bands as well as hedgehog balls.

All you need is:

⁃ a Pilates mat: if you own a yoga mat, use it. If you don't have one, get a Pilates mat. It is at least 15 mm thick and more comfortable.

⁃ Socks: Pilates is practiced without shoes. (Anti-slip) socks are mandatory.

⁃ A small towel or a small blanket to fold under your head or back

⁃ Clothing: tight clothing that doesn't slip, e.g. leggings and a tight top.

How much do the sessions cost?

We want to propose affordable training to everyone and do our best to offer the courses at a reasonable price. To make this possible, the rooms are booked for a longer period of time and the courses must be paid in advance. You can read the details here. Anyone who is new to the training will first take part in a free trial course!

Will I be in a fixed group or can I switch?

Since we make sure to keep the participant groups small, everyone is getting a place in a specific group. The groups have different levels of difficulty and in the future we will make sure that the participants are placed in the right group where they feel comfortable and are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged. If there is a change in working hours or something similar, we are of course happy to help you switch to another training group.

What happens if I can't take part?

If the participants are on vacation and cannot take part, it is possible to catch up on courses. To avoid having too many participants in one group at once, the Telegram group is used for inquiries, see next point.

The participants are connected!

The participants get access to a private Telegram group where they can exchange with us and the other members. Training time swaps are also requested there.

The courses are held in English

As the training exercises are repeated regularly and the trainer shows you how to do them and corrects you, you usually understand the exercises very quickly. If necessary, there is always someone present who can translate. The theory courses are held either in German or in English.

What is special about your trainer?

Giedrė fulfilled theater and pedagogy studies. She is a choreographer and dance teacher and practiced Pilates for years before deciding to teach it and obtaining the highest possible degree from the renowned Corpus Pilates Comprehensive School in Brussels. The prerequisite for admission to the exam is a certificate in anatomy and a total of 825 hours of study on various topics. This also includes pre- and post-partum training and equipment training.

Giedrė adapts the training to every individual in the class, this is why we are Pilates 4 you! Because your specific needs are not the same as those from the person on the mat next to you.