Frequently Asked Questions

STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than a decade refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.

Pilates can emphasize movement awareness and efficient body mechanics; helping you gain strength where weak, flexibility where tight, and stability to your core musculature to provide ease of movement.

Pilates is a non-impact technique for those who need to avoid compression of the knee’s, ankles, or the spine.

Pinnacle Pilates truly wants you to be happy with your workout. Communication is the key to our success. We always strive to provide a lot of variation to your workout so you enjoy yourself and don’t get bored. We utilize all the equipment from the jumpboard, cardio tramp (to add cardio to your workout), small and large stability balls, arc barrel, Cadillac, Pilates chair, Reformer, Pilates Edge, flexband, hand weights, TRX and bosu.

Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring actions. It is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure that you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout schedule you will certainly feel results.

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and can be done anywhere. Adding light equipment and the larger resistance equipment will place more emphasis on your outer limbs and add variety and intensity to your program.

STOTT PILATES exercise is a musculo-skeletal conditioning program. It’s ideal in combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness etc.), and a great complement to your weight training program.

• Pilates is three-dimensional
  (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
• spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
• emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
• STOTT PILATES exercise is customizable for special needs
• in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
• Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury

In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

STOTT PILATES exercise improves core strength and balances the muscles around the joints, improving the way your body functions, looks and feels. The Five Basic Principles focus on:

• Breathing
• Pelvic placement
• Rib cage placement
• Scapular movement
• Head & cervical spine placement

• longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
• improves postural problems
• increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
• helps prevent injury
• enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
• balances strength & flexibility
• heightens body awareness
• no-impact, easy on the joints
• can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
• complements other methods of exercise
• improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
• improves balance, coordination & circulation

Wear comfortable clothing that will allow the instructor to observe your alignment.  Socks required. 

All classes are 55 minutes long.

Yes, you need to cancel more than 24 hours or you will be charged for your missed class.

Once you have committed to your group class, the class is paid for whether you make it or not. The only exception is if school is called off and the entire class chooses not to come for safety reasons. If you are going to miss a virtual class, ask your instructor to record the class. A link to the class will be sent to you and you have 4 weeks to complete that class. 

The virtual mat class is taught via zoom. You have to be pre approved to take this class as it is at an intermediate level. It is a fun way to work out In the comfort of your home. Once approved, you will need to get the props that are used in class. Those include: a flex band, a soft foam roller, a small ball, large ball, and small hand weights. It is a full body workout, including standing squats, lunges, abdominal exercises, bridges, side lying work, plank, stretching, etc.