Absolutely not! In fact, this is one of the biggest misconceptions about Pilates. You don't need to be flexible to begin—Pilates helps you become more flexible.

You start exactly where you are. As you build strength, improve body awareness, and learn to move more efficiently, your flexibility and range of motion naturally increase.

Pilates meets your body where it is today—not where you think it should be. Every exercise can be adapted to your current abilities, allowing you to progress safely and confidently at your own pace.

Everyone's journey is different, but many people notice positive changes sooner than they expect. It's common to experience improved posture, less stiffness and tension, greater body awareness, and easier everyday movement within the first couple of weeks.

As you continue practicing consistently, you'll begin building deeper core strength, improved balance, greater mobility, and increased muscle tone. Many people notice these physical changes between weeks 3 and 6.

Joseph Pilates famously said:

"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body."

While every body responds at its own pace, one thing remains true: consistency is what creates lasting change. Pilates isn't about quick fixes—it's about building a stronger, more resilient body that serves you well for years to come.

In many cases, yes. Pilates was originally developed as a rehabilitation-based movement system and continues to be one of the most widely recommended forms of exercise for improving core strength, posture, spinal support, and functional movement.

Every body—and every injury—is different. Before your first session, we'll discuss your health history, current symptoms, and movement goals so exercises can be appropriately modified to meet your needs.

With more than 45 years of combined experience in Pilates, physical rehabilitation, movement education, and orthopedic recovery, Patti and Donnie have worked with individuals recovering from surgery, transitioning from physical therapy, managing scoliosis, osteoporosis, chronic back pain, hypermobility, neurological conditions, and other movement challenges.

For those with significant injuries, recent surgery, or more complex movement needs, a private session is typically the best place to begin. It allows us to assess your movement, build confidence, and create a personalized plan before joining a small group class.

This version feels more aligned with the Abel Wellness philosophy—it emphasizes individualized care, highlights both of your extensive backgrounds, and avoids implying that Pilates is automatically appropriate for every back condition while still reassuring prospective clients.

You don't need to spend hours in the studio to experience the benefits of Pilates. Many people see meaningful improvements with just two sessions per week, and some begin with one session while establishing a consistent routine.

Pilates works best when it becomes part of your lifestyle—not another item on your to-do list. We'll help you find a schedule that fits your life while supporting your goals, whether that's moving with less pain, building strength, improving balance, or simply feeling better each day.

Morning, midday, and evening class options make it easy to find a routine that works for you.

Both Mat and Reformer Pilates are built on the same core principles—breath, alignment, control, precision, and intentional movement—but each offers a unique experience.

Mat Pilates uses your own body weight, along with occasional small props, to build core strength, body awareness, balance, flexibility, and efficient movement patterns. It's an excellent way to develop a strong foundation that carries over into everyday life.

Reformer Pilates uses spring resistance to both assist and challenge your movement. The springs provide valuable feedback, making it easier to find proper alignment, improve body awareness, and build strength through a full range of motion. This makes the Reformer especially beneficial for rehabilitation, injury recovery, balance training, and targeted strength development.

Neither is "better" than the other—they simply offer different benefits. Many people enjoy both, discovering how the skills they develop on the mat translate to the Reformer and other Pilates equipment, creating a well-rounded movement practice.

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. We recommend avoiding loose or baggy clothing, as it can interfere with movement or catch on the equipment during Reformer sessions.

Some people prefer to wear grip socks for added traction and stability, while others are comfortable barefoot. The choice is entirely yours. If you'd like a pair, grip socks are available for purchase at the studio.

You're welcome to bring a water bottle, but shoes and water bottles are stored in the studio cubbies before class to help keep the movement space clean, safe, and free of trip hazards.

Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your first session. This gives us time to welcome you, show you around the studio, answer any questions, and help you feel comfortable before class begins.