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Studio Etiquette & FAQ


HOW LONG ARE YOUR SESSIONS AND CLASSES?

All classes, duet sessions, Clinical Qigong and Shiatsu treatments are 55 minutes in duration. Most private sessions are 55 minutes long, however we also offer a longer private session that lasts 75 minutes. 

THIS IS MY FIRST PILATES SESSION, WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR AND/OR BRING?

It is important for our teachers to see your alignment for making corrections, so form-fitting, comfortable clothing is best. Socks are optional. No shoes are necessary for Pilates sessions or mat classes, however please wear gym shoes for our Cardio classes. No need to bring a mat; we provide those for you!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PILATES EQUIPMENT CLASS AND A PILATES MAT CLASS?

The main difference is that a mat class offers no added resistance to the workout beyond that of your own body weight and the occasional prop. In an equipment class, the added resistance from the equipment springs and ropes can correct muscular imbalances and posture/alignment more efficiently and effectively.

CAN I DO PILATES WHILE PREGNANT?

Yes! With the approval of your doctor, Pilates is safe to do during pregnancy because it can be tailored to suit the needs of your changing body.  It is gentle on the joints and builds the deep abdominals and pelvic floor, which prevent back pain.  It also prepares you for demands of holding your new baby by strengthening the upper body while building greater awareness of proper alignment. Not only will you feel better during your pregnancy, your body will bounce back quicker after the birth of your baby.  All LightSpace instructors are trained in pre- and post-natal protocols. 

WHY SHOULD I COME TAKE CLASSES AT YOUR STUDIO WHEN IT IS WAY CHEAPER TO JOIN A GYM?

We love this question! Pilates classes in the gym environment are typically packed, so the instructor cannot give customized instruction to meet everyone’s needs. This can be dangerous when participants have injuries or don’t know what they’re doing – you may injure yourself in the process.  Furthermore, gyms can be places filled with anxiety, stress, and self-conscious members, which is not a healthy environment for enhancing one’s mind-body connection.

At LightSpace our classes are small and intimate, and we offer customized instruction that combines the toning and strengthening elements of Pilates with the Eastern meditative influences of Qigong and guided meditation.

I HURT MYSELF IN A PILATES CLASS AT ANOTHER STUDIO/GYM, AND NOW I’M AFRAID TO TRY IT AGAIN. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Give us a call or stop by LightSpace in person to talk one on one with an instructor about your concerns.  All instructors at LightSpace are specially trained to work with injuries, and we’d love to offer consultation on what would best suit your needs and which class would be best for you.

THIS IS MY FIRST CLINICAL QIGONG/SHIATSU TREATMENT, WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR AND/OR BRING?

At LightSpace, Clinical Qigong and Shiatsu treatments are performed fully clothed, either on a massage table or on a futon on the floor. Please wear comfortable clothing, but note that pants that have zippers, buttons, and snaps are not recommended as they can be uncomfortable while lying on your stomach. They can also restrict range of motion during the assisted stretching and movement portion of Shiatsu treatments. If you tend to get cold easily, please bring an extra layer or wrap, as body temperature can drop during treatment.

WHAT HOW IS SHIATSU MASSAGE DIFFERENT THAN SWEDISH OR DEEP-TISSUE MASSAGE?

Western massages, such as Swedish or deep-tissue, are received on a massage table, disrobed with draping and the use of oils. The focus is on muscle and connective tissue to achieve general relaxation or to address musculoskeletal therapeutic aims.

Shiatsu uses touch to treat the energy channels of the body and involves stretches to create space in the joints and address stagnation in the body. Shiatsu is applied for relaxation, musculoskeletal therapeutic aims, or to benefit internal conditions or emotional rebalancing. For those familiar with acupuncture, Shiatsu massage offers many of the same benefits, but uses touch instead of needles.