WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF YOUR TEACHERS?
Our fully certified teachers have fulfilled a minimum of 700 hours of active training in all apparatus and mat exercises, seminars, and apprentice teaching. After completion of these hours, all certified teachers must pass rigorous written and practical examinations. After certification, teachers are annually required to complete continuing education hours. Excel Pilates Annapolis is the home to the Annapolis area’s only second-generation teacher. All other teachers at Excel Pilates Annapolis are third-generation teachers trained in the direct lineage of Joseph Pilates.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TYPE OF SESSIONS YOU OFFER?
The complete Pilates Method of Body Conditioning involves both apparatus and mat exercises. We offer One on One, duet and trio sessions (occasionally groups of four as well) to focus on the individual. One on one sessions are for clients who prefer individual attention and is the best place to begin for anyone with injuries, health issues or specific training goals. Duets and trios are for clients who enjoy the dynamics of a partner or a group and require prior Pilates experience in order to be scheduled into the proper level (prior experience can be completed at Excel Pilates Annapolis via one on one sessions and/or our introductory package). It is also common to combine both one one one sessions with duet or trio sessions in a Pilates exercise program. Learn more on our Session Types and Rates page.
ARE WE A TRADITIONAL PILATES STUDIO?
Yes, our studio is dedicated to preserving the original work of Joseph Pilates. All teachers are extensively trained in the original Pilates Method. All studio apparatus is traditional. View What is original Pilates? About.
CAN I START OUT DOING A DUET OR A TRIO AS A BEGINNER?
It is best to start with a one on one session so that your fitness level can be assessed and matched to another individual. However, if you have a friend that you are confident is at a similar fitness level, then you could begin as a duet. Trio and small group sessions require experience and permission of an instructor.
HOW DO I GET TO EXCEL PILATES ANNAPOLIS?
Visit the Contact page.
DO YOU HAVE PARKING?
Yes, our studio has free on-site parking.
WHERE IN ANNAPOLIS ARE YOU LOCATED?
We are conveniently located off Route 50, Exit 24, in the Village of West Annapolis. See the locations in the Central Maryland area that we serve.
HOW MANY DIFFERENT PIECES OF APPARATUS DO YOU HAVE? HOW MANY DIFFERENT EXERCISES CAN YOU PERFORM ON THEM?
Our studio is equipped with all of the Pilates apparatus, including reformers, Cadillac, studio wall units, wunda chairs, ladder barrel, electric chair, pedi-pole, arm chair, spine corrector, foot corrector, toe exerciser, hand weights, neck stretcher, airplane board, small barrel, and magic circles and more. The Pilates Method consists of over 500 different exercises.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR INJURY, IS IT STILL GOOD FOR ME TO DO PILATES?
As with any medical condition or injury, it is important that you have a release from your physician to exercise. The Pilates Method integrates into a rehabilitative exercise program to speed recovery from many medical conditions and injuries. One-on-one sessions are recommended.
CAN I DO PILATES IF I’M PREGNANT?
If you have never done Pilates, wait until delivery and permission from your doctor. If you have studied Pilates prior to your pregnancy at Excel Pilates Annapolis, this is a matter to discuss with your instructor and physician.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE/FEEL RESULTS?
Benefits of Pilates include increased flexibility and strength, with more defined, longer, leaner muscles. Through Pilates, the abdomen, gluteals, and lower back are strengthened enabling the body to move more efficiently and freely. Result time is individual depending on your commitment to Pilates. Generally, clients begin to feel these benefits within one session and start to see them in ten sessions. “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty sessions you will see the difference, in thirty sessions you will have a new body.”-Joseph H. Pilates.
CAN PILATES HELP ME WITH WEIGHT REDUCTION?
For many, Pilates has been helpful with weight loss. Pilates does provide some resistance training which is beneficial for weight loss.
HOW MANY TIMES PER WEEK SHOULD I DO A PILATES WORKOUT?
Pilates is a form of exercise that you can do daily. We recommend one to four times per week to get started. We do promote homework/practice.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO WORK OUT IN?
You should wear workout clothing that you feel comfortable exercising in. Most clients wear sweatpants, t-shirts, leggings, and tank tops. Layers are best. If you wear shorts, please wear long shorts. We require full socks to be worn (no open toes) for all sessions. No shoes are necessary. Clothing without zippers or sharp snaps and no jewelry is required to not scratch the apparatus.
WHAT FORM OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, checks, credit card and Zelle. For Excel Pilates Annapolis Mobile, payment is made on Gumroad, our video hosting partner.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE STUDIO WHILE I WORK OUT?
Part of our commitment to every Excel Pilates Annapolis client is to provide a supportive atmosphere in which clients may grow, learn, and be guided toward a fitter lifestyle. Our facility does not have the ability to provide child care. Our reception area is reserved for clients pre-post session and is not adequate in size nor staffed for unattended children. It is not safe to have children in the studio area. Therefore we request clients not bring children to the studio. It is not appropriate to bring children who are sick to the studio.
CAN I GIVE PILATES CLASSES AS A GIFT TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes, gift certificates are available. Please call us to make arrangements, at 410.897.0550.
DO YOU OFFER A MILITARY DISCOUNT?
We offer the following discounts for active members of the military and first responders- a 10% discount on single session rates, 5% discount on packages.
HOW DO I FIND A CERTIFIED TEACHER NEAR ME?
For information on certified teachers in your area, please visit the website Classical Pilates.
