Q. Do you offer online classes?

A: Yes. We offer on-demand private, semi-private and small group classes online. You only need yourself and a mat or blanket to get started! Randi also offers registered pelvic-floor specific Zoom classes through the JCC of Manhattan. Click here https://mmjccm.org/search?keywords=pelvic  and search “pelvic” for the latest offerings.

Q. How can I schedule a private session, initial consultation or learn more about online classes? 

A:  To get started, please send us an email at info@nyc-pilates.com or call (212) 580-1954.

Q. What happens during the initial consultation? 

A. During your initial consultation, your Pilates instructor will look at your posture, observe how you move and discuss your goals, as they also start you with Pilates-based exercises. Such information will best enable your instructor to design safe and effective sessions for you. 

Q. Do you have to be in shape to do Pilates? 

A. Pilates is great for people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels! There is a wide range of over 600 exercises, and most exercises have variations to make them easier or harder. 

Q. Can I still do Pilates with pre-existing injuries? 

A. Yes. Pilates can be modified in numerous ways to work for you, and is especially great for musculoskeletal issues. It often helps people manage pre-existing conditions that previously limited their activity, to experience less pain and increase more challenging physical activity. 

Q. What should I wear to the studio? 

A. Wear comfortable workout clothes, and bring socks. Men, please wear bike or compression shorts under loose gym shorts, or wear sweatpants. 

Q. Does the studio have dressing rooms or showers? 

A. We have a bathroom where you can change, but no showers. 

Q. Does the studio have secure storage for personal items? 

A. We offer a shoe rack, cubbies and hangers to store your personal goods. 

Q. Does the studio offer childcare? 

A. No 

Q. What style of Pilates do your instructors teach? 

A. Our equipment is top of the line and classically designed. Many of our teachers are classically trained, while others are certified through more modern programs. Either way, all of our instructors have years of experience, and are intuitive when working with clients' bodies. It is this understanding of the connections in the body and movement itself that make our teachers great. 

Q. How often should I do Pilates each week? 

A. 2-3 times a week is ideal, but most people feel and see changes in their bodies even if they only come once a week. 

Q. What’s the difference between working out on the equipment and Pilates Mat classes? 

A: Its all great! The ultimate goal of Pilates is the mat work. This is where you use your own body weight and gravity for resistance. However, the equipment and props help clients understand the movements and feel them in the right places by assisting with resistance and helping with flexibility that they may not have on your own. 

Q. Can I bring my own Mat to the studio? 

A. There is no need to bring your own mat. We have plenty of mats and equipment. We sanitize everything after each use.

Q. Do have group equipment or mat classes? 

A: No, as we cater to one to two clients at a time in our studio space. However, we can offer small group mat classes, on demand, in the parks, in common rooms in residentials buildings, etc.. Please email info@nyc-pilates.com for more information.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept? 

A: We prefer cash, Zelle and Venmo. Some of our instructors, including the studio owner, Randi Stone, accept debit cards and all major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. *Please note that as of January 1, 2025, a 3% processing fee will be charged for any services bought with a credit card.

Q. What is your cancellation policy? 

A: We have a 24 hour cancellation policy for sessions, but prefer 48 hours, when possible, as our instructors’ schedules are full. So, clients are waiting to get into the studio and need time to be invited off the waitlist.

We know how painful it feels when life gets in the way of your Pilates sessions, for which you pay good money. Maybe you or a family member wake up sick and you cannot make it in. It’s not your fault you woke up sick. But, please understand, it’s not our fault either.

To this end, since we are a boutique business without a monthly or annual membership base, we count 100% on hourly income. So, we cannot afford the seemingly piece-mail financial hits of last-minute cancellations, as they can add up.

If you are mildly ill, you can do your session virtually. If you are truly too sick to work out, send a friend, colleague or relative in your place. Or, once a quarter, if you have purchased at least one ten pack in recent months, or two five packs, you can reschedule for another mutually agreed upon time with your instructor, preferably within a week of your scheduled session. But, since our studio is small, we literally can’t afford cancellations. 

Q. Do you offer gift certificates?

A: Yes! We have a wide variety of customizable gift certificates available for purchase. They make fantastic gifts for birthdays, holidays, and all other special occasions. To reserve your gift certificate, please email us at info@nyc-pilates.com.

Q. What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?

There are similarities. Both involve specific movements of varying and often increasing difficulty as you progress, and emphasize a mind-body connection.

In Pilates, you move from/ through and to the core (stomach, back, buttocks and pelvic floor). In yoga, you move from or to the Earth. You’re “rooted” to the ground. 

Pilates uses breath to create mindful movement, but isn’t a spiritual system in the way yoga can be.

Some say that Pilates is centered on building strength and stability through your core, whereas yoga is centered on building strength and stability in your mind. Both focus on increasing flexibility.

The Pilates system tends to be more linear, whereas in many types of yoga, the movements cross planes, with more twisting. This is one reason why Pilates can be particularly safe to start after back or joint surgery, as it can be easier to control the movement around the injured area.

Although there is a lot more to the similarities and differences, hopefully the above gives you an overall sense of both. The best way to appreciate the two modalities is to try each discipline and experience them for yourself!