Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates is a whole-body method designed to strengthen and balance your muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness. It’s an effective way to prevent injuries, enhance posture, and support your body in staying active, recovering from injury, or improving sports performance. 

Discover how Joseph Pilates developed this transformative method and why it’s so effective:   Learn more about Pilates origins. 

Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a beginner, experienced in fitness, or recovering from an injury, Pilates can help you strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and increase overall body awareness. 

If you’re looking to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and overall movement, Pilates is a great fit. Whether you want to stay active, improve sports performance, or manage chronic pain, Pilates can help. It works to rebalance the body, counteracting the stresses of daily life—whether it’s sitting at a desk, chasing after grandkids, or hitting the slopes.

By promoting strength and flexibility, Pilates can:

• Prevent injuries

• Improve spine and joint health

• Foster mental and physical awareness

Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals—whether it’s climbing a mountain, staying active with your family, or simply moving through life with ease. Contact me for a complimentary discovery call, and we can discuss how Pilates can support you in reaching your unique goals.

To book a class, simply email: key.life.pilates@outlook.com to reserve your spot.  You will also need to fill out the Client Information Form before attending your first class.  You can access the form here: Client Information Form. 

No discovery call is required for class bookings.  

To Book a Virtual Group Class:

• Step 1: Purchase your spot at least 3 hours in advance to secure your place in the class. Ensure you filled out the Client Information Form if you are a new client.

• Step 2: Log on to Zoom  5 minutes early to allow time for setup and to get settled before class begins.

• Step 3:  24-hour notice is required for cancellations to avoid forfeiting your class. If you need to cancel, please note that there are no refunds for a single group class purchase. Class credit will be provided for cancellations.

To Book an In-Person Class:

• Step 1: Reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance, as space is limited. Ensure you filled out the Client Information Form if you are a new client.

• Step 2: Arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for setup and to get settled before class begins.

• Step 3:  24-hour notice is required for cancellations to avoid forfeiting your class.

Please note: Cancellation policies apply. Be sure to provide 24-hour notice if you need to cancel to avoid forfeiting your class.

To Book a Session:

• Step 1: Fill out the Client Information Form to provide important details about your goals and health history.

• Step 2: Schedule a Discovery Call by emailing key.life.pilates@outlook.com. Let us know your preferred time for the call, and we’ll arrange a time to discuss how to tailor the session to meet your specific needs.

• Step 3: After the call, we’ll finalize your booking and confirm the details.

Payment is required before the start of the class or session. Key Life Pilates accepts:

• Cash  (preferred method)

• Venmo / PayPal

Details for payment will be provided during the booking process.

Please note: All prices listed on my website reflect the cash payment price. If you choose to pay via Venmo or PayPal, additional fees may apply to cover transaction costs. 

If you purchase a package, please be aware that it will have an expiration date of 5 months from the date of purchase.

Late or Cancellation Policy:
We understand that unanticipated events happen, and you may need to cancel your appointment. To be respectful of everyone's time, we follow a 24-hour cancellation policy.

• Late Arrivals: All sessions are 55 minutes. Regardless of arrival time, sessions will end at the originally scheduled time.

• Private and Semi-Private Sessions: A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid being charged. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in the full session fee being charged, or a session will be deducted from your package.

• Semi-Private Minimum Requirement: Semi-private sessions require a minimum of 2 participants. If a cancellation causes the group to fall below this minimum, the session must either be cancelled or converted to a private session.

• Group Fitness Class Packages: A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in a class being deducted from your package.

• Single Group Fitness Class Purchases: Payment must be made to secure your spot. A 24-hour notice is required to avoid forfeiting the class. Late cancellations and no-shows will result in forfeiture. No refunds will be given for early cancellations, but class credit will be issued.

Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of Key Life Pilates.

I will add you as a guest and you will receive an email or text from a 3rd-party service called DwellingLive.  Please check your email / text message, and you will find a QR code in the message. 

Plan Ahead:
Please leave a few extra minutes in case there is traffic at the gate. 

Upon Arrival:

• Use the entrance with the gatehouse.
• Locate the scanner and scan the QR code I sent you.
• The QR code will be valid for a while, so I recommend taking a screenshot for easy access.

If You Have Trouble:

• The gate is typically staffed during the day. The staff can look me up and verify you as my guest if needed.
• You can also text me at 310-591-4002 for assistance.

Parking:
 

• On regular days: You’re welcome to park on the street in front of my house. Since I’m on a corner, there should be plenty of space available.

• In the event of snow: Please park in the driveway, and be cautious as slippery conditions may exist.

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely and enables me to see your alignment during exercises. Avoid overly loose or baggy clothing.

For Footwear:

• Barefoot is perfectly fine.
• Traction socks are also acceptable if you prefer not to go barefoot.
• Please do not wear regular socks, as they can be slippery and unsafe on the equipment.

Hair Safety Reminder:
Please ensure your hair is tied up securely to prevent it from getting caught in the springs or equipment. 

No, Pilates is suitable for all levels! If you're new to Pilates, I’ll guide you through the basics in a private session. If you're more experienced, we can tailor your sessions to challenge your abilities and refine your technique.

To see the best results, consistency is key. Most clients benefit from at least two to three sessions per week, but the frequency can vary based on your goals, schedule, and fitness level. 

• Sessions: No, all equipment will be provided for you.
• For Mat Classes: I have a couple extra mats, but you’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.

Yes! Pilates is highly effective for injury prevention and rehabilitation. It emphasizes controlled, precise movements that can strengthen muscles around injured areas, improve mobility, and promote proper alignment. However, if you're recovering from a major injury, please consult with your physician before starting Pilates. 

Is Pilates Like Yoga?
While both Pilates and Yoga focus on body awareness, breath, and flexibility, there are key differences between the two.

• Pilates is a method of exercise that emphasizes controlled movements, core strength, alignment, and stability. It’s designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall movement patterns, often using equipment like the Reformer or small props in addition to mat exercises. Pilates focuses on building strength from the inside out, with an emphasis on functional movement.

• Yoga, on the other hand, is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It aims to enhance flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, with a stronger emphasis on relaxation and stress relief.

Both can complement each other, but Pilates is generally more focused on muscle strengthening and alignment, while Yoga focuses more on flexibility and breath work.