QUESTIONS ABOUT MAINE PILATES

How often should I take classes?

It depends on what you want to achieve—but here’s how to make the Maine Pilates Method work for you:

Maintain your current strength and mobility?
Commit to 1 Reformer and 1 Mat class each week. This is the baseline that keeps your core strong, joints mobile, and stress levels balanced. Our Intro to Maine Pilates package is a great place to start.

Alleviate lower back pain or mobility limitations?
Start with 1–2 TheraReformer 🌿 classes per week. These classes are gentle yet powerful for rebuilding strength and confidence in safe movement for your body.

Transform your health - mind, body, and soul?
Commit to a 3–5 class weekly practice. The most impactful mix is 2–3 Reformer, 1–3 Mat or Barre, and 1 Restorative, Yin or Meditation classes. This is where lasting results happen.

Think of it this way:
1 class per week keeps you moving.
2 classes per week builds strength.
3+ classes a week transforms your body, mind, and life.

I'm new to Pilates, which class should I sign up for?

Our class schedule boasts a variety of classes for all skill levels and experiences. Consider these factors when deciding what class to choose:

• If you enjoy yoga or running - start with our Mat classes for a slower pace and to learn the foundational movements of Pilates.

• If you like CrossFit, rowing, swimming, or weight training in the gym - start with our Reformer🔥 class to develop your Pilates knowledge and build up to our higher intensity Reformer classes. 

• If you are easing back into exercise and movement - consider starting with TheraReformer 🌿 at a gentle pace for intentional movement and plenty of modifications to accommodate requests.

• If you have special considerations, injuries, or limited mobility - try a Private Lesson Membership for a personalized Pilates plan from a certified instructor to perfect your form, build strength, and increase stability and flexibility.

If you’re still not sure which class to attend, we would be happy to suggest one that’s a good match for your goals.

How can I prepare for class? 

To provide you with the safest and most effective experience, we require each new client to create an account and complete an online Health and History Form. Always update your instructor about any new or lingering injuries. Come with an open mind. You will hear new terminology and learn new ways to perform classic exercises. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you need clarification or are unsure about the what instructor is asking. Most importantly: listen to your body. If you are feeling fatigued, take a break and resume when you are ready. We provide a supportive environment whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced practitioner. Everybody is welcome and cherished.

What should I wear + bring to class?

To keep a clean space for us all to enjoy and to preserve the equipment, we are a shoeless studio. Our hardwood floors can be slippery, so we require bare feet or grippy socks. Shoe storage is provided at the entrance to our studios, and there are cubbies for your belongings inside the studio. 

All equipment is provided. We have towels, mats, Pilates circles, knee pads, yoga straps, blocks, and more! A filtered water station is available. 

For those on the go, we offer a luxury shower* fully stocked with the necessary toiletries for your convenience.

*Select locations

What should I expect in class? 

Our classes at Maine Pilates are designed to strengthen your core and spine, improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination, and build muscle while still remaining a structured, low-impact workout. We prioritize natural form and alignment throughout class. Instructors will verbally cue movement and further guide you through the workout with visual demonstrations and offer modifications when necessary. Hands-on assists are available upon request.

I’ve taken Reformer for years at several studios. Why does Maine Pilates requires approval for classes?

To ensure your safety and progress, instructor approval is required before joining Reformer or Jumpboard 🔥🔥 -🔥🔥🔥 classes. This approval is based on your ability to embody the Maine Pilates Method and perform exercises in Reformer🔥 classes with relative ease, good form, and without a lot of explanation or guidance.

Typically, we require 4 to 10 Reformer🔥 classes before progressing to Reformer 🔥🔥 in order to fully learn, comprehend, and apply the fundamental movements necessary for faster paced Reformer classes. 20-30 Reformer 🔥🔥 classes are recommended before receiving an invitation to join Reformer 🔥🔥🔥. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@mainepilates.com.

Can I join a class online?

We understand our studio locations might not be convenient for everyone, but we are so glad you still want to be a part of the Maine Pilates community by joining online. To book any of our classes, you must first create an account to make a purchase and reserve your spot.

Our online classes take place over the video chat platform Zoom, so please be sure to have the most updated version installed on your device before class. You will need to be signed in to your account on whatever device you will be using to take the class (e.g., computer, phone, tablet, Smart TV, etc.). The Zoom link will be posted to your account under My Bookings 24 hours before class. Under My Bookings, click Join to enter the Zoom Room, which opens 10 minutes before class. Just like our in-person classes, we ask that you join 5-10 minutes early to ensure your space is set up the way you want it and that your video and sound are working properly. 

Please Note: Our instructors will do their best to admit late arrivals, but they may not see you in the Waiting Room once class has started.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand life happens, sickness from working at a hospital or sick kiddos and pets. We suggest you book at the last minute versus incurring a charge for a late cancel.

To avoid a late fee, you must cancel your reservation at least 12 hours prior to your scheduled class. For private lessons, cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson.

Phone calls, texts, or emails are appreciated but do not waive the cancellation fee or loss of credit.

Please see our Studio Policies page for more details.