FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be fit and flexible before starting Pilates?
Not at all! Many clients start with limited mobility, former injuries, or no fitness background. Our instructors are trained to give clear, accurate cues to help you move safely through the foundational Pilates exercises. They also cue modifications and progressions in their classes to meet you where you are while safely building strength, flexibility, and confidence.
I’ve never done Pilates before. What should I expect?
Our Mat and Reformer 1 classes are accessible and welcoming, even if you’ve never done Pilates before. Maine Pilates classes are designed to strengthen your core and spine, improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination, and build muscle while remaining a structured, low-impact workout. We prioritize natural form and alignment throughout class. Instructors will verbally cue movement and guide you through the workout with visual demonstrations and offer modifications when necessary.
What should I wear + bring to class?
Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothes you can move in. 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.
We also sell grippy socks in our studios, in case you want to purchase a pair before your class. We provide storage space for your shoes and belongings at the entrances of all our studios.
Bring a water bottle to class to hydrate during and after your workout. Filtered water stations are available at our studios. All other equipment is provided. We have towels, mats, Pilates circles, knee pads, yoga straps, blocks, and more!
Which class should I sign up for?
After reading our Class Descriptions, it you’re still unsure what class you should take? Feel free to email us. A Studio Manager will reach out to you to help you build a personalized Pilates plan to achieve your goals.
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.
Build strength and mobility?
Two Reformer classes a week will help you gain confidence, build strength, improve mobility, and see steady, safe progress in your overall fitness.
Transform your health - mind, body, and soul?
Commit to a 3–5 class weekly practice. We recommend incorporating a variety of class styles and intensity levels for maximum benefits for your mind and body! This is where lasting results happen.
How long will it take me to see results?
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body.” - Joseph Pilates
After your very first class you may notice subtle shifts—feeling taller, less anxious, and more connected to your body. With consistent practice, the results multiply, less stress, better sleep, improved posture, elevated mood, and a steady boost in confidence.
Pilates is not a quick fix – it sows the seeds of strength and alignment for a lifetime. Each class is an investment in your future self—one that builds sustainable energy, resilience, and well-being that lasts for a lifetime.
For best results: Pair your Pilates practice with quality sleep, hydration, and whole foods. These simple lifestyle choices help your body recover faster and unlock the full benefits of your commitment to health.
I’m pregnant. Is Pilates safe for me?
Yes! Please be sure to let your instructor know before class so they can offer you the appropriate modifications and ensure you and your baby stay safe throughout class.
What is your age limit?
We believe Pilates is for everybody! However, children’s bodies are still growing and have additional safety considerations. For this reason, our age limit for all group classes is 14. If you are interested in sharing your Pilates practice with a loved one under 14 years of age, you can email us to chat about booking a private training session.
Do you offer online classes?
We offer live-streaming of some of our classes via the video chat platform Zoom. To book a live-streamed class, you will need to create an account and book just like you would for a class in our studios.
You will need to be signed in to your account on the 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 be sure to have the most updated version of Zoom installed on your device before class.
Will I be charged if I get off the waitlist but can’t make it to the studio for class?
If you think there is a chance you won’t be able to attend class and you’re still outside the 12-hour late cancellation window, you should go ahead and cancel your reservation on the waitlist so you don’t risk being charged. Otherwise, you will be moved into class if a spot opens up (up to an hour before the beginning of class) and our regular cancellation and no-show fees will apply. If you’re moved off the waitlist and there’s less than an hour before class, you should not be charged.
Please see our Studio Policies page for more details.
What is your cancellation policy?
Maine Pilates classes are small so that instructors can offer you the highest level of instruction. Giving enough notice when you need to cancel frees up your reserved spot in class for someone on the waitlist. Canceling less than 12 hours before your scheduled class will incur a fee. For private lessons, cancellations must be made 24 hours before 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.