Frequently Asked Questions about Pilates

What classes do you offer?

Specializing in the Pilates method, we offer private and semi-private classes (up to 5 people) with the Pilates equipment, as well as group Pilates mat class and fit ball workout, based on the Pilates method. In addition, we offer yoga class and special classes for pregnant women. We will also be happy to come to you and give you private instruction in your convenient time and place.

How do I get started?

For reformer classes, we recommend starting with 2-3 introductory private sessions in our beautiful private studio. That way we will get to know you and your special needs. For all other studio classes, choose a class that suites your level and body understanding. We will be happy to help you choosing a class.

Please talk to the instructors prior to class if there is any problem we should know of.

Who can do Pilates?

Everyone! The age ranges are from 18 to 70 (and up), men and women, fit and injured, slim and fat, athletes, dancer or general public. Everyone is welcome.

Why should I do it?

  • To improve body-mind awareness, stamina and concentration
  • To increase flexibility and strength
  • To strengthen the immune system
  • Improve coordination, concentration, balance and circulation
  • To reduce pain, recover from an injury and to experience a pain free body
  • Mentioning only few, we invite you to come and add to this list based on your own experience!

How often should I do this?

We like to say three times a week and more is optimum, twice a weekis the minimum.

How soon will I see results?

While everybody is different, you will notice improvement very fast. However, it takes about 40 days to establish new habits and to experience true physical changes.

What should I wear?

For all classes, please wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in. shoes are not necessary, as we practice barefoot.

Do you provide the mats?

Mats, towels and all other equipment provided. You can enjoy using our restroom, showers, changing rooms and lockers.

What should I expect from the first session?

In the introductory Pilates session we will introduce the principles and fundamentals of the method, such as breathing, stabilization, differentiation, core strength (navel to spine) and more. After the session, you will feel energized, stretched and aligned, and will notice better body-mind awareness.

What if I am pregnant?

While you are pregnant and create new life inside you, we invite you to take our special pregnancy class. It combines of special modified postures and exercises, deep relaxation and meditation, and will help you experience the best possible pregnancy and delivery, whatever your health or circumstances, and provide a positive environment right from the start.

What about osteoporosis?

Our Pilates program meets all the criteria of an exercise program recommended for those with osteoporosis including the aspect of weight bearing movements.

What if I suffer from back pain?

The combination of increased strength in the core and its deepest muscles, improved range of motion, and enhanced body awareness are the critical ingredients for overcoming back pain. This is the heart of this method.

What if I am injured?

Yes, we do modify the work to each individual's needs. One of the principles is differentiation, allows the neutralization of certain areas of the body while exercising others. Due to the gentleness of the apparatus and of the exercises themselves this method is ideal for gradually working back into a functional state.

The Pilates method is a valuable form of rehabilitation, and was proven to promote recovery and prevention

Testimonials

  • What I love about Pilates is the gentle approach to the exercise programme whilst nevertheless working all your muscles in depth and very efficiently. You can really feel your whole body working and strengthening by the minute.| Ingrid Seidel. |
  • Pilates is addictive!! As a very unfit and exhausted mother of two small children finding time for exercise had been very difficult. When I started Pilates classes I quickly learnt to really enjoy the physical and mental benefits of this amazing program. Pilates challenges my body to become stronger and more flexible and my mind to become more focused and positive.| Danika Rehfisch. |
  • After hearing the story of Pilates from friends in North America, I searched Bangkok for a Pilates instructor for several months. I couldn't have found a better, more focused teacher than Or-Yah. Starting from nothing, she taught me the basics and gave me the confidence I needed to continue on. I noticed improvements in my strength, flexibility and posture after only a few classes. Or-Yah is a great instructor and amazing mentor for anyone interested in improving their physical fitness. Bangkok is very fortunate to have someone so dedicated to teaching the Pilates method.| Scott Miller. |
  • After delivering my second baby I was anxious to quickly get back into shape. I had not exercised throughout my pregnancy due to complications. So when my son was two months old I found Or-Yah and began post-natal yoga sessions. When I felt strong enough we progressed to Pilates. Before pregnancy I had taken other forms of Pilates. I was familiar with some of the poses, but felt challenged by pure Pilates. I quickly learned Or-Yah was an expert at pure Pilates. Not only was she an extremely qualified instructor she was more importantly very supportive. With the eyes of a hawk she watches to ensure your body is in the proper alignment for each pose. There is no chance to be idle; she makes good use of your time. She is always ready to demonstrate each pose and provide detailed explanations. The change in my body was immediate; the focus of her teachings is strengthening your core. Your back and abdominal muscles after pregnancy are taxed and she really helps to work this area. Everyone I know wants to know my secret to getting back in shape. No fad diets or treatments, no surprises just Or-Yah. Constantly motivating she gave me an inner sense to continue attuning my body with my life. I feel more focused and strengthened for the physical and mental rigors of motherhood.Or-Yah really makes an impact on her students by connecting with them.| Kim Buhrman. |
  • Or-yah is a very dedicated instructor who takes her job very seriously. I have had many experiences with private instructors and I can easily say that she has proven herself to be the best. Since injuring my leg I am doing Pilates lessons with Or-yah and the improvement has been tremendous. Or-yah is always encouraging, and alert to anything that is not performed properly. When certain exercises cannot be preformed due to an injury or other factors she immediately finds an alternative. Working with the Pilates equipment has been am amazing experience for me. I have been taking Pilates and Yoga classes with Or-yah for over 2 years, she has guided me through a pregnancy and now through my injury. It is always a pleasure to come to Or-yah for instruction and am always left with a feeling of satisfaction.| Eilat Shoshani. |
  • Pilates is the only exercise program that I have ever done which I actually look forward to and miss when I can't make it to a session - in fact the only problem with Pilates is that it is totally addictive. After three months of fairly regular Pilates sessions, I feel stronger and more flexible, exercises that seemed impossible when I started are suddenly do-able: although Or-Yah never lets us get complacent as there is always a way to make an exercise just that little bit more challenging. As teacher, Or-Yah manages to combine the discipline of a drill sergeant with a sensitive awareness of what the student can manage. You don't get away with much but you thank her for it afterwards.| Sharon Thwaites. |
  • “After studying Pilates, my back id much stronger, I have become more flexible and my posture has improved. I really enjoy learning Pilates with Or-yah who is very experienced and knowledgeable and makes you see that nothing is impossible (except trying to do Pilates laughing!). | Lucienne Hughes. |