Frequently Asked Questions

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on controlled movements that strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body awareness. Unlike many forms of exercise, Pilates emphasizes quality of movement over quantity, making it suitable for all fitness levels. At Summerville Pilates, we use Balanced Body reformers and equipment to provide a full-body workout that builds long, lean muscles without bulk.

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. We recommend leggings or fitted pants and a fitted top so your instructor can observe your alignment. Avoid baggy clothing that can get caught in the equipment. Pilates is practiced in grip socks (available for purchase at the studio) or bare feet — no shoes needed. Please avoid heavy perfumes or lotions, as they can make the equipment slippery.

For optimal results, we recommend practicing Pilates 2-3 times per week. Consistency is more important than frequency — two focused sessions per week will yield better results than sporadic daily workouts. Many of our clients notice improvements in posture and core strength within the first few weeks, with more significant changes after 8-12 weeks of regular practice. Your instructor can help you build a schedule that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Absolutely not! Pilates is for every body, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. Our instructors are skilled at modifying exercises to meet you exactly where you are. We recommend starting with a free consultation so we can understand your goals and any physical considerations, then place you in the right class. Many of our most dedicated clients started as complete beginners.

Our studio is fully equipped with professional-grade Balanced Body equipment, including Reformers, Cadillac/Trapeze tables, Wunda Chairs, Spine Correctors, and a variety of props such as resistance bands, magic circles, and foam rollers. Balanced Body is the gold standard in Pilates equipment, and we're proud to offer our clients the best tools for their practice. Your instructor will guide you through each piece of equipment — no prior knowledge needed.

We keep our group classes intentionally small with a maximum of 6 participants per class. This ensures that every client receives personalized attention and corrections from the instructor. Our small class sizes are one of the things that set us apart — you'll never feel lost in the crowd. Private sessions are one-on-one, and duet sessions are limited to 2 participants.

We require at least 12 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged the full session rate. We understand that life happens, so please communicate with us as early as possible if you need to make changes. You can cancel or reschedule through our online booking system or by calling the studio at (843) 779-7112.

Yes! We offer both class packages and monthly memberships to help you save while staying committed to your practice. Packages are available in 5-session and 10-session bundles with increasing discounts. Monthly memberships offer the best value for regular practitioners. We also offer a complimentary first consultation for new clients. Visit our Classes & Pricing page for current rates, or contact us for details.

Pilates is widely recognized as an excellent form of exercise for rehabilitation and managing chronic pain, particularly for back pain, joint issues, and post-surgical recovery. Our instructors are trained to work with clients who have injuries or physical limitations, and we can modify exercises to be safe and therapeutic. We recommend starting with private sessions if you have specific injuries, and we're happy to coordinate with your physical therapist or doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.

Pilates can be a wonderful form of exercise during pregnancy when practiced with proper modifications and medical clearance. It helps maintain core strength, improve posture, and reduce common pregnancy discomforts like back pain. Our instructors are experienced in prenatal modifications and will adapt exercises for each trimester. We require written clearance from your OB/GYN or midwife before beginning or continuing Pilates during pregnancy. We recommend private sessions for prenatal clients to ensure fully personalized guidance.

Mat Pilates uses your body weight as resistance and is performed on a mat on the floor. Reformer Pilates uses a specialized machine with a sliding carriage, springs, and straps to provide variable resistance. The reformer allows for a wider variety of exercises and can make movements both easier (by providing support) and harder (by adding resistance). At Summerville Pilates, most of our sessions incorporate the reformer along with other equipment to give you the most well-rounded workout.