Mat Pilates consists of exercises performed on the floor (on a mat) and can be done with small equipment (hoops, elastics, etc.) to give a form of support and to increase difficulty. Mat Pilates exercises are particularly effective for toning abdominals. In the case of patients suffering from back pain, a few private sessions are recommended before eventually moving on to Mat Pilates classes. Pilates with equipment consists of more than 700 exercises using what are called Reformer, Cadillac, Barrel and Chair. Exercises performed with such equipment provide support to strengthen abdominals and back muscles without risk of stressing these areas and causing injury. Working with equipment allows more work on the arms, shoulders, legs and pelvic muscles than Mat work can. Mat Pilates is excellent physical work and strengthens what is called the Core. Many clients have verified that their performance on the Mat improves after practicing with tools.

The Florence Training Lab program includes an initial postural assessment in order to highlight any joint dysmetria, check muscle elasticity and balance. After that, three individual sessions are offered so that you can practice with the type of exercises and have the instructor design a specific program based on the findings of the assessment. You can then continue with private lessons or decide, also in consultation with the instructor, whether to participate in group sessions, which in any case never include more than three people.

It is generally recommended for the first two months to have at least two sessions a week, so that your body “learns” the exercises. If you can only attend once a week, be aware that the so-called “learning curve” becomes much longer and sometimes you will be forced to re-learn the exercises from week to week.

Pilates per se is not a high-impact vigorous activity or cardiovascular work. However, if your other goals include weight control, we recommend our Pilates Performance program that will increase the muscle portion with activation of your metabolism. With Pilates Performance you perform movements that will certainly “burn fat” and help “sculpt” your body.

You do not have to be trained or necessarily fit to begin Pilates. The assessment that is done at the beginning will allow the instructor to modulate the series of exercises specific to your physical condition.

Certainly. The Pilates technique makes it possible to improve posture, joint elasticity, and muscle tone, all conditions that also improve daily life gestures and the sense of feeling good.

Exercises performed regularly are important for everyone but are especially so for older people. An article in an American scientific journal (K.Smith,2004) confirmed the usefulness of Pilates as an exercise for people well over 70 years old. All the symptoms of a sedentary life, such as poor muscle tone, poor posture, hunched shoulders, back pain, excessive weight, worsen with age. The invisible effects of a life without exercise also progress. Older people who do not exercise are often plagued by pain, difficulty sleeping, poor circulation, stiff joints, decreased bone density (osteoporosis) and muscle mass (sarcopenia), and lack of energy. Pilates can be practiced at any age and can help improve and prevent poor movement disorders.

You will need to get approval from your gynecologist first. The Pilates technique can also be useful during pregnancy since it helps keep active certain abdominal and lower back muscle groups that protect the back during the months of pregnancy. Specific programs for pregnant women are available at our center.

Pilates falls under rehabilitative gymnastics. Once you have heard the advice of the doctor or orthopedic surgeon treating you, it will be possible to perform Pilates exercises that being varied and adaptable to various conditions can help recover the function of the affected area.

Yes, since Pilates exercises are not part of the normal training routine even for good athletes, but they are specific and require some learning since, as you will experience, they activate often untrained areas and muscle types.

Our instructors are all certified at national or international schools. To obtain a Pilates instructor certificate, one must take year-long courses with frequent classes and intermediate and final examinations. Periodic refresher courses are also held with evaluations performed by experienced instructors and therapists.

Comfortable gym clothing; no shoes are needed, just socks, preferably non-slip. It is recommended to bring a towel. The center has locker rooms and showers.

The duration of each session is 55 minutes.

Yes, once you start with an instructor, they will follow you for the duration of your membership. There may be cases when the instructor is unavailable due to illness or other reasons; we will be sure to inform you and, if you agree, offer you sessions with another instructor.