Q: I’ve never done Pilates before, what should I know?
Pilates is the practice of specific controlled movement and breath, with a focus on core and spinal support. It builds strength, flexibility and lean muscle tone. During your first class, be prepared to find length in your larger muscles and to begin strengthening your smaller, accessory muscles. You will be sore in places you didn’t even know existed! To learn more, visit our About Pilates page.
Q: Do I need to sign up in advance or can I just walk in?
Either one! Please feel free to sign up in advance or just drop in when you can. For popular times (weekends and weekday evenings) we suggest that you sign up ahead of time as the classes fill up quickly! You can reserve a spot on our website or by downloading the Mindbody app and searching for our studio. View our Class Schedule or our Private Session Availability.
Q: Do you offer a free first class?
No, but we do offer heavily discounted intro packs for new clients for each type of class and session that we offer. Learn more about our New Client offers.
Q: What do I need to bring to my first session?
Bring a water bottle and a smile; wear workout attire that you can move in; no shoes are needed for class (except cardio dance classes), but you can wear socks if you wish. We’ve got everything else covered!
Q: Do you have yoga mats for all classes?
Yes, we do! You’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer, but we have enough mats for everyone.
Q: Is there parking available at the studio?
Metered street parking is available in front of the studio on Milwaukee Ave, on several side streets, and on Diversey Ave. There is also a metered parking lot about two blocks away on the corner of N Kedzie Ave and N Emmett St (across from Longman & Eagle) - park on the north side of the lot and take Emmett to Milwaukee. We are also very accessible via public transportation - we are on the Blue Line, just a half block north of the Logan Square stop (Spaulding exit) and on the #56 Milwaukee bus route.
Q: Do you have showers?
We do not have showers, but you are welcome to freshen up in our bathroom.
Q: What’s your cancellation policy?
All reservations of classes or sessions must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance. You can cancel your reservation on our website, in the Mindbody app, or by emailing or calling us. Classes canceled with more than 24 hours notice are considered “early canceled” and session or class credit will be returned to your account. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be considered “late canceled” and your account will be charged as if you had attended the class or session. If you are not able to attend last minute, we ask that you “late cancel” in order to open up the spot for other students. If an extenuating circumstance comes up, please contact us as soon as possible via phone or email.
Q: How does the waitlist work?
If a class says “Book” next to it on our schedule, it means spots are available for reservation. If it says “Waitlist” then you can put your name on the waitlist and will receive notification via email and text message (make sure to opt in to both in your account profile) if someone cancels and a spot opens up in class. If you do not receive a notification, you are welcome to call or drop into the studio right before class in case a student doesn’t show up and a last minute spot opens up. If the class says “Call” next to it on our schedule, it means that our waitlist is full. You are still welcome to check in with us right before class just in case, of course!
Q: How much time do I have to use the classes I purchase?
Our regular priced drop-in and packages of classes can be used within 12 months from the purchase date. Our discounted intro packs for new clients must be used within 1 month of purchase. Classes in our monthly memberships must be used within 1 month from the purchase and renewal date, and do not rollover. The purchase policy is always noted on your purchase page and receipt.
Q: Do I need to be in shape to do Pilates?
Not at all! Pilates is a great workout for people of all shapes, sizes, ages and ability levels. Our instructors will work with you to provide modifications that are right for your body while also challenging you.
Q: I’m pregnant, what are my best options at LSQP?
If you are in your first trimester, we encourage you to try out any of our barre, yoga, or Pilates classes. If you make your instructor aware of your pregnancy, they can provide you with modifications as needed. During your second and third trimesters, we recommend that you attend one of our Prenatal + Postnatal Pilates classes or sign up for a private solo or duet session with one of our wonderful instructors. Reserve your spot in one of our Prenatal + Postnatal Pilates Mat or Equipment classes on our Class Schedule or book a Private Session.
Q: I’m recovering from an injury or have a health condition, where should I start at LSQP?
We ask that you secure approval from your doctor or physical therapist to begin a Pilates practice prior to your first visit to the studio. Once you are ready to begin, private sessions with one of our experienced instructors are the best place to start! In your first session, you will have a conversation with your instructor about your goals and challenges, so they can tailor your workout to your unique needs. Whether you are seeking improved stabilization of your core, increased strength, enhanced range of motion, or anything in between, our instructors are here to support you! Book a Private Session.
Q: How often should I practice Pilates to see a change in my body?
Consistency is key with Pilates, like any form of exercise. We suggest beginning with as many classes as you feel comfortable and increasing your frequency to at least 2-3 classes or sessions each week, if possible. The more classes you take, the better results you’ll achieve! This is best exemplified by the famous Joseph Pilates quote, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.”
Q: How do Pilates equipment classes differ from mat classes?
Pilates mat classes rely on body weight and resistance, with assistance from small props such as balls, bands, and circles. Equipment was developed by Joseph Pilates to help people gain strength, flexibility, and confidence for mat work. The various machines that Pilates invented help to target specific areas that need strengthening, freedom and fluidity. Each piece of equipment teaches the body the principles of Pilates in different ways. It’s also a fun way to learn more about your body through an elegant machine not typically found at gyms. Both types of classes are equally challenging and fun, and we encourage you to try both!
Q: What equipment is used in Pilates Equipment classes and sessions?
We have three types of equipment in our studio: The Reformer, the Wunda Chair, and the Cadillac. Both Pilates equipment classes and private sessions use the Reformer. The Reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat, cushioned platform called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on the wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the machine by a set of five springs that provide varying levels of resistance to support core strength and flexibility development. Our private sessions utilize the Wunda Chair and the Cadillac. The Chair is a small but mighty piece of equipment that was originally designed for use in NYC apartments. It leverages two springs in a chair-like design to enable a lot of core stability and balance work. And finally, the Cadillac - while a bit daunting in appearance - is the most versatile machine, offering an extensive range of applications for everyone from post-rehab clients, to prenatal students, to athletes. To learn more, visit our About Pilates page.
Q: I’m out of classes for my current month of membership, can I book ahead for classes next month?
No, once you have used all of your classes for the month, you will need to wait until your renewal date to begin booking more classes. If you wish to take more classes in the meantime, you can purchase additional classes at our drop-in or package rates. Purchase a Class.
Q: Do you offer student discounts?
We’ve designed our pricing to be as affordable as possible to everyone in our community, so we don’t offer regular discounts. We do offer periodic, time-limited discounts (like back to school), so we encourage you to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more and take advantage of these offers!
Q: Are you hiring?
We are always looking for talented instructors to join our team! Please send us your resume and tell us why you want to be part of team LSQP. We are not currently hiring any other positions, but encourage you to share your story with us so we can keep you in mind as opportunities arise.
Q: When can I move up to the next level for an Equipment Class?
The studio has certain guidelines for the skill-sets that need to be mastered before moving up a level for everyone’s safety and so that the class can proceed as planned. You can ask your instructor if you have gained the necessary skills to safely move up. Here are the different reformer levels and their requirements:
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Overall: Working towards building equal parts strength and mobility in the shoulder and pelvic girdle.
Are learning to stabilize before moving; are building control, awareness, and appropriate muscle recruitment
Understand the importance of breathing and are beginning to coordinate breath with movement.
Understand the concept of pelvic positioning (neutral pelvis/anterior tilt/posterior tilt) and can adjust the position of their pelvis as cued by the teacher.
Can stabilize shoulders/scapulae during upper body movement.
Can lift and lengthen the spine and corresponding muscles to support the body while on the equipment or mat.
Can control their equipment with their body—for instance, can close the reformer carriage quietly without “banging,” change springs and put feet or hands in reformer straps efficiently and safely.
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Overall: Solid understanding and access to the strength and mobility in the shoulder and pelvic girdle. Able to maintain Thoracic flexion for longer durations without the neck straining. Able to access the BALANCE, CONTROL and COORDINATION needed to perform all the exercises in Level 2.
Have built up breath capacity and stamina to work at a quicker pace with less need for cueing from the teacher.
Know/recognize most of the fundamental Pilates exercises by name and are familiar with their corresponding equipment setups.
Are moving in flexion and extension exercises, as well as fundamental side-bending and rotation exercises.
Are increasing range of motion, learning inversions, and learning more complex rotational and side-bending exercises.
Know how to modify exercises for their own bodies, if needed.
Are able to remain in Thoracic flexion for the duration of the Leg Stretch Series in Mat and Equipment without the neck compensating.
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Overall: Able to maintain Thoracic flexion for significant durations without the neck straining. Able to access the BALANCE, CONTROL and COORDINATION needed to perform all the exercises in Level 3.
Can incorporate rhythm and dynamic movement and flow through transitions.
Can navigate safely with fewer points of contact (e.g., kneeling on the reformer instead of lying supine).
Clients have a working knowledge of fundamental exercise names (and order, if practicing the classical order), choreography, equipment set-up, personal modifications, and transitions to flow through the workout with minimal interruption.
Can flow through a workout with control and efficiency.
Can adjust quickly to variations or additions as cued by a teacher.
Can retain balance while on an unstable surface without spotting while moving/changing directions: this includes rotation, lateral flexion, and extension.
Can activate muscles on cue with minimal compensations and find nuanced adjustments in exercises.
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