What is Authentic Pilates?
Imagine an exercise program that you look forward to, that engages you, and that leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. Authentic Pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez), a system of body conditioning, will do all this…and more. This exercise system, developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer, Joseph H. Pilates, is focused on improving flexibility and strength throughout the body without building bulk. Authentic Pilates at Studio Body Logic® is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers.
Founded by Karen Garcia in 1996, Studio Body Logic® was the first Authentic Pilates studio in Northern Virginia. Come study and learn the authentic work within SBL’s warm and friendly environment. You will get a workout!
What does Studio Body Logic® offer?
Since 1996, Studio Body Logic’s® main focus has been Pilates! We offer five levels of Pilates group mat classes. We have private and semi-private Pilates apparatus classes using all the Authentic Pilates apparatus. Our goal for over twenty years is to teach you what we know best – Authentic Pilates.
We also offer a number of Evolved Sculpt, Barre Body® and Stretch classes. We feel these classes offer a good addition to a student’s fitness program. Additionally, SBL offers challenging and enjoyable workshops for our students on a range of fitness and health related topics.
Does Studio Body Logic® teach Pilates on the apparatus (equipment) or in group mat classes?
Both. Originally Pilates exercises were taught on what is called in the Pilates world ”apparatus,” (including the iconic bed-frame looking platform called a Reformer) and mat exercises. Today, we offer mat classes, and private or small group apparatus classes for our students. But with or without apparatus, Authentic Pilates always focuses on developing breath awareness and control of the body’s deep “core,” especially the spine and abdominals. Instructors always teach a carefully sequenced series of controlled movements that get progressively more challenging as their students learn to correctly stretch, strengthen, and stabilize their cores.
Which is better?
Both mat and private classes use the same Authentic Pilates principles. It’s a matter of personal preference, schedule and finances. If you have neck and/or back concerns, mat work may not be appropriate and we encourage you to begin with private sessions where an instructor can work with you one-on-one using the Pilates apparatus. Once you have had an evaluation lesson, the instructor can guide you to your next step at Studio Body Logic®.
Tell me more about private and semi-private apparatus instruction…
Private instruction is one instructor to one student.
Semi-private is two – three students working together on a regular schedule with the same instructor. The studio office staff forms semi-private groups with individuals who are able to work at a similar level, so that students can progress consistently.
We do not believe in reformer classes or large groups on apparatus. Working out on just one piece of apparatus or in large group apparatus classes simply do not fit all students. At Studio Body Logic® you are placed into an appropriate small semi-private group (2-3 students) for your personalized workout. We use the various apparatus necessary (not just a reformer) to challenge and continually progress you throughout the system. Private and semi-private sessions are scheduled weekdays between 7am and 8pm and Saturdays until 1pm. We have a low turnover in our private and semi-private sessions and daytime sessions open up more quickly than evening or weekend sessions.
Can I drop into a semi-private Apparatus session?
SBL office staff and faculty take time to match students together with regard to their Pilates level and exercise background, so the group can progress together. We cannot allow students to drop in for semi-private apparatus lessons, as this is disruptive to the other students who come regularly for instruction. Current apparatus students may join an appropriate apparatus lesson when they have to miss their regular session.
What Authentic Pilates apparatus does your studio have?
Each studio is fully equipped with the following Gratz and Peak apparatus:
· Reformers
· Cadillacs and Towers
· Hi Chairs, Wunda Chairs, Baby Chair
· High Ladder Barrels, Spine Correctors, Small Barrels
· Magic Circles
· Pedi Poles
· Foot Correctors
. And numerous other small pieces of Pilates Apparatus – Just wait till you use them!
What will Pilates classes do for me physically?
Authentic Pilates reverses desk body! Unlike exercise programs which put the emphasis on mindlessly building the body only on the surface, Authentic Pilates streamlines the body, leaving practitioners with a longer, leaner, “Pilates look” that is both distinctive and pleasing. Good looks aside, Authentic Pilates gives students a defense against the natural aging process, in which weakening cores lead to poor posture, impeded breathing, and general feelings of pain and fatigue.
Does “engaging the mind” mean Pilates is like yoga – do I have to do meditations?
No. The mental effort in Authentic Pilates’ mind-body connection is solely devoted to teaching how the mind can control the body’s muscles to work correctly, with breathing to help support the movement. Instructors often use mental images to help students understand what a movement should feel like – telling students to imagine “sliding down a fireman’s pole” when lowering themselves to the mat, for example. But there are no chants, mantras, candle-lit breathing periods, or other meditation techniques associated with Yoga. There is also no music in mat or apparatus sessions.
How long will it take to see results?
Joseph Pilates had a famous saying: “In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you’ll be on your way to having a whole new body.” Many Studio Body Logic® students can attest to this wisdom. But the fact is that every person is unique. Bodies are different, schedules are different, and budgets are different. The more consistent you are in taking classes, the more your body will change and be challenged by the work. We recommend taking class twice a week for optimal results, but any time you spend training in Authentic Pilates will be time well spent.
Will doing Pilates make me sore?
Any new activity can make some people temporarily sore but no student is ever, encouraged to “work through” pain. As taught at SBL, in Authentic Pilates, movement that causes pain is the body telling the mind something is wrong. Our SBL instructors have dedicated many hundreds of hours learning how to modify all the Pilates exercises, apparatus and mat, to accommodate differences in physiques and capabilities, and students are corrected and monitored carefully as they move. Feeling challenged is great, but anything that hurts will be changed for that student or eliminated from the session if modifications can’t solve the problem (a rare occurrence). We are dedicated to small class size to enable instructors to personalize the work to the students before us according to Joseph Pilates’ philosophy.
What kind of certification do your instructors have?
All Authentic Pilates instructors at Studio Body Logic® have completed a Comprehensive Certification through Power Pilates or through Studio Body Logics Comprehensive Certification Program. These demanding programs consist of over 600 hours of study, practice, apprentice teaching, and four test out levels of oral, practical, and lesson plan development. The program requires applicants to know the work before acceptance into our training program. This ensures that apprentices will learn how to teach effectively not just learn how to do exercises. Comprehensive study trains instructors at Studio Body Logic® on all Pilates Apparatus and levels of Mat along with injury modifications, variations, and anatomical study. Our instructors are among the most competent in the field and have been providing a warm and supportive environment for our students since 1996.
Studio Body Logic® is a Participating Training Center for Power Pilates.
All instructors complete ongoing CED to retain their Pilates certifications and employment at Studio Body Logic®. Additionally, Studio Body Logic® offers guest instructor workshops and faculty workouts to further instructor’s knowledge.
The Pilates Guild - Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska
Owner Karen Garcia was certified in 1996 through The Pilates Guild, and was personally trained and certified under Joseph H. Pilates protégé, Master teacher, Romana Kryzanowska. Miss Garcia moved to New York for the incredible opportunity to study and certify under this generous and vibrant master instructor. Miss Garcia is one of a few second-generation instructors in the method. Miss Kryzanowska was a brilliant instructor who passed on Joseph H. Pilates work and spirit to all who studied under her. She passed away in 2013 at 90.
What classes can I take if I’m pregnant?
Our instructors are highly trained and can work with clients during pregnancy. Since each person and pregnancy is different, we suggest you contact the studio to discuss your situation, so we can come up with the best plan for you.
What classes can I take if I’m currently injured?
Whether you are a new or existing student, we will be happy to discuss with you how to safely and effectively begin or continue your Pilates training while dealing with an injury. Our goal is to allow you to safely build strength in the parts of your body that are working well while the injured areas heal. Because Pilates builds core strength and increases flexibility, it is often used to help alleviate the symptoms that accompany neck and back problems. It is essential, however, that students who have an injury proceed with great care to avoid re-injuring themselves or aggravating an existing condition.
Is there a membership fee?
No. You pay for your mat classes by the semester and your apparatus sessions may be paid weekly when you are at the studio or you may set up an account at the studio and we can debit your account. Discounts are offered for multiple classes.
What do I wear and bring to class?
Comfort and ease of movement are most important. Leotards, tights, biking shorts, cotton tank top, sweats are all acceptable, but athletic shoes are not necessary.
Please note: socks are necessary for all private and mat classes at SBL.
Snow Policy
In case of inclement weather, a message will be placed on the office phone. Please call (703) 527-9626 for Arlington classes or (703) 739-7601 for Alexandria classes. A message will also be placed on our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
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