Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be “in shape” to start?

Nope! I have actually found Pilates to be an excellent launching point for people wanting to BEGIN a fitness habit. It is very joint friendly even as we are strengthening to get back to or begin a more rigorous movement program. And that means different things to different people. From beginning to walk the dog more or take that leap to training to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Is Pilates hard enough for a cross training program?

This one makes me laugh. You will be astounded has to how effective Pilates is for cross training! And I’m being honest, not bias. The ability to use the apparatus to ensure the body is using the smaller muscle groups as well as train in all planes of motion is very effective. I have had the pleasure to train body builders, marathoners, teen competitive sport athletics, cyclists, and all have left challenged after each session. Whether it is strength or '“stretch” you are looking for in a cross training program, utilizing the friendly apparatus to add assistance or resistance will achieve the desired results.

I’m recovering from an illness, surgery, or have chronic disease. Will this help?

I cannot say it enough, but pain free movement is vital to happiness. And I truly believe we can get there. It may not be in the first session but Pilates is a VERY different modality of exercise. One may have not experienced before and it is worth a try. I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of people over the years….joint replacements, COVID recovery, Spinal Fusions, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis…to name a few. You and I will work in a safe environment, going at the pace your body is accepting of. Thus ensuring we are creating lasting change to make a positive impact in your movement journey.

Nicole, is this your hobby?

No, this is not my hobby. I love training people, it is my passion. If this was my hobby, I would not have invested so significantly into costly & time consuming continuing education over the years. I will say that I do work part-time right now. I have a wonderful family - a husband who is a pilot and an amazing teenage son. So, I do fly solo at home consistently, necessitating me to be “on call” for teen transportation, the dinner schedule, parent meetings, etc. My hours and days are currently based around the school schedule, allowing me to make the most of these final years with my kiddo at home.

What does NCPT stand for?

NCPT is a designation from The National Pilates Certification Program(NPCP) that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NPCP sets the standards for the Pilates professional body. A trained Pilates Instructor is awarded the NCPT after meeting professional standards and passing the certification exam. Once NCPT has been achieved, specific guidelines for continuing education must be met for ongoing professional growth.

What does FRCms stand for?

FRCms is a certification specific to Functional Range Conditioning, Mobility Specialist. This certification is a comprehensive joint training system that is based on scientific research. It is a perfect fit to the Pilates work and greatly effects the ability to achieve results to whatever goals a client may have. FRC allows us to break down movement patterns that may be causing pain, pinching, or to find more power and strength in that joint. FRC allows us the ability to create sustainable and consistent daily movement patterns to assist the affected joint.

Why do you use so many little props?

Many of the courses I have taken has taught me that utilizing highly effective queuing and the effectual use of props leads to faster and more sustainable results. As we use the brain’s ability to substantially create more efficient and powerful movement, not just push harder or pile on the weight and do that 1,000 times to create change. To create the neuroplasticity to move differently and create change in physical performance; creativity is a must and it is a synthesis of things to work differently for every individual.