New to Pilates or our Studio?

I'm New- How do I get Started?

If you are new to working with PILATES EQUIPMENT- such as the Reformer, Chair, Tower and Springboard and have never used them we require a three private session minimum OR you can join our new Beginner Series classes WHEN offered. If you have previous experience at another studio with a minimum of five or more classes you are welcome to sign up for our classes. The intent is to prepare you for classes- if that is what you'd like to move on to. During private sessions, you will be working one on one with an experienced teacher addressing any areas of concern along with learning the equipment and classical reformer exercises. After three private sessions there is an assessment before starting classes. All will be discussed in your first session. Call to book your private first session. * We do not offer free intro sessions. Private sessions are by appointment. Inquire about Beginners Series. See rates here.

Do I need to do three privates for mat and springboard classes?

If you wish to only take mat and Springboard Classes you do NOT need to take the usual three private intro sessions we require for entrance to Reformer classes. Contact us to get you on the class calendar.

Do I need to register for a class?

Yes...Please sign in to a class. To ensure your space- please sign in on the website. If signing in is not available to you please email (info@southportpilates.com) or text (518-369-2884) your reservation- simply state your name and class you would like to attend and you will receive a confirmation. We are a small boutique studio focused on reaching everyone who attends on or off the reformer.

How do I register for a class or a private session?

You may call, text, or email as well.

How to sign in on line with our schedulicity service? Here's how to get started. You will need to create an account with Schedulicity and supply a credit card.

Choose Book Now at top of page.
For a private- Choose "services" tab
Select Private - a screen will pop up asking to choose provider. If you dont have a preference choose "Any Provider Available"- it will show you the most options.
On the right hand side of the screen- Click "Choose Date and Time" Select the day you want- times will pop up below the calendar to choose from.
Once you have selected the time and date, payment will come up - either choose a package or a single "Private Pilates session-60mins". We recommend for new clients the "Intro Private Reformer $199 package" .
Continue onto next step- follow requests for credit card and waiver, If you are new, email info will be added.

FOR CLASSES- Choose "CLASSES" tab- choose to scroll down the page to look at date or use the calendar icon at top of page to see dates.

If you need help, call us 910-477-6659 and we'd be glad to go over the process with you.

What do I wear or bring? When do I arrive?

STICKY SOCKS, and a refillable water bottle!

Yoga style clothes are perfect - comfortable and not too baggy. Socks are sold at the studio. Loose shorts are not recommended as many of the exercises we are on our back with legs up in the air. If you prefer shorts- we recommend wearing biker shorts underneath.

Please DO NOT ARRIVE MORE THAN 10 MINUTES BEFORE SESSION.

More FAQs....

What is your cancellation policy?

Being we are a small studio and every spot counts ...For GROUP classes you book online or with a teacher, you have a window of 24 hour notice to cancel without being charged. No shows will be automatically charged 100% from the package or card registered with.

For appointments / PRIVATE sessions- there is a required 24 hour notice. We have a reliability rating on our scheduling system. If there are repeated no shows and cancellations, it will limit your ability to book online classes. We ask only for your courtesy and understanding of our time and space. SPP reserves the right to cancel a class if there are less than two people for Reformer and four for the mat.

What’s the difference between working out on the equipment and the Pilates Mat classes?

Mat classes focus on core work and require you to support your own body weight and are challenging. They were originally intended as "homework" from Joe Pilates. Pilates equipment gives you a frame to work within that is often more helpful than mat but can be more challenging when springs are added or taken away. Working on the equipment can also target and tone specific areas of your body very efficiently.

For Private sessions, can I keep my time slot?

Private clients that are taking regular weekly or biweekly classes will be held a spot as long as they continue to attend. If you traveling for extended periods of time, taking time off for surgeries, and any other reason you can not attend regularly. There is no guarantee that time will be available upon return. We will always give you other options to get you back in the schedule. It may be a differrent day, time or teacher.

What is a Reformer?

Invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The carriage has shoulder blocks on it that keep a practitioner from sliding off the end of the reformer as they push or pull the carriage.

At the spring end of the reformer, there is an adjustable bar called a foot bar. The foot bar can be used by the feet or hands as a practitioner moves the carriage. The reformer also has long straps with handles on them that are attached to the top end of the frame.

They can be pulled with legs or arms to move the carriage as well. Body weight and resistance of the springs are what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. Reformers parts are adjustable for differing body sizes and different levels of skill. We work with Peak equipment at SPP.

The reformer offers all the benefits of mat including overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. These things, in turn, lead to healthier living, like better posture, graceful, efficient movement, and for many, relief from pain associated with physical imbalances such as back pain.