Pilates FAQ

What is Pilates?

At Studio13, we believe there’s a perfect tool for every purpose. Not everything requires a hammer! Pilates is our perfect tool for toning your core muscles while conditioning your parasympathetic nervous system.

Although most people think of the core as the abs, a core muscle is any muscle that attaches to the hips or spine, from front to back and side to side. Pilates touches each of them with a series of exercises originally developed by Joseph Pilates, an athlete and circus performer born in 1883 Prussia. Pilates exercises can be done using a mat or on equipment such as the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector and Barrel.

How does Pilates help my parasympathetic nervous system?

Most people in our society run primarily on the sympathetic nervous system: a state of reactivity (fight or flight) that taxes body, mind and spirit. Pilates breath work taps into the parasympathetic nervous system to calm you down.

The parasympathetic nervous system regulates gland function, smooth muscle control, and other invisible processes that support your wellbeing. It includes your heart, lungs, digestive organs, excretory system, sex organs, and other critical tissues.

Without regular care for the parasympathetic nervous system, we lose touch with the body’s vast potential to create a steady state where we feel productive, effective and content. Pilates brings us out of survival mode and supports our innate capacity to live whole, healthy and balanced lives.

What is the origin of Pilates?

The original 34 exercises that formed the basis of the Pilates Method were developed by Joseph Pilates, an athlete and circus performer born in 1883 Prussia. Pilates established the method, which he called Contrology, during World War 1 over more than three years of internment with his fellow circus performers at the Knockaloe camp on the Isle of Man.

According to a 1962 article in Sports Illustrated, Pilates became inspired as he watched the body movements of the camp’s cats, who maintained a bounce in their step even as the prisoners around him slipped into decline. The exercises he developed fortified Pilates and his peers.

Pilates also worked in a hospital on the Isle of Man, where his creative use of bed springs to support patients’ limbs laid the foundation for Pilates equipment like the Cadillac and Reformer. In the early 1920s, Pilates and his wife, Clara, emigrated to the U.S., where they taught the method to students and instructors at their New York City gym.

Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Barrel—What’s the difference?

Great question! Pilates on the mat conditions your core using just your body weight and any props for resistance. The Pilates Chair, Reformer and Cadillac introduce resistance elements like pulleys and springs for a full body workout. For adaptive, stationary support in exploring deeper movement, we use the Pilates Spine Corrector and Barrel. Studio13 offers a complete Pilates experience on all of the above!

I’d like to try Pilates. How do I get started?

For clients new to Pilates, we recommend starting with a few private sessions, where you’ll learn basic movements on the mat before we transition to the equipment. Contact us to schedule a private session.

Does Studio13 offer private Pilates sessions?

Yes! Private Pilates sessions with Dr. Julie Lord, D.C., pack a ton of value. She brings a wealth of holistic knowledge and decades of experience as a licensed and board-certified Chiropractor to every Pilates session. Enjoying these benefits one-on-one is an incredible opportunity we’re thrilled to offer to students of all fitness levels and abilities. Contact us to schedule a private session.

What should I bring to my Pilates class?

Feel free to bring your own Pilates props to the studio. For your convenience, we also have props available to rent ($5) or purchase. (Please note that Pilates mats are twice the thickness of a yoga mat.)

Pilates socks are required for safety and are available to purchase in-studio. Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for a wide range of body positions. If you have long hair, tie it back to keep from getting tangled in the equipment. Bring your water bottle. If you’ll need an energizing snack during class, feel free to bring that as well.

Can I bring my children to class?

Due to the dangers of the Pilates equipment in-studio, we cannot allow unaccompanied children under age 16. During private sessions, children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by a nanny. If childcare is an issue, please contact Dr. Lord about online classes at 404.831.1138.

What is the age minimum to take Pilates at Studio13?

We welcome teens age 16 and older to our group classes and private sessions with an accompanying adult. The adult does not need to participate in the class but must remain in the studio for the duration.

I'd like to take the online Spine Corrector class. What do I need to know?

After registering, you will receive a link for this class via email. Have your Pilates mat and Spine Corrector ready before class begins. Possible props include a Pilates magic circle and Pilates ball. Wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for a wide range of body positions. At class time, click the link and turn up the volume on your device. To ensure that all students joining us virtually can hear the class, we ask that you please mute your microphone.

I am dealing with an injury or chronic health issue. Is Pilates safe for me?

With proper instruction, Pilates can be a fantastic tool for addressing a number of issues. Dr. Julie Lord, D.C., draws upon her knowledge as a licensed and board-certified Chiropractor to ensure clients enjoy the benefits of Pilates in ways that are right for them. We are proud to be a provider-recommended wellness modality for clients of all ages and abilities. To speak with Dr. Lord before your class or appointment, reach out to her at 404.831.1138.

What is Serenbe?

Serenbe is a sustainably built community 40 minutes outside of Atlanta. It was founded with the vision to protect the rural Chattahoochee Hill Country and create a community that harmonizes quality of life with environmental stewardship. There is no place quite like Serenbe; we hope you’ll experience it for yourself with a weekend visit or a much longer stay.

I’m planning a special event at Serenbe. How do I book a group Pilates experience?

Studio13 offers group experiences for wedding parties, executive retreats and weekend getaways. Pricing varies; contact us to plan a couples’ session or Pilates Party for your small group.

What’s the best way to reach you from Atlanta?

This route through beautiful Chattahoochee Hill Country takes about 40 minutes from central Atlanta. Hop on I-75 south and continue south on I-85 toward Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Take exit 56 for Collinsworth Road/Palmetto and turn right onto Collinsworth Road. After the gas station, keep left onto Weldon Road. When you reach the railroad tracks, turn right onto Highway 29. Take the second left onto Tommy Lee Cook Road.

Continue 3.8 miles to Shell Road and turn right. At Selborne Lane, turn left into Serenbe. Continue past Serenbe Stables and turn left on Tabb Way. At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto Serenbe Lane. Studio13 is the black stucco storefront immediately on the left.