About Pilates

Pilates is a method of body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates more than 70 years ago. It is comprised of over 500 exercises, performed as a mat-based workout or using special resistance equipment.

Pilates FAQs

About Pilates at JoyMoves

JoyMoves has an award-winning Pilates program. We began the program in early 2007 and in 2008 we won the “Best of” member voting on CitySearch.com for Pilates in Austin, Texas. Each week more than 200 people take Pilates at JoyMoves.

Our Pilates offerings include Pilates Mat classes, private and semi-private Pilates sessions (in our fully-equipped Pilates Studio) and Pilates MVe™ Chair classes. In addition to being well-rounded and comprehensive, our Pilates program at JoyMoves is focused on safety and health. We do not provide Pilates for the purpose of rehabilitation, although it can be used for that purpose and there are several excellent Pilates rehab studios in town.

We maintain a high-standard of excellence for our Pilates program. All of our instructors have been trained by Peak Pilates® of Boulder, Colorado. Peak Pilates is one of the leading and most respected suppliers of Pilates training services and equipment in the world. Similarly, all of our Pilates equipment is made by Peak Pilates.

At JoyMoves, your first class is always free. Also, we offer a 30-minute complimentary Pilates session on the equipment to those new to Pilates. So why not give it a try!

Pilates Mat

Pilates mat-work is a rhythmic, flowing set of movements which increase strength, flexibility and stamina while also improving alignment, balance, coordination and tone. The result of the workout is a uniformly developed body with strong back and abdominal muscles. There are countless different movements in Pilates mat-work and these are performed seated, standing, on all fours, or lying on your back, side or front.

Subject to the prerequisites stated below, Pilates mat classes are open to all members on a drop-in, first come, first served basis – i.e. no reservation is required.

(For safety reasons those students who have not done a Pilates mat class before at JoyMoves must be there by the time the class starts. All other students are allowed a 5-minute late window)

Pilates Mat class types & levels

• Pilates Mat – Beginner Level – limit 10 students per class This class is for those new to Pilates or for those who desire to stay with the fundamental introductory exercises of Pilates. Additional exercises may be taught at the instructor’s discretion. The class is a full-body, level-appropriate workout.
  All new clients are required to attend 4 Beginner Level classes or receive instructor approval to participate in more advanced classes. Pilates Mat – Beginner Level – Class Schedule »

• Pilates Mat – Experienced Beginner/Intermediate Level (Level 1 – 2) – limit 20 students per class This mat class builds on the exercises from the True Beginner Level class. Before progressing to a higher level class you should be familiar with the True Beginner Level mat class order and exercise names as well as be able to adequately perform the exercises at that level. This class level provides additional exercises and/or advancement of existing exercises. The exercises become more complex and challenging and the pace of the class is faster – therefore more strength and stamina are required.
  All new clients are required to attend 4 Beginner Level classes or receive instructor approval to participate in more advanced classes. Pilates Mat – Level 1-2 – Class Schedule »

• Pilates Mat – Intermediate/Advanced Level (Level 2 – 3) – limit 20 students per class This mat class builds on the exercises from the Experienced Beginner/Intermediate Level class. Before progressing to a higher level class you should be familiar with the Experienced Beginner/Intermediate Level mat class order and exercise names, as well as be able to adequately perform the exercises at that level. This class level provides additional exercises and/or advancement of existing exercises. The exercises become more complex and challenging and the pace of the class is faster – therefore more strength and stamina are required. Pilates Mat – Level 2-3 – Class Schedule »

MVe™ Chair/Mat Classes

All Levels – limit 14 students per class For safety reasons students will not be allowed into an MVe™ Chair class after it is in session.

(For safety reasons those students who have not done a Pilates MVe class before at JoyMoves must be there by the time the class starts. All other students are allowed a 5-minute late window)

The MVe™ Chair from Peak Pilates of Boulder, Colorado is a re-imagined Pilates Wunda chair. It has been designed to stretch and strengthen muscle groups not easily reached by more traditional techniques and equipment. It consists of a seat and a footbar with attached springs. A future upgrade will add handles. Class participants sit, lie or stand on the MVe Chair (or on a Pilates mat on the floor next to it) and push the footbar with their hands or feet. The class is typically done to music.

The exercises for the MVe™ Chair focus on core strength, leg strength, the shoulder girdle mobility and strength, and functional movements such as standing, climbing, pushing and lifting. That’s why exercising on the MVe Chair is a great form of cross-training for triathletes, bicyclists, skiers, runners, rock climbers, tennis players, golfers, basketball, soccer or football players, and for clients looking to increase power in the upper body for throwing, lifting and racquet sports. It is for both men and women.

MVe Chair workouts at JoyMoves are often combined with Pilates mat work. For example, class participants can do abdominals on the mat, stand up and work on the MVe™ Chair, and then return to mat exercises.

All new clients to an MVe Chair class are required to attend 4 Beginner Level Pilates mat classes or receive instructor approval to participate. To take an MVe™ Chair class you must be able to lift 30 lbs – which is how much the MVe Chair weights. You must be in good health with no special considerations.

Pilates MVe Chair & at Class Schedule »

Pilates Sessions

Private Pilates Sessions – Private sessions are the fastest way to progress in Pilates. A certified Pilates trainer will work one-on-one with you on the mat and on the full range of equipment — with special emphasis on the Reformer and Cadillac. The trainer will adjust the intensity of the work to the level appropriate for you. Privates are 55 minutes long.

Duet Pilates Sessions – Duet sessions provide a more economical form of training, while maintaining most of the advantages of private sessions. The key is finding a partner with a similar fitness level to yours — which is the responsibility of the client. We recommend clients begin their Pilates practice with a few private sessions before taking duets. Duets are 55 minutes long.

Trio Pilates Sessions – Trio sessions provide the most economical form of training. It is important that all Trio partners have same fitness goals and are at similar ability levels. Trios are 55 minutes long.

For pricing information on Private, Duet and Trio Pilates sessions, see our Pricing Page

Read the bio’s of our wonderful Pilates Instructors

Classes

Nia
Pilates
Yoga
Women’s Movement Meditation

Instructors

Pilates Instructor bio’s