Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the Studio

  • Kora Pilates is conveniently located at 230 13th Ave NE, Suite 3, Minneapolis, MN 55413. You'll have no problem finding a spot to park with both a parking lot and street parking available. Simply enter through the side door next to the parking lot, turn right, and you'll arrive at our studio.

  • Our private sessions are 50 minutes in length.

    All students are required to wear grip socks when on the equipment, which can be easily purchased online or brought from home.

    Please note that we do not offer refunds for single sessions or packages.

    To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, please refrain from arriving earlier than five minutes before your session begins.

    We require 24-hours notice for all cancellations and rescheduling. Any changes made within less than 24-hours notice will result in the forfeiture of your session.

  • We kindly ask for 24-hour notice for any class cancellations or rescheduling. Any changes made with less than 24-hour notice will result in the forfeiture of your session.

  • During your first session you’ll be asked some questions about your health history, fitness goals, and any injuries or conditions that may impact your practice. Together we’ll discuss what you hope to achieve during your session.

    The session may include an assessment of your posture, alignment, and movement patterns to identify areas of strength and weakness.

    Next, we’ll introduce you to the equipment and you’ll be guided through a series of exercises tailored to your goals and needs, focusing on proper technique, breath control, and body alignment.

    You’ll receive feedback and corrections throughout the session to help you improve your form and get the most out of the exercises. After your session you’ll receive guidance on how to continue your Pilates practice based on your progress and goals.

    Overall, your first private Pilates session will be a personalized experience that focuses on your individual needs and goals, and provides an opportunity to learn and refine the fundamentals of the Pilates method.

  • When it comes to what to wear to your Pilates session, it's important to choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably and doesn't restrict your range of motion. Here are some tips:

    Choose form-fitting clothes: Loose or baggy clothing can get in the way and make it difficult for your instructor to see your alignment and form. Choose form-fitting clothes that allow for ease of movement.

    Look for breathable fabrics: Pilates can be a workout, so you'll want to wear clothing that is breathable and wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable.

    Avoid jewelry and accessories: Jewelry and accessories can get in the way and be uncomfortable during certain Pilates exercises. It's best to leave them at home.

    Consider your footwear: Kora Pilates requires grip socks. Please purchase a pair prior to your first session or we have some available for purchase.

    Dress in layers: You may start off feeling chilly, but as you move and warm up, you may find yourself getting too hot. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust your clothing as needed to stay comfortable.

Pilates

  • If you're looking for a low-impact exercise that will improve your overall health and wellness, Pilates might be just what you need. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this full-body exercise method has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

    At the center of the Pilates method is a focus on strengthening and stabilizing the core muscles, which serve as the foundation for all movement in the body. By strengthening the core, Pilates practitioners can move more efficiently, with better posture, flexibility, and mobility.

    In addition to its physical benefits, Pilates can also help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. The emphasis on breathing and mind-body connection can leave you feeling more centered and focused after a Pilates session.

    One of the great things about Pilates is its adaptability to various fitness levels and abilities. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Pilates can challenge you and help you progress towards your fitness goals.

    Another advantage of Pilates is its low-impact nature, making it a great option for those with joint pain or injuries. The controlled movements and emphasis on proper form can also reduce the risk of injury during exercise.

    Whether you are looking to improve your athletic performance, recover from an injury, or simply enhance your overall health and wellness, Pilates can be a valuable addition to your fitness routine.

  • People of any age or fitness level can participate in Pilates. Private sessions are customized to allow any level, from a beginner to an athlete, to set their goals and work on their individual needs.

  • Yes! The Pilates method was even created by a man, Joseph Pilates. No matter your gender, age or current fitness level, everyone can experience the significant benefits of Pilates.

  • Yes! Joseph Pilates originally designed this movement method as a rehabilitation tool. Pilates develops strength, stability, balance and symmetry in areas of the body that may have been misaligned due to an injury. Private sessions are an excellent way to appropriately customize movements addressing your specific injury while keeping you safe.

  • Pilates is safe enough to be a daily practice. With any form of exercise, consistency is key. Kora Pilates recommends a commitment of twice a week for dramatic results. However, any Pilates movement is better than no Pilates movement! If you can consistently commit to at least once a week, you will still experience the benefits of Pilates.

  • A consistent Pilates practice can change the shape of your body. It works to tone and elongate your muscles and improve posture. It leaves you energized and often helps improve your mood. Clients may notice a slimmer waistline even if the weight remains the same on the scale. Although it certainly helps, Pilates alone may not be your answer to significant weight loss.

  • The results you can expect from Pilates depend on your goals and how frequently you practice. With consistent Pilates practice, you can expect to see improvements in your overall strength, flexibility, and balance. Specifically, Pilates is known for strengthening the core muscles, which can lead to improved posture, reduced back pain, and better overall movement mechanics.

    In addition, Pilates can also help you develop longer, leaner muscles, which can contribute to a more toned and streamlined appearance. You may also notice improvements in your breathing and circulation, as Pilates emphasizes proper breathing technique and can help improve blood flow.

    Overall, the benefits of Pilates can include improved physical performance, reduced risk of injury, and better overall health and wellness. Of course, the specific results you see will depend on your starting point, your goals, and how consistently you practice Pilates. But with dedication and commitment, Pilates can be a valuable addition to any fitness routine.

  • During a Pilates session you work to strengthen, stretch and align. Pilates develops the deep muscles of the back and abdomen to support your spine, and focuses on breathing to promote better posture. You stretch the shoulders, chest and upper back. By doing so, you open the shoulders that so often roll forward, broaden through your collarbones, and mobilize the thoracic spine. You teach your body to stand in a healthy alignment using your new mobility and strength.

  • Feeling sore completely depends on your current body awareness, fitness level and the specific exercises you’ve done during your workout. Pilates focuses on short amounts of reps done with precision to avoid fatiguing muscles to exhaustion. Doing so often leaves you energized and while you may experience some soreness as your body develops, you should not experience debilitating soreness.

  • Consistency! Joseph Pilates famously said, “You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.” Allow yourself the opportunity to discover the benefits of Pilates through a consistent practice. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Your body and mind will thank you

  • Yoga and Pilates are both popular physical practices that can improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being, but they have some key differences. Yoga is a spiritual practice that involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, while Pilates is a form of exercise that emphasizes core strength, body alignment, and controlled movements.

    Yoga can be practiced in a variety of styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, while Pilates typically involves a set of exercises that target the core muscles and can involve the use of specialized equipment. Both practices can be beneficial for improving physical and mental health, but they have distinct focuses and techniques.

GYROTONIC®

  • The GYROTONIC® Expansion System is a unique exercise system that incorporates movements inspired by yoga, tai chi, dance, and swimming. It was developed by Juliu Horvath, a former ballet dancer and gymnast, and uses a specially designed machine called the GYROTONIC® Tower to provide resistance and support for the body while performing fluid, circular movements. The system aims to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall well-being by focusing on the spine and incorporating breath control into the movements. The GYROTONIC® Expansion System is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and can be tailored to meet specific goals and needs.

  • The Gyrotonic Expansion System and Pilates are both exercise systems that aim to improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being, but they have some key differences. The Gyrotonic Expansion System focuses on fluid, circular movements that incorporate breath control and target the spine. Pilates emphasizes core strength, body alignment, and controlled movements. The Gyrotonic Expansion System uses a specially designed machine called the Gyrotonic Tower, while Pilates can be practiced with or without specialized equipment. Both systems can be beneficial for improving physical and mental health, but they have distinct focuses and techniques.