You will probably be asked to sign a contract or membership agreement when you join a Pilates studio in San Francisco. This may be an agreement for drop-in classes, a short-term contract or even a long-term Pilates gym membership.

This document should outline the expectations for both you and the Pilates studio, and it should include all of the facts about your agreement and the promises you are making. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract, and keep a copy of the final agreement signed by both you and the Pilates center representative.

For your protection and that of the Pilates studio or San Francisco Pilates instructor, read over the document carefully and make sure that any contract or membership document you sign includes the following:

• The Pilates studio name, physical address and license number.
• A complete list of  requirements for membership or admittance.
• An explanation of the length of the contract and what you have to do to cancel the membership.
• Details about the Pilates gym hours, class times and Pilates instructors.
• An explanation of when dues must be paid.
• Any other terms and agreements that impact your rights and responsibilities at or toward the San Francisco Pilates gym.

Diamond Certified companies are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the Pilates instructor you’ve hired or the San Francisco Pilates studio you’ve joined is Diamond Certified and you can’t resolve a conflict or problem by talking with the instructor of studio owner, contact the American Ratings Corporation mediation department at [email protected] or call 800-738-1138.

Easy Ways To End Conflict with San Francisco Pilates Studios
Your careful research and reviewing process should ensure that you have a positive experience dealing with the San Francisco Pilates studio and instructor of your choice.

Unfortunately, sometimes problems or conflicts occur with workout facilities of any kind, including San Francisco Pilates studios. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you have difficulties with your Pilates instructor or studio.

The tips below will give you a starting place for handling your disagreements and getting your Pilates workouts back on track.

• Don’t wait to tell your San Francisco Pilates instructor or studio if you are unhappy or unsatisfied with their services. You can usually head off bigger problems in the future by being upfront with your Pilates instructor as soon as concerns arise.
• Document your complaints in writing. Keep a written record of when you spoke with your San Francisco Pilates teacher, what your concerns were and how they addressed the issue.
• Document any physical problems resulting from inaccurate teaching methods or shoddy equipment, including doctors reports.
• Set a deadline for resolution, and hold your Pilates instructor to that date.
• Report any egregious concerns to the California State Attorney General and other licensing boards.

The offerings and equipment at local Pilates gyms vary depending on the studio, location and skill of the Pilates instructors, so you’ll want to check with your local SF Pilates studios to see which offers the services and Pilates workout packages you want.

The list of Pilates equipment, workouts and services listed below are some of the more popular requests of Pilates students in San Francisco, including those living in Nob Hill, North Beach, the Sunset District, SOMA and the Bayview District and other areas.

Pilates Classes
Pilates classes at studios in San Francisco include group mat classes, semi-private classes and private sessions with one-on-one Pilates coaches. The rates for Pilates classes can vary greatly, so compare the class descriptions to be sure that the classes you are signing up for meet your needs. If you live in Pacific Heights, North Beach, Excelsior District and the Sunset District or another larger city, you may find many Pilates classes available. Residents of smaller towns such as Cow Hollow, the Financial District, Glen Park, Golden Gate Park, Japantown and Laurel Heights and other rural areas may have fewer options.

Pilates Mat Workout
The mat is the most important and basic Pilates apparatus. Most powerhouse and abdominal exercises are done on the mat. Mat workouts in Pilates include exercises that target the stomach, lower back, obliques, and other muscle groups. This workout can be done by beginners or advanced Pilates students, as the exercises rely on isometrics and your own body weight to lengthen and strengthen muscles.

Pilates Reformer Machine
The Reformer is a specialized Pilates machine that is made of a gliding platform, springs, straps and pulleys. The Reformer is used by a student kneeling, sitting, standing, or lying on their front, back or side. The straps and springs are adjustable, and more than 100 different exercises are possible on the one single piece of equipment. The Reformer uses resistance and one’s own body weight to lengthen and strengthen muscles to create a lean, strong look.

Pilates Machines / Pilates Equipment
Pilates machines and equipment including barrels, the Wunda Chair (also known as the Pilates Chair), the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Pilates ball and other apparatuses are used along with the Pilates mat to provide practitioners with a full-body Pilates workout.

Pilates Chair
The Wunda Chair was invented by Joseph Pilates. It allows Pilates students to mimic the movements of Chinese acrobats. The Wunda Chair can be used as a box or chair to enable exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance in the arms, upper body and torso.

Pilates Studios in San Francisco
Pilates has become a favorite form of exercise for people of all ages and ability levels. It can be done using the Pilates mat or Pilates equipment, at home or in a Pilates studio. Many individuals prefer hiring a certified Pilates instructors at Pilates studios in San Francisco.

Pilates Instructor
Certified Pilates instructors may teach private, semi-private, group or individual classes at San Francisco Pilates studios. Instructors may be first-generation Pilates teachers (taught by a direct protege of Joseph Pilates), second-generation teachers (taught by a first-generation teacher), or certified through a training program.

The following terms are those used by Pilates teachers and practitioners. They will get you started in better understanding the movements and exercises used in Pilates.

abdominals
Abdominal muscles are those that cover the area on the front of the stomach. Pilates strengthens the abdominals and the rest of the powerhouse muscles, which support posture and body movement.

Also known as: abs, abdominal muscles, core, powerhouse muscles

barrels
Barrels are Pilates apparatus that help with breathing, developing muscles in the legs and arms, and correct the curvature of the spine.

Also known as: Pilates equipment, Pilates barrels, spine corrector

bodywork
Bodywork is a phrase used to describe Pilates, massage, physical therapy and other manipulation of the body.

Also known as: Pilates bodywork

Cadillac
The Cadillac is a piece of Pilates apparatus or equipment. The Cadillac is made of a raised table top surrounded by a four-post frame that have springs, levers, bars and straps to help enable workouts.

Also known as: the Trapeze Table, the Rack, Pilates equipment, Pilates apparatus

Contrology
Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates Method, originally called his form of exercise Contrology. Today it is known as Pilates.

Also known as: Pilates

extension
Extension is moving limbs (such as arms and legs) to extend them away from the joint.

Also known as: leg extension, arm extension, muscle extension

first-generation teacher
Pilates instructors who learned the Pilates Method from Joseph Pilates himself are known as first-generation teachers. Notable names include Romana Kryzanoska, Ron Fletcher, Lolita San Miguel, Mary Bowen and Kathy Grant.

Also known as: Pilates master teachers

foot on the walk
Foot on the walk is a Pilates position where the practitioner balances all of their weight on the ball of their foot and toes, and lifts their heel completely off of the floor.

headlights
One of the more effective visualization techniques to help practitioners properly align their body while performing Pilates is known as the headlights method. In this exercise, practitioners visualize imaginary headlights are shining out from their pelvic bones. This method helps one properly achieve a neutral pelvis position for better Pilates form.

Also known as: hip headlights, visualization,

hip belt
The hip belt visualizing technique helps Pilates practitioners engage their transverse abdominal muscles through imagining a belt is slung low across the hips from one pelvic bone to another, and visualizing tightening the belt.

Also known as: hip belt visualization, transverse abdominal visualization

hundreds
Hundreds, also known as breathing hundreds or 100s, are a classic Pilates mat exercise. Usually used for warmups, hundreds work the abdominals, legs, arms and lungs.

Also known as: breathing hundreds, breathing 100s, the hundred, 100s

imprinting
Imprinting is the practice of isolating each individual vertebra through breathing or movement

Also known as: imprinted spine, spine imprinting

intercostal muscles
The muscles that run between each rib are known as intercostal muscles. These muscles help control your rib expansion and contraction when you draw in or expel breath.

Also known as: rib cage abs, rib cage muscles

Magic Circle
The Magic Circle is a piece of Pilates equipment. It is an isometric device that appears as a flexible ring with handles. The Magic Circle can be used to work out the muscles in the inner thighs, neck and upper arms. If one doesn’t have a Magic Circle, a medium-sized rubber ball is a good substitute.

Also known as: arm toning ring, thigh toning ring, Magic Ring

marionette string
Another visualization technique in Pilates is known as the marionette string. This technique helps practitioners lengthen their spine by imagining a string running from the crown of the head to the ceiling, helping improve alignment from head to tailbone.

Also known as: Pilates string technique

mat
The mat is the most important and basic Pilates apparatus. Most powerhouse and abdominal exercises are done on the mat.

Also known as: Pilates mat workouts

navel to spine exercises
Navel to spine exercises are a visualization cue used to help Pilates practitioners stabilize their torsos and center on their abdominal muscles. During navel to spine cues, one imagines drawing the abdominal muscles up and in, as if drawing your belly button into your spine.

Also known as: drawing in ab muscles, drawing navel to spine

Pilates stance
The classic Pilates stance is one where the heels are pressed together, the toes point out at a 45 degree angle, and the thighs are rotated outward from the hip sockets.

powerhouse
The powerhouse muscles are the abdominal muscles, lower abs, lower back, pelvic floor and glutes. The powerhouse is where the body’s stability comes from. Pilates helps strengthen these powerhouse muscles.

Also known as: girdle of strength, core muscles

Reformer
The Reformer is a specialized piece of Pilates equipment that is made of a gliding platform stabilized by springs, straps and pulleys. The Reformer is used by kneeling, sitting, standing, or lying on one’s front, back or side. The straps and springs are adjustable, and allow for more than 100 different exercises on the one single piece of equipment. The Reformer uses resistance and one’s own body weight to lengthen and strengthen muscles to create a lean, strong look.

Also known as: Pilates Reformer, Pilates equipment, universal reformer

Wunda Chair
The Wunda Chair was invented by Joseph Pilates to enable Pilates practitioners to mimic the movements of Chinese acrobats. The Wunda Chair can be used as a box or as a chair to enable exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance in the arms, upper body and torso.

Also known as: Pilates chair

Q: Why choose Diamond Certified Pilates studios?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a Pilates instructor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only local Pilates studios rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified Pilates instructor

Q: What is Pilates?
A: Pilates is an exercise program developed by Joseph Pilates that targets the whole body through the use of machines and targeted movement exercises. Pilates is unique in that it works the entire body at once, while focusing on the core muscles.

Q: How is Pilates different from other kinds of exercises?
A: Pilates is a non-impact exercise that works the entire body. The exercises are done while lying on the back or side, kneeling, or with specialty equipment. Pilates is performed using the core, or powerhouse, muscles.

Q: Is Pilates related to yoga?
A: The two forms of exercise are similar; however, Pilates utilizes specialty equipment not used in yoga. Pilates is also designed to strengthen the core muscles through the use of resistance, while yoga is focused on strengthening and lengthening all muscles in the body. Yoga may also contain a spiritual or meditative component, which is absent in Pilates.

Q: What can Pilates do for me?
A: Pilates can help you lose weight, strengthen your core muscles, relieve back pain, tone trouble spots, help you recover from back or other injuries, provide safe and non-impact strengthening and provide greater focus and stamina. Pilates can also improve your posture and help prevent muscle strain and fatigue.

Q: Can I do Pilates without equipment?
A: Yes. Pilates can be done with special equipment or on a mat surface. Pilates equipment, including the cadillac, the reformer and the barrel, are specially built to provide the right resistance and elevation to provide results. Mat workouts are ideal because they use only your own body weight to make the exercises effective.

Q: Can I do Pilates workouts every day?
A: Yes. Pilates are safe enough to do every day. Some people like to take a day off in between workouts, others stagger Pilates workouts in between other types of exercises. It is up to you and your instructor to design a workout schedule that meets your needs.

Q: Will Pilates make me feel sore after a workout?
A: That depends on you and your workout. Pilates workouts are non-impact, fluid motions, so they may not make you as sore as other types of exercises. However, the Pilates system does use all of your muscles, including those that you may not be used to using regularly. If you are sedentary or less athletic, you may be sore, especially the first few times you work out. As with any workout, you should never feel pain or severe soreness during or after a workout if you’re doing it correctly.

Q: Will I lose weight doing Pilates?
A: You very well may lose weight from Pilates workouts. Pilates builds muscle, burns calories and can be an effective cardio workout, all of which burn calories. Additionally, as you gain muscle, you will increase your resting metabolism, which can aid in long-term weight loss and keeping off unwanted weight.

Q: Can Pilates help me become better at sports?
A: Yes, Pilates can be used as a way to improve at various sports. Many athletes use Pilates and similar exercise routines to improve their flexibility, range of motion, posture, strength, endurance and muscle tone. Most Pilates instructors can help tailor workout plans to meet the needs of athlete clients who are looking for specific results.

Q: Can anyone do Pilates?
A: Women, men, young people and mature adults can all do Pilates. Because it is a non-impact workout, even those with injuries and limitations may be able to do Pilates. Pilates may even be good for sedentary and weak individuals, inflexible people, those with previous injuries, pregnant women, older adults and athletes, as Pilates contributes to increased strength, more flexibility, better balance and better overall posture and core strength. As with all exercise programs, consult your doctor before beginning any workout routine or fitness plan.

Q: How long before I start to see results from doing Pilates?
A: Individual results will vary depending on your fitness level, personal abilities and body type. However, many people start to feel and see results in as few as four to eight sessions.

Q: Why is there such a large range in pricing for Pilates sessions?
A: Pilates instructors and Pilates studios vary greatly in their experience and offerings. First-generation teachers, those who taught by Joseph Pilates himself, may command much higher prices than second-generation teachers or those who are simply certified in teaching Pilates. Studios with a full range of Pilates equipment may charge more than those who only offer mat workouts. It’s important to carefully compare Pilates studios and instructors based upon their offerings and skills, rather than simply prices. If lower cost is important to you, you may be willing to sacrifice working with a first-generation teacher or having a full range of Pilates equipment. However, if you want top-notch Pilates instruction, you may have to pay more for the instructors and equipment you desire.