Q: What type of program are you interested in: Fitness, Pilates or both?

A: If you are interested in Pilates, there are three places you can start.

1 - If you are brand new to Pilates altogether and want a thorough introduction to all aspects of the method, you might want to consider starting with one of our private intro packages or a single private session. Either of these options will allow you to try all the large equipment (reformer, Cadillac, stability chair, ladder barrel and springboard) as well as the mat. You will learn the basic principles at your own pace and will be able to address any postural issues you may have. You and your instructor will then be able to determine which type of classes would be best for you to begin with.

2 - If you already know you are interested in mat classes, you are more than welcome to register for Pilates Mat. These classes are open to all levels of students, however if you would prefer to start from scratch and get down to the nitty gritty of the exercise specifics, we suggest you start out with a private session or package.

3 - If you already know you would like to take equipment classes, you would start at Level 1 Reformer, All Levels Reformer or Reformer Jumpboard if you have little or no prior experience on the reformer. If you have prior experience on the reformer, you have several options from which to choose. All Levels Reformer, Reformer Jumpboard, or Fusion would all be options, depending on your level and interest.

A. If you are interested in traditional fitness, there are a plethora of places you can start, depending on if you are interested in cardio classes, resistance classes, a combination of both, or personal training.

All of our cardio and resistance training group classes are open to students of all levels. Determining your class choice would really be a matter of your personal preference. We often suggest mixing it up and trying out different types of classes to see which you like best. It is also suggested to keep your fitness class choices varied on a regular basis. Taking the same class week after week after week not only gets boring and repetitive, but the body gets accustomed to the routine and might not respond as effectively as it once did. Constantly keeping your body guessing is the best way to produce results.

Q. What is the difference in the workout one would get from the mat vs. the Reformer?

A. Pilates mat exercises are heavily based on core strength and stability, while Reformer classes involve much more limb work in addition to the core. We often recommend Pilates mat classes as a supplement to one's other fitness routine, as Pilates mat will help improve one's form and core strength when practicing weight lifting, reformer exercises and even cardio. Reformer, on the other hand, if often one's main focus of training, as it offers a unique method of resistance training that heavily focuses on simultaneous core stability and strength.

Q. How many times a week is recommended for any kind of training?

A. Ideally, training a minimum of three times per week to see and feel results is recommended. Three times per week, however, is not always possible because of time constraints and other commitments. We have some clients who attend class once a week; we have some clients who attend class between three and five times a week. Every person is different. You want to plan on training enough so that you see and feel results, yet not too much that you become burnt out. Again, we suggest you try different things and mix it up. Start off with once or twice a week, then perhaps add another class once you get comfortable with your new routine. In our experience, clients end up wanting more within a few weeks because they start feeling so great! Listen to your body and it will guide you.

Q. Should I take the same class several times a week?

A. If one were to take the same class three times a week, week after week, that would get pretty boring and redundant! In addition, your body would eventually stop responding, as your routine would not be increasing the challenge your body needs as it gets stronger. Our schedule is designed with variety in mind. We want your mind, muscles, and metabolism constantly stimulated and challenged to avoid hitting any ruts or plateaus.

Our schedule is designed so that you have options of every kind available. On any given week, you might want to take a HardCoreLIFT class, an equipment class (such as Reformer or Fusion) and perhaps a HardCoreSPIN or Zumba class. This is an example of an extremely well-rounded routine, as this combination provides core stabilization and injury prevention focus, resistance training, and cardiovascular training.

Q. What is the ideal training mix for participation three times per week?

A. Again, this depends on the type of program you are interested in.

1 - If you are interested in strictly Pilates, our ideal training mix (based on a 3x per week schedule) would be one Pilates Mat class, one equipment class (Reformer, Fusion, Reformer Jumpboard), and one private session.

2 - If you are interested in traditional fitness training, our ideal training mix (based on a 3x per week schedule) would be one resistance class (HardCoreLIFT, HardCore ASS&ABS, HardCoreBOSU), one cardio based class (Turbo Kick, HardCoreSPIN, HardCoreBOOTCAMP, Zumba, HardCoreHIPHOP), and one personal training session.

3 - If you are interested in a combination of Pilates and traditional fitness training, our ideal training mix (based on a 3x per week schedule) would be one Pilates equipment class, one resistance class, and one cardio based class.

Q: Where does one go from here?

A: Go to our web scheduler and register for your first class or email us at hcpilates@verizon.net to discuss scheduling a private session!

Find us on the following

HardCore Pilates & Fitness, LLC
50 Lake Ave.
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 752-9300
hardcorefitness@verizon.net
www.hardcorepf.com