FAQs
Here we answer all of your Frequently Asked Pilates Questions.
Wondering which Pilates class to try first? Not sure how to pay for your sessions? Are you wondering if Pilates works for chronic pain conditions or as injury rehabilitation? We answer all of your Frequently Asked Pilates questions right here.
If you need further advice please contact Whitney today.
What are the benefits of doing Pilates?
Pilates is celebrated for its ability to sculpt and strengthen the whole body. Core strength, improved posture, and ability to lengthen and tone muscles are just some of the well-known benefits from a regular and consistent Pilates practice. Improved balance, mental clarity, flexibility, coordination, joint mobility, muscle tone as well as stress reduction are additional benefits of practicing Pilates.
What Virtual Pilates Classes are offered?
We currently have a limited virtual class schedule. The studio focuses more on Private sessions. If the current timetable does not suit you, please feel free to send a note with your preferred class time/s. New classes may be coming online soon!
How do Virtual Pilates classes and Virtual Private 121 Pilates sessions work?
Virtual Pilates classes and 121 private sessions are facilitated using Zoom video and audio technology. You simply need to download a free account and once you register, the login code and password will be sent to you via email. For best visibility, it is best to use a larger screen such as a laptop opposed to a mobile phone. Some even use Bluetooth or screen sharing technology with their TV’s. Ideally, your space will be well lit so that the instructor can see you move and give appropriate guidance and feedback.
The instructor welcomes each participant and once the class is started, each person is muted to prevent any unwelcome background noise. Should you need to get the Pilates instructors attention, please unmute yourself on your end to speak up because the instructor might not see your message in the chat once the class begins. You want to make sure you have room to move on your Pilates mat and that if your class requires small equipment, have them ready to go! Generally, the small equipment used includes light weights (1-2 kilos), soft Pilates ball, resistance band, foam roller, magic circle, dining room chair and yoga block. If you don’t have your equipment yet, no worries! you can improvise with a rolled-up yoga mat or large towel, a pair of leggings, tins of beans, pillow and a large book!
Read more about Virtual Pilates Classes and Virtual Private 121 Pilates
How does a Private 121 Pilates session work?
home program
Can Pilates help with chronic pain?
Pilates is recommended for those with arthritis, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and many other conditions.
What are the risks of doing Pilates?
Like any exercise, if you use poor technique, there is increased risk of injury to your muscles, joints and ligaments. However, with proper guidance by Whitney Vauvelle you will be in excellent hands. Whitney is Polestar Pilates trained and completed the Comprehensive training.
What is Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Instructor certification?
The Polestar Pilates Comprehensive certification requires over 474 hours of in-person and virtual training in studio equipment-based Pilates including the reformer, trapeze table, chair, ladder barrel, spine corrector as well as mat Pilates. Polestar Pilates education has been shaped by concepts from biomechanics, motor learning, communication skills, current research to enhance the work of Joseph Pilates.
Polestar Pilates is the global leader in Pilates education with students from 50 countries and Polestar education centres in nearly 40 countries around the world. Polestar is an international authority in Pilates education, focused on whole body wellness, healing through movement modalities and mind-body-spirit connectivity. Polestar Pilates’ mission is to shape world health by making whole body fitness available to everyone, with science-based techniques, intelligent movement and the uniform development of muscles, resulting in complete mastery of body and mind.
Are there any prerequisites to try a Pilates class?
No. The amazing thing about Pilates is that anyone at any age can get started!
The controlled nature of Pilates movements and the ease in which tension or resistance can be modified makes Pilates ideal for older people to do weight-bearing exercises safely and effectively.
It is recommended to schedule a private 121 Pilates session and an assessment prior to beginning group Pilates classes. A private 121 session will allow your instructor to review your fitness and medical history as well as your specific goals. We use the Polestar Pilates Fitness Screening Assessment allowing us to observe the specific strength, mobility and range of motion needs to best support you in your activities of daily living as well as any specific functional, rehabilitation or athletic needs. Based on this fitness assessment, a specific Pilates program and home program to do in between sessions and classes is created for your individual body. Even though a private 121 session is strongly recommended, it is not required to begin virtual Pilates classes.
What is a Polestar Pilates Fitness Screening Assessment?
A fitness screening and assessment is performed in a Private 121 session. We use science-based techniques to thoughtfully assess the whole person and assist you in accomplishing your specific fitness or rehabilitation goals.
How can I pay for my Pilates sessions, products or services?
We use a booking and payment system called Mindbody app and it’s quite simple. You just need to create an account and add your payment information. You will find Pilates by Whitney listed under Pilates and Creative Insight Journey in the Mindbody app system. You will receive a confirmation email. Please contact us if you need assistance or have any questions.
How much do Pilates sessions and classes cost?
You can find pricing of our products and service here.
How often should I do Pilates?
Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that you can do every single day. It is recommended that you do at least 2-3 sessions a week; however, one session is definitely better than nothing at all. Pilates is gentle enough to do every day and offers thousands of movement sequences and variations to keep you challenged and engaged. Other exercise may involve repetitive movements, clients never get bored of Pilates! This is one of the beauties of Pilates.
When should I experience results?
A consistent practice of Pilates facilitates long-term changes to your body, mindset and lifestyle. Pilates helps you build whole body strength, flexibility and coordination. Many exercises only work the larger and more global muscle groups; whereas, a proper Pilates class or private session will help awaken the deeper local muscles providing longer-term benefits.
According to Joseph Pilates,
“You will feel the difference after just 10 sessions.
You will see the difference after 20 sessions.
You will experience a new body after 30 sessions.”
The Pilates method is known to make you feel lighter, longer, taller and feel more energized and relaxed after each session. Most people begin to feel the positive results right away. However, it may take longer for some and is recommended that you commit to at least 10 sessions.
Can I do Pilates when pregnant?
Yes, Pilates is actually recommended before, during and after pregnancy as long as you are cleared by your doctor. Unless otherwise medically advised, properly guided Pilates movements are safe to do during your entire pregnancy. Research indicates that those who do Pilates throughout their pregnancy experience body aches or problems normally associated with pregnancy.
What workshops are available?
In addition to teaching Pilates workshops, Whitney Vauvelle is also a certified Creative Insight Journey instructor. She leads a variety of Pilates and health and wellbeing workshops (Mindfulness, Breakthrough Results, Find the InnerPreneur in You, Intention-Setting, Prosperity Game, etc.) for various organizations either onsite live or virtually. Two-hour workshops are recommended; however, if you want to organise a before work or lunchtime workshop for your company, shorter sessions are available. Weekend corporate wellbeing retreats and workshops are also available. If you are interested in organising a group Pilates workshop for your company or organization, please send a request here.
Private Pilates Sessions
Virtual Pilates Classes
CORPORATE PILATES workshops
Pilates workshops are available onsite at your location – or virtually for a small group of friends or as part of your corporate health and wellness initiative. Workshops can be organised before or after work as well as on weekends.
Say hi to whitney
Pilates by Whitney
The Studio
52 Cornwall Rd
Harrogate
HG1 2PP
T: 07860 922600
E: hello@pilatesbywhitney.com


