FAQs

On Getting Started

About Pilates

About Yoga

About Gyrotonic

Gift Certificates

How do I sign up for classes?
Signing up is easy. Create an online account by visiting our website or by clicking here. Once you have set up your account, you can reserve and cancel classes online, make purchases, view your scheduled classes, and see your visit history. If you need help creating an account or signing up online, or to discuss which class options are best for you, feel free to call (301) 986-1730 and our friendly staff will assist you.

Do I have to reserve or can I just show up for class?
Our classes are kept intentionally small and intimate -- the maximum class size is 15 people, but some classes are for 5 people or fewer. Reservations are therefore required as we would hate for you to make the effort to get here and be shut out of a full class. Also, if a class ever gets cancelled due to an emergency or inclement weather, we will contact everyone with a reservation to let them know.

The good news is that it is extremely easy to make a reservation online and you can do it at your leisure, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, up to 2 weeks from the current day. To learn how to create an online account, click here.

How do I make sure I have a space in class each week?
At this time, we do not offer Standing Reservations for classes. You are able to sign up for classes up to 4 weeks in advance. You can also manage your schedule using our Online Schedule. If you are going to miss a class, please cancel online at least 24 hours before your scheduled class or you will be charged for the session.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably so that your movement is not restricted, but try not to wear clothing that is too loose fitting. It is important that the instructor be able to observe your body as you move. For privacy, bike shorts or undergarments should be worn if shorts are loose fitting. Special footwear is not required; however socks with grips provide great traction for safety and are the best choice for sanitary purposes. For the comfort of others, please do not wear heavy perfumes. For your convenience, a shower is available in our Bethesda studio, and we also have a small boutique there (and in the balance Village studio) for workout and casual wear, props, and exercise accessories.

Do I need to bring my own mat?
We provide clean mats and other props at no charge for classes. For comfort and hygiene, however, many of our students prefer to bring their own mat to class once they have developed a regular practice. If you prefer to use your own mat, you may bring one or purchase one in our Balance Boutique.

I have never taken these classes before. Do I have to take an introductory session to get started?
Only our Pilates Equipment and Pilates Tower classes require a formal introduction to the apparatus before joining the ongoing classes. You can do this with three private sessions, our Introduction to Pilates Package or by joining our four-week Intro to Equipment series. For beginner Pilates Tower classes, you must be familiar with beginner level Pilates mat work.

For all of our other beginner classes, no formal introduction is required, although we do offer an Intro to Yoga 4-week series for those who would like a slower paced class. We have clients who have never exercised previously and did well in our beginner Yoga, Gyrotonic and Pilates Mat classes. If you are concerned about your ability to keep up in a specific class, you may want to consider taking at least one private session so that an instructor can work with you individually and let you know what to expect in a group class.

When are your Intro Series offered?
Add Please visit our Workshop Tab to view upcoming series.

Fundamentals classes are offered in Bethesda and Rockville weekly, so you can join at any time. Please view our Online Schedule.

How many times per week should I attend class?
It depends on the results you want to achieve and how quickly you would like to achieve them. The more often you work out, the quicker you see and feel improvement. We recommend at minimum twice a week. Some people do three times a week. Once a week is still beneficial, but results will be slower, unless you are also practicing at home.

The group class times don’t fit my schedule. What are my options?
In addition to the small group classes listed on our schedule, we offer private and semi-private training by appointment and will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule. Prices for these sessions are dependent on the number of clients in attendance, up to a maximum of four students. If you do not have someone in mind to share a session, we can help arrange a workout partner for you. You and your partner(s) do not need to have the same level of experience in order for a semi-private lesson to work.

What is your cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy for classes and private training sessions and a 48-hour cancellation policy for workshops. If you need to cancel a reservation for any reason, please do so online within the early cancellation period or you will be charged for the class.

Is there anything else I should know?
To make the most of your sessions, please be on time. Late arrivals to yoga classes will be admitted only after the initial centering is completed. Please leave your cell phone or pager in the car. And do not eat just before class. For yoga, we recommend not eating within two hours before class.

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What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method is a system of physical fitness designed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1920s. The exercises emphasize controlled movement with correct form, and will engage the mind as well as the body. Some of the benefits of Pilates include longer, leaner muscles, improved coordination, increased flexibility, improved posture and increased strength.

What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
Pilates and yoga are both full-body exercise systems that are used to achieve a sound body and mind, but they go about it in different ways and for different reasons.

Pilates is a physical system used to achieve optimal health through a strong, supportive center and specific control and engagement of your muscles. Mental benefits come through concentration and breathing.

Yoga, on the other hand, uses physical postures or “asanas” to create a supple body that will be able to sit for long periods of meditation. The physical effort is more a means to the end of achieving mental clarity and peace through meditation.

Still not sure which is right for you? Do both! Both techniques are complementary and have been proven over time. We think they go great together. No matter which path you choose, with the help of our experienced instructors, you are sure to reach your goals!

What's the difference between Pilates and gyrotonic exercises?
There's a long answer and a short answer to that question. The short answer is that Pilates exercises tend to use linear movements—back and forth, up and down—on spring-loaded equipment, and gyrotonic exercises tend to use rotational and circular movements while using a pulley system for resistance. 

The long answer is that the two systems are more alike than different, which becomes apparent when you work with both techniques for a while. Both seek to integrate thought, movement and breathing into a workout that develops insight about one's body as well as developing strength, flexibility and grace. While we feel that each method enhances the other, some clients find that they naturally gravitate to one or the other. Clients who lack movement experience may find Pilates easier to understand initially, while those who are inflexible or have neck or shoulder problems may find more relief initially with gyrotonic.

What is the difference between Pilates Mat and Pilates Equipment? Is one better than the other?
The obvious difference is that one uses regular exercise mats while the other uses the Universal Reformer and additional Pilates apparatus. The apparatus has springs that give you resistance when you are performing exercises. On the mat, you are using your body as the resistance. One class type is not better than the other. Both the mat work and the apparatus are integral parts of the Pilates Method workout and will sculpt and tone your body while creating long, lean muscles. We recommend that you include both types of classes in your fitness program to see maximum results; however, it is okay if you choose only one type.

How do I begin a Pilates program?
We recommend your first Pilates session be a private lesson. This will introduce you to the Pilates mat and equipment work, give you and the instructor an idea of where your body's strengths and weaknesses lie, and provide the attention needed to formulate your goals. After your private session you will be more comfortable with the principles and philosophy of Pilates, and you and your teacher can decide how you will proceed from there. To help you get started, we offer an Intro to Pilates package that includes six private sessions and an initial evaluation at a reduced cost.

How long should I take the Beginner Classes before I move into Intermediate?
If you are new to the Pilates mat or equipment work, we recommend 20 -- 30 classes or at least six months at the beginner level to become comfortable with the movement before moving on to intermediate. You may also consult your instructor for recommendations.

Why is Pilates considered a mind/body conditioning program?
Pilates is a very intelligent form of body conditioning. Your mind is engaged throughout the program, rather than wandering aimlessly during a workout of repetitious activity. When you focus and concentrate on your body’s movements, you are performing a complete mental and physical workout.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Since Pilates is a workout, it can help in your weight loss goals when combined with sound nutrition and cardiovascular exercise. You will tone and stretch your muscles, developing a sleeker physique. Many clients report that their clothes fit better and they feel leaner, even if the numbers on their scale have not changed.

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What is yoga?
Yoga is a philosophy that teaches the union of body, mind and spirit. The physical poses practiced in a typical yoga class provide a well-rounded mind/body workout using breath and movement to deepen self-awareness, concentration and inner calmness while building tone and strength, increasing flexibility and balance, and improving coordination. Yoga’s inward focus gradually leads to a quieter mind, inner calmness and physical health.

What type of yoga do you teach at balance?
There are many different types of yoga. All types fall under the general category of “Hatha yoga,” which refers to doing the physical practice of “asana” (poses) and breath work in order to prepare the body for mental clarity and enlightenment. Our instructors have extensively studied and practiced many different “brands” of yoga, including Anusara, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, Ashtanga and more. We honor this variety of experience while recognizing that all yoga is good yoga! Our Hatha yoga classes are therefore distinguished through leveling (Level I, Level II, Flow, etc.) rather than by type.

Will yoga help me lose weight?
Yoga can help you lose weight gradually and permanently when you practice consistently and eat reasonably. As you become stronger and develop greater stamina, a more intensive yoga practice will help your body maintain weight control and excellent tone. Many of our clients report feeling a change in their bodies sooner after only a handful of classes.

What does a typical yoga class include?
Yoga classes generally begin with a few minutes of centering to clear the mind of distractions and prepare you to begin your yoga practice. You will then go through a warm-up, which often includes the “Sun Salutation” sequence, to lubricate your joints and heat up your body.

The body of the class will consist of practicing yoga postures and stretching while engaging in conscious breathing. Yoga postures include both standing and seated work, as well as spinal twists and backbends. The class finishes with a period of relaxation so that you leave class feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.

What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
Pilates and yoga are both full-body exercise systems that are used to achieve a sound body and mind, but they go about it in different ways and for different reasons.

Pilates is a physical system used to achieve optimal health through a strong, supportive center and specific control and engagement of your muscles. Mental benefits come through concentration and breathing.

Yoga, on the other hand, uses physical postures or “asanas” to create a supple body that will be able to sit for long periods of meditation. The physical effort is more a means to the end of achieving mental clarity and peace through meditation.

Still not sure which is right for you? Do both! Both techniques are complementary and have been proven over time. We think they go great together. No matter which path you choose, with the help of our experienced instructors, you are sure to reach your goals!

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What is gyrotonic?
The gyrotonic method is based on exercises developed in the 1970s by Juliu Horvath and represents a unique three-dimensional approach to exercise that increases strength, flexibility and range of motion.

Gyrotonic equipment guides your movements with resistance along circular pathways that nurture the natural curves of the body. The continuous gyrotonic rhythmic movement elongates the spine and rejuvenates the spirit, bringing the entire body and mind into balance, resulting in a balanced support system for the skeleton. 

Do I need prior experience in Pilates or yoga to do gyrotonic?
It is a common misperception that you need to have a strong Pilates practice, or simply a strong connection to your core, in order to do gyrotonic.  While some people who are more loosely strung together can benefit from learning Pilates first, this is not always the case and is not a blanket recommendation. Some people do better with gyrotonic first, because they are more comfortable working in the large range of motion provided by the exercises and the pulley system. Likewise, although prior yoga experience can be helpful when learning gyrotonic, it is not necessary.

Is gyrotonic exercise mainly for dancers?
The founder of the system, Juliu Horvath, was a dancer and initially had dancers in mind when he was developing the exercise system, but quickly realized that anyone wishing to improve strength, flexibility and coordination would benefit. gyrotonic is also used extensively in the rehab world, and has been found to be particularly suitable for developing range of motion after breast cancer surgery and back surgery, as well as improving various joint ailments such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Is gyrotonic exercise the same as stretching?
While the gyrotonic method does improve flexibility, this is only one aspect of the benefits provided by the system. A gyrotonic workout is a full-body workout focused on both strengthening and stretching, while increasing the functional capacity of the spine, improving posture, balance and coordination. In addition to the exercises focused specifically on the movement of the spine, there are also exercises targeting the arms, legs, butt and abdominals.

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Does the studio offer gift certificates?
Yes, we do offer gift certificates in any amount or for any service. You can buy them online, stop by the studio to pick one up or give us a call at (301) 986-1730 and your purchase can be taken care of over the phone and mailed to you or the recipient the next business day. Each gift certificate is valid for six months from the date of purchase.

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