Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Upside-Down Pilates?
The idea is that
1) As people start to learn how to move their bodies efficiently they learn to move muscles they do not know they have. This turns their perspective of reality Upside-Down!
2) If you can stand on your hands with ease you should be able to stand on your feet with ease. No, we do not start out learning how to go Upside-Down. We start with the fundamentals of neuromuscular efficient movement. After you are very strong and efficient with your movement patterns we will start going Upside-Down. This is only done in solo lessons, not group classes. Yes, we have several 60-year-olds that flip over the Cadillac and do handstands. They have been coming diligently for seven-plus years, three times per week, in solo lessons. If this is your goal we will be happy to help you achieve it. You must be totally committed though!
What is the difference between Upside-Down Pilates and other types of Pilates?
Whole body integration working from the inside out.
We have three different types of muscles in our bodies. The muscles closest to our joints are not very long and do not create much force. They are used to hold the joint placement. They primarily create strength and stability. These are the deepest muscles in your body and the ones we are trying to fire up first! They give you stability so your other muscles can create mobility. Most people cannot feel them working. They are often referred to as your “core stabilizers”. In the media and general fitness, people call the core your abs. At Upside-Down Dance and Pilates, your core is the deepest layer of muscles you have not just in your torso but in your whole body. This is the biggest difference between us and the rest of the exercise, yoga, Pilates, and dance world! Imagine your body like the trunk of a tree. We build your strength from the center ring out to the bark. If your tree just has bark it would look like a tree but the slightest wind would blow the tree over. You can think of the bark as the muscles you are familiar with your six pack abs (rectus abdominus), lats, pecs, delts, glutes, big cut quads etc you get the picture. These muscles burn when you work them. You feel like you are doing a good workout when you focus on them. These muscles are important but without the deeper muscles that you cannot see or feel- the transversus abdominus, intrinsic muscles of the feet and hands, multifidus, pelvic floor, serratus anterior, longus coli and capitus etc- you are a hollow tree trunk. In between the “core” and the “bark” is another set of important muscles such as your four rotator cuff muscles, internal and external obliques, quadratus lumborum, psoas etc these muscles are extremely important and do most of the work in daily life. Yes, once your core is working we start focusing on them. Then we move into the larger muscles to generate terrific power like a 100-year-old redwood! In reality, we want all the layers of your muscles working together like a team. This process takes time, patience, and persistence. You must be focused and committed to getting this kind of result! Once you are here we start challenging you with coordination and flips on the Cadillac or handstands on the chair or ladder barrel. Just be prepared to stick around for a good five years before you get there! This all depends on the shape of your body and mind when you started though!
What is the difference between Upside-Down Pilates and Yoga?
Yoga is a spiritual practice derived from Hinduism. Upside-Down Pilates is, in essence, learning your anatomy and how to most efficiently move your muscles and bones, it is based on current biomechanic principals. It is based on science rather than religion.
There are several different types of yoga as well as several different types of Pilates. Upside-Down Pilates incorporates a strong dance background so we like to get you moving with a flow as soon as you have a clear understanding of the basics.
Yoga and Upside-Down Pilates is similar in that it is a mind-body exercise, but once you have tried both they are not at all alike.
Upside-Down Pilates is strength and resistance training that incorporates many different apparatus. Upside-Down Pilates balances strength and resistance with stretch. We use spring tension and light resistance to create a long lean dancer type body.
What is Post Rehab Conditioning?
Often times after an injury has occurred, even after Physical Therapy has been done, the injury lingers. Insurance will only pay for so much PT. This is where we step in. If your injury is still not right, we can continue to work with you to bring you back to as close to 100% as possible. We can work together with your healthcare provider to make you as close to as good as new as possible! You need to be cleared from your- Doctor, Chiropractor, Naturopath, etc before it is safe for us to step in though. This is done in solo lessons only.
How Do I Start?
The best way to start is with our Introductory Solo Lesson package. The second best way to start is to register for our Six Week Series Open Level Equipment Group Classes.
How much does it cost?
Between $18 to $85 plus tax to begin. This depends on which route of entry you take. Please view the How to Schedule on our website. www.upsidedownpilates.com
What if I am running late?
Please call your teacher at 1-888-751-6950 and leave a message on their voicemail or email them at their email address. If you will be more than 10 minutes late make sure to call or email your teacher as they will assume you are a no-show and they may leave. They are only required to wait for you for 10 minutes
I have an injury or special condition I need to talk to you about, what do I do?
If you have medical clearance to participate in regular exercise, please schedule a solo lesson, and all of your questions will be answered then. We do not do phone consults. We need to evaluate you to give you proper answers to your questions. We cannot do it via the phone or email. If you are injured please see a doctor or healthcare provider first. We only do post-rehab conditioning. Please do not attend a group class. Group classes are for healthy individuals.
When is the next Teacher Training?
Please view the Comprehensive Teacher Training page found on our website. www.upsidedownpilates.com