IG TAKEOVER Q+A with joelle

Do I have to have a Reformer to do the app?

Not at all. We have an entire library of Mat workouts ranging from 5-50 minutes, with or without Pilates props, and additional options to add resistance. I recommend starting with the 5 week plan if you are new.

Can you do Pilates when you are pregnant since it is a lot of core?

Please do! One of the Pilates principles is breath- which is so helpful for prenatal women. Learning how to breathe and other foundations to support your body throughout pregnancy that Pilates teaches- will only be beneficial. Stay tuned for all the prenatal videos coming soon.

Where do you buy a Reformer?

We practice on a balanced body Allegro 2 Reformer. These machines are a hefty investment- which will put you out about $4500-$6000 with all of the add on options we use in our workouts.  If you do the math that is about 1.5 years of a membership at a Pilates studio (going twice a week). So decide what you need or want. There are other more affordable options that only cost about $1500 on popular 2 day shipping sites. You do not need a fancy Reformer to reap the benefits.  

What size ball is a Pilates ball?

Check out any website for an exercise ball with a 6-9in diameter when inflated- do not inflate the ball completely. This creates a little flexibility in the ball’s stability - which will challenge your core! If you need more support, inflate the ball and work on slowly deflating it to create more of a challenge. 

How did you get into Pilates?

Pure luck… and well my monthly student debt payment. In October 2020 I relocated to Richmond and took a full-time job as quickly as possible, knowing I would figure things out in better detail and planning when I knew I was there to stay. My new job was a hefty pay cut and I had just finished my MBA. Therefore my student loan payments were about to hit my inbox. I needed to find a way to supplement my income for the pay cut I took. Since I had previously worked at a barre franchise I knew I wanted to work part time in wellness/fitness. I started following all of the studios in Richmond and it just so happened that Niche Pilates Studio posted they were hiring for the front desk role. I DMd with the owner, Jaclyn and met with her the day after I moved to Richmond. Right away, Jaclyn and I’s professional relationship just snowballed very quickly. 

As I worked for Jaclyn at Niche and snuck into Pilates classes here and there it took me about 8 months to decide that I wanted to really learn more about Pilates. Jaclyn then became my Pilates mentor, which is a gift that goes beyond value. After completing training, I knew there was more to learn in so many different directions. The one I jumped into first was Pre/Postnatal Pilates. I took multiple workshops, trainings, and really focused on working with these clients in my first 2 years. I am still very passionate about pre/postnatal clients today. 

Do you do any other workouts?

At this time, I am really focused on Pilates workouts and mind-body movement. I had abdominal surgery in late April and am still navigating recovery. I try to walk and jog when I can but I am really focused on not adding inflammation or stress to my body right now. My scars are healing externally but internally my body is going through it. 

When I am feeling better, Cardiovascular health is extremely important to me, I do have a history of heart disease in my family. Finding ways to increase my heart rate for at least 120 minutes a week is my goal. 

How many days a week should you do Pilates?

I truly think this depends on your goals and your individual body. If your goal is just to feel good (mental health) try to sneak in 10 minutes daily. If you are interested in building muscle, think about working muscle groups 2-3 times a week with a day of rest before repeating the muscle group target. 

How long do you meditate?

Not long enough… Haha! It depends on my day or where I am emotionally. If I had to average my meditation lengths it would be around 15 minutes.

Thank you all so much for your questions and for following along. 

If you have any other questions shoot me a dm @Joellesachiko on instagram