MAT PILATES
- Primarily floor-based
- Uses body weight
- Minimal equipment
- Focus on controlled Pilates movement
BEGINNER PILATES · SHERMAN OAKS
BEGINNER PILATES
SHERMAN OAKSYOUR PLACE TO START.
Sherman Oaks beginners do not need to arrive knowing Pilates terminology; the starting point is learning the Reformer, movement options and the instructor cues used in class.
★★★★★4.9 · 127 GOOGLE REVIEWSNatural Pilates Sherman Oaks
No previous experience required
Instructor guidance
Form corrections
Movement options
☎ CALL (818) 386-8427
NEW TO PILATES? START HERE.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO “GET READY” FOR PILATES.
The questions beginners have are normal. The point of starting is to learn the equipment, cues and movement—not to arrive already knowing them.
I'VE NEVER DONE PILATES.
Tell the team you're new. Your starting point is useful information for your instructor.
I'VE NEVER USED A REFORMER.
Setup, resistance and class cues can be explained as you begin.
I'M NOT FLEXIBLE OR FIT ENOUGH.
Neither flexibility nor a specific fitness level is a prerequisite for starting.
WHAT IF I CAN'T DO A MOVEMENT?
Movements can be progressed or regressed so you can work at an appropriate level.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU START
A CLEAR PATH FROM ARRIVAL TO MOVEMENT.
Knowing the sequence removes much of the uncertainty: arrive, get oriented, learn the equipment, listen for cues, move with control and build familiarity over time.
ARRIVE
Tell the team you're new.
ORIENTATION
Get familiar with the studio and class setup.
REFORMER SETUP
Learn resistance, positioning and equipment basics.
INSTRUCTOR CUES
Listen for form and movement guidance.
MOVE
Focus on control and muscular activation.
BUILD FAMILIARITY
Recognize more of the method as you continue.
THE REFORMER, EXPLAINED
THE EQUIPMENT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A MYSTERY.
A Pilates Reformer uses a moving carriage, springs for adjustable resistance, a footbar and straps. Different setups support different exercises and movement patterns.
CARRIAGEThe moving platform used through many exercises.
SPRINGSAdjustable resistance that changes the load.
FOOTBARA contact point used in different positions.
STRAPSUsed for hands or feet in selected movements.
MAT VS. REFORMER PILATES FOR BEGINNERS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Both can introduce Pilates principles. The main difference is the equipment and resistance environment.
REFORMER PILATES
- Uses specialized Pilates equipment
- Adjustable spring resistance
- Multiple setup and movement options
- Natural Pilates offers instructor-led Reformer training
WHY START WITH TWO WEEKS?
STOP RESEARCHING. START EXPERIENCING THE METHOD.
The 2 Week Intro Pass gives a new client time to become familiar with equipment, terminology, cues, resistance and the Natural Pilates approach.
Learn the setup.
Get familiar with the Reformer and basic terminology.
Recognize the cues.
Build familiarity with form and movement language.
Understand resistance.
Notice how setup and spring choices change the work.
Know the method better.
Have a clearer sense of Natural Pilates and your class options.
EXPERTISE BEHIND THE METHOD
FOUNDED BY LAURA WILSON.
Laura Wilson is a former Romanian national champion archer who immigrated to the United States in 2002 and founded Natural Pilates. Her training includes Stott Pilates (2005), Gyrotonic (2008), Spin (2011), Vinyasa Yoga (2011), Resistance Training Specialist and Muscle Activation Technique Specialist (2012).
Her approach draws on anatomy, biomechanics and the forces acting on the body. Natural Pilates programming emphasizes muscular activation, intelligent exercise sequencing, repetitions, resistance and form correction so clients can understand not only what they are doing, but why the movement is being performed.
Wilson has described continued learning as central to her teaching. That emphasis carries into a method designed to give instructors a deeper understanding of musculature, movement patterns and how exercises can be adjusted around a client's starting point.
20+ YEARSPilates expertise
65expert trainers
500K+Laura Wilson YouTube video views
BUILD YOUR PILATES FOUNDATION
WHAT BEGINNERS START LEARNING.
Beginner Pilates is not about memorizing a list of exercises. It is about becoming more familiar with the principles that shape how you move.
CONTROLMove with intention rather than rushing.
FORMUse positioning and instructor cues.
MUSCULAR ACTIVATIONUnderstand where the work is intended.
RESISTANCELearn how spring settings change the movement.
MOVEMENT AWARENESSPay attention to how your body is moving.
FOUNDATIONAL PATTERNSBuild familiarity with recurring movement concepts.
BEGINNER PILATES IN SHERMAN OAKS
START CLOSE TO HOME.
Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks
15222 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 386-8427
4.9 ★ · 127 Google reviews
Nearby areas include Sherman Oaks Village, Chandler Estates, Van Nuys, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Studio City, Encino, Sepulveda Basin.
START FOR $99 ›BEGINNER PILATES SHERMAN OAKS FAQ
BEGINNER QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.
Use these answers to understand the equipment, class options, intro offer and Sherman Oaks studio before you start.
Is Pilates appropriate for a complete beginner?
Yes. You do not need previous Pilates experience to start at Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks. Tell the team that you are new so your instructor knows your starting point and can explain setup, cues and movement options.
Do I need to be flexible before starting Pilates?
No. Flexibility is not a prerequisite for starting Pilates. Begin from your current ability and focus on controlled movement and instructor cues.
Do I need to be in shape before starting Pilates?
No. You do not need to reach a particular fitness level before starting. Begin at an appropriate level and communicate with your instructor.
What should I expect when I start at Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks?
Expect an introduction to the studio and Reformer setup, instructor cues during movement, form corrections and movement options that can be progressed or regressed as appropriate.
What is a Pilates Reformer?
A Reformer is specialized Pilates equipment with a moving carriage, springs for adjustable resistance, a footbar and straps.
Will someone show me how to use the Reformer at Sherman Oaks?
Your instructor can explain setup, resistance and the cues used during class. Let the team know you are new when you arrive.
What if I cannot do a movement?
Movements can be modified, progressed or regressed so you can work with control at an appropriate level.
What is the difference between mat and Reformer Pilates?
Mat Pilates is performed primarily on the floor using body weight, while Reformer Pilates uses specialized equipment with adjustable resistance and multiple setup options.
Should a beginner choose group or private Pilates?
Group classes provide instructor-led training in a class setting. Private Pilates provides one-on-one attention. Call the Sherman Oaks studio if you are unsure where to start.
What should I wear to Pilates?
Wear comfortable, fitted activewear that allows you to move freely. Contact the studio if you have questions about grip socks or what to bring.
How often should a beginner do Pilates?
Frequency depends on your schedule, experience and recovery. The 2 Week Intro Pass is limited to one class per day.
What can I learn during the 2 Week Intro Pass?
The two-week period can help you become more familiar with Reformer setup, class terminology, instructor cues, resistance changes, movement patterns and the Natural Pilates approach.
How much is the Natural Pilates intro offer?
The 2 Week Intro Pass is $99 for new clients, limited to one class per day, and is promoted as as low as $7 per class.
Who founded Natural Pilates?
Natural Pilates was founded by veteran instructor Laura Wilson, a former Romanian national champion archer who immigrated to the United States in 2002.
What training does Laura Wilson have?
Laura Wilson’s training includes Stott Pilates (2005), Gyrotonic (2008), Spin (2011), Vinyasa Yoga (2011), Resistance Training Specialist and Muscle Activation Technique Specialist (2012).
What is different about the Natural Pilates method?
The Natural Pilates methodology emphasizes anatomy, biomechanics, resistance, muscular activation, exercise sequencing, form correction and understanding why movements are performed.
How experienced is Natural Pilates?
Natural Pilates describes more than 20 years of Pilates expertise and a team of 65 expert trainers.
How much educational content has Laura Wilson shared online?
Laura Wilson’s YouTube videos have accumulated more than 500,000 views, based on the information supplied for these pages.
What should a Sherman Oaks beginner know before starting?
Sherman Oaks beginners do not need to arrive knowing Pilates terminology; the starting point is learning the Reformer, movement options and the instructor cues used in class.
Where is Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks?
Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks is located at 15222 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.
What areas are near the Sherman Oaks studio?
Nearby areas include Sherman Oaks Village, Chandler Estates, Van Nuys, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Studio City, Encino, Sepulveda Basin.
Can I call before submitting the form?
Yes. Call Natural Pilates Sherman Oaks at (818) 386-8427 if you prefer to speak with the studio first.
READY TO START BEGINNER PILATES IN SHERMAN OAKS?
2 WEEK INTRO PASS · $99 · AS LOW AS $7 PER CLASS
Limited to one class per day. New clients only.