GETTING STARTED AT SOMA LUX
“Movement should be approached like life — with enthusiasm, joy and gratitude — for movement is life, and life is movement, and we get out of it what we put into it.”
Welcome to Soma Lux Pilates!
We approach Pilates, movement, and wellness in an accessible, educational, and playful way. We believe that our bodies are more than just machines that need to “work out.” Instead, they are integrated forces of strength, movement, resilience, light, and spirit. Soma, meaning body, and Lux, meaning light, reflect that philosophy.
Soma Lux offers Pilates-based opportunities to learn and explore how we move and care for our bodies, and by so doing, nurture our mind and spirit. Our team of teachers are all movement lovers who have a passion for body awareness, education, empowerment, and growth. We want everyone who comes into our space to feel welcomed, supported, and set up to learn and move well.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Sincerely,
Mary & the Soma Lux team
STEP 1: CHOOSE your INTRO PACKAGE
To get started in your Pilates and movement journey, we encourage you to book one of our new client packages, which is three introductory sessions at a special rate. Whether you are completely new to Pilates, or an experienced Pilates practitioner, we have options for you!
Our intro packages consist of one-on-one sessions, small group sessions, or a mix of both. Click the link below to see the options and decide which one works best for you.
A NOTE ON GROUP CLASSES: If your ultimate goal is to join group classes, that’s fantastic! We want to set you up for success in a safe way. For this reason, we require that those without equipment-based Pilates experience complete at least one private session, preferably three, before joining a group setting. This is for your safety and comfort, as well as class flow purposes. Please keep this in mind when choosing your intro package, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
A NOTE FOR THOSE WITH SPECIFIC MOVEMENT NEEDS: If you are rehabilitating from a surgery, have an injury or medical diagnosis, or are experiencing movement restrictions, don’t worry! We work with all different types of movers and would be happy to welcome you to the studio. The best option for you is to book 3 one-on-one private sessions for us to best assess and design a program that suits your unique needs and goals. Please reach out to us for specific questions or to set up a time to connect over the phone.
STEP 2: SCHEDULE YOUR SESSIONS
Your introductory sessions can be scheduled online (using the certificate code in your purchase confirmation email), or you can reach out to the studio for assistance in booking! We ask that your sessions be completed within a 3 week period for best results.
If you have specific scheduling requirements, we recommend checking session availability through our online scheduler before making your purchase.
STEP 3: PREPARE FOR YOUR TIME AT THE STUDIO
Before your first session, we will send you welcome information with details about what to expect, what to wear, etc. You are welcome to check out some of that information here in our Studio Policies section. We also ask you to complete intake paperwork before your session, which helps us prepare for your time in the studio and set you up for success! This is the time to let us know if you have specific medical conditions, injuries, fitness goals, or guidelines from your doctor.
Attire for your Pilates session
We recommend comfortable workout attire (not too loose) for your session. It’s best to avoid clothing with buttons, snaps, or buckles as these will not be the most comfortable for working on the equipment
Shoes are not worn while using the Pilates equipment. If you prefer not to go barefoot, you are welcome to wear grip socks (with traction on the soles). Regular socks are discouraged as they can present a safety hazard when doing certain Pilates exercises. If needed, you are welcome to borrow grip socks from the studio.
Safety, etiquette, & best practices in the studio
As a courtesy to others in the studio, we ask that you please silence phones, watches, and all other electronic devices before starting Pilates session.
Please refrain from applying lotion and oils on your skin before your session, as they present a safety hazard during some exercises, and in certain cases can damage the equipment.
Avoid chewing gum or mints during your session, as they present a choking hazard.
If wearing socks, for your safety, please ensure they have grip/traction on the sole. You are welcome to go barefoot as well.
We ask all members to please avoid wearing strong perfumes or scents, as others in the space may have sensitivities or allergies.
We love kiddos! Unfortunately, we aren’t able to accommodate them at the studio unless they are pre-registered for a Pilates session with one of our teachers. This is for the safety and comfort of all parties.
STEP 4: DO PILATES!
We can’t wait to get to know you in the studio! What are your movement challenges and goals? We LOVE getting people on the equipment and setting them up to move in a fun and meaningful way. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned Pilates pro, we will start you off with an assessment and help you develop a plan to move forward in your fitness & movement journey. You will be introduced to the Pilates equipment by one of our skilled and experienced teachers, who will guide you through a 50-minute session specifically designed for you (no cookie cutter workouts at Soma Lux!).
STEP 5: PILATES IS A HABIT
When mindful movement becomes a regular habit is when you will see the quickest results from your Pilates practice. Our clients who practice Pilates on a regular basis report a breadth of benefits, including: gaining strength, improving balance, experiencing less achy joints & back pain, learning body awareness, feeling more aligned, getting taller (this is real!), sleeping better, experiencing more confidence, rehabbing old injuries, and improvement in other area of health and fitness.
For quicker progress and best results, we recommend a regular Pilates schedule of 1-3 sessions per week on an ongoing basis. Typically we recommend weekly small group sessions, with private sessions every1-2 months to focus on your unique goals. (Some clients, however, choose to do only privates or only classes, and that’s great too!)
When you’re traveling, or have a busy week and can’t get to the studio, we offer live sessions online. Your instructor can work with you using whatever props you have on hand (even if it’s just a mat) for a 30- or 50-minute Pilates session via Zoom.
STEP 6: WORKSHOPS, RETREATS, & Events
When you join Soma Lux, you join a community of movement enthusiasts who, like you, want to learn and grow. We invite our community to dive deeper into their Pilates & movement journey through offering opportunities outside of their regular Pilates sessions. You may decide to join us for one of our workshops (past workshop topics have included breath, myofascial release, pelvic floor, and more!) or retreats. We also host gatherings outside of the studio, and are excited for you to meet other movers and Pilates enthusiasts “off the reformers.” We will keep you informed of these opportunities through our studio newsletter and in-studio announcements.