April 7, 2022
Body Aligned Studio Etiquette
Adhering to specific etiquette in the studio makes for a more pleasurable experience for everyone. But you can’t adhere to what you don’t know! So, here is a handy list of standard practices at Body Aligned for your convenience.
At first glance, this list may look intimidating. But I can assure you that it all boils down to one thing: Be considerate of others!
What to wear (and what not to wear):
- Ladies, wear form-fitting clothing so that we may observe your musculature. Please, no loose shirts. (When performing an exercise in inverted or even in a quadruped position, a loose shirt may expose more of your body than you intend.)
- Men, please wear compression shorts under your workout shorts to maintain modesty in certain positions.
- Wear clean, non-slip socks within the studio space. (For your convenience, fashionable grip socks are on sale in the reception area.)
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Please do not wear lotions or body oils as they can be quite challenging to remove from the equipment.
- Please avoid perfume or scented products — out of an abundance of consideration for fragrance-sensitive clients.
- Wear minimal makeup as makeup can stain the upholstered equipment.
- Please, do not wear workout clothing with metal decoration, buckles, buttons or zippers, as they can damage the equipment.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum for your safety (as well as the safety of the equipment and your jewelry).
Before your session:
- Please do NOT come to a session if you are ill. Stay home. Especially if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- If you (or anyone you have had contact with) have tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the current CDC guidelines before returning to the studio.
- Respect the 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cannot come into the studio for your session, please contact us as soon as possible to either arrange an in-home session over Zoom or reschedule, if necessary.
When you arrive:
- Please be mindful of the environment as you enter and enter quietly. Other clients may be working on their mind-body connection and should not be distracted.
- Street shoes are NOT ALLOWED within the equipment area of the studio. Instead, please change into your non-slip socks at the front reception area upon entry. (You may see an instructor wearing shoes, but they are indoor shoes only and do not track in dirt from the outside.)
- Turn OFF your cell phone ringer.
- Store your personal items either in the cubby boxes or lockers — not on benches or chairs.
- If you are late for your session, please be considerate to join the class or your instructor without disturbing others. (Unlike other Pilates studios, we do not turn you away if you are late. However, we do ask that you create as little disruption as possible.
During your session:
- Before your session begins, let your instructor know about any recent injuries or changes in your body.
- While we encourage questions and a friendly atmosphere, please do not chat throughout your group class. Stay in the moment with your mind-body connection and allow others to do the same.
- Please keep voices at a minimum!! Politely share the space with others.
- Do not eat food on the equipment. (Duh.)
- We encourage you to stay well-hydrated. Feel free to bring your own water bottle, which you may fill up from our water dispenser.
After your session:
- After your group class, please retrieve a bottle of sanitizing solution and a cloth from the cart by the kitchen. Carefully spray your mat, machine (including the handles) and whatever accessories you used. Then wipe them dry for the next client.
- If you need assistance scheduling your next appointment or have any questions, please move the conversation to the reception area so as not to disturb other clients.
- Please exit quietly, using the same consideration with which you entered. The next group of clients will be beginning their sessions and trying to create their own space of concentration and peace.
Any questions, give us a call or text 813-253-3161.
Well, I had planned on taking the year off, but I changed my mind!
What is the purpose of a cold plunge? Cold plunge helps reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. The list of health benefits is much longer. How long should I stay in the cold plunge? A good target time is three minutes. How often is it safe to cold plunge? It is recommended to cold plunge two to three times per week for a total of 11 minutes per week for metabolism-boosting results. What is infrared heat? Infrared is radiated heat. It penetrates human tissue, producing a host of anti-aging and health benefits. How often should I use an infrared sauna? It is recommended three to four days per week, for a total of 57 minutes per week for metabolic results. How will I feel after using an infrared sauna? Usually, the same as you do post-workout. Within 30 minutes, you should experience a boost in energy and mood. This should also result in a restful night’s sleep. Many other health benefits ensue. Do I burn calories while sweating? By increasing your core temperature and inducing sweating, infrared saunas increase blood flow and heart rate and can burn 400-600 calories in just one 30-minute session. What is Contrast Therapy? Contrast therapy is a method of alternating between hot and cold environments to induce certain physiological responses. It involves two to three rotations between the cold plunge tub and infrared sauna. When new to contrast therapy, it is recommended to start slowly. Ease into it by limiting the time spent in the sauna and the cold plunge. You can gradually increase the duration as your body adapts. What should I wear for the infrared sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy? Bathing suits, loose clothing or athletic wear are recommended. How should I prepare for my session? Hydrate prior to your session. Do I need to bring a towel? Towels are provided in the private room and for showering (although we do not recommend showering after any of our services). Will I be sharing the room with anyone? Only if you bring a friend! Our room is private, whether you book a sauna, cold plunge or Contrast Therapy appointment. What is the HaloRed booth? The HaloRed booth has roots in a NASA study that measured the effects of light waves on salt particles in the Earth's atmosphere. The translucent, multi-sided salt crystals in our HaloRed system work by refracting light, creating billions of micro-bursts of red light, making it the most powerful and effective red light therapy available worldwide. During each session, red light waves energize and heat salt particles, enhancing their dryness and effectiveness beyond traditional halotherapy, offering a dual-benefit therapy unmatched in efficacy. How often can I do Red Light therapy? No more than once every 24 hours. All you really need is 5-15 minutes per day. What are the EMF levels of the HaloRed? Our booth is engineered to have low EMFs. However, anything with electric current running through it is going to generate some electromagnetic field. At the recommended usage distance of 6+ inches, our devices emit no detectable levels of EMF. What is Salt Therapy/Halotherapy? Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy, is a fast-growing holistic approach that mimics the microclimate of a salt cave. When you breathe in the micro-sized salt particles, they are immediately transported to every part of the respiratory tract, even the smallest alveoli and bronchioles. Then, the dry salt molecules dissolve and attract small impurities — the reason why it is called “the toothbrush of the lungs.” Salt therapy may eliminate the root of inflammatory respiratory illnesses in the lower and the upper tract, such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, by destroying bacteria and restoring health and immunity. How often should I do Halotherapy for best results? The best results can be achieved when practiced regularly. The benefits are cumulative, so consistency and frequency are the key. People with chronic issues will benefit greatly from visiting salt rooms at least three to four times a week. What else should I know? Please refrain from using oils, creams, makeup and perfumes prior to your appointment. If needed, we have a shower you can use before your session. If you will be utilizing the cold plunge, bring a wet bag to carry your damp clothing after your session.
It’s almost time! Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in Tampa will begin in January 2024. Are you still on the fence about joining? In my last two blog posts ( Is Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Right for You and Considering Body Aligned Pilates Teacher Training ), I shared the enthusiasm of recent graduates as applied to a career as a Pilates instructor. But you don’t have to plan to teach for this training to be a great fit. Body Aligned’s Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is equally beneficial to those who simply want to improve their practice — with no intention of teaching others. One of my past graduates recently told me about how Teacher Training has helped her become more aware of her own body and enhanced the classes she takes.
