FAQs

Is Somos for me?

  • Everyone. Classical Pilates really is for every body. You don’t need to be flexible, athletic, experienced, or “in shape” to begin.

    The Pilates System was designed to meet people where they are and help them build strength, mobility, coordination, balance, and confidence in movement over time. Because the method includes a wide range of exercises and specialized apparatus, it can be adapted and progressed for different bodies, ages, abilities, and experience levels.

    At Somos, we believe Pilates should feel welcoming and accessible. Whether you’re completely new to movement, an experienced athlete, or somewhere in between, there is a place for you here.

  • No. Pilates is how you get stronger and more flexible. You don’t need either one to begin. Every exercise can be adapted, and we start where you are.

  • Many people find Pilates helps them move with less pain. It builds strength and support around the joints, gently and with control. Please tell us about any injury or condition before your first session, and check with your doctor or physical therapist if you're recovering from something recent. Pilates doesn't replace medical care, but it can be a great partner to it.

  • Yes, with a few requirements to keep you and your baby safe:

    • Provider clearance is required. We need written clearance from your doctor or midwife before your first session.

    • New to Pilates? We can't begin sessions with anyone new to Pilates during pregnancy until we have that clearance.

    • Private sessions only. What's safe changes from one trimester to the next, so we work with pregnant clients one-on-one and adapt every exercise to you.

    • No group classes during pregnancy. If you book a group class while pregnant, we'll move you to a private session or cancel your booking.

    Expecting? Please let us know when you book. We’ll support you through Private Sessions tailored to each stage of your pregnancy.

The Method

  • Classical Pilates follows the original system of exercises and principles developed by Joseph Pilates, who called his method “Contrology.” The method is designed to train the body as a whole — building strength, mobility, control, coordination, and balance through purposeful movement.

    At Somos, we teach Classical Pilates while recognizing that every body brings different strengths, needs, and experiences to the practice. Sessions stay grounded in the traditional method and apparatus (equipment) while allowing thoughtful modifications when needed. Our goal is to make the Pilates Method approachable and effective for every body, without losing what makes the original work so powerful.

  • Many popular classes mix Pilates equipment with cardio, extra weights, or fast-paced moves, often in large groups. Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates' original system:

    • A clear system of exercises that build on each other

    • A focus on control, precision, and breath, not burning out

    • Small classes with hands-on, trained instruction

    • Equipment built to his original specifications

    At Somos, we teach the Classical Method developed by Joseph Pilates, using exercises that progress intentionally across equipment built to his specifications. The focus is on whole-body strength, control, mobility, coordination, and developing greater awareness of how your body moves.

    Reformer fitness, sculpt classes, Lagree, and similar workouts can be great forms of exercise, but they have different methods, equipment, and training goals. At Somos, you’ll experience Pilates as the comprehensive system it was originally designed to be.

  • Pilates builds strength, mobility and control while teaching your body to move well as a whole. Benefits include:

    • Feeling more confident, capable and in control of your body

    • Less stiffness and tension

    • Better posture

    • A stronger core and back

    • More flexibility and mobility

    • Better balance and coordination

    • Deeper breathing

    • More efficient movement

    • A better understanding of how your body works

    Over time, the goal is a body that feels strong and ready for whatever your day asks of it.

  • There’s no single timeline; every body starts in a different place. Pilates is a practice, and the benefits continue to build as you become stronger, more connected, and more familiar with the method.

    Consistency matters more than perfection. For most people, practicing Pilates 2–3 times per week is a great place to start, although even one consistent session each week can be beneficial.

    Many people begin to notice changes in body awareness, coordination, and how they move within their first several sessions. Changes in strength, mobility, posture, and overall movement tend to develop gradually with continued practice.

  • Joseph Pilates was the creator of the Pilates Method, originally known as “Contrology.” Born in Germany in 1883, he spent decades studying movement, physical conditioning, and the connection between mind and body.

    After moving to New York City in the 1920s, Joseph and his wife Clara opened a studio where they taught his method and developed the specialized apparatus still used in Classical Pilates today.

    Joseph Pilates believed that physical fitness should support a full, active life and that his method could benefit people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds. His work became the foundation of what we now know as Pilates and the Classical Method we continue to teach at Somos.

Getting Started

  • We'll talk about your goals, your history, and how your body feels. Then we'll introduce you to the equipment and the foundations of the method. Expect to work at your own pace and leave feeling taller, looser, and more connected. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early.

    • Private Sessions: one-on-one and fully built around you. Best for beginners, injuries, and fast progress. Required during pregnancy.

    • Duet Sessions: you and one person of your choosing (a friend, co-worker, partner, etc.). Very personal, at a lower cost per person than a private.

    • Somos Foundations: a small, slower-paced class that teaches the basics of the method. The best first class after a private.

    • Small Group Equipment: Gratz Reformer and other apparatus, with a maximum of 4 people. Best once you know the basics.

    • Small Group Tower: built around the Gratz Tower, with a maximum of 5 people. Best once you know the basics.

    • Community Mat: a larger mat class offered once or twice a month, open to every level. Bring your own mat.

  • We strongly recommend starting with at least one private session. It gives us time to learn how your body moves and teach you the basics, so you can walk into class feeling confident. From there, Somos Foundations is a great next step before Small Group Equipment or Tower classes.

    • Tiny classes: Equipment Classes are capped at 4–5 people, so you get real attention.

    • Highly trained instructors: Classical certification takes hundreds of hours of study and apprenticeship.

    • Professional equipment: Gratz Reformers and Towers are hand-built to Joseph Pilates' original designs.

    • Real results: Every session is tailored to your body.

  • Yes. New clients can choose one intro offer:

    • 1 Private Session + 1 Group Equipment Class for $100

    • 3 Private Sessions for $225

    • 3 Duet Sessions for $135 per person

    New client specials are limited to one per person and valid for 30 days, no extensions.

    • Comfortable clothes you can move in (no zippers or buckles; they can damage the equipment)

    • Grip socks (required). If you forget yours, you can buy a pair at the studio.

    • A water bottle, if you'd like

    • Your own mat, for Community Mat only

Studio Info

  • We’re in Kansas City, Kansas, just minutes from KU Medical Center.

    735 Southwest Blvd, Suite C, Kansas City, Kansas 66103

    Parking:

    • Park in the lot right next to our building, on the left side when you're facing it from Southwest Blvd. Parking is free.

    • Pull in directly from Southwest Blvd.

    • Walk to the double doors and enter your door code.

    • If the parking lot is full, street parking in front of the building on Southwest Blvd.

    • We are in the same building as Stumpff HomeWorks.

  • Before each appointment, you'll get an email with a door code. Please don't share your code or let anyone else into the building — this keeps the studio safe for everyone.

  • Yes! Caring for others is hard work. Our founder is a former ICU nurse, so we know that firsthand. Somos is a place for you to be cared for too. Email us at margarita@somospilateskc.com to hear about our special offers.

  • Please cancel at least 12 hours before a group class and at least 24 hours before a private or duet session.

    Group classes

    • Late cancellation (less than 12-hours notice): your session is forfeited.

    • No-show (no notice at all): your session is forfeited, plus a $10 no-show fee.

    Privates and duets

    • Late cancellation (less than 24-hours notice): your session is forfeited.

    • No-show (no notice at all): your session is forfeited, plus a $20 no-show fee.

    We understand things happen. Classes are small and your spot is held just for you, so a quick heads-up always matters. Thank you for respecting our time the way we respect yours.