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Whether you’re new to yoga and pilates, have questions about our location, or want to know more about Bonita Pilates & Yoga, you can find all your answers to frequently asked questions here!

General FAQ’s

Where are you located?

We are located in the Von’s Shopping Center at 4390 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 upstairs just above T-Mobile and Bonita Nails with plenty of free parking.

What should I bring to class?

We recommend you bring: a hand towel, socks (preferably socks made specifically for Yoga or Pilates exercise) water, and a healthy attitude.

What SHOULDN’T I bring to class?

Please avoid the following:

  • Expensive jewelry or items of value
  • Cell phone
  • Zippers, rivets, or buttons on the back of your exercise wear
  • Perfume

Do you supply towels?

No; but towels are available for purchase; we recommend bringing your own towel to class.

Do you supply mats?

We recommend bringing your own mat, but we do have a few mats here at the studio for your use.

Generally during your private Pilates session or class, the Pilates equipment is used and if we do work on the floor, mats are supplied.

Can I buy a gift certificate?

Yes! We offer them in any denomination.   Contact us or purchase online.

In fact, we currently have a first-time client Pilates Special that is $225 for 5 private one-on-one sessions with a Certified Pilates Instructor.

We also have a first-time client Yoga Special that is $79 –

Can I buy a combined Yoga and Pilates class?

We’ve found that there are 2 distinctly different audiences for our studio and that Yoga and Pilates students rarely overlap.  We offer Yoga classes and Pilates classes with options to buy at affordable rates.

Yoga FAQ’s

How big are your classes?

Our yoga classes are limited to 12 students.

How late in the evenings do you have Yoga classes?

We typically have a 6:00 pm class on Monday and Friday, a 6:45 pm class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a 5:30 pm class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, please always check our schedule to prevent any mix-ups.

How do I know which Yoga class to choose?

We label our classes so you can easily pick the class that is right for you.  Here are the types of classes at a glance:

  • Yoga for beginners: Gentle Vinyasa Flow
  • Beginner to novice: Vinyasa 1
  • Novice to experienced: Vinyasa 2
  • Healing Yoga: Restorative Yoga and Restore and Flow
  • Meditative Yoga: Bliss Yoga
  • Traditional Yoga: Ashtanga Yoga
View Complete Class Descriptions

Can I show up to class without signing up on line?

Given our small class size, we recommend that everyone, even our first timers, sign up on-line.

I’ve recently been injured; can I still do Yoga?

Yes, Yoga is one of the best and gentlest forms of exercise that works great in rehabilitation from an injury.  We recommend you get the OK from your health care practitioner (if one is involved) and tell the Yoga instructor of your injury or limitations.  We recommend Restorative Yoga or Gentle Vinyasa Flow to begin.  We always recommend you listen to your body and stay within your abilities and comfort level.

Do you offer hot yoga?

No.  It is not our focus.  The room temperature is comfortable and our philosophy is to create heat within your body not externally.

How long are classes?

All classes are one hour long.

Can yoga help me lose weight?

Yoga, by history, is not a high-intensity exercise.  Our classes are 60 minutes of continual activity or stretching so that your muscles are working the entire time strengthening and lengthening the large muscle groups and activating smaller deeper core muscles through balance poses.  The practice of Yoga fosters self-awareness that can shift your thinking about how you treat your body and what you put into it, thereby making better eating choices.  Most of our clients participate in other forms of exercise such as walking, biking, swimming, tennis, golf, or going to the gym.  They find Yoga to be a complimentary adjunct to their lifestyle.

If I'm overweight, can I start yoga?

Yoga is for every BODY no matter what size or shape.  Yoga is a low-impact exercise and is a great way to get started on an exercise program for people who find themselves overweight or just out of shape.  Yoga has a mindful component that other forms of exercise do not such as deep breathing, positive meditation, and self-awareness component that boosts the confidence of people of all waistlines.

What are the benefits of yoga?

  • Increases flexibility
  • Increases muscle strength and tone
  • Improves respiration, energy, and vitality
  • Encourages cardiovascular and circulatory health
  • Improves posture
  • Protects the spine
  • Drains lymph and boosts immunity
  • Improves mental attitude
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Fosters a healthy lifestyle
  • Improves balance
  • Helps to sleep better
  • Improves joint pain

Pilates FAQ’s

How big are your classes?

The Pilates Reformer machines are used primarily throughout the class and we have 5 machines so our class size is limited to 5 students.  The smaller class sizes allow for personalized and safe instruction.

Are you open late?

We have evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Our class schedule is constantly updated.  Private sessions with a Certified Pilates Instructor are available on your schedule and coordinated with your instructor so evening sessions can be accommodated according to the availability of the instructor and your needs.

Can I show up without an appointment?

No.  Given our small class size, we do not allow walk-ins.   All new clients are also required to attend 5 private sessions with a Certified Pilates Instructor prior to participating in a class to ensure their knowledge and comfort in working in a class environment.  Simply click for your 5 Introductory Private Pilates Sessions Request.  All private sessions are by appointment and are scheduled directly with the instructor.

I already exercise a lot; will I be good at Pilates?

Pilates was originally named “Contrology” by Joseph Pilates.  It is a practice of exercise that is conducted at a slower pace than most exercises and asks for control throughout the movement and exercise.  It requires the student to be mindful of posture, breath, and movement that in turn involves control.  With time, practice, and thoughtful awareness,  you too can be a good student of Pilates.

I’ve recently been injured; can I still do Pilates?

We recommend that you first get the OK from your health care practitioner (if one is involved) and tell the Pilates instructor of your injury or limitations.  If you are a first-time client, you will be starting with one-on-one sessions.  To schedule your first 5 private sessions click 5 Introductory Private Pilates Sessions Request and exercises will be introduced to avoid irritating the injured area.  We always recommend you listen to your body and stay within your abilities and comfort level.

How long are classes?

Classes are 55 min long.

Can Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates is not a cardio exercise and in order to burn large amounts of calories or fat, the heart rate must be elevated and large muscle groups worked.

Pilates emphasizes the deep and small muscles around the spine and joints which creates a strong stable structure.  Large and small muscle groups are worked using spring resistance from the Pilates equipment or with your own body weight resistance.

The purpose of Pilates is to create strength and power from your center translating to strength, length, and tone to all your muscles.  The practice of Pilates fosters self-awareness that can shift your thinking about how you treat your body and what you put into it, thereby making better eating choices.  Most of our clients participate in other forms of exercise such as walking, biking, swimming, tennis, golf, or going to the gym.  They find Pilates to be a complimentary adjunct to their lifestyle or weight loss program.

I'm overweight, can I still start Pilates?

Pilates is for every BODY no matter what size or shape.  Pilates is a low-impact exercise and is a great way to get started on an exercise program for people who find themselves overweight or just out of shape.  Pilates has a mindful component that other forms of exercise do not such as deep breathing, paced controlled movements, and self-awareness that can boost the confidence of people of all waistlines.

Why do I have to take 5 Pilates private sessions before entering a Pilates class?

Pilates is a practice of controlled movements that originate from deep muscle groups.  Most people are unfamiliar with these deep muscles and learn to connect with these muscle during these 5 sessions.  The classes use the Pilates Reformer machines and it is important to be familiar with adjusting the machine for each exercise as well as performing each exercise with control and safety while on the machine.  Our clients find these 5 sessions to be key in their success, love, and dedication to their Pilates practice.  To schedule your first 5 private sessions, click 5 Introductory Private Pilates Sessions Request