Frequently Asked Questions

Still deciding if Yoga and/or Pilates is right for you? Read on for our FAQs. Have you already signed up or are ready to sign up for classes? Check out our class etiquette for the best experience for you and those around you.

Yoga

What’s the difference between Pilates & Yoga?

Pilates is a system of exercises that focuses on the strength of your core or trunk muscles. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement. Here at Flow, You will practice Pilates on 3 different types of equipment that use spring resistance.

Yoga is the oldest system of exercise known to man. Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. Meditation is also an aspect of yoga. At Flow, the classes you will take will focus more on the physical postures of yoga. We feel like the mediation comes from focusing on that aspect. Meditation should not feel forced.

I’m new to the studio - do you have any new student specials? Where can I sign up?

Yes! New students can take advantage of either a month of unlimited classes for just $49 or 3 classes for $25 (30-day expiration). You can sign up online or in the studio if you’ve never been to our studio before. If you cant sign up for the introductory deal online, your name is already in our system and you’ll need to come into the studio to purchase. Introductory offers are for new students only.

What classes are included in the new student intro 1-month unlimited special?

All Yoga classes, Pilates Mat classes, and Barre classes are all included in the One Month Unlimited and 3 for $25 offers.

Do I have to sign up for classes online?

No, you don’t have to sign up for Yoga, Pilates Mat, or Barre classes online however it is recommended for busier classes, such as evening and weekend classes. We will hold your spot for you until the class starts. If you don’t show for the class we will have to charge you for the class. Please make sure you call us if you can’t make your class at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.

What is Hot Yoga and what are the benefits?

At Flow Pilates and Yoga we have many different types of hot yoga. We do not practice Bikram Yoga or the same 26 poses done in a room heated to 104 degrees. We practice Hot Flow or Vinyasa or Hot Power Vinyasa. Vinyasa yoga, in which movement is synchronized to the breath, is a term that covers a broad range of yoga classes. Vinyasa or Flow yoga has a smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance. The breath becomes an important component because the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. The room will either be heated to 104 or 95 for beginner hot yoga.

Benefits include:

• Increased flexibility and range of motion

• Enhanced heart function

• Lowered blood pressure

• Reduced stress

• Detoxification through sweat

Why infrared heat?

Infrared radiant heat works by heating the body and using our bodies’ energy to heat the room as we move through our practice. The room only gets hot when we do, so the room is not oppressively hot when you enter. Infrared heat promotes the elimination of fats, chemicals, and toxins from the blood. Flow Pilates and yoga is one of the only studios in Tampa that uses infrared heat to warm the room!