"I feel much stronger and more flexible and I cannot say enough about Andrea and Danielle as pilates instructors. I love pilates! It helps me relax and feel better."      ~Debbie S. 

          "Using pilates and yoga during my pregnancy was wonderful. It helps by stretching the tension and aches and pains away. It is a definite if you are pregnant."     ~Linnette B. 

           "The instructors are great and I always get such a great workout!"     ~Michelle P.

What some students are saying about their Pre/Post-Natal Pilates and Yoga Experience...

          "Working out at Pilates+ makes me feel stronger, longer and more toned. I have increased flexibility and have lost inches along the way...I began doing Pilates at Pilates+ almost a year after having my 4th child. It really helped me fit back into my jeans better and I even had to go buy some smaller sizes. When I got pregnant with my 5th child, I stuck with Pilates and hoped it would make the pregnancy easier to bare. I was nearly bedridden the last 3 months of my 4th pregnancy with a pain in my pelvis called PSD. The PSD pain returned with my 5th pregnancy but it seemed better after I went to Pilates. I did exercises to strengthen the muscles to keep my pelvis in joint and they helped keep this condition in check. I felt I was in really good shape through the majority of my pregnancy and even though I did not work out the last two months, I felt strong and good through my first all natural childbirth.
             I returned to Andrea for post natal Pilates a few months after my son was born. I couldn't even do one sit up the first time back. After three classes I was able to do most of the ab exercises I couldn't do the first time. It has been 5 months since I had my son and though I still have 10 pounds left to lose on my diet, I do fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans again. It is nice to feel I am growing stronger with every class.”        ~Stephanie W.


          "Pregnant for the first time – so many new experiences.  Your body changes, your emotions are on a ride, you question so many things.  Yoga brought peace of mind, and comfort to my body and spirit.  I have been enjoying yoga for nine years and was excited to continue with it through my pregnancy.  Yoga is a journey as is pregnancy.  The yoga asanas brought comfort to aching joints, muscles and a strained back.  The breathing calmed my mind and eased my fears.  I felt in tune with my body and the sweet baby growing inside of me.  I did yoga every day and used props such as blocks, bolsters, straps, chairs and the wall.  Yoga also eased my labor and delivery.  I stretched, used poses such as cat and cow and breathed ujaii breaths.  My daughter watches me do yoga now and mimics me- she’s the cutest in down dog!
          I also did postnatal yoga.  It helped me to get my body back into shape plus it gave me the quiet time I so needed with having a little baby.  After 11 months I actively participated in Pilates classes at Pilates Plus.  I love it!  Within weeks my muscles felt tighter and stronger.  Yoga and Pilates is the perfect combination for me and I love the variety of classes at the Pilates Plus studio. The teachers are caring and knowledgeable – they make you feel comfortable yet inspire you to work hard."          ~Gina R.


           "I started taking PreNatal Yoga at the very end of my first trimester beginning of my second trimester. I had taken Yoga prior to my pregnancy and knew from the beginning I wanted to continue it during my pregnancy. It was an amazing experience for me. One, for one hour a couple of times a week, I took time out for me and my baby to bond/connect and to get away from all the daily demands of life. It was so nice to get away from all the "noise" of life and just focus on simple things like the growing baby inside of you, your breath, simple movements through the practice of yoga. It brought an amazing sense of comfort and peace of mind. I loved learning positions I could use anywhere to alleviate back pain, leg cramps, etc, whether I was at home, at the office or during a yoga session. I would leave each yoga session feeling strong, positive, and most important to me, relaxed and with a calm mind."            ~Michelle W.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have never taken a class before?
What if I am not flexible?
What should I wear to class?
Do I need to bring a mat?
What is the difference between Pilates Apparatus and Pilates Mat?
How many times per week can I do Pilates and Yoga?
Will I lose weight by doing Pilates and Yoga?
What should I look for in an instructor?
Can I do Pilates or Yoga while I am pregnant?
Do men do Pilates?
Why are private sessions so expensive?
Can I get a good workout with DVDs and books?

What if I have never taken a class before?
All of our classes are appropriate for beginners.  Our teachers work hard to make sure that everyone feels comfortable.  We provide options for all students so that everyone feels successful in their yoga practice.

What if I am not flexible?
No Worries!  Most students feel this way when they first step onto a mat.  The best part about Yoga and Pilates is that it is YOUR PRACTICE and you determine what pace you feel comfortable with.  Yoga and Pilates are about listening to your body so that you can create a practice that you love!

What should I wear to class?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.  It is best to avoid accessories that could impede your movement.  More form fitting clothes are preferred for "Apparatus" classes. Yoga and Pilates are practiced in bare feet, so you will leave your shoes at the door or place them in a cubby.

Do I need to bring a mat?
Yes!  For purposes of cleanliness, you will want your own mat.  If you do not have one, we sell thin and thick mats. Mats are not required for "Apparatus" or "Arc" classes. 

What is the difference between Pilates Apparatus and Pilates Mat?

Pilates Mat is performed on the floor without any large Pilates machines. The original Pilates Mat routine was done with body weight alone but many instructors now use props such as bands, rings, and various sized balls. Using your own body to create resistance can be a great way to find your mind-body connection!

Pilates Apparatus classes use Pilates machines, usually the Reformer, and are formatted similar to a group fitness class. All students perform the same exercise at the same time. The Reformer is a very adaptable machine and can be used to support and assist the student. It also creates tension and resistance, making Pilates Apparatus classes very versatile and available to everyone. There are over 500 exercises on the Reformer making each class exciting and unique!

How many times per week can I do Pilates and Yoga?

You can do Pilates and Yoga every day. Pilates and Yoga both involve stretching and strengthening simultaneously and is much gentler on your body than other forms of strength training. However, we advise you strength train only every other day and attend Yoga and deep stretching classes or perform cardiovascular exercise on your days of rest. If you are preparing for a special event, wedding or upcoming vacation it is okay to attend more often, but you are much more likely to stick to your program if it becomes regular, consistent and reasonable.

Pilates and Yoga do not burn nearly as many calories as cardiovascular exercise, but it does strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, you can lose weight simply by creating a more productive body. Most clients see huge number losses: not necessarily on the scale, but with the tape measure. A five inch loss around the waist is always better than a five pound loss! Whether you lose thirty pounds or none, you will be happier and healthier with Pilates. 

Many Pilates studios and gyms employ “instructors” who have been trained through three-day programs or who are still in the process of being trained. These under or uncertified “instructors” can be a hazard. However, our instructors are well trained with professional and/or educational histories in areas of movement. Our Pilates trainers have completed a minimum of 400 hours of Pilates Education in various nationally recognized programs which include lectures, observation, practice, hands-on apprenticing and written and practical exams. A 400-hour minimum, comprehensive certification and professional experience in movement should always be the minimum requirements with any Pilates instructor. So whether you choose our facility or another: be safe and ask about your instructor's education. Another important aspect of choosing an instructor is personality- find someone you click with! Whether you want fun and casual or serious and direct, make sure you choose someone that you are comfortable spending time around.

Click the link above to access our Pre/Post-Natal Secetion. We do advise you to seek your physician/obstetrician's advice before starting any new exercise program, especially if you are pregnant. If you are already doing Pilates and you become pregnant, then most likely your doctor will encourage you continue. Inform your instructor immediately if you are or become pregnant. It is very important that your Pilates or Yoga Instructor is educated, experienced and pays special attention as you will require many modifications. With the right instructor Pilates can make your pregnancy and delivery much more comfortable!

Do men do Pilates and Yoga?

 Yes, yes, yes! Pilates was originally created by a man for men and later was adapted for women. Men generally have less flexibility and a greater degree of upper body strength than women. Pilates helps create longer, more agile muscles, as well as counter-strengthen in the core and lower body. From CEO's and professional athletes, to men recovering from injuries or surgery, Pilates helps both men and women retrain and re-strengthen the body for optimum performance.

Here are a few articles regarding professional athletes and the benefits of Pilates:

Basketball Pilates Buff NBA Star, Jason Kidd, Wished He Started Pilates Long Ago

The NFL's Oldest Lineman, Washington's Ray Brown, Use Pilates To Keep His Body Young

(Nate) Robertson Using Pilates To Get In Shape

Pilates and Yoga instructors are highly trained professionals who have invested 400+ hours obtaining an education in Pilates and/or Yoga. They learn hundreds of exercises, including the anatomy and techniques behind each one. Through observing and mastering proper form and sequences, they are able to assess their students’ postures, adapt exercises for various conditions, and customize each session or class. This specialized training, combined with the expenses of furnishing and maintaining a fully equipped studio, explains the high cost. There are instructors who offer highly discounted rates, however most of these instructors are poorly trained with dangerous, unmaintained equipment. For your own safety, avoid any deal that seems “too good to be true.”

Can I get a good workout with DVDs and books?

There are some great videos and books available which are certainly worth the investment for those days you are unable to make it to the studio, although we do not recommend DVDs and books for beginners. If you find yourself confused by an exercise on DVD, your only option is to replay the sequence until you understand. If your form in not correct, you can put yourself at risk for injury and there is no one present to correct you. The proper anatomical and movement terminology of books can be confusing for those not trained in Pilates or Yoga. DVDs and books are a great way to save money and time, but only after you have learned proper form and technique through group Mat classes.

If time and money are your biggest worries, our instructors can create a personalized workout routine for you to do at home. During a series of private sessions, your instructor will teach you exercises focusing on the areas you want to work, modifying each exercise for you personally in order to get the most benefits. Once the routine is complete, your instructor will present you with written notes and sketches to remind you of the exercises when working out at home. You only need to return if or when you would like your routine updated!

About our instructors...

The instructor of PILATES+ and PILATES+YOGA are some of the best, well-trained instructors on the West Coast! We require all Floor instructors to have 200+ hour certifications and all Apparatus instructors to have 500+ hour comprehensive certifications and many have completed trainings at well over 1000 hours. In addition to requiring the higher levels of certification, we also only recognize the certifications that Pilates Method Alliance and Yoga Alliance recognize, assuring you that our instructors are the very best!
All our instructors also have 10+ years experience in movement, whether that is Yoga, Pilates, Dance, or other artistic expressions on movement. Movement is a lifestyle and a career for our instructors, not a part-time hobby!
All PILATES+ and PILATES+YOGA instructors have taken CPR and First-Aid and are independently insured while also being covered by the Pilates Plus LLC policies, offering you the upmost in safety and security. Can your current studio offer you all this and more?
If you are interested in becoming a PILATES+ or PILATES+YOGA instructor, please send your resume, references and availability to Andrea at admin@thepilatesplus.net. Note that the requirements above are non-negotiable. PILATES+YOGA will be hosting a YogaWorks certification and Balanced Body workshops/continuing education early in 2010, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for more information!

                ANDREA CAROLINA

ANDREA grew up near Los Angeles where she frequented modern, swing and salsa dance classes. It was after one of these classes in 1997 that she took her first yoga class. Two years later she left home to travel the coast writing and performing poetry, being known to burst into dance or twist into joyful yoga poses.
After moving to Las Vegas, she began taking classes at Pilates+ where she was inspired by the Hatha style fused with Pilates principles. When the instructor left, Andrea took over teaching the yoga classes after gaining her first certification. With a positive response, she jumped on the opportunity to participate in a contemporary Pilates reformer certification and began teaching immediately. Craving a more extensive education, she spent the summer in a full traditional certification, including the original Pilates mat routine and all pieces of Pilates equipment.
The next year Andrea purchased Pilates+ and turned it into the thriving studio it is now, offering nearly 300 pilates, yoga, cardio, sculpting, and other group classes each month. In April 2009 she opened Pilates+Yoga, a second location on Windmill Lane in Las Vegas, integrating Yoga more fully into the studio programming.
Andrea teaches Reformer, Circuit, Chair and Arc group apparatus sessions and Yin Yoga, VinyHatha Yoga, Pilates Mat and Cardio Circuit group floor classes, as well as private sessions at both locations.
Questions or comments? Feel free to Email Andrea: admin@thepilatesplus.net

                MARNIE MACRILLO

MARNIE is originally from the Finger Lakes area of NY. She moved to Las Vegas in 2002 from Boston, MA. Marnie is a certified personal trainer and teaches Pilates and Hatha Yoga. She has a Masters Degree in Movement Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her certifications include AFAA, NASM, The Pilates Coach, FiTour, PiYo and has also trained with STOTT Pilates. She has a background in creative movement and dance/music therapy and over the years has worked with all ages in various settings including, a chiropractic office, dance studios, schools, gyms, hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. Marnie’s philosophy on fitness is “listening to your body”, connecting mind and body to find out what is needed in a personal fitness program. All of her programs focus on challenging oneself mentally and physically, while concentrating on breathing and relaxation. Marnie has always used fitness to overcome challenges in her own life and has a passion for helping others create a joy for movement, strengthening the body and mind for a happy, healthy lifestyle. Marnie teaches Pilates Mat and Apparatus classes and is also available for private sessions at both locations.

MARY JANE

MARY JANE teaches Group Apparatus, Pilates Arms/Legs/Core and Private Sessions at our Windmill Lane and Horizon Ridge locations.

               HILLARY PIKE

THE P+Y POOCHES
On occassion, our two "studio dogs" do attend private and group apparatus classes with Andrea. They are not allowed in the Floor Room, where Yoga and Pilates Mat classes take place, so you don't have to worry about being loved/slobbered on during Savasana- or anytime you are laying down. If you're lucky, you may get to be greeted by our lovable pooches on your way through the reception area, but don't worry: both are very sweet and well trained and have spent extensive time at our studios since 2005!

               LILY
LILY was born and raised in Henderson, NV where she enjoys swimming, running, and yoga. She took her first yoga class in 2006 and since has been inspired to share her knowledge and love of this dog-friendly activity. She lives with Andrea and her canine brother and feline sister. Though she is not certified in either Yoga or Pilates, she is fully vaccinated! She often joins group and private reformer classes at both locations to offer her assistance in the form of moral support and encouragment, or simply to observe.

               CASANOVA
CASANOVA is a 13-year old Las Vegas native. He enjoys sleeping, wrestling with his sister, napping and a good belly rub. Cas, along with many others, lost his home in the housing crisis. His former family abandoned him but he soon found a new home at Pilates+. Casanova is fully qualified in Dog-Yoga but allows Lily to take most of the instructing duties as he prefers to spend his time ensuring that students are warmly greeted.