FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse the topics below to learn more about our Studio, Health Clinic and Education services.

First time at Body Harmonics?

What happens on my first visit to Body Harmonics in Toronto?

At Body Harmonics, we want you to feel at home, so a member of our Front Desk team will greet you and provide you with a thorough orientation as well as an understanding of how our system works. Next, you’ll meet with one of our studio or clinic professionals for an Introductory Consultation to discuss your needs and goals and get you started in the way that’s right for you.

Why an Introductory Consultation?

With our 45-minute Introductory Consultation we help you determine the best Body Harmonics programs to get the results you’re after. Our “Intro Consult” has been a hit for years and is designed to set you up for success, orient you to our Studios and Clinics—and help you feel at home.

What kind of support can I expect?

To help you get the most out of your time at Body Harmonics, our Client Advisor checks in with you periodically about your experience and can answer any questions you may have. We also welcome your feedback  so that we can continue to provide you with exceptional services and options that suit your goals, lifestyle and schedule.

How can I learn more about the professionals at Body Harmonics?

All of our Studio and Clinic professionals are extensively trained in their fields of expertise. In addition, we conduct ongoing training and professional development for our staff so they keep their skills and knowledge current.

What are the facilities like?

Our Studio-Clinic environments have state-of-the-art Pilates, fitness and therapeutic equipment and apparatus. Our Studio spaces are spacious, airy and full of natural light. Our Clinic rooms are private, quiet and calming. Changing areas and washroom facilities are available for your comfort. Check us out on Instagram.

How do I get there?

Both of our Toronto Pilates Studio & Health Clinic locations (in The Annex and Midtown) are easily accessible by public transit and there’s ample parking nearby. Our Dupont location in The Annex is fully wheelchair accessible.

When was Body Harmonics started?

Body Harmonics was founded in 1998 by Margot McKinnon. Our flagship Annex location on Dupont Street has expanded over the years and today comprises a Pilates & Movement Studio, Health Clinic and Teacher Training Center. Our second full-service facility opened in 2006 and is located in Midtown Toronto on Eglinton Avenue.

Pilates & Movement Studios

Where did Pilates originate?

Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) based on his philosophy of building “a sound mind in a sound body.” This mind-body method consists of a broad repertoire of “classical” exercises performed on a mat or on specially designed machines, often in a specific order. Traditionally, athletes and dancers were strong proponents of the Pilates Method because it enhanced their performance, helped them prevent injury and produced greater control and precision. A visionary, ahead of his time, Joseph Pilates taught his students to move and exercise so body and mind worked together to create power, grace and symmetry.

How does Body Harmonics Pilates & Movement go beyond the original Pilates repertoire?

At Body Harmonics, we respect the genius of Joseph Pilates but we move beyond his original teachings to make Pilates, movement and complementary health practices accessible and effective for everyone. Our whole-person, science-driven approach is designed to strengthen your core musculoskeletal system and get everything working optimally and in sync—so that you move well and feel well at every age and stage.

Do you follow the original order of Pilates exercises designed by Joseph Pilates?

While Joseph Pilates’ original order for exercises has merit it may not suit the needs and goals of all individuals. So, instead of subscribing to a predetermined, one-size fits all exercise prescription, Body Harmonics Pilates & Movement teachers are taught to think outside the box and take a whole-person, individualized approach to developing programs and classes that deliver lasting changes—whether you attend one of our group classes or choose personalized training.

What are the benefits of Body Harmonics Pilates & Movement?

  • Core stability. Strengthening the body’s deep stabilizers improves alignment, prevents injury, relieves pain, enhances balance and facilitates optimal movement patterns.
  • Balanced body. Better posture, stronger muscles, and greater coordination, agility and mobility make it easier to do the things you love, longer.
  • Optimal movement. When your body moves and functions as nature intended you’re more likely to have more energy, sleep more soundly, experience improved digestion, and perform more efficiently and effectively.
  • Stress reduction. Regular mind-body activity and improved overall health help you deal more effectively with life’s stressors and alleviate or overcome stress-related illnesses.
  • Look as good as you feel. When you take a methodical approach to conditioning your whole body, you feel AND look great.

When will I see and feel the benefits?

Benefits are far-reaching and unique to each person. You may feel a marked difference after one visit, or it may take a few weeks. The key to remember is that small, incremental changes lead to transformation over time.

Where can I find a Body Harmonics Pilates & Movement teacher near me?

Our new Teacher Finder is a great place to search for one of our highly qualified Body Harmonics Pilates & Movement teachers or specialists. If you’re in Toronto, check out our two well-equipped, light-filled Studios where we offer more than 100 classes a week and can pair you with just the right instructor if it’s personal training you’re after.

Why choose group mat or machine classes?

  • You like the dynamic and energy of a group class
  • You want to experience a variety of instructors and styles
  • You like a range of class types—with or without equipment or apparatus
  • You don’t need or desire one-on-one attention
  • You’re seeking to complement your personal training sessions
  • You have specific fitness and movement goals that our group classes can satisfy
  • You have special needs that our specialized classes address (prenatal, neurological, back pain)

Why choose private or semi-private training?

  • You prefer a personalized program
  • You want help getting more out of group classes
  • You seek the multiple benefits of using the full range of Pilates equipment
  • You’re recovering from an injury
  • You have a chronic condition that requires specialized knowledge
  • You want a customized schedule

What can I expect from private or semi-private training?

  • Exercises tailored to your needs and goals
  • Close monitoring of your form and execution for precision, safety and maximum efficiency
  • Verbal and tactile feedback to increase exercise effectiveness
  • Specialized expertise matched to your personality, level and the results you seek
  • Sessions that may include the full range of Pilates equipment and small apparatus

What kinds of Pilates & Movement programs do you offer?

With a wide range of group and personalized instruction, there’s something for everyone at Body Harmonics—whether you’re rehabbing from injury, wanting to up your game and get into shape, dealing with a neurological challenge, or aiming to build your body for a particular sport or activity. Choose from more than 125 classes a week or get started one-on-one with one of our exceptional studio teachers. We also offer Public Workshops and Special Programs to help enhance your learning.

Health Clinics

What makes your Health Clinic services unique?

Unique to our Clinics is the way our clinicians interact and support the work we do in our Studios. Our clinicians and Studio teachers work with you to help prevent or resolve health issues and movement challenges. Our carefully chosen team of clinicians and lineup of services provide you with extensive options to meet your movement, nutritional and wellness needs. This means you get the best of both worlds under one roof.

Are your Health Clinic services covered by my insurance?

Many of our services are covered under extended health insurance plans. Please check your plan for coverage details.

What are the benefits of your teachers and clinicians working together?

The addition of therapeutic health services to our Studios means an even more integrated approach to wellbeing. In our Pilates Studios the focus is on active, movement-based outcomes and in our Clinics we offer a variety of specialized services to support or enhance a healthy lifestyle. Services range from manual techniques such as Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, M.A.T. and Fascial Stretch Therapy to Nutritional and Naturopathic Counseling to Life Coaching and Specialized Abdominal Wall Retraining for postpartum women. Teachers and clinicians consult and refer back and forth to ensure you get the best possible results.

Are you allowed to participate in the Studio services while under the care of a clinician?

Absolutely! Our aim is for everyone to be as active and healthy as possible. We are also committed to supporting clinical interventions with “active therapy” in our Pilates Studios.

How is my health information kept confidential?

In our Health Clinics we adhere to Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) with regard to keeping personal information private. Your health records are kept confidential at all times. Clinicians will always ask your permission to share your information with their colleagues at Body Harmonics or other health professionals and will only do so with your approval.

Pilates Equipment

On the Mat

At Body Harmonics, most of our group classes involve a series of contemporary Pilates exercises and integrated movement lying on a mat, standing or both. With a focus on core strength, fluid movement and feeling good, our mat classes promise to make you strong, balanced, limber, relaxed and energized. Various fitness apparatus and music are often incorporated into our classes to heighten the mind-body connection, provide challenge and keep you motivated. Our unique progressive sequencing™ makes our classes easy to follow and easy to feel. Choose from beginner to advanced level classes at times that suit your busy schedule.

On the Reformer

Using the Reformer is a unique movement experience. A versatile and smooth functioning machine, it provides finely tuned resistance to help you develop good alignment, core strength, balance and flexibility. Reformer exercises can be done lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing. There are all kinds of variations that allow you to train each part of the body separately or as an integrated system. We offer beginner to advanced level classes seven days a week.

On the Springboard

The Pilates Springboard is a five-foot rectangular board that bolts to the wall. With springs of various lengths and tensions you can use the Springboard lying down, seated, standing, kneeling and side-lying for a versatile and challenging workout. At Body Harmonics you can choose from three levels of Springboard classes. To get started, try the Springboard Core basic class. This basic to intermediate level class incorporates the Springboard in working every part of the body to build strength, core control and balance. A good mat work foundation is strongly recommended so the added resistance allows you to get the most out of every exercise. Reformer experience is an asset.

On the Cadillac/Trapeze Table

The Pilates Cadillac incorporates leg springs, arm springs, fuzzy loops to hang from, a push-through bar to stretch you out, and even a trapeze. You can isolate almost every muscle group with this piece of equipment–it’s an excellent tool for breaking down complex movements to restore correct movement patterns. The Cadillac is also unbeatable for meeting functional movement needs and goals–whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced level client. Body Harmonics Studios are equipped with Cadillacs which we use in our private training sessions.

On the Chair

The Pilates Chair is a piece of resistance equipment that is streamlined and simply designed. The smaller base of support and adjustable spring tension challenges strength and stability. Ideal for full-body training at any level, Chair exercises can target almost every muscle or muscle group through every plane of motion. Like the Cadillac, the Chair is used in our private training sessions.

On the Barrels

There are three types of Pilates Barrels and they’re a powerful complement to our other equipment. Barrels can be used to refine standard mat work and vertical exercises by helping you perfect starting positions, reduce tension, improve range of motion, access targeted muscle groups and even increase exercise challenge.

Contact Us

Let us know how we can help!