FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that walking into a Pilates studio for the first time comes with a lot of questions. The machines looks intimidating. You are not sure what to wear. You do not know if you are fit enough or flexible enough or experienced enough to keep up. The honest answer is: you are exactly who we built Doru for.
Your Doru Questions, Answered
Doru Pilates is a boutique reformer studio in Elberon, NJ. We cap every group class at 8 clients, our instructors are full-time Pilates professionals trained in New York City, and we genuinely meet every person where they are. Whether you are 25 or 85, brand new or coming back after years away, we have worked with someone in your exact situation. Below are the questions we hear most often, answered directly by our founder Lauren Ginsberg.
What should I expect in my first reformer Pilates class?
Expect to slow down. That is probably the biggest adjustment for most first-timers. The choreography at Doru is different from anything you have probably done before. There are straps, loops, springs, and a moving carriage, and it takes a little time to find your footing. The hardest part for beginners is not the physical work. It is building the body awareness to cue yourself correctly and connect your mind to your movement.
Our instructors are with you through all of it. We prioritize correct form over doing the move fast or doing more reps. If you burn out early or need to rest, that is completely fine. Take the class at the level you are at. It takes about 10 sessions before Pilates really starts to click, so come in with an open mind and leave the expectations at the door.
Do I need to be flexible or in shape to start?
Not at all. You do not need to be anything other than yourself. We have clients who started Pilates at 10 years old and clients in their 80s and 90s who still come regularly. We adapt every class and every private session to the individual in front of us. No one at Doru is made to feel like they cannot keep up or do not belong. Anyone can do Pilates, which is honestly what makes it so special.
How long does it take to see results from reformer Pilates?
It depends on your goal and your consistency. Coming 2 to 3 times a week is the sweet spot. With that kind of regularity, most clients start to see and feel results in as little as a month. We always recommend starting with private sessions to build your foundation first, then layering in group classes. The more solid your foundation, the faster and more noticeable your results will be. Consistency will always beat intensity.
Can I lose weight doing reformer Pilates?
Yes, and we get this question a lot. Pilates is an incredibly effective tool for body composition change, but it works best when paired with some form of cardio activity. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, anything that gets your heart rate up is a great complement to your Pilates practice. Together with clean eating and consistent sessions, the results can be significant.
As for calories burned per class: it is actually more nuanced than most people think. The stronger you get in Pilates, the faster you burn to fatigue. A highly trained client may shake and struggle more than a beginner, not because they are weaker, but because their muscles engage more deeply. Spring tension, body weight, height, and muscle engagement all factor in. Generally speaking, you can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories in a Doru class.
What should I wear to a reformer Pilates class?
Comfortable, fitted workout clothing that allows you to move freely. Leggings, yoga pants, or fitted sweatpants all work well. Avoid anything too loose or baggy, as it can restrict your movement and make it harder for your instructor to see your alignment and form.
Grip socks are required for all classes at Doru. They keep you stable on the reformer and are a basic hygiene standard for shared equipment. If you do not own a pair, we sell them in the studio so you will always be covered.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 12 hours notice before your class start time to receive a credit back to your account. If you cancel inside that 12-hour window, the class credit is lost.
For example: if your class is at 10:30 AM on Saturday, you must cancel by 10:30 PM on Friday, either through MindBody or by texting Lauren directly. If a class is full, you can join the waitlist and will be automatically added if a spot opens. For safety reasons, clients who arrive more than 5 minutes late will not be admitted to class.
Why should I choose Doru over other Pilates studios in Monmouth County?
Lauren puts it simply: she came to Monmouth County, fell in love with it, and noticed that a genuinely great Pilates studio was missing. So she built one.
What sets Doru apart is the standard we hold ourselves to. Every instructor at Doru is a full-time fitness professional, trained in New York City at some of the best studios in the country. This is not a part-time job or a side career for our team. It is what we do, all day, every day, and that level of commitment shows up in every class.
Classes are capped at 8 clients. Every piece of programming is different. The studio is obsessively clean. We wipe the machines down ourselves before and after every session. And when you walk through our door, you are known by name, not by a booking number. We bring New York City energy and standards to Long Branch, and that is something no other studio in Monmouth County is doing at the level we are.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help. Reach out before booking if you have anything specific on your mind.