1) I’ve never done Pilates before. How do I get started?
If you are interested in mat classes (Yoga or Matwork Pilates), Pure Barre, or Circuit, you can start with a casual class or purchase a pack of 5 or 10 classes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your first class to complete a new client questionnaire.
If you are specifically interested in Reformer Pilates, we offer 2 options for new clients:
Introduction to Reformer Pilates – For a special price of $55 you get a one-hour private Reformer session on a date and time of your chosing with an instructor. We will introduce you to the Reformer machine and familiarise you with the principles of Pilates and terminology so you ultimately feel comfortable moving on the reformer before joining a group reformer class. Please bring socks to wear on the Reformer and arrive right at your appointment start time.
Studio Introduction – For $79 you will have a one-hour private Reformer session on a date and time of your chosing with an instructor, as well as the opportunity to attend one group Matwork Pilates class, one group Pure Barre class, and one group Yoga class. This is a fabulous way to get to know the studio and instructors and to try out a few of the different classes we offer.
2) I’ve done Matwork Pilates before, but never Reformer. What is my best option?
We do ask that you complete a private Reformer session with an instructor before entering into a regular group Reformer class for your benefit and the benefit of the others in the class. We want to spend the time to make sure you are comfortable with the terminology and principles of Pilates so that you can confidently practise them throughout your classes at the studio knowing you are exercising safely and with proper form. You may chose between the Intro to Reformer private pack, or Studio Intro pack.
3) What should I wear to Pilates?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing in which you can move freely. We ask that you wear socks in the Reformer class for hygienic reasons and in Pure Barre for safety reasons. Pilates socks with grips along the sole are available for purchase in the studio. Pilates Circuit classes require gym shoes.
4) Should I bring anything to class?
Please bring a towel, socks for Reformer and Pure Barre class, and a water bottle. Mats and equipment are provided for your mat classes, but of course you can bring your own yoga mat if you like. Pilates socks with grips along the sole are available for purchase in the studio.
5) How many classes a week is recommended?
For beginners, it is wise to start with one Pilates class a week to see how your body feels after your Pilates workout. If you are quite fit, you can try starting with two classes a week. If you are experienced with the Reformer and fit, you may do as many classes a week as you wish, but always remember to listen to your body and allow it to recover at least one day a week. Many of our clients enjoy doing one of our Memberships as they offer some variety, unlimited classes, and a great overall body workout. To get the best results, it is recommended to do a variety of workouts so that you are continually challenging your muscles, therefore we offer a variety of different classes with varying levels of intensity.
6) I have a lower back injury/pain. Is Pilates safe for me to do?
As long as you are cleared by your physician/physical therapist, Pilates is a fabulous way to help alleviate lower back pain or rehabilitate after a back injury. Traditional crunches only work the outermost abdominal muscles. Pilates strengthens the entire core region – including the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, lumbar extensors, and buttocks – to completely stabilise the spine and lumbopelvic region, bringing the body into correct alignment and helping to alleviate the pain. Please inform instructors prior to class of your condition and never do any exercise that causes any pain in the lower back. Depending on your condition and if you are under the care of a physiotherapist, you may benefit from Private Sessions with an instructor.
7) Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant/postnatal?
Pilates is a great way to maintain fitness throughout pregnancy and to rehabilitate after labour. It is important to strengthen the pelvic floor, buttocks, legs, and arms but one must be careful with which abdominal muscles are being activated. It is vital to consult a physician as to when you may return to exercise after giving birth as the time will vary depending on the nature of the birth.
Since there are many modifications that need to be made to exercises during pregnancy and many exercise series that cannot be performed, our regular group reformer Pilates classes are not suitable for pregnant and postnatal clients. We ask that you schedule a private Pilates session with an instructor so we may customise a workout for you that will include reformer and mat exercises.
Our Mums & Bubs classes are suitabe for pre- and post-natal clients with some variations; please inform an instructor prior to coming to class how far along you are or how far out after birth you are so we may prepare special exercises for you.
8) Do you accept walk-ins?
Because of the nature of our studio, instructors are only here during class times or private sessions during which they are occupied with clients. We ask that you book in online ahead of time for one of our new client packages. If you are coming to a group class as a new client, please arrive 5 minutes prior to class start time to fill in your new client contact information and health history questionnaire. If you are coming to your introductory New Client Private Reformer Session, you can arrive right at the appointment start time. Our studio is staffed throughout the day; should you wish to stop in to check us out or make an inquiry, it is best to call ahead to arrange a time as we may be with clients or in a class.
9) Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates can be a cardiovascular workout if you are at an intermediate/advanced level and have no injuries, especially doing jumpboard on the Reformer and incorporating fitness elements. Pilates is great for low-impact strengthening of the muscles, development of core stability, toning, and increasing flexibility. However if you have an injury, the focus should be on rehabilitation instead of calorie-burning. Our Jumpboard Reformer Pilates, Pilates Circuit, and Pure Barre classes will give you a great cardio workout.
10) How long do I need to do Pilates before I start seeing results?
To quote Joseph Pilates: “In 10 sessions you will feel better, in 20 you will look better, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.” If you are doing 2-3 classes a week, you should start to see results in 10-12 weeks. If you attend one class a week, you will still see results but it might take longer.
11) Will my muscles be sore after Pilates?
Muscle soreness after Pilates depends on your athleticism and muscle memory. You will get out of Pilates what you put in; meaning, if you do not make a conscious effort to recruit muscles correctly and focus on proper form, you will not feel sore afterwards. Pilates is designed to be a workout so you will feel your muscles working, however you should never feel any pain in the neck, back or joints. After our Pure Barre classes, it is quite common to be sore and a bit fatigued, but of course this also depends on your fitness level prior to beginning the classes.