Question 1

How do I book and manage my appointments?

Accepted Answer

The best way to do this is to make an account on the website - this will allow you to review and change your classes as you need.  Remember, the cancellation policy is 12 hours.

Question 2

What class level is appropriate for me?

Accepted Answer

All new participants to the studio are required to take at least one beginner class.

You are more than welcome to stay in the beginner classes if you are more comfortable with a slower pace.  However, don't be fooled into thinking that the beginner class doesn't have its challenges - there is still plenty of spice sprinkled in!

If you are unsure when to move into another class - simply discuss it with your instructor they are the best one to provide advice.

Question 3

I have never used a reformer or done a group class before....

Accepted Answer

If you are a total newbie or haven't done any form of exercise before you are welcome to join in on a beginner class.  Or perhaps a 1:1 session for your first experience may be the place to start.

If you think you would rather start with a private session, please have a look at the price list and email the studio to organise a time.

Question 4

Can I do Reformer Pilates with an injury?

Accepted Answer

Before going any further with this - you need to have medical advice and clearance to start working out.

The best place to start with this is get in contact - email - and lets chat about the injuries, that way an assessment can be made about where to start.

The best option that will likely be offered is to at least start with a 1:1 private session to ensure you are ready and able to start the reformer journey.

Please do not book,  turn up to a class and then advise the instructor of your injury.

Question 5

Class timetable structure

Accepted Answer

The class timetable will regularly reviewed and adjustments made according to what we think suits the majority.

At this stage - starting out - there is one instructor who currently works in the public health sector so classes are scheduled accordingly to availability.

The more demand for classes and more participants getting on board, the more classes and days that can be offered.

We welcome requests and suggestions but please be aware that we need the support to add additional services.

Question 6

What do I do for my first class?

Accepted Answer

Come to the studio wearing comfortable clothing that you can freely workout in.

Please come to the studio 5 minutes early.  This will allow time to see the studio layout and receive a brief introduction to the reformer machine - this decreases being uncomfortable and getting flustered in a new group setting, it also is respectful to the other clients that have been before as it doesn't cause distractions.

Compulsory items to bring with you for hygiene reasons is a sweat towel, water and some socks - there will be grippy socks available to purchase in studio, these are compulsory if you are going to do more than one class, they enable you to have better grip and stability while working out on the machine.

Please also don't come on an empty stomach, I find that blood sugars drop too fast and you quickly start to feel faint!  No one wants that!

We have all the other equipment you might need in studio.

Question 7

Class arrival

Accepted Answer

Please turn up to class on time - we will be starting on time!  This is for the courtesy of both the instructor and the other group members.

If you however do arrive late, you will have to join in where the class is up to - which will mean you have no warmup period - so you do so at your own risk.  5 minute lateness may be accepted but if it starts to get up to the 10 minute mark this will likely not be accepted and you will not be allowed to join in the session.

If you arrive while a class is still in session or the door is closed/locked, please wait outside till the door is opened.

Question 8

What happens if I need to cancel/reschedule my class booking?

Accepted Answer

We understand how life can change and that cancellations are needed, however, our cancellation policy is 12 hours prior to your class starting.

Due to the fact that we only have 8 class spaces, 12 hours give us the opportunity to have your space filled by someone else that is potentially on the waitlist for that time slot.

There is no extra charges for a cancelled/rescheduled class if it is made with more than 12 hours notice.

If you cancel/reschedule with less than 12 hours of your class commencing or simply fail to show up for the class that you booked into, you will forfeit class credit.

We do understand that life throws us last minute changes, but please don't ask for exemptions on this policy.  We are a small business that needs to protect our interests.

Please use the booking system to manage your bookings - there is not explanation needed so please you don't need to email etc to explain.  We understand! :)

Question 9

What happens if the class I want to attend is booked out?

Accepted Answer

If the class you are wanting to attend is showing up as full then you can join the waitlist.

The waitlist is an automatic system that places you on an allocation list in case there are any cancellations.

If there are cancellations then the system will place you into the class - there is no guarantees that you will get into the class but its worth a shot!

Just be mindful if you place yourself on the waitlist and then your plans change (within 6 hours of the class starting) and you can't attend that class and a spot becomes available you will be charged for that spot unless you cancel yourself off the waitlist before this happens.

You will receive an email if you get a waitlisted spot in a class - no email spot confirmation then a spot hasn't come up.

Question 10

What's the cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand life can change and you can no longer make your session.  Our cancellation/rescheduling policy is 12 hours.  This means that you have till 12 hours prior to your booked class starting to cancel/reschedule your session and you won't lose your pass.  If however, you are within 12 hours of your class starting or you simply do not show to your class, you forfeit that pass and you will not be entitled to a credit.

Question 11

Class/Studio Cancellations

Accepted Answer

On the odd occasion I may become ill or something urgent comes up in my life - I will have to cancel a class.  Please understand I am one person and respect that I don't make this decision lightly so please be gentle and understanding.

We do require a MINIMUM of 3 participants in a group session for the group class to go ahead.  We will try our very best not to have to do this but this may need to happen on the odd occasion due to low numbers.

You will receive and email and a text message at least 4 hours before the scheduled class is due to commence to let you know.
You will be offered some other class times to attend, but if this is not possible a reimbursement will be arranged.

Question 12

Can I share or give my booked session to someone else?

Accepted Answer

No.  Sorry the person booking the session is the one that has to turn up for it.  It can not be transferred to someone else.

Question 13

Do you offer 1:1, 2:1, or sports/work group sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  This can all be done.  Please check the pricing list for the services offered and then email the studio with your request.

Question 14

I'm pregnant, can I attend a group class?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.  But we must be advised of this prior to you doing a class as there may be some modifications that need to be made - this is especially important if in your 2nd trimester or post natal.

This is to ensure everyone is well supported and safe.

It is really important to remain active during pregnancy.

Question 15

When can I do Reformer Pilates after giving birth?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you wait at least 6 weeks post delivery and that you have clearance from a medical professional.

If you have had a Caesarian section at least 12 weeks is required prior to doing a reformer class.

If you have had any complications post any of the above, please advise us.

Question 16

Whats so different about Pilates and Reformer Pilates?

Accepted Answer

Originally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a method of whole body exercise designed to improve daily activities and livelihood.
Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the exercises coordinate movement and breath together to work the smaller and deeper stabilizing muscles of the body as much as your prime movers.

A reformer lets you intensify and focus exercises to create the famous Pilates “powerhouse” body, boosting core strength, flexibility, coordination and balance, while shaping your muscles for a longer, leaner look - And it allows you to see results really quickly!

A Pilates reformer might look complicated, with its sliding carriage, springs, bars and straps, but it means you can assert more control, and get more fitness impact than ever before.

With Pilates reformer classes, you can increase the benefits of Mat Pilates, building even better core strength, flexibility, long lean muscles, a healthy back and improved body consciousness.

Majority of us have heard about pilates and have an idea of what happens in a class.  Reformer pilates is just that, pilates but it is performed on a reformer machine.  Using the reformer machine for a pilates workout helps all sorts of people, but is also beneficial for those recovering from an injury or those looking to focus more precisely on core movements and isolate more muscle groups than just mat pilates does.  The low impact workout is also a great option for recovery and injury rehabilitation.

Question 17

....but I'm not flexible

Accepted Answer

Don't worry! There is no pre-requisite to come to a reformer class that says you have to be flexible!

All there is is that you are willing to come and give it a try!

You will still be able to carry out each exercise no matter what your flexibility is like.  Flexibility is one very small part of Reformer Pilates.

Throughout your involvement and practice, reformer will aim to mobilise you and help you to gain more flexibility.

Question 18

What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?

Accepted Answer

Reformer Pilates is an all encompassing full body workout –

Some of the key benefits.....

- More resistance 
 - Fitness and strength increase faster
 - Helps build stronger bones and long, strong muscles without bulk
 - Exercises work through a full range of motion, without compromising                     your posture
 - Improves body composition 
 - Comprehensive workout
 - Zero impact which minimises injury – but can offer high intensity 
 - So versatile – working on exercises lying down, sitting, standing, upside down, sideways, pulling, pushing and more…..

Question 19

How often should I do Reformer Pilates?

Accepted Answer

The ideal reformer workout schedule for you depends, in part, on your fitness goals, and can range from once a week to three to four times.

Understanding the benefits of both once-weekly and more frequent sessions can help you select the schedule needed to achieve your desired results.

Your reasons for doing Reformer Pilates can influence how often you decide to do a class. Someone who is seeking to lose weight, for instance, may benefit from a different schedule than an avid runner who is looking for cross training exercises or a person striving to improve flexibility.

Or maybe you want to do Reformer Pilates as part of your strength training routine. The resistance provided in these exercises can increase muscle strength while developing more efficient bodily movements via greater awareness, increased relaxation, and a more positive mindset.
In this way, Reformer Pilates offers a multidimensional approach, incorporating body awareness, functional bodily alignment, breath, and coordination. This keeps your workouts interesting while shifting your focus to these areas.

Question 20

Is Reformer Pilates hard?  Do I have to be fit and strong?

Accepted Answer

Short answer - you don't have to be fit or strong, reformer will help you to improve these aspects with regular workouts!

If you’re thinking about taking a Reformer Pilates class, but not really sure what to expect, you’re not alone.

For one, if you walk in believing it’s going to be a slow, easy workout, you’re in for a wake-up call. Reformer Pilates classes focus on utilising the entire body to improve strength, flexibility and even posture.

While many of the movements might be small and performed slowly, they’re done to target specific muscle groups, many of which you may never work in your usual fitness routine.  And reformer classes introduce a whole other element, too, utilising the machine to add resistance and leverage to certain exercises.

Don't be put off though!  Reformer Pilates is adapted to all fitness levels.

At the introduction to the Reformer machine (beginner classes),  the instructor will explain the parts of the machine and introduce you to the spring weights which is where the resistance comes from.  Adding or subtracting the springs for the exercises makes it less or more challenging.

Don't worry about having to know what spring will work for you - the instructor will tell you your options throughout your class, so make sure you listen.

Reformer Pilates classes are full-body workouts, so don’t be surprised if the class is harder than you initially thought it would be. Chances are you’ll be working many muscles you don’t use very often.

There are some misconceptions surrounding reformer Pilates
That you need to be 'in shape' to do reformer Pilates is not true. The Pilates philosophy is to build a strong powerhouse or core and then progress outwards.

This makes reformer Pilates a great place to start whatever your level of fitness. All the exercises can be progressed and regressed to the individual being taught. This will enable you to be challenged, thus strengthening you in multiple ways and setting you up to achieve your fitness goals.

Question 21

Is Reformer Pilates just for women?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not!

Yes, women mostly dominate reformer classes, but there are so many benefits for men too.

Reformer Pilates was invented by a man - Joseph Pilates.

Develop unused muscles - 
Usually, the muscles that you use on a daily basis tend to be stronger than the others. With Reformer Pilates, you’re able to become aware of those muscles that you don’t typically use. It pushes you to move in ways where you can use those muscles correctly.

Better flexibility - 
Men tend to have tighter muscles, which makes you less flexible. Reformer Pilates uses a specific method to increase your body’s range of motion, improving your overall flexibility. Did you know that women are 7% more flexible than men in their ligaments and tendons? This means that guys need to catch up!

Build core strength -
Your core consists of muscles that support your spine and torso, muscles that form the foundation for all movements. If your core is weak, your body is less stable and you tend to become dependent on dominant muscles. In turn, this will inhibit your flexibility, decrease your range of motion, and you’ll be more prone to injury. Reformer Pilates promotes core activation and engages all of your postural muscles, which leads to more stable and powerful movements.

Increase consciousness - 
As men, you generally focus too much on the amount of weight you can lift. But there are more important things to focus on rather than the weights you lift in a workout. 
Reformer Pilates brings your awareness to a different level. It requires you to slow down to isolate specific muscle groups and maximise the effect of these movements. This kind of consciousness allows you to carry over to your other activities and be more mindful of how you move your body throughout the day.

The whole point here is Reformer Pilates is a great workout, no matter what your gender is. In fact, a lot of professional athletes, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods include Reformer Pilates into their fitness regimen.

Specifically, there’s not much difference about Reformer Pilates when it comes to training men. The Pilates method is beneficial for all. Remember that it was developed by a man. Yes, men obviously tend to have tighter muscles compared to women, but the exercises can be easily modified. After all, modification of exercises is common in Reformer Pilates, allowing you to meet your individual body’s needs.

Question 22

Will Reformer Pilates help me lose weight?

Accepted Answer

YES! Reformer Pilates is a physical activity that helps with weight loss, however, it is not the main goal of the method.

The exercises on the Reformer Pilates aim to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, stabilize the joints and re-educate movement, providing a balance of capacities and increasing the body flexibility.

And how it can help you lose weight? Well, the method works muscles, bones and joints intensely, which stimulates the metabolism and the balance of the entire performance of your body, which is a great ally when losing weight. In addition, Pilates movements in the Reformer increase energy expenditure.
For example, when you are working hard to improve and maintain the Core strength, your body begins to burn calories naturally, especially abdominal. It is here that Reformer Pilates contributes for your body transformation and weight loss.

Depending on the consistency and frequency of the training, after a month of classes, the practitioner starts to notice some results, such as a healthier and more toned body, remembering that muscle definition will help to reduce body measurements, whether in arms, legs or abdomen.

But it is worth saying that it is not enough just to attend some Reformer Pilates classes to lose weight. A Reformer Pilates class will help you lose weight, but only when you combine the method with a healthy lifestyle that includes changing your eating habits.

Therefore, if your main goal in Pilates is fast and prolonged weight loss, you need to have a healthy and balanced diet and, if you can, do another physical activity with high caloric expenditure to complement Pilates.

Frequently asked questions