Answers to some of the FAQ we are asked

WHAT HAPPENS IN A CLASS?
The class will focus on mat work and will begin with a few gentle stretches to relax and focus you. We will then move onto a series of Pilates exercises designed to challenge, strengthen and mobilise your body, leaving you lengthened, energised and yet relaxed.

WHAT DO I WEAR?
Comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. Pilates is usually performed in bare feet or socks. Please wear socks if you have a verruca.

I AM PREGNANT / POST NATAL – CAN I DO PILATES?
PREGNANCY: You should always check with your doctor before doing any kind of exercise during pregnancy. However, Pilates tends to be particularly suitable for pregnant women, since it is a low-impact form of exercise that strengthens the back, stomach and pelvic floor muscles. Some exercises may need to be modified while pregnant. A properly tailored Pilates programme, however, can be the ideal way to lessen or avoid the back-pain commonly experienced during late pregnancy and to enable your body to regain its shape.
POST NATAL: As with pregnancy, you should always get your doctors advice before doing any form of exercise. For new mothers, Pilates will stretch muscles back into place, helping the body regain its shape and tone. The exercises can be customised to provide a safe and effective workout that is not too stressful for the abdominal area or spine, even in those who have had a Caesarean delivery.

I AM BEING TREATED FOR AN INJURY – CAN I STILL DO PILATES?
Pilates is ideal to complement any kind of body-therapy and is recommended by many practitioners and therapists today. Depending on your injury and the severity of it, we may recommend a 1:1 session before joining a class. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire before you start your classes at Power of Pilates and we may ask for your permission to work in conjunction with your practitioner to give you the best results. Pilates is a safe, low impact and highly effective method of exercise for rehabilitation.

WHAT CAN PILATES ADD TO MY EXISTING FITNESS ROUTINE?
Quite a lot! Pilates exercises are a great compliment to a gym routine and to many sports such as running, cycling, football, rugby, tennis, golf, rowing, horse-riding and cricket. Many top sportsmen are now making Pilates an integral part of their fitness programme to enhance their performance, improve their technique and keep their bodies strong, supple and injury free. The attention to detail on muscle recruitment can be of enormous help to tennis and golf players.
Pilates is especially effective in building core stability, improving focus and injury prevention. All sports have their own key patterns of movement and repeated use of these movement patterns can result in muscular imbalance. Less relevant muscle groups can become weak and inefficient, with the more predominant muscles becoming bulky and tight. Pilates focuses on the body as a whole, aiming to rebalance muscles and improve postural alignment.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
No, everything you need is provided in the class. All the Pilates products are available to buy if you prefer not to use shared equipment and use at home. You may wish to bring a bottle of water with you.

ARE THERE CHANGING ROOMS AND FACILITIES?
All of our locations have rest rooms with room to change.

HOW LONG BEFORE I NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE?
Pilates is not a quick fix, but a longer term commitment brings great results! There are many factors to consider—different body types, genetics, stamina and previous injuries, so no one person is the same. You should notice small changes after a 6-8 weeks course, but as a general guide you should feel stronger and more flexible after 30 lessons.

IS PERSONAL TRAINING AVAILABLE?
Power of Pilates instructors are highly qualified, with years of experience. Please visit our Personal Training page for more information.

DO YOU OPERATE A WAITING LIST?
We operate a waiting list for all of our classes; if somebody cancels the person at the top of the waiting list will automatically be put in the class. An email will be sent to you informing you and we will also try to call. Please note that if you are put into the class from the waiting list our cancellation policy still applies.

HOW DO I PAY?
We accept payment by credit or debit card, paypal, bank transfer and cheque.

CAN I MANAGE MY BOOKINGS ONLINE?
You can manage all your bookings and purchases online.

HOW FAR CAN YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE?
You can reserve your class until the end of the year but the class must be paid for 1 week prior to the course start date to confirm the place.

I HAVE BOOKED A COURSE – WHAT NOW?
Payment must be received before you attend your class, please see your confirmation email for details of how to pay. If you have booked at short notice then please email us to let us know that you will bring your payment to the class with you. You will also need complete our screening form and bring with you to your first class.

DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS?
We have a strict no-refund policy.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We have a 24hr cancellation policy, any classes or sessions cancelled in the 24hr window will be charged the full price.

HOW DO I RESCHEDULE A CLASS IF I CAN’T MAKE IT?
If you give more than 24 hours notice prior to missing a class, you are able to gain a class credit and attend a class at another time within the 7 weeks course. To cancel your class & to get the class credit, please follow the following steps (making sure that you give at least 24 hours notice otherwise you will lose the class.

• Log on to your profile.
• Go to 'My bookings
• Click 'Cancel' next to the class / classes you cannot attend

You will then receive and email giving you your class credit. This must be used within the 7 week block that you are currently on

To book your class credit, please email me with at least 3 options of classes you could attend. we will then come back to you with which classes I can fit you into.

HOW DO I BOOK CLASSES IN ADVANCE?
Use the links for the course dates on the front page of the website to book classes in advance. Select to pay by Cheque / Bank transfer / Autopay to book without paying. Your classes will be shown under 'My bookings'. Payment must be received 1 week in advance to secure your place. If you want to set up Autopay please see details below.

HOW DO I SET UP AUTOPAY?
• Book your classes in advance for the year. You can do this using the course start dates on the front page of the website.
• When you book each course, select to pay by Cheque/Bank Transfer/Autopay. Your classes will be shown under 'My bookings'.
• Check your credit / debit card details are registered on your profile
• Email us and request Autopay for the year and we will request payment from your card 1 week prior to the class starting.
• Please note that payment will be set up until end Dec 2017. If you need to cancel your classes before then, please email us and inform us so that we can cancel your Autopay.

** PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST BOOK YOUR CLASSES BEFORE WE CAN SET UP AUTOPAY