FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Form Pilates' FAQs. I have pulled some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers and compiled them all into one place. Should you have any other questions that I may have missed, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What should I wear?
Please wear whatever is comfortable to exercise in. I do recommend that you wear clothes that are form-fitting so I can best assess your posture and your alignment whilst in certain positions, however it is completely up to you.
I do ask that socks are always worn, grippy socks are advised as they give the best grip for maximum engagement and safety when using the reformer. I also do ask that you refrain from wearing any clothing with zips/press-studs or anything that may potentially damage the upholstery on the reformer. Jewellery such as rings with stones must also be removed.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a cancellation policy of 24 hours. Please let me know as soon as possible and we can reschedule. Failure to do so will result in you losing your session. Please contact me if there are any issues.
Do you have an introductory/trial offer?
Yes I do! Your first session with me is reduced to £30. This session is a 55 minute private 1:1 session on the Reformer where it gives me the opportunity to get to know your goals and ambitions for your body as well as teaching you how to become confident on the reformer apparatus.
What is Reformer Pilates and what happens in each session?
In each session I will work with you towards whole body health and strengthening using Pilates exercises on the Reformer apparatus and other accompanying equipment. Reformer Pilates aims to coordinate your body's movements with its breath encouraging you to move in a fluid fashion. It offers a completely different experience to traditional mat-based Pilates exercises as the client can be supported, challenged or both by the reformer bed and its springs. The reformer is an excellent tool for rehabilitation and in learning new movement strategies to re-educate yourself in Pilates and movement. The springs on the reformer allow for added resistance, making the exercise more intense and dynamic whilst also offering support.
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Being in a 1:1/2:1 setting, it will afford us the time to correct your form and posture ensuring that you are engaging the appropriate muscles for that exercises and getting the most out of each exercise. This is something that large classes often cannot accommodate due to timing and numerous other people requiring time and attention also.
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Postural correction is also something a lot of individuals need nowadays! Technology forever has us hunched over a screen, maybe you always hold your child on one hip? These are normal everyday activities that we often can't change, therefore, we must teach the body how to adapt to it in the healthiest way possible.
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After an initial assessment in our first session, whether you are an avid athlete, a complete beginner or somebody who is recovering from an injury, we will work together to ensure you get the absolute most out of every session and work towards your goals.
By working in the best way possible for YOUR body, Pilates will enable you to feel lengthened and stronger in your core as well as your full body.
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If you have any questions or reservations at all regarding whether Reformer Pilates is for you, don't hesitate to get in touch.
I have never done exercise before, can I partake in Reformer Pilates?
Yes, Reformer Pilates is very accommodating, utilising aids such as the balance pole, circle and ball, our sessions can move at a pace suitable for you and encourage your confidence. The springs can be changed to accommodate for any fitness level.
The beauty of being instructed on a 1:1 basis means that we can adjust to how you are feeling on the day and challenge you accordingly. The reformer equipment can look more intimidating than it is, under full instruction from myself I will guide you through each and every movement to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Can I still attend sessions if I am injured?
Yes, depending on where you are with your recovery and whether a medical professional such as a physio therapist or Doctor has signed you off as being able to exercise. This will need to be determined once I have sent to you a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form to fill out.
Pilates can definitely aid in your recovery, but timing is critical and it also depends on the severity of the injury/surgery and the time it takes for the body to be ready for exercise. Pilates is low-impact, highly adaptable and through the use of the springs, has adjustable resistance that can be reduced or increased as we work through your rehabilitative journey. The reformer can also be great for isolation, meaning we can take the pressure off the injured area and focus on stabilising before strengthening, building a strong foundation for recovery.
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What if I am pregnant?
Due to its low impact nature, Reformer Pilates is fantastic for those who are pregnant whether you exercise regularly or not. You are both strengthening and lengthening the core muscles. In each session, breathwork will facilitate the engagement of your core to provide you with further support during exercise alongside your everyday activity and then into your labor. Although you are getting a great low-impact workout, you will leave feeling calm and re-energized also.
A 1:1 session also gives the time to dedicate to you and your baby's safety. This is paramount to me and I will continuously strive to learn the most up to date research on what is or isn't safe for those who are pregnant.
Being adjustable and with added resistance of the spring, you are simultaneously being supported and challenged. We can alter each movement to become safer and more comfortable for you which is the beauty of Reformer Pilates. The reformer is also off the ground, making it much more comfortable than Mat Pilates which is floor-based.
Having been fully trained by The School of Reform in Dynamic Reformer Pilates, it formed part of my training to learn how to safely adapt a reformer session for pre and post natal women. Not only this, my trainer in particular was a physio of 18 years in the US and had qualifications specialising in Women's Health and imparted priceless knowledge.
I have been through childbirth, can I do Reformer Pilates?
I will send to you a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form for you to complete.This will give you the opportunity to inform me of any complications that you are enduring from childbirth.
It is paramount that your Doctor/Midwife has agreed that it is safe for you to begin exercising again.
The general rule is 6+ weeks for a natural birth and 8+ weeks for a c-section.
The beauty of 1:1 Reformer Pilates is that it is fully personalised to you and your body. In each session we will focus on not only health, but also your relaxation. As a new parent, the overwhelm can often be outstanding so it is important that you take this time for you and your body which is often a rarity.
I also understand it is very difficult to find time for yourself and arrange childcare simultaneously, so I want to make the offer of bringing your baby along with you. Bring their favourite bouncer/toy to occupy them and I will do my best to make sure you are exercising as much as possible. With calming music and no loud noises, it can often be the perfect space for baby to have a sleep also.
Can Reformer Pilates help with my pelvic floor?
Pilates and the pelvic floor go hand in hand as Pilates utilises breath-work. When we exhale, the lower abs and pelvic floor contract, whereas during inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and the pelvic floor lengthens. Incontinence can create a barrier to fitness due to involuntary leakage but is often a natural body reaction after pregnancy and childbirth. Any increased abdominal pressure from actions such as sneezing, coughing, lifting and running can cause involuntary leakage due to the decrease in pelvic muscle tone. Reformer Pilates works with the body to increase pelvic muscle tone and strengthen the pelvic girdle which hold vital organs.
I can't find a session time available that fits in with my schedule?
The benefit of me being a 1:1 based studio is that I can choose when I teach. Please email me or get in touch on Instagram as these are closely monitored and I will do my best to find a time that suits you. I understand people are busy and want to work exercise around their other commitments such as work, childcare and other leisure activities so I am willing to be flexible with my time to be accommodating of this.
Where is Form based?
Form is a home-based studio which is located in WS12, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire.
Full address disclosed upon booking via email.