Frequently Asked Questions
Our Studio
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If you’re looking for booty burn and a million reps, you won’t find it here. Our motivation is to deliver Pilates classes that feel sustainable, engaging and improve your relationship with exercise and your body.
By working in this way we can reduce pain, improve joint and core strength AND bolster the body for the physical challenges of and ageing. -
All our teachers are highly skilled and each qualified through registered training organisations that meet a specific standard set by the government.
We are incredibly proud of our team and their exceptional commitment to the profession- read about their Pilates qualifications and teaching experience here. -
Pilates classes are generally only eligible for health fund rebates through a physiotherapist or other allied health professionals but can sometimes be claimed under a gym membership depending on the fund and cover.
Our industry body is working hard to change this and have the preventative benefits of Pilates classes recognised by health funds. -
An open mind, respect for your body and for the people around you… some stretchy clothes to move in, plus some non-slip Pilates socks.
You can buy or borrow socks from the studio on arrival if you don't have your own.
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These are bookings cancelled within 24 hours (personalised) / 12 hours (group reformer) of your session or class commencing. Clients late cancelling on personalised sessions will have the opportunity to make up the session within 6 days for a make up fee of $10. It is your responsibility to view the schedule as to session availability and contact us to let us know you have booked a make up session. If late cancelling a Group Reformer class you will forfeit the class credit.
What kind of Pilates is right for me?
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Personalised studio sessions (privates, duet, semi privates) are held in our Main studio at 9 Crystal Street, Petersham. In your sessions you will receive very personalised guidance with exercises chosen just for you. There is time to ask questions, problem solve and teach you the how and why behind the movements that are specific to your body. Personalised sessions require an ongoing weekly booking commitment with the same teacher.
Our small Group Reformer classes (max 6 people ) are held in Studio Two at 1a Crystal Street Petersham. In these classes you will be working in unison alongside other attendees towards the same goal, with very minimal personalised guidance.
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If you have been referred by an allied health provider it’s most likely that you will be initially suited to Personalised sessions rather than Group Reformer classes. Come in for an Initial Consultation so we can assess what will best suit your body.
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YES! Pilates is great for osteoporosis, osteopenia and low bone density concerns.
If you have just been diagnosed or have never done Pilates we highly recommend a personalised approach initially to address all the concerns associated with exercising with osteoporosis. Book an initial consultation after which we can guide you towards the right service.
If you've done Pilates before and prefer group classes- our ALIGN Group Reformer classes are also suitable for osteoporosis- just make sure to flag your diagnoses/concerns with the teacher at the start.
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We love working with specific requirements due to a health condition, injury or pain. We can adapt for any of the following (and more): can’t get onto the floor, can’t lie on your back, can’t lift your arms, light sensitivity, temperature requirements, fragrance allergy…It’s unusual for something to come up that we’re not able to work with.
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Safety and duty of care is important to us. We will always recommend Personalised sessions to properly manage your pain with movements specifically designed for you and do not recommend Group Reformer classes.
Book an Initial Consultation first if you would like to attend Personalised sessions.
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We always recommend clearance from your doctor for light exercise. Your prenatal journey will be specific to your body. We offer prenatal small group reformer classes held at Studio Two called “Bump to Birth” to keep you moving safely during your pregnancy.
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We offer small group reformer classes that are suitable for postnatal bods.
Our “Return to Exercise” classes are a gradual and respectful return to exercise for new mums, using the reformer, mat & small props to increase your strength, control, body awareness and self embodiment. You can also bring your bub! Our ALIGN Group Reformer classes are also suitable for postnatal clients.
It is optional but we do highly recommend booking an Initial Consultation prior attending small group reformer classes.
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We don’t generally offer casual visits for Personalised sessions as the benefits are limited when attending sporadically and it's ideal to have the same teacher every week. However, if you’ve had an Initial Consultation and prefer casual bookings you can do so.
Group Reformer classes are best suited to those clients who want the flexibility to drop in at different times and on different days each week.
PERSONALISED SESSIONS | MAIN STUDIO, 9 CRYSTAL ST
GROUP REFORMER | STUDIO TWO, 1A CRYSTAL ST
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Private, Duet or Semi Private sessions are all “Personalised sessions”. We use the mat, reformer, chair, trapeze table, and Pilates props in a 55 minute appointment designed specifically around your body.
There's lots of time to get into detail, find the right exercises for your body, and for you to ask questions and move at your preferred pace.
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Clinical Pilates is another term for Personalised Pilates.
Other common terms are: Equipment Pilates, Studio Pilates, or Private Pilates
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Your teacher will use a variety of Pilates machines during a clinical/personalised class- all depending on what they think you need. They will choose from the mat, reformer, chair, trapeze table, armchair, ladder barrel and an array of Pilates props.
You will not use ALL the Pilates equipment at every session and instead you teacher will be guided by your body as to what will benefit you most.
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The only assumed level of fitness is that you can climb the two stairs into our studio. There’s no assumed prior knowledge or fitness level- it's literally our job to meet you where you’re at and guide you along the way.
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You can book in your Initial Consultation via the website or simply register here and our team will be in touch.
Personalised sessions run from 7am through to 8pm Mon-Thu, and 7am- Lunch Fri-Sat. Once you’ve had your IC we’ll choose a mutually suitable weekly appointment time to fit you into. You can always ask about availability by calling or dropping us an email, it’s unusual for us not to be able to accommodate someones schedule.
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During an Initial Consultation we methodically lay down the foundations of movement specific to you. Your teacher will use their in-depth knowledge and skill set to determine what movements will best suit and support your body. For those clients with injuries, acute and chronic pain, Initial consultations allow your teacher to build a strong portfolio of movements to help you move with us safely and recommend the best way forward for your movement journey with us in your Personalised sessions.
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Easy. Just log in to your account through the RFM website or access the Mindbody app, go to your bookings and simply cancel. We have a 24 hour cancellation window for all personalised sessions. If you are unable to make it please cancel 24 hours prior your sessions commencing. Any cancellations made within 24 hours are deemed a “late cancellation”. (see What is a late cancellation?)
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We fully support holidays and completely understand that sometimes life happens and you can’t make it to a session. Just let us know with a minimum of 24 hours notice where possible if you are unable to make it into the studio. If you cancel your session within 24 hours it is deemed a late cancellation.
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Semi privates are the most affordable way to access personalised Pilates training. You'll share the session with up to two others, each working on your own body.
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The most common path is an Initial Consultation (IC), two private sessions, and then weekly semi privates. At the end of your IC your teacher will advise what’s most suited to your body, learning and goals, but ultimately it’s up to you.
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In group reformer classes you'll move in unison with up to 5 other people along to the teachers verbal guidance.
You'll be given detailed guidance as to which springs to use, how an exercise should feel and look like. General modification will be made for common restrictions.
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You must be able to climb the stairs up to the studio, get up and down off the floor easily, lie comfortably on your back, front and side, and kneel on hands and knees with ease.
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ALIGN is ideal for beginners. It’s an open level meaning both beginners and long-time Pilates lovers are welcome. Don’t mistake this class for the ‘easy’ option, the exercises will challenge you to work hard and work up a sweat while being supported by the reformer.
Our Trial Pass for $60 provides you with 3 classes to use over 2 weeks and is the perfect opportunity to get to know our team, build confidence on the Reformer, and get a feel for the way we do things at RFM.
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Unless you’re a teacher of Pilates, choose ALIGN, it’s a great way to experience our detailed and multilayered approach to teaching movement, you’ll work hard but you’ll also work smart!
Our Trial Pass for $60 provides you with 3 classes to use over 2 weeks so you can get a feel for the way we do things at RFM.
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Your teacher will guide you on how to change the springs and how the colour coding works, with options for a lighter/heavier springs should you want to work harder or save energy.
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Our teachers are highly qualified- they have a deep knowledge of the Pilates method and the human body, and have chosen a career in moving bodies. They have a skillset that is far more developed than the average group class teacher due to their formal Pilates education.
When you pay for Pilates at RFM you're paying for the teachers wealth of knowledge developed over thousands of hours of study continuing professional development, PLUS the limited class sizes that contrast to the rest of the industry (maximum 6 per class).
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So easy. Just LOG IN to your account through the RFM website home page or access the Mindbody app, go to your bookings and simply cancel. We have a 12 hour cancellation window so if you know you can’t make it, be sure to cancel 12 hours before the class commences. If cancelled within 12 hours, you will forfeit your class.
PAYMENTS, PACKAGES & MEMBERSHIPS
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All classes and personalised sessions must be prepaid online. There are a variety of available payment options with Packages and Memberships being the most popular depending on how often you attend and how much flexibility you require.
View all our payment and pricing options here.
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There are many benefits to signing up for a Membership with us and moving intentionally and consistently every week - its where the magic happens AND how you’ll get the most out of your investment!
Memberships also come with the flexibility of suspending if you’re heading away, member only discounts and priority bookings. Read more about our Membership options here