Question 1

Help! I'm new. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, welcome! We want to make sure you  feel comfortable and we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all levels, ages, abili﻿ties and bodies. Our 28 Day Reset is the perfect place to dip your toe in and start making change.

FOR OUR GROUP STUDIO
- If you are brand new to Reformer, new to exercise or would like a slower-paced introduction to our classes with others in the same boat, jump into our Beginner Reformer Class. This class is all about building foundational Pilates movements and your confidence on the machine. You can attend this class as many times as you like until you feel ready to jump into our Open Level Reformer class.
- Our Open Level class is our signature class at SISU and is suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced to prenatal to those with injuries. If you aren't new to exercise or our Beginner class times don't work for you, then feel free to jump straight in!
- If starting with a group class is a bit too much, we are happy to arrange a private sesh for you or a semi-private if you've got a few pals in the same boat!

Our teachers are trained to provide plenty of options to ensure you feel supported to move fearlessly throughout the class. Please know you’re always welcome to take everything at your own pace and rest whenever you need to. We encourage you to listen to your body and move how you feel.

FOR OUR ON DEMAND STUDIO
Each Reformer has its own kiosk loaded with over 500 different virtual, instructor-led classes. There are oodles of options no matter if you are brand new to Pilates or you're a Pilates pro, or if you are injured or pre- or post-natal.

Question 2

Do I have to be a regular mover or have a certain level of fitness to get started?

Accepted Answer

We all have to start somewhere, so we encourage all levels of fitness, ages and abilities to join us. Our group classes require you to be able to move through different body positions fairly easily, so if you are new to moving your body, or struggle to transition between laying down, sitting and standing then start with some private sessions before jumping into group classes. If group classes are your preference, try our Beginner class which moves at a slower pace.
 
If you have any questions about beginning your Reformer Pilates journey at SISU, please email us at hello@sisustudio.co.nz

Question 3

How often should I attend Pilates?

Accepted Answer

How often you Pilates ultimately depends on your goals and what you are hoping to achieve. Our general guidelines are outlined below but if you do want to discuss your specific situation with us for a more personalised approach, please get in touch with us via email hello@sisustudio.co.nz

IF YOU ARE NEW TO EXERCISE:
Starting with 2 sessions a week spaced 48 hours apart is the perfect place to start, allowing your body to build up the capacity to a new form of exercise without overdoing it and causing injuries that result from doing too much too soon. We know it's tempting at the start of a new exercise journey to go all in, but slow and steady definitely wins the race here! Finding something you enjoy and stick to consistently over the long term is what will get you results, rather than going hard and fast.

IF YOU EXERCISE REGULARLY:
Our regular movers will find benefits from attending anywhere between 3-6 times per week. If you notice your results starting to plateau and you'd like to see more gains, it is time to kick up the intensity by doing either more in your sessions or adding an extra class each week.

IF YOU WANT TO ADD PILATES AS A COMPLIMENT TO OTHER TRAINING:
Pilates is a great way to compliment many other types of exercise, and has been shown to help athletes perform better and recover faster. Adding a few sessions in a week alongside your current training schedule is a great way to experience the benefits of Pilates.

Question 4

How do I book and manage my classes?

Accepted Answer

Grab one of our passes so you can come and see what we are all about! We use the Momence booking system for all account management, purchases and bookings. It is integrated into our website. Be sure to book into your preferred studio by selecting the right location: for group classes, select 'SISU' as the location and for our virtual classes, select 'The Pilates Pod'  as the location.

BOOK HERE.

We require booking and payment in advance of attending our classes - no booking/pay, no play.

The easiest way to manage your account and book in is to download the Momence app which is available on Android and iPhone.

Check out our 12 hour cancellation/no show policy in our Terms and Conditions.

Question 5

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear something stretchy and comfortable that you can move freely in, being careful to avoid strings, zips and loose clothing that can get caught in and damage the machines. Grip socks are essential for hygiene and safety reasons, and these can be purchased in both of our studios. Please remove makeup and sunscreen or use a towel underneath you as certain moisturisers can stain our equipment.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel or don't show up?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation policies are in place to ensure that everyone has inclusive access to classes. As part of the SISU community, we hope you can understand this. Please be considerate of your community and cancel your spot to free up your space so someone else has the chance to book!
Cancellations are the responsibility of the person booking the class. They must be made via your Momence account. Do to the nature of our business, we DO NOT accept cancellations via email, phone or social media.
​
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 12 hours before class will get the session back.
Late Cancellations made less than 12 hours before class will forfeit the session.
No-shows and absences will forfeit the session.
This goes for those on the waitlist - if you have added yourself to the waitlist but can no longer attend please cancel your spot otherwise you may be penalised.

Question 7

How does the waitlist work?

Accepted Answer

Is your preferred class time full? Jump on the waitlist! Our waitlist operates by a 'First in, first served' approach and works as follows: 
When a spot in the class becomes available, the system will automatically book the first person on the waitlist into the class. Customers can see where they are on the waitlist on their end. Each customer will receive a SMS confirming that they have been booked from the waitlist into the class. No customers will automatically be booked off the waitlist after the waitlist cut-off, which is 60 minutes before the start time of the class.
Important things to note:
〰️ Adding yourself to the waitlist means that you are essentially committing to the class - please remove yourself from the waitlist if you can no longer attend. If you get get added to the class within the late cancel period of 12 hours and you cancel, you will be charged a late cancellation fee. 
〰️ If you don't have enough credit on your account to attend a class, your card will automatically be charged for the class

Question 8

Ouch, I'm injured. Can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

Reformer Pilates is a great way to rehab injuries and restore strength and range of motion. For our group classes, we ask you to please let our instructors know if you have anything going on with your body at the start of the class so we can ensure you stay comfortable and we can offer appropriate modifications throughout the class. You are welcome to let our team know at anytime during your class if anything feels weird of funky in your body.

If you have an acute injury, please get the all clear from your medical/health professional before attending both group and on-demand classes.

Long-term pain and niggles generally respond very well to exercise, with current global standards recommending exercise and strengthening to aid in pain management.

If you have anything else going on with your body and you are not sure if our group or on-demand classes would be suitable, please don't hesitate to contact us before booking in.

Question 9

I'm pregnant, can I attend classes?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS! And secondly, yes!! Did you know that exercising while pregnant (as long as you have a healthy pregnancy and have been cleared to exercise by your allied health professional) is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby? Research shows that staying active during your pregnancy has multiple benefits, a few of which include:

✔️ Reduced time in labour
✔️ Faster recovery post-birth
✔️ Boosting mental health and reducing the chance of post-natal depression

We follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Exercise during Pregnancy Guidelines (if you want more info, read them here) when it comes to exercise during pregnancy.

IN OUR GROUP CLASSES
All of our team are trained and experienced in instructing prenatal clients in our group classes. We continue to change and adapt our approach as new research in this area emerges. Our Mama-to-be, Mama & Mini classes are a chilled way to strengthen and soothe your body during pregnancy, as well as connect with other local Mamas. If you prefer more of a workout, our Open Level classes are suitable at all stages of pregnancy, with the option to pick your own level of challenge depending on how your body feels. Or if you would prefer, come and see us for a private or semi-private class with a few of your pregnant friends!

IN OUR VIRTUAL CLASSES
We strongly recommend you listen to your body and take whatever moves feel best for you. If you would prefer more guidance during your pregnancy, there is a prenatal section in the virtual library that you can follow.

Question 10

I've recently had a baby. Can I attend classes?

Accepted Answer

Congrats mama, and welcome to the world little one!

Exercise can be resumed after pregnancy but should be done gradually because of the normal de-conditioning in the initial postpartum period. The general rule is that gradual exercise can resume from 6 weeks after a natural delivery or 10 weeks after a Cesarean section. We strongly recommend getting clearance to return to exercise from a Women's Health Physio (we love the local ladies at The Pelvic Institute!) Once you have been cleared to exercise, make sure you ease back into it - your body has undergone some mammoth changes and reconditioning has occurred so be kind to yourself and take your time to rebuild.

IN OUR GROUP CLASSES
Our Mama-to-be, Mama & Mini class is great place to start with and you can bring your new addition (as long as they aren't crawling). Our Open Level Reformer class is a good one if you would prefer some time away from baby, and is the perfect way to rebuild your strength postpartum.

IN OUR ON DEMAND CLASSES
We strongly recommend you listen to your body and take whatever moves feel best for you. If you would prefer more guidance during the postpartum period, there is a postnatal section in the on demand library that you can follow.

Question 11

Are there bathroom facilities?

Accepted Answer

We have toilets and changing rooms at both studios, but no showers.

Question 12

Why is Pilates more expensive than a standard gym?

Accepted Answer

Our group classes are capped at 10 beause everyone has such different needs and we want to ensure everyone receives personalised attention - we cater to beginners, injuries, pregnancy and advanced clients. At any given time, we could be running multiple separate group classes in the same session, and it's our team's education and expertise that gives us the confidence and skills to do this. We get to know our clients and what is going on in their lives - what their pet's name is, where they went on holiday, and everything that is going on in their bodies. We could allow more people to attend per session and drop the price, but then we would no longer be able to offer the amazing service that we do. Our pricing ensures that we can invest in our instructors education so we can continue to offer the most up to date, evidence-based movement practice and personalised service to our community.

In an effort to make Pilates more accessible to our community, our on demand studio is a lower cost option for those that wish to add Pilates to their schedule.

Question 13

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

We welcome clients from the age of 18 and older. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and effective environment, and this age policy ensures that all members can confidently engage in both our group and on-demand sessions with a maturity that ensures their safety and maximises their experience, as well as those around them.

Those attending either of our studios that are under the age of 18 will be asked to leave.

Question 14

Can I bring babies or children to the studio?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow children in either of our studios, unless a class states that it is suitable to bring a little one (eg. if it is noted in the class description that the class is baby-friendly). If you do bring a child with you that is outside of our allowed times, you will be asked to leave and your credit forfeited. This is out of respect for others in our community and our team.

AT SISU
Some of our class descriptions may note that classes are 'baby-friendly', in which case babies as per below can be brought along to the class.

AT THE PILATES POD
Babies can be brought to the studio on weekdays between 9.30am-12pm.

If you are bringing a baby along with you, please familiarise yourself and adhere to our T's and C's below:
〰️ BYO baby + bits - baby can be on a mat on the floor, in a capsule or bouncer. Please refrain from bringing prams into our studios as there is limited space available to store these and they can get in the way for other clients enjoying their experience.
 〰️ You are welcome to feed, change nappies or stop for cuddles anytime.
 〰️ Strictly non-crawlers/contained babies ONLY due to safety reasons
(there are oodles of hazards for minis on the move!)
 〰️ Clearance to return to exercise after birth from a women's health physiotherapist is strongly recommended (we love the ladies from The Pelvic Institute in Pukekohe).
 〰️ Your baby is your responsibility while you are in our studios, which means you are responsible managing them during the class and for cleaning up any mess that your baby makes during your time in the studio.

NEW AROUND HERE? FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR 28 DAY RESET

Frequently Asked Questions