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  • Should I do group classes or virtual, on-demand classes?
    It's completely up to you. Group classes are for you if you: Love connection and thrive in a fun group environment Crave accountability, support and an epic community that celebrates your wins with you Enjoy turning up and being told what to do with personalised attention Our virtual, on-demand classes are for you if you: Need flexibility around a busy schedule Are self-motivated and happy to workout on your terms Enjoy being in control of choosing your own workouts
  • Help! I'm new. Where do I start?
    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. FOR OUR GROUP STUDIO Our Intro Offer is a great place to start to see if our studio is for you. See the details and grab yours here. - 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 you're 55 or over and you're after something a little slower-paced, try our 55+ Reformer class. Tailored to your needs, we'll move at a slower pace than our standard Open Level class and ensure we tackle all the important factors as we age, so you'll see an improvement in strength, flexibility and balance. - 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 Our Intro Offer is a great place to start to see if our studio is for you. See the details and grab yours here. 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.
  • Do I have to be a regular mover or have a certain level of fitness to get started?
    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
  • How often should I attend Pilates?
    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.
  • How do I book and manage my classes?
    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.
  • What should I wear?
    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.
  • What if I need to cancel or don't show up?
    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.
  • How does the waitlist work?
    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
  • Ouch, I'm injured. Can I still attend?
    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.
  • I'm pregnant, can I attend classes?
    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.
  • I've recently had a baby. Can I attend classes?
    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.
  • Are there bathroom facilities?
    We have toilets and changing rooms at both studios, but no showers.
  • Why is Pilates more expensive than a standard gym?
    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.
  • Is there an age limit?
    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.
  • Can I bring children to the studio?
    We do not allow children in either of our studios, unless a class states that it is suitable to bring a little one (eg. our Mama-to-be, Mama & Mini classes). If you do bring a child with you, you will be asked to leave and your credit forfeited. This is out of respect for others in our community and our team.
  • How does the on demand studio work?
    Bookings are available every 30 mins and you'll book your preferred time slot via our booking system. When you arrive, you'll use your phone to gain access through our security door and make your way to your Reformer. Each Reformer has its own kiosk with 500+ virtual, instructor-led classes. Choose your workout based on your mood and ability, pop on your Bluetooth headphones and voila - enjoy your own personal Reformer Pilates session!
  • What should I bring to the studio?
    Along with some good vibes, please BYO water bottle, sweat towel, Reformer Mat (if you have one) and bluetooth headphones. We suggest wearing something stretchy and comfortable (avoid strings, zips and loose clothing) and please wear socks for hygiene and safety reasons - no socks, no play. We recommend grip socks and have these available to purchase cardless at the studio. If you forget your headphones, there is a spare pair at each kiosk which can be used for the duration of your session.
  • How long will I have in the studio and how long are the classes?
    You'll have access to your Reformer and kiosk for 60 minutes from the time that you book in (including access to the studio 10 minutes before your booked time), which should give you plenty of time to set up and complete your chosen on demand session. Classes vary in length from 5 - 50 mins, so you can keep it short and sweet, mix and match a few shorter sessions or stick with a single longer session. After your session is finished, you are welcome to use our changing room facilities for as long as you need to.
  • What are the opening hours?
    You will be able to book into a session anytime between 4am-10pm.
  • What can I expect from the virtual, on demand classes?
    - The classes in our on demand library are completely different to what you would experience in our group studio. - There are many different instructors from all over the world that teach different styles of Pilates (yes, everyone does it a bit differently!) and there are over 20 different class styles to choose from meaning there is something for everyone. - We have a range of programs to suit beginners to the more experienced practitioners, as well as physio-led programs for specific focus areas such as back pain, active ageing and pre/post natal. New content is added weekly! - Classes range in length from 5 - 50 minutes, so you can choose the duration that works for your schedule.
  • What are the studio expectations?
    - When you book in for your preferred class time, you have an access window of 70 minutes - 10 minutes before your booked time + the 60 minutes that you have booked for. - Please take your shoes off at the door and don your grip socks - we are a sock only studio in order to keep our studio and equipment spick and span. - Bring only your water bottle + towel to your Reformer, everything else can be left in the cubbies, including phones on silent. No one wants a trip hazard! - Listen to your body, and move with your mood and how your body is feeling. Maybe you did something in class last week that you can't do today - respect your body where it is at. We are proud of you for turning up and moving with us! - Please wipe down all equipment that you use so it is nice and clean, and leave everything tidy for the next mover. - Please respect your fellow members and keep our studio the Pilates haven that it is by keeping noise to a minimum, leaving your Reformer at the end of your 60 minute session and not double booking into multiple sessions on a single day.
  • Are there staff to help me?
    We are essentially self-run, unmanned with no staff onsite. We provide you with all the information you need before your first session to explain how everything works and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to take control of your sessions on your terms. We trust the instructors on our kiosk screens to guide you through your session, and our in-studio state-of-the-art security system to keep you safe for the duration of the time you are onsite. If you get stuck, we are just an email away hello@sisustudio.co.nz
  • What safety measures are in place?
    Our state-of-the-art around-the-clock security system is in place to ensure you are kept safe for the duration of your time in our studio. Your safety is paramount and we have ambient lighting, duress buttons and CCTV to ensure your protection.
  • What should I bring to class?
    Along with some good vibes, please BYO water bottle and sweat towel. We suggest wearing something stretchy and comfortable (avoid strings, zips and loose clothing) and please wear socks for hygiene reasons - no socks, no play. We recommend grip socks and have these available to purchase cardless at the studio. We have a toilet onsite which have space for you to get changed but no showers.
  • How long are the classes?
    Group and private classes are 45 minutes unless otherwise specified.
  • What are the opening hours?
    Our group studio schedule depends on the day, but we do run classes from early morning to late evening 7 days a week. You can see our schedule here.
  • What can I expect during group classes?
    - We don't take ourselves too seriously, and we don't want you to either! Have fun, enjoy our instructor's bad jokes and prepare to build some strength and mobility along the way. - Get ready to embrace the unknown and your body doing some new things! We were all new at something once, so try to enjoy the process of fumbling your way through something new. Embrace wobbles, shakes, exercises that are challenging and moves that don't look 'perfect' - that's our body figuring out how to get stronger and more efficient at the exercises we throw your way. - If you have done Pilates before, you may notice we do things a little differently at SISU. We are an evidence-based studio which means we believe in adjusting our methods as new research emerges about the best way to teach and train so we can always deliver fun, effective Pilates classes that get our clients results. For this reason, you may notice we don't talk about a lot about different muscles, or say things like 'squeeze your glutes', or cue when to breathe, or always move slowly, or worry about everyone 'perfectly' executing each movement. If you'd like to know more about why we do what we do, please get in touch and we'd love to discuss this further!
  • What are the studio expectations?
    - Please arrive a few minutes before the class start time - If it’s your first time to SISU, please arrive 5-10 minutes to familiarise yourself - Say hi to the instructor (and your fellow movers!) so we can check you in - Bring only your water bottle + towel to your Reformer, everything else can be left on the shelf or the coat rack, including phones on silent. No one wants a trip hazard! - Niggly knees or dodgy elbows? No probs. At the start of class, let your instructor know if there is anything we need to know about your body so we can keep you moving comfortably throughout the class. - Listen to your body. While we will give you oodles of options throughout the class, move with your mood and how your body is feeling. Maybe you did something in class last week that you can't do today - respect your body where it is at. We are proud of you for turning up and moving with us! - Please wipe down all equipment used in class so it is nice and clean for the next mover.
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