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Frequently Asked Questions
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I'm meeting a friend before class for coffee & shopping, is there space to store bags?Enjoy! Yes, our studio has a key-secured locker available for each client during their class. The lockers are a considerable size, however in the event all of your shopping doesn't fit, it may need to be in the studio (where you can see it) out of the way in the corner.
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Why do I need to wear grip socks?For your own safety to avoid risk of injury whilst using the equipment. This is an industry wide requirement for Reformer Pilates classes and it is mandatory to wear grip socks to every class. If you do not own any, or you forget your socks, we have a range of CASA DE AURA® socks available to purchase in the studio.
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How can I stay up-to-date with studio announcements?Please follow us on Instagram (@casadeaurapilates) and Facebook (CASA DE AURA) for any announcements and updates. Should there be any changes to classes, this will be privately communicated to all who are booked to attend.
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Over 50's class... does this mean if I'm over 50 I can't attend the other classes? Tell me more about this class...Absolutely not! You are welcome to join any class you wish regardless of your age (however, please only join Aura Advanced if you have significant reformer experience!). A specific 'over 50s' class was added to the weekly timetable at the request of new clients who want a slower paced class - particularly for beginners, anyone with lower confidence or other considerations (e.g. sore knees, low balance, etc). This class is ideal if you're concerned about getting up and down off the reformer (appreciate it is low to the ground!) and the instructor is there to help assist you when needed. Please let them know at the start of each class if you have any medical conditions or injuries, and if you have any concerns to discuss. During the class you will work through a flow of movements that will leave you feeling accomplished and empowered. This class aims to build your flexibility, strength & balance. Doors open 15 minutes before the class start time, and you should arrive at least 5 minutes before to ensure you are settled and ready to start on time.
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BUMP & ME Class: does it matter which trimester I'm in?You are welcome to join our BUMP & ME class across all trimesters - providing you have the greenlight from your doctor to exercise! During the class you will be guided through a flow of movements that have been carefully selected to help you keep active through your pregnancy. Please let your instructor know at the start of each class which trimester you are in as this is important to keep you safe. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, some adjustments might need to be made to your position and spring-tension to keep you and your baby safe - your instructor will give clear direction on each exercise, customised to each class participant. Our group size is kept small to ensure the instructor is dedicated to each of your needs.
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What time should I arrive to my class?Doors open 15 minutes before each class. Please arrive to the studio 5 minutes before the start time to ensure you are ready to begin on time (e.g. take coat and shoes off, pop grip socks on, use the bathroom, fill your water bottle, let the instructor know of any changes regarding injuries or medical conditions, etc). Doors are locked when each class begins and late arrivals will not be accepted to avoid disruption to the class. If it is your first time, a demonstration of the reformer will be shown to you before class starts (this will take approx. 2 minutes).
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I'm new to Reformer Pilates, which class should I book? What's the difference?Most of our clients have also never tried Reformer Pilates before, so you're not alone! All of our classes (except our Aura Advanced Class) are open to beginners & you will be coached into each exercise, so you always know what you are doing. You are in control of how hard your workout is: you have the choice to change the spring resistance (how light or heavy each move is) and are always given the option to progress the movement (e.g. during a leg exercise you might be offered a progression that adds arm movement in too, or an extra leg movement to challenge you further). The choice is always yours - allowing you to move at a pace and level that you feel most comfortable with. The main difference between our classes is the ambience... ENERGISE AURA: upbeat music to power you through your workout ZEN AURA: chilled out music to help you unwind from a busy lifestyle FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: a fun workout to kick-start your weekend The studio is proud to also offer specialised classes... OVER 50's: a slower paced flow of movements that will leave you feeling accomplished and empowered. This class aims to build your flexibility, strength & balance. BABY & ME: Sculpt. Strengthen. Stretch. Through a flow of movements specifically chosen for returning to exercise post pregnancy, with your baby by your side (you're welcome to use our play-mats!). BUMP & ME: Sculpt. Strengthen. Stretch. Through a flow of movements that have been carefully selected to help you keep active through your pregnancy, safe to join across all trimesters.
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Aura Advanced Class: how much experience do I need to join?To join our Aura Advanced Class you must feel confident on the reformer and regularly take progressions in mixed-ability classes, ready to experiment with more advanced movements. You will be challenged to further develop your technique, strength and balance. If you are unsure, please speak with your instructor to see if this class is suitable.
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How do I book a class?You can book a class via our website, following the below steps: NO EXISTING CLUB MEMBERSHIP OR CLASS PACKAGE: Visit the booking calendar to find a class at a date/time that works best for you, and click the button 'book now' on your preferred class. Complete the short booking form, select your payment plan option (buy a membership, class package or pay-per-class) and enter your payment details. Once the form is completed, click the 'book now' button to finalise your booking. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. If you purchased a club membership or class package, you will have additional class credits available in your account for future bookings (read on below for how to redeem). WITH AN EXISTING CLUB MEMBERSHIP OR CLASS PACKAGE: If you have already purchased a club membership or class package via our pricing plan page: Complete the same steps as above however, on the booking form you must select your payment option as 'Use my plan' to redeem class credits. I NEED HELP MAKING A BOOKING No problem at all - we're more than happy to help! Please email us at info@casadeaura.co.uk with your query. We aim to respond as soon as possible.
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BABY & ME Class... tell me more!A class for Mums/Dads to move through a flow of movements specifically chosen for returning to exercise (whether you're post pregnancy, or finding your feet as a new parent), without the stress of finding childcare. So you can enjoy the benefits of Reformer Pilates, and workout with your baby by your side on our complimentary playmats. You are welcome to bring toys/bottles/snacks with you to keep them entertained. What is the age limit? You are welcome to join classes whilst your baby is a newborn (providing you have the greenlight from your doctor to exercise!), through to their early years. We recommend your baby is not yet crawling/walking to allow you to focus on each exercise, but it is your discretion if you'd like them to come along. If they are actively-moving, please consider how you can keep them entertained and if you are comfortable with them being near the equipment. "I'm worried they will be unsettled or distract others in the class..." - Please do not worry! This is a supportive environment free of judgement and an opportunity to connect with other parents. We understand that one week your little one might be super smiley, and the next week might be fighting sleep and teething, but we're excited to watch them develop - whilst you progress and perfect your pilates technique!
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What are the cleaning protocols?Your safety is our priority. Each reformer (and any equipment!) is sanitised in between every use and the studio is cleaned frequently. If there are sessions back-to-back, your instructor might ask you to wipe down your reformer to help with a smooth transition between sessions. We kindly ask that you remove your shoes by the entranceway sofa or bench, to avoid walking shoes through the studio and help us keep the studio floor as clean as possible.
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I've never done Reformer Pilates before, how will I know how to use the equipment?You are not alone, do not worry! Whilst Reformer Pilates is becoming more popular, it is still new for many. Before each class an introductory demonstration will be given to anyone new to the studio, to give you the confidence to use the equipment safely and correctly. The demonstration will take less than 2 minutes and the instructor will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Throughout the class, clear instruction will be given so you will never be unsure of what to do. If you are apprehensive, please contact us directly and we will be more than happy to provide a complimentary demonstration 121 at a time that suits you. This is not a class or private training, but an opportunity to understand the equipment and ask any questions before booking a class.
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Can I cancel a booking?We understand that plans can change, so you can cancel/reschedule for free up to 12 hours before the class start time. Any cancellations after this window will not be reissued a class credit as your space could have been given to another client. As our studio is a small business, please respect our policies and give as much notice as possible for cancellations.
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Why should I avoid wearing a claw clip in my hair?Unfortunately whilst claw-style hair clips are a beautiful accessory, they are not comfortable to wear whilst doing exercises laying down and are not kind to the upholstery of the reformers. Recommend securing longer hair with elastic hairbands, sport headbands or scrunchies.
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Is there an age limit?Yes, you must be over 16 to attend our Reformer Pilates classes. When placing a booking, you are accepting the studio policies which includes our age restriction. If you are under 18, you are confirming you have parental consent to participate.
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