FAQs
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Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Originally called “Contrology”, Joseph was inspired to improve rehabilitation outcomes for World War One soldiers by prioritising therapeutic movements: strengthening key muscle groups, improving balance and stability. Pilates promises a truly functional, whole body system, for ultimate wellbeing: mind and body.
He believed mental and physical health were inextricably linked and that to achieve optimal wellbeing we should exercise the mind as well as the body. Pilates can be understood against the core principles of centring, concentration, control, precision, breathing, flowing movement, alignment and commitment.
The method favours smaller, more precise movements, requiring control and technique over other popular approaches to fitness that tend to favour high impact, load and repetition – with little control. Pilates is conducted on the mat, and using various apparatus; in group class, private or semi-private Studio settings.
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Short answer: no.
The Pilates method is uniquely “scalable”: this means exercises can be scaled up or down in challenge or intensity, in order to best accommodate the physical capabilities of the person in front of us, on the day. This is why we say Pilates is for every. body. We meet you exactly where you are.
You do Pilates to get fit/flexible/strong, from the inside-out!
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The absolute best way to start with Pilates is to join us in the Studio for a Private (1:1) appointment. The equivalent of Pilates personal training this allows the instructor to work directly with you and your body, introduce you to the equipment and fundamentals and to work with you on the best program forward to reach your goals.
If you are jumping straight into group classes, we recommend you start with a “Fundamentals” for Matwork, Reformer, Chair or Arc!
These classes will set you up for success by working on correct technique, muscle activation, and, for Reformer, introducing you to the apparatus itself.
This is particularly important when it comes to Reformer, Arc and Chair classes: being comfortable with the apparatus will not only help you progress quicker but also keep you safe in class.
Done Pilates before but new to us? Fundamentals classes are a great place to get a feel for PFI’s style of instruction and assess where you sit in terms of capability.
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Once you’ve set up your login details and grabbed your class pack or intro pass, you can check out our group class timetable to book in your classes.
We recommend downloading the Pilates Fitness Institute App on your phone to manage your bookings on the go!
Bookings are essential to ensure you get your spot in class and you can book right up until directly before the class.
For Private (1:1) and Trio (3:1) Studio Pilates, these sessions are appointment based and can be booked at a time that suits you. You can book directly online on our website or the PFI app. Can’t find a time that works for you? No problem! Jump on the phone to our team and we will help find an appointment that suits you.
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Joining us live online is super easy!
First, find which online live class/es you’d like to book by filtering the group class timetable by the tag ‘online’.
Then book into the class making sure you select the ‘join online’ option.
Once you’re booked in, our booking system Momence will automatically send you the class zoom link via email as well as reminders leading up to the class too.
When it’s time for class to start, jump onto the zoom link and follow the class lead by your PFI instructor along with the other participants both in-studio and online.
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No, our online livestream classes will not be recorded and must be joined live at the designated start time.
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Aside from check our FAQs on this page of what to bring and wear, we ask that you please arrive 10 minutes prior to your first class so that you can complete a Health Screening Form and meet your instructor.
Please make sure you let your instructor know if you have any injuries or conditions before the class starts - this includes recent surgeries, injuries, if you are recently postnatal, and just generally any aches, pains or niggles. Our experienced instructors can modify and direct you with exercises during the class.
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For all classes, you will need your water bottle and grip socks (compulsory in all formats for hygiene). For Matwork, Arc and Chair classes you will also need to bring either a yoga mat or full-sized towel to place over the mat provided.
We have grip socks, yoga mats and water all available for purchase in the studio.
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Comfort is key.
We recommend breathable but form-fitting materials: pants, shorts or leggings; and a t-shirt or singlet top. We prefer “form-fitting” clothing because it allows our Instructors to see your body as you move and offer specific feedback to you during the class.
All PFI classes work in grip socks and we have lots of funky styles available for purchase in Studio.
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No!
Pilates was created by a man: Joseph Pilates!
This perceived gender bias in the Pilates industry is something PFI is working hard to change.
The health benefits of Pilates are not exclusive to one gender. People of all genders are embracing the method as an effective way to supplement fitness, conditioning and functional wellness. A few of the benefits of Pilates include:
Increase flexibility
Improve functional strength
Prevent and rehab (non-acute) injuries
Address muscular imbalance
Improve posture
Build a strong core from the inside-out (hello, six-pack!)
A growing number of professional and elite level athletes have caught on to the valuable role Pilates can play in their training mix. Some of our clients include footballers, swimmers, cyclists, runners and pro surfers!
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If that’s your goal: yes!
The ideal formula for body conditioning and weight loss is low impact resistance training (Pilates) plus dynamic cardiovascular interval training (like Barre); performed consistently to achieve corrective change.
However, we can help you work towards any goal. Whether it’s to gain strength or flexibility, take more time for yourself, or move for your mental health!
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Short answer: no.
“But I’ve been doing Pilates for years and I know what I’m doing.”
We hear you. But still, no.
No matter how fit or experienced you are, regular classes – at any level – are not safe during pregnancy. Abdominal and controversial repertoire present specific risks for pregnant people, and should be conducted only in a controlled environment, such as pregnancy-specific class.
Fortunately, PFI is a specialist provider of pregnancy and postnatal Pilates: our instructors are highly experienced in working with pregnant and postnatal bodies. Dedicated pregnancy and postnatal classes deliver safe Pilates repertoire that is also targeted, challenging, and scalable to your physical needs.
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PFI’s booking and cancellation policies are in place to allow everyone fair access to the class timeslots they wish to attend and can be found under “Our Policies” at the bottom of the page.
Our early cancellation windows are:
At least 4 hours prior to class for classes (both in-studio and live online) with a start time of 8am or later, or before 9pm for classes (both in-studio and live online) starting before 8am.
Early cancellations will be credited back to your account and no fees or charges will be applied.
Memberships can be “paused” for clients who are going away for an extended period of time (one week or longer with a maximum of one month per year); injured or unwell and unable to do Pilates. Learn more about our suspension policy under “Our Policies”.
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Studio appointments have a 24-hour cancellation window: this is to provide ample time for our team to offer your spot to another client and remedy any scheduling imbalances. Cancellation less than 24-hours before your scheduled Studio appointment will incur full charge.
Our cancellation policy has been structured this way to best protect our Instructors’ time and ensure all clients enjoy fair access to classes across the timetable.
To avoid unwanted charges, please jump online to cancel your bookings or call us on (08) 9330 8900 at least 24 hours prior to your appointment start time and we’ll cancel your session for you.
Please note that each case is unique and election to make a specific offer in one instance does not create the obligation to do so in another.
Memberships can be “paused” for clients who are going away for an extended period of time (one week or longer with a maximum of one month per year); injured or unwell and unable to do Pilates. Learn more about our suspension policy under “Our Policies”.
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PFI’s studio is located on the corner of Leach Highway and Norma Road in Myaree.
The best entrance for the studio is on Norma road and there are parking bays available directly in front of the studio, as well as plenty more available behind the studio in the centre of the shopping complex.
Click the “Contact Us” button below to see our studio location on a map.