Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 Heart & Harmony Wellness – FAQs & Studio Policies

🌿 Getting Started

I’m completely new to Pilates — will the class be suitable for me?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome, including beginners. Just let your instructor know when you arrive and they’ll guide you through the class and help you feel comfortable.

What should I bring to class?

  • Grip socks (required – available for £6 at the studio)

  • A towel (for hygiene and to protect our reformer beds)

  • Comfortable clothing you can move in

  • Water bottle

  • Your own mat if preferred (we provide mats)

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in and relax before class.

Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?
Yes! Pilates can help build strength, stability, and relieve pregnancy aches. Some instructors are pre/postnatal trained and will modify exercises for you.
➡️ Please get your doctor’s approval before attending.

I’ve just had a baby — when can I start Pilates?
Usually after GP clearance (around 6 weeks postpartum). We also recommend a women’s health physio check for your pelvic floor and core before starting.

Are men welcome?
Absolutely — wellness is for every body and every gender.

🧼 Studio Etiquette & Health

Studio Etiquette

  • Grip socks required (no bare feet or regular socks)

  • Shoes off at the entrance

  • Phones on silent; store personal items away

  • Bring a towel to cover your reformer for hygiene

  • Wipe down equipment after class

  • Avoid strong perfumes

  • Respect everyone’s space and energy

Health Policy

  • Please do not attend if you’re unwell

  • Instructors may ask you to leave if you’re showing symptoms of illness

Health & Safety
We must be aware of any injuries, pregnancy, or health conditions before class so we can keep you safe and adapt exercises appropriately. Please email us, tell your instructor in person, or update your PAR-Q form before attending. We can’t help if we don’t know 🌿

Hands-On Adjustments
Instructors may offer gentle hands-on adjustments. If you’d prefer not to be touched, please let us know before class.

Photography & Social Media
We occasionally take photos or videos for social media. If you’d prefer not to appear, just tell your instructor before class.

Personal Items
Please bring only essentials. We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

🕒 Class Timing & Schedule

Can I arrive late?
No — late arrivals cannot be admitted for safety reasons. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early, as late entry disrupts the flow and focus of the class.

Is there time between classes?
Yes — there is a 10-minute break between classes for cleaning and setup.

Parking
Free parking is available right outside the studio 🚗

📅 Bookings, Cancellations & No-Shows

Booking Window

  • Registrations open: 30 days before the event starts

  • Registrations close: 1 hour before the event starts

Cancellations

  • Cancellation notice required: At least 12 hours before class start time

  • Cancellations made within 12 hours of class start are considered late cancellations and are not refunded

  • Messages, texts, or emails do not cancel a booking — cancellations must be made via your TeamUp account

Late Cancellations & No-Shows

  • Cancel at least 12 hours before class to keep your credit

  • Late cancellations or no-shows will forfeit the class credit

  • After 1 late cancellation or no-show within any 5-day period, a £5.00 fee will be charged

  • Every reserved space matters in our small, independent studio — thank you for being considerate of our instructors and fellow clients 🌿

💳 Payments, Pricing & Memberships

Memberships

  • Monthly-based memberships

  • No 3-month lock-ins

  • 30 days’ notice required to cancel (or one further payment will be taken)

  • Memberships must be cancelled via your TeamUp account (web browser)

The studio can:

  • Issue credits if eligible

  • Guide you through TeamUp

  • Adjust bookings, freeze memberships, or credit accounts

The studio cannot:

  • Cancel or remove memberships for you

  • Stop payments on your behalf

  • Access your bank details

Monthly Credits

Memberships provide a set number of class credits per month (e.g. 4 credits = 4 classes). Credits are valid for your full billing month and must be used within that period. Unused credits expire at the end of the billing cycle.

Some months include 5 calendar weeks — your credits still cover the full month, giving flexibility across the year 🌿


If you find yourself with a week that has no remaining credits due to an extra week in the month, you’re more than welcome to book a drop-in class during that time. This helps keep memberships fair and flexible for everyone.

Drop-In Pricing

  • Reformer Pilates: £18

  • Mat Pilates: £15

  • Mat to Machine: £17

🔁 Membership Changes (Upgrades & Downgrades)

You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time via your TeamUp account.

🔄 Recurring Reservations

If you attend the same class regularly, we can set up a recurring reservation so your spot is automatically booked weekly 💚

Please note:

  • Reservations only book you in if a space is available

  • If a class is full, the booking will not be added that week

  • Waitlists and recurring reservations operate separately

If you ever notice a missed booking or want to review your schedule, just reach out — we’re happy to help 💛

🎁 Perks & Extras

Referral Program
Share your referral code with a friend — if they join on membership, you’ll receive £10 credit 💚

NHS, Teacher & Student Discount
20% off memberships (not class packs or drop-ins). Available to current NHS employees, teachers, and enrolled students. Proof of status is required.

Flexible Scheduling
You’re free to book different class types, days, and times — no need to stick to one routine.

🔥 Hot Mat Pilates

How is the class structured in a heated environment?

In a warm studio, everything feels more intense, even familiar Pilates exercises. For this reason, challenges are intentionally spaced out throughout the class rather than stacked back-to-back.

This allows your body to:

  • Maintain good technique

  • Regulate breath and heart rate

  • Build strength safely without overload

Rest is part of the practice, and you’ll always be guided through the class with care and clarity.

Will props be used in Hot Mat Pilates?

Props may be used occasionally, but not in every class.

In warmer conditions, sweat can affect:

  • Grip

  • Stability

  • Control

To prioritise safety and quality of movement, many exercises will rely on bodyweight and controlled transitions rather than props that may slip or become uncomfortable when damp.

Will there be standing sequences?

Standing work may be included at times, but not in every class.

Standing sequences demand greater:

  • Cardiovascular effort

  • Balance

  • Heat tolerance

Your instructor will choose when standing work is appropriate and will always offer grounded options on the mat.

Why does the class feel different to normal Mat Pilates?

The heat adds an extra layer of challenge. Muscles warm more quickly, breath rate increases, and fatigue can arrive sooner.

Because of this, Hot Mat Pilates focuses on:

  • Quality over quantity

  • Controlled strength rather than speed

  • Listening to your body, not pushing through discomfort

Is Hot Mat Pilates safe?

Yes — when approached mindfully.

Your instructor will:

  • Pace the class carefully

  • Offer clear modifications and rest options

  • Encourage hydration and breaks

You are always welcome to pause, sit out, or leave the room if needed.

What should I eat before Hot Mat Pilates?

We recommend avoiding large or heavy meals immediately before class.

In a warm environment, overeating can increase the likelihood of:

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Discomfort during movement

A light snack 1–2 hours before class is ideal if needed.

Why is hydration especially important for Hot Mat Pilates?

Heat increases sweat loss, which can lead to dehydration more quickly.

Dehydration may cause:

  • Fatigue

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Reduced performance

Please arrive well-hydrated and bring water to sip throughout the class.

Who should avoid Hot Mat Pilates?

Hot Mat Pilates may not be suitable if you:

  • Are pregnant

  • Have heart conditions or medical conditions affected by heat

  • Experience dizziness, fainting, or heat sensitivity

  • Are feeling unwell or dehydrated

If unsure, please consult your GP or healthcare professional before attending.

What should I bring to class?

We recommend:

  • A water bottle

  • A small towel

  • Breathable Pilates clothing

  • Grip socks or bare feet (both welcome)

Mats are provided.

I’m new to heated classes — can I still attend?

Absolutely. Hot Mat Pilates is designed to be many people’s first experience of heat-based movement.

You’ll be guided throughout, with no pressure to keep up or push beyond your comfort level.

What if I feel dizzy or uncomfortable during class?

Please stop, sit or lie down, and let your instructor know.
Listening to your body is encouraged — not seen as a failure.

Why is feedback encouraged during the trial period?

February is a trial month, and your experience matters. Feedback helps us:

  • Fine-tune pacing

  • Adjust temperature

  • Ensure the class remains accessible and supportive

    💌 Contact & Communication

Please don’t send urgent messages via Instagram DMs — they aren’t monitored regularly.

For anything urgent, personal, or membership-related, please email:
📧 heartandharmonywellnessstudio@gmail.com

We’ll always do our best to reply promptly 🌿