Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise Class Questions

What should I wear to exercise classes?

Comfortable, breathable clothing that allows free movement is best, such as leggings and a fitted top. We’d avoid loose clothing as you might well be doing inversions.

What are the main differences between Yoga and Pilates?

Yoga focuses on flexibility and mindfulness, while Pilates emphasizes core strength and controlled movement, both enhancing overall health.

What is Yin Yoga?

 Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice. It’s suitable for all levels and and complements the other styles of yoga

What is Gong Pilates?

For years I’ve always used Trigger point spikey balls in my classes, they are amazing… we do 45 mins of pilates stretch/tone/strengthening core & back exercises, then we finish off with the spikey balls under the shoulders lying down, incorporating the Gong & breathwork…..this helps release stuck energy, release tension in the neck & shoulders where we carry (stress, burdens, anxiety) & helps improve posture! This is my most popular class and is suitable for any level, it is mostly floor based.

Will Pilates help with core strength and posture?

Pilates is absolutely good for core strength and posture. A little known fact is that Pilates (originally created by Jospeh Pilates) and was used in the first world war to rehabilitate injured service people. It’s primarily focused on improving strength (core and otherwise), spine alignment and breath and improves general fitness levels. It is suitable for beginners and beyond.

What is Zumba?

Zumba is a high-energy, dance-based fitness program that combines Latin-inspired music with aerobic exercise to provide a fun, full-body workout.
Zumba was created in the 1990s by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez and officially launched in 2001. It blends Latin and world music rhythms such as salsa, merengue, reggaeton, cumbia, and hip-hop with cardio and interval training, making exercise feel like a dance party rather than a traditional workout.

What is Body Balance?

BodyBalance™ is a structured fitness program developed by Les Mills that blends yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates into a workout designed to target both the mind and body. Classes typically begin with a Tai Chi-inspired warm-up focusing on breathing, followed by yoga sequences like sun salutations and warrior poses, Pilates-inspired core exercises, and hip openers and twists. Sessions conclude with a period of relaxation and meditation, all set to calming music to enhance focus and reduce stress.

Is Body Balance good for flexibility and relaxation?

Body balance targets all of the major areas of the body (hence the name, it balances all areas of the body). It’s much more of a routine to build strength, flexibility and fitness rather than as something for relaxation. For relaxation we’d recommend Gong Pilates or Yin Yoga

What type of boxing is this? Is this boxercise?

Women & Girls (14+) Boxing Classes

Led by a female, fully qualified boxing coach, these sessions are designed to build real skills, confidence, and strength, in a supportive, empowering environment.

What to expect :
No equipment needed
Learn proper boxing fundamentals: stance, technique, footwork & defence
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience

This is NOT Boxfit or Boxercise — this is real boxing training that teaches you the skills you need to step into any boxing gym with confidence.

Book onto a Beginners or Intermediate course for discounted rates

Drop in with flexible pay-as-you-go sessions

Is boxing safe for beginners?

Boxing is specifically designed for beginners and is “no contact”. The instructor is a qualified boxing coach with over 10 years experience and you’ll be safe in her hands.

For boxing, do I need my own gloves or equipment?

No, we provide all of the equipment necessary for your classes

Healing Sessions Questions

What are Sound Baths and what should I expect?

We run regular sound bath sessions and we have a dedicated page here to talk about this subject.

For Reiki or sound healing sessions, is physical touch involved?

Reiki can be given with light touch or with hands held just above the body. We will never touch you without your permission and you can discuss this with the practitioners before the session begins. You can also opt opt during the session if it feels like too much for you

Is Reiki connected to any religion or belief system?

Reiki is a spiritual practice but not a religion. It does not require any specific beliefs and is open to people from all backgrounds. You don’t need to believe in Reiki for it to have a benefit to you.

What happens during a Reiki session?

The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body in a specific sequence, typically starting at the head and moving down to the feet, covering the main energy centers (chakras). Hands may rest gently on areas like the head, throat, heart, abdomen, and feet, or hover slightly above the body.

Each position is held for several minutes, and the session usually lasts between 20 and 90 minutes depending on the practitioner and your preferences.

During the session, you may feel warmth, tingling, heaviness, gentle pulsing, or a sense of calm. Some people experience emotional release, deep relaxation, or even fall asleep, while others may notice little physical sensation, which is also normal. Reiki is non-diagnostic and non-manipulative, so no pressure or massage is applied

General Questions

Booking And Arrival

What is the atmosphere like in the classes – are they relaxed or more high-energy?

The atmosphere in class is fun! This is not a traditional gym or fitness centre, there is a lot of camaraderie and people are very very welcoming to beginners. The classes can be physically demanding but there’s a prevailing sense of fun and love in the classes.

What should I do if I feel nervous about attending my first class alone?

Nerves are totally understandable when attending a new class but we promise that you’ll find the atmosphere fun and inclusive, our instructors are incredibly welcoming and also are the students. We don’t judge and we’re all there to have fun and get fit, no matter where you start from. This isn’t a traditional gym and it’s setup to be community based and inclusive.

Are your classes suitable for different age groups?

We have a range of students from teenagers through to pensioners and we encourage all age ranges.

Is there a limit on class sizes?

We are not a big studio, most of the exercise classes we tend to limit it to 10-12 people for everybody’s comfort, sound baths are often bigger however as they require less spaces between mats.

Do I need to turn up a certain amount of time before my first session for a quick introduction?

Please turn up to your class 5-10 minutes before it starts. The classes are relaxed and you’ll have time to say hello and ask any questions you might have. If the door is shut and bolted then we’re running another class or session and we will be open very shortly.

Are the classes women only or mixed classes?

Most of our classes are mixed classes unless they specifically say otherwise. The main demographic is women but that’s not to say that men or non-binary folk are unwelcome. The classes are generally open to all. If you have any concerns please reach out to us and we will answer any specific questions you have.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring some water to keep yourself hydrated, we have a water machine in the studio if you forget

Can I cancel or reschedule a booking?

You can cancel or reschedule a booking but please don’t do it less than 24 hours in advance unless you have exceptional circumstances.

Do I need to be fit to start these classes?

Most of our classes are tailored for beginners and you have to start somewhere. We offer a welcoming and inclusive space and expect that people do what they can, fitness is a journey and the best way to get fit is to start getting fit

Do you offer trial classes or block discounts?

We don’t offer trial classes specifically, all of our classes are Pay As You Go but you can purchased a pass to save yourself money.

Do I need to book a class in advance?

Please book in advance via our page, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to attend the class if you don’t. It also helps with our planning. We also get a lot of messages and so booking via a DM can be missed and we’d not want you to miss out on a class

Facilities

Are there public transport options available close to the venue?

Take a look at the Find Us page where we offer links to local public transport

Is there parking nearby?

For classes of around an hour you can park in Aldi, for longer classes we’d recommend parking down the side streets in the area or in the Red Lion carpark as Aldi have a strict policy on parking limit

Are there changing facilities?

We have two lockable bathrooms with enough space to get changed. There’s a toilet and shower in both.

Health and Fitness

Can I attend sessions if I’m pregnant?

Please check with your doctor before attending class and please speak to the instructor first and they’ll be able to advise how comfortable and safe you’ll be depending on your stage of pregnancy. We certainly advise against inversions in the early stages of pregnancy.

Which class is best for beginners?

We recommend the gong pilates classes for beginners, a lot of the positions are very accessible and if they’re not we’ll advise during the class with modifications to help/

Are your classes suitable for beginners?

The majority of our classes are suitable for absolute beginners. Body Balance is more tailored to intermediate levels as it can be quite physically demanding at points, you don’t have to have attended one before but you need to have a certain level of fitness.

Can I attend even if I have never done this type of class before?

Yes you can! (other than the intermediate boxing)

Are the classes suitable if I have an injury or health condition?

The majority of the classes are suitable if you have an injury or health condition but we’d ask that you check with your doctor first before attending a class and please talk to the instructor before starting a class either in person or via a message.

Can exercises be modified if something feels too difficult?

The classes can be modified by our instructors if it’s too difficult. We are very much about you listening to your body and going at your own pace

What self care should I be mindful of pre/post classes?

Try not to eat an hour or so before an exercise class as it’ll make you uncomfortable.

Please be sure to drink water after the classes and listen to your body. Some classes involve deep stretches and if you’re not used to them you’ll sometimes feel sore a few days after. This is nothing to be concerned about and it will get easier as you attend more classes.

What benefits might I notice after attending regularly?

You’ll feel fitter and more energetic and we hope you’ll feel part of a wider community of supportive and like minded individuals.