Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 127 Kendal Street in the Ilfracombe Building. Come through the charming white picket fence, we are the centre door between Contemporary Hair and Kendal Street Cafe, you will see our sign to the side. Go straight down the hallway and we are right in front of you, just follow the beautiful natural light.

If you unsure of finding us please reach out before your first class so that we can assist. We recommend arriving 10 mins early for your first class to allow time to find us if you are unsure.

Question 2

How do I book a class?

Accepted Answer

For your first booking you will need to go to the Momence website which is linked below.
https://momence.com/u/focus-pilates-cowra-IfLhec

Once you have booked once the best way to continue attending and managing your bookings is by downloading the free MOMENCE app. Because you will have already created an account when booking your first class, just login using the same e-mail and password as the website, it will recognise you and have FOCUS PILATES COWRA already loaded as one of your studios!

Just hit the FOCUS icon, scroll through our schedule and book the classes that take your fancy. If you need help please reach out.

Classes can be booked up to 1 week in advance at all times, for example when the Monday 6:30am class finishes, the Monday 6:30am class for the following week will go live online for bookings.

Question 3

I am new to Pilates. What class should I start with?

Accepted Answer

While we are happy for you to attend any class you think right for you we do recommend beginning with Pilates Mat and/or Reformer Flow. In Pilates we focus on working in neutral spinal alignment and prioritising correct form, increasing range of motion comes second and lastly we increase the load. In Pilates Mat we use body weight and light props, focusing on slower controlled movement. In Reformer Flow we use purposefully lighter springs on the Reformer machine working on stability and balance. This allows more focus to remain on form.

Once you feel like you have good control of your form you can increase the challenge with Reformer Strong where we do the same kinds of exercises and movements as in Pilates Mat and Reformer Flow but keep them simpler and increase the weight and the resistance to build muscle mass and bone density.

You will still build strength, muscle and increase bone density it Pilates Mat and Reformer Flow, but we focus on muscle endurance with higher repetitions of each exercise. Reformer Strong will build muscle power.

Overall, we recommend trying all classes, deciding what feels best in your body and going from there. The BEST workout for you is the one you will stick to. Consistency is key.

Question 4

I haven't done this kind of exercise before, can I still come?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY! No prior experience is needed for any of our classes.
We carefully design our classes to be for any level of experience and fitness offering a standard move which will then be built upon to advance or modifications offered for injuries so you can take the options that suit you and how your body is feeling each day.

Question 5

What do I need to bring to class?

Accepted Answer

We require you to wear grip socks in all classes for safety and hygiene purposes. If you don't have any you can purchase them from us before your class for $20.

We will provide all the equipment you need to get the most from your visit. All you need to bring is a drink bottle to stay hydrated and a sweat towel can be handy (particularly for our higher intensity classes such Reformer Strong).

Question 6

Am I allowed to attend if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

As long as your health care professional has given you the ok to exercise we are happy to help you keep moving. We will provide modifications throughout the course of your pregnancy to keep both you and bub safe and happy.

If it works with your schedule we do also offer a weekly Bubs & Bumps classes which are specifically designed for our pre and post-natal clients. For new mums, you are welcome to bring bub along to class with you as long as they are either unable to crawl or they can be confined to a stroller - this is for safety. If you prefer not to bring bub along and just have time for you, that is ok too!

If your schedule does not align with the Bubs and Bumps classes you are absolutely welcome to attend our open classes. We recommend sticking with our slower classes Pilates Mat and Reformer Flow to focus on alignment and control during your pregnancy and when you first return to exercise after bub has arrived. Please note babies can only be brought with you to the specific Bubs and Bumps classes, not to our open classes.

Question 7

I have just had a baby, what classes are right for me?

Accepted Answer

Same as with pregnancies, we are happy to help you ease back in to movement post-natally provided you have  been given the go-ahead by your health care professional. We highly recommend consulting with a women's health physiotherapist as well.

If it works with your schedule we do also offer a weekly Bubs & Bumps classes which are specifically designed for our pre and post-natal clients. For new mums, you are welcome to bring bub along to class with you as long as they are either unable to crawl or they can be confined to a stroller - this is for safety. If you prefer not to bring bub along and just have time for you, that is ok too!

If your schedule does not align with the Bubs and Bumps classes you are absolutely welcome to attend our open classes. We recommend sticking with our slower classes Pilates Mat and Reformer Flow to focus on alignment and control during your pregnancy and when you first return to exercise after bub has arrived. Please note babies can only be brought with you to the specific Bubs and Bumps classes, not to our open classes.

Question 8

What happens if I can't attend my booked class?

Accepted Answer

You can manage your bookings via the free MOMENCE app. We ask that you cancel or reschedule your classes with as much notice as possible. Classes MUST be cancelled via the app/online as we can not monitor our messages and e-mails at all hours and by using the app you will free up your spot for anyone else waiting and notify us that you won't be attending if you cancel very close to the class so we know you won't be coming.

If cancelling your booking more than 10 hours before the class start time your class credit will automatically be put back on your account for you to use on another class. If you cancel within 10 hours of the class start time this is considered a "late cancellation" and unfortunately counts as the class credit being used. This also applies if you do not attend a class you have a booking for (or "no-show").

This is to encourage mindful booking and allow others the chance to attend.

Question 9

I have an injury/condition that impacts my movements, can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

We recommend consulting your doctor or healthcare professional before commencing any new exercise regimes. We are able to provide modifications throughout class to ensure you are working safely and without pain. We do recommend contacting us prior to class to discuss any issues or injuries and we can help advise which class styles could be most suitable to begin with.

Question 10

Do you have age limits?

Accepted Answer

Minimum age to attend our classes is 16 years for Mat based classes (Pilates Mat and Power Pilates) and 18 years minimum for Reformer.
However if a guardian is present we are happy to welcome ages 14+ to any class. If aged less than 18 years a parent or guardian must also sign your membership waiver.

There is no maximum age to attend our classes. However for our standard classes we do require the ability to get down and up from the floor with relative ease.
If you are unable to get down on the floor due to mobility or injury concerns you are welcome to come to our Seniors classes where we do not get down on the floor. All ages are welcome in this class.

Question 11

CANCELLATION POLICY

Accepted Answer

If you can no longer attend a class you have booked please cancel your booking via the Momence app or website as soon as possible.

Cancellations are NOT accepted via e-mail, text or social media as we can not monitor these at all times.

Cancellations must be made more than 10 hours prior to the class start time to avoid forfeiting your class credit or in the case of our Unlimited memberships, being charged a $10 fee.

If you cancel within 10 hours of the class start time (or "late cancel") you will forfeit that class credit. If you do not show up to a class you are booked in for (or "no-show") you will forfeit your class credit.

We do understand that sometimes life happens and we can make occasional allowances, please cancel your booking online and then contact us and we will see what we can do for you.

Question 12

WAITLIST POLICY

Accepted Answer

If a class you wish to attend is fully booked we highly encourage you to add yourself to the waitlist. If you are the first person on the waitlist if/when a space becomes available due to another person cancelling their booking the system will automatically add you to the class and send you a text message to let you know that you have a confirmed place. If you can no longer attend it is your responsibility to cancel you booking even if this means a late cancellation.

Our system will automatically add you up until 3 hours prior to the class start time. If a spot becomes available inside this 3 hour window the system will send a text message to ALL people on the wait-list and the first to respond will be bookedinto  the class.

If you do not wish to attend a class you are on the waitlist for PLEASE cancel yourself from the list just as you would cancel from a booked class to ensure this waitlist system works as effectively as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions