Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to reserve a space or can I just show up for class?
Stretch NI classes are kept intentionally small. Reservations are therefore required as I would hate for you to make the effort to get here and be shut out of a full class. Also, if a class ever gets cancelled due to low registration, an emergency or inclement weather, I will contact everyone with a reservation to let them know.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably in clothes you can move in and please leave your shoes at the front door. Yoga is practised in bare feet. In Pilates, socks with grips provide great traction for safety and are the best choice for sanitary purposes. Do not wear heavy perfumes or scented lotions.
Do I need to bring my own mat?
I provide clean mats and other props at no charge for classes. For comfort and hygiene, however, many of my students prefer to bring their own mat to class once they have developed a regular practice. I have some for sale in the studio at very reasonable prices.
How many times per week should I attend class?
It depends on the results you want to achieve and how quickly you would like to achieve them. The more often you work out, the quicker you see and feel improvement. I recommend a consistent 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Once a week is still beneficial, but results will be slower.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel by text, by email or in person without charge at least 4 hours before the class. Please note, I have a 24 hour cancellation policy (including Friday morning for a Monday morning appointment) for private sessions. This allows me to offer the time to another client who may be waiting. All workshops carry a 48-hour cancellation policy, regardless. A full fee is charged for appointments which are missed, forgotten or cancelled at short notice.
I'm brand new to yoga/Pilates so how do I get started?
The 6-week Absolute Beginners Series is the best way to begin your yoga or Pilates practice. These specially designed courses will help you gain the confidence and knowledge to step into any class on my schedule! The class size is limited to a small group, allowing for questions and lots of personal attention. We meet once a week, with the same teacher for all 6 weeks. Each class builds upon each other – learning how to breathe, make the shapes of the poses/exercises and learning the names of each pose/exercise.
The group class times don’t fit my schedule. What are my options?
In addition to the classes listed on the schedule, I offer private and semi-private training by appointment. These appointments are based around your availability and pricing is dependent upon the number of participants. If you do not have someone in mind to share a session, I can try to help arrange a workout partner for you. Partners do not need to have the same level of experience for a semi-private lesson to work. Or you may just prefer to work one to one, particularly if you have been referred to Pilates by your GP, physiotherapist or other professional, or have pain, rehabilitation or sport specific issues to address.
What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
Pilates and yoga are both full-body exercises that are used to achieve a sound body and mind, but they go about it in different ways and for different reasons. Pilates is a physical system used to achieve optimal health through specific control and engagement of your muscles. Mental benefits come through concentrating on the exercises, with the challenge of precision and control, and your breathing. Yoga, on the other hand, is intended to use physical postures or “asanas” that prepare your body to sit for long periods of meditation. The physical effort is more a means to the end of achieving mental clarity and peace through meditation.
Why stretch?
Flexibility is beneficial to all aspects of your health. It decreases your risk of injury, improves posture, reduces muscle soreness and decreases risk of lower back pain. Stretched, flexible muscles are much stronger and more beneficial to your health than tight ones.
Is there anything else I should know?
To make the most of your sessions, please be on time. Please leave your mobile in the car. Do not eat just before class. (For yoga, I recommend not eating for two hours before class). Read the Stretch NI Studio Terms and Conditions here or at the studio. Enjoy!