FAQs

New to Pilates? Read on…

New to Pilates? Read on…

  • Pilates takes its name from Joseph Pilates. A German-born emigré to Britain and then America, he devised the Pilates method as a new approach to exercise and body-conditioning in the early decades of the last century.

    Joseph Pilates developed his work from a strong personal experience in fitness. Unhealthy as a child, he studied many kinds of self-improvement systems. He drew from Eastern practices and Zen Buddhism. He was inspired by the ancient Greek ideal of man perfected in the development of body, mind, and spirit.

  • Most importantly, Pilates was created by a man! Joseph Pilates himself, was the manliest of men, oftentimes exercising and teaching in his underwear! He studied different movement modalities for years and even rehabilitated his own body back to health with his original practice of 'Contrology.

    The exercises was originally created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s for the purpose of rehabilitation for soldiers returning from war, and for dancers, to strengthen their bodies and heal their aches and pains.

  • Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the core.

    The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialised equipment; such as Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, High Barrel,Springboard and CoreAlign.

    • With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to:

    • Improve strength, flexibility and balance

    • Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk

    • Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core

    • Engage the mind and enhance body awareness

    • Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury

    • Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching

    • Restore postural alignment

    • Create a stronger, more flexible spine

    • Promote recovery from strain or injury

    • Increase joint range of motion

    • Improve circulation

    • Heighten neuromuscular coordination

    • Offer relief from back pain and joint stress

    • Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury

    • Enhance mobility, agility and stamina

    • Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity

    • Improve the way your body looks and feel

  • Anyone can do it! One of the great advantages of the Pilates method is that it is a discipline that is aimed for every body. Due to its slowness, its control, and its easy adaptation for all, it can be taught for any type of profile: women, men, the elderly, pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, people in rehabilitation....

    You can start doing Pilates from a very young age and carry on into your older years. As a low impact exercise with the ability to choose levels of intensity, Pilates is the ultimate workout, not restricted by age, gender, or fitness capabilities.

  • A 'class' is group instruction where exercise is not tailored to individual needs. We do aim for variation from class to class however and offer general modifications to suit different abilities where possible.

    A 'Studio Session' is personalised exercise instruction tailored specifically to a client’s needs and goals. They are offered as Private Sessions (1:1) /Duet Session (2:1) /Semi-Private (3:1) sessions and use a variety of traditional pilates equipment such as the high barrel, tower and spine corrector. This equipment is not appropriate for use in group classes.

  • Pilates is a targeted exercise method that aims to enhance strength, flexibility, and posture, primarily focusing on the core. You can opt for bodyweight, resistance, or apparatus training to achieve desired results. Consistency is key to reap maximum benefits from this disciplined practice.

    Yoga, on the other hand, emphasizes flexibility and engages broad muscle groups. It also involves meditation and deep breathing techniques, which can be beneficial for relaxation.

    Pilates and Yoga are excellent approaches to tone and strengthen your body while reducing stress and increasing flexibility. With something for everyone in both practices, it is recommended to give both a try and decide which one suits you better.

  • All of our sessions are 55 minutes long, except for Midday Move, which is 45 minutes.

In the Studio….

  • Bring a towel, water bottle, wear comfortable exercise clothing and clean socks.

    *Please note: Please bring clean socks for hygiene purposes. Grip socks are essential for a pilates class. We require non-slip socks at all times while in the studio. They allow for a comfortable workout with minimal slippage. You can bring in your own, or are available for purchase for $25 at the studio if needed.

    Valuables can be stored in cubby holes within the Studio during your workout. Please note all personal effects and valuables are brought into the studio at your own risk, and we do not accept responsibility nor liability for their loss or damage.

  • First-timers please arrive 10 minutes before class. This will give you time to meet your instructor, provide them with information on any injuries you may be working with and how you feel. All our classes start on time, we appreciate regulars arriving a 5 minutes early to allow time to store any belongings.

  • We value punctuality to ensure everyone has the best experience. Our classes start on time after a quick warm-up, if you arrive more than 10 minutes late, unfortunately, we won’t be able to allow you into the class. This is for your safety and to minimise disruption to the ongoing session.

  • We provide cubby holes in the studio for you to keep your personal items in a safe place during class where you, your class mates or instructor won’t trip over or break them. We understand that sometimes you need to be contactable. If there is an emergency for which you need to keep your phone close to you please notify the instructor at the beginning of the class.

  • If you are new to Pilates and have a chronic injury, you will need to book an 'Initial Consultation' to ensure you find the right classes or sessions with our instructors. 

    Our Private and Duet Sessions are personalised to cater to individual needs. However, it's mandatory for you to provide a note of approval from your physiotherapist or doctor before enrolling. Additionally, we highly recommend seeking your physician's clearance before joining our Group class. If you're unsure whether the class is appropriate for you, please reach out to us immediately before making a reservation.

  • For safety reasons, YES, we need to make sure you can use a pilates equipments correctly. The Initial Consultation is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your goals and ensure the classes you want to join are right for you.

  • Like many studios, we operate a cancellation policy. In consideration of all our clients, Centered Movement enforces a strict cancellation policy for all classes and privates.

    The cancellation period runs from the time you make the booking until the time which is 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the booked session. If you cancel within the 24 hour period before your session you will be charged the full rate of the session.


    Expiry of Sessions
    Sessions must be used within the specified period mentioned of purchased packs/ classes. If you cannot use sessions before the expiry date due to a significant event which was not expected at the time of purchase, we will do our best to accommodate.

  • Firstly we need to know that you have been cleared to exercise by your GP. We are able to modify exercises for those who are pregnant. So that we can do this please update your instructor on how you’re feeling and how many weeks you are before each and every class. Pre Natal / Post Natal Clients are not allowed in the Studio Circuit/Reformer/Mat group classes but you are most welcomed to join the Semi Private Studio Sessions. We do offer Pre Natal / Post Natal classes which are separate from our group classes. Please contact the studio directly for more information.

  • Our Private and Duet classes are personalised to cater to individual needs. However, it's mandatory for you to provide a note of approval from your physiotherapist or doctor before enrolling. Additionally, we highly recommend seeking your physician's clearance before joining our Group class. If you're unsure whether the class is appropriate for you, please reach out to us immediately before making a reservation.

    If you are in any doubt please contact us for a confidential discussion prior to attending a class. We can arrange a Private Session and demonstrate modified exercises if you are unable to participate in Group classes.

  • Lucky you, getting a gift card! To redeem, please contact the studio. You will need to set up an appointment with us to redeem your gift card and pre -book your sessions/classes.

    You don’t need to be a member to give the “Gift of Health” a Centered Movement gift card - perfect for gifting at any value to the people you love.

    Or, you can gift a specific pack to someone - just ask us how and we’ll send you the gift card details.

    • Please book before you arrive : You need to have an active booking to join any class. Dropping into class without an existing reservation will not be possible or allowed to participate in the class.

    • Bring your own sweat towel & your own water bottle. We are committed to making the world a better place and will no longer provide compostable cups in our studios. You can fill up your own bottle at our water station, located in the studio.

    • Changing areas : Please arrive ready to move in your workout / active wear and bring minimal belongings to the studio, allowing common areas to be kept safe and clear. Changing rooms/ Bathrooms are available, however, showers will not be available until further notice.

    • Arriving & leaving the studio : Please only arrive 5 minutes prior to your class starting. Your instructor will check you in whilst honouring your space. After class, we kindly ask you to exit the studio within 5 minutes to avoid any crossover and allow time for the next class to set up safely.

    • Shoe-free studios : We kindly ask you to take your shoes off and leave them in the designated area upon entering the studio. Feel free to wear socks for your workout and to move around the studio.

    At CM, we are committed to making your experience as enjoyable as possible and we’re here for you if you have any questions. Just send us an email to info@centeredmovement.com.au and we will get back to you.

  • Bus Stops Closest to the Studio are :

    Bettington Rd opp Yarralumla Dr, Carlingford NSW 2118 (6 mins walk to studio)

    North Rocks Rd after Watts St, North Rocks NSW 2151 (13 mins walk to studio)

    * Off-street parking available