What is the Difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates?

Mat Pilates exercises are done on the floor, and use mostly body weight. There is usually a mixture of standing, seated and laying down exercises in a typical class. In some classes, small equipment may be used, such as Resistance Bands, Magic Circles and Small Pilates Balls to add challenge and variety.

Reformer Pilates is done on a bed-like machine with a sliding carriage, resistance springs, ropes and pulleys.

Neither one is better than the other, but they do offer a slightly different experience and workout.

The classes I teach are Mat Pilates classes.

What is the Difference between Yin Yoga and other types of Yoga?

All styles of yoga seek to bring about balance and harmony in your body and mind. The physical poses (asana) are designed to help you maintain a strong, flexible and healthy body.

While the more active styles of yoga such as Vinyasa or even Hatha yoga typically include rhythmic, flowing sequences that target your muscles, Yin Yoga is a quieter, meditative style of yoga characterized by it’s mostly seated or reclining poses that aims to maintain the health and elasticity of your deeper connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and joints.

This is done with long-held, static stretches done at a moderate range and intensity.

The poses are usually held for around 3-5 minutes with the focus on remaining still in your body and (ideally) your mind.

Yin Yoga helps build resilience in both your mind and your body, while releasing stress and tension.

Where are the Classes Held?

Classes are held at the White Park Community Clubrooms at 19 Mulgundawah Rd Murray Bridge.

Click here for directions.

There is parking at the rear of the building as well as plenty of street parking out front.

What to Bring to Each Class?

• Water bottle – It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you are exercising

• Towel – yes, sometimes in a Pilates class you will sweat!

  It also gives you something to use as padding or as a prop to modify any of the exercises/yoga poses as needed.

• Grip socks - Optional, but recommended. Especially in cooler weather

• Yoga Mat - The current venue I am teaching from has timber flooring, which can feel a bit hard on your body sometimes. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a thicker mat, or bring two to add extra padding between you and the floor.

• If you are coming to a Yin Yoga Class; please bring a bolster and/or blanket. You may also like to bring a strap or a belt - especially if you are not very flexible.

I am able to provide a limited number of yoga mats and bolsters by prior arrangement, but I highly recommend that you invest in a good quality yoga mat that you can bring along to class.

There are many reasons having your own mat is a good idea, below are just a few;

• Hygiene

• It helps give you a physical reminder to schedule in regular time to move your body - whether at class or at home.

• Believe it or not, you will start to connect the feel good feelings you get from Yoga or Pilates with your mat, creating a safe familiar space to practice from.

What to Wear?

• Choose clothing that you can easily move in and that won’t distract you while you move. Most people wear yoga pants or slim fitting tracksuit pants with a t-shirt or tank top.

• It is useful to dress in layers, even in warmer weather as the studio will be kept cool in Summer and even though Pilates and Yoga are generally considered low impact, your temperature may fluctuate during the class.

• In cooler weather you may also want to bring a light blanket or similar for yin yoga classes as your body can cool down quite significantly during meditation/relaxation.

What Not to Bring / Leave in Your Bag

• Your mobile phone – unless you are awaiting an extremely urgent call, please switch off your phone or have it on silent.

  This is your time to just focus on YOU and your movement practice.

  Also having someone’s ringtone suddenly blaring from the waiting room can be quite distracting, especially during the stretch time or relaxation at the end of class.

• Please avoid using strong perfumes/fragrances as they can cause headaches and/or nausea in sensitive people

What if I haven’t done Pilates or Yoga before?

That is perfectly fine. All of my classes are beginner friendly and I offer lots of options to modify an exercise or pose to suit you and your body.

I encourage people to focus on how the movements feel in their body rather than on how they look, so each client gets to work at the level that is right for them.

If you are concerned at all, please let me know before your first class and I can go over some of the basic movements and terminology with you, so you feel more comfortable joining in with the class.

How Do I Book A Class? 

Classes can also be booked through the Book a Class page on the website.

Classes can be booked up until 30 minutes before the start time. If you have any problems booking in, please send me an SMS at 0478 819 208 to let me know so I can book you in from my end.

What if I need to Reschedule or Cancel?

I understand that life can get busy and things can come up from time to time.

For this reason I have a 6 hour cancellation policy for all of my classes. 

If you late cancel (after this 6 hour time frame), you will forfeit your session/class credit. If you cancel before this 6 hour window, you will keep your class pass/credit to use for another time.

You can reschedule or cancel your appointment by using the Change/Cancel appointment link in your booking confirmation email.

If you do not have your booking confirmation email you can also email me direct at hello@staybalancedwithsam.com.au or send me an SMS on 0478 819 208.

What If I Have a Current/Previous Injury or Medical Condition? 

Prior coming to a class, ensure that you have the all clear from your medical practitioner to attend.

Please let me know before the class starts if there if you have any questions or concerns about certain movements or exercises. I also encourage you to let me know during the class if any of the movements or exercises don’t feel “right” for you at any time.

What If I’m Pregnant? 

Most of the exercises/yoga postures can be modified to suit you throughout the various stages of your pregnancy. If you have any concerns, please discuss them to me either before or after the class.

I would strongly recommend that you get the all clear from your doctor before attending classes, especially if you have never done Yoga or Pilates before.

How Many Classes Per Week Should I Do? 

As with anything, the more often you do it, the quicker you will notice results.

For best results I recommend 2 sessions per week, however understand that this may not suit everyone’s schedule.

Every client experiences the effects of Pilates and Yoga differently – you may notice some physical changes after your first class, but most people start to notice a difference after 4-5 sessions.

What If I Have Trouble Getting Up & Down From The Floor?

No Problem!

A lot of the Mat Pilates exercises can be modified to be done standing or sitting on a chair while still providing you with an all over body workout.

Although Yin Yoga is typically a floor-based, seated practice, poses can be modified to be practised in a chair.

If you have any concerns about mobility issues, please get in touch and I will be happy to discuss your options.