Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates?

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s and was referred to as Contrology.

There are six principles of Pilates used in each of the exercises to connect body and mind, they are:

Breath, Centre, Control, Concentration, Flow & Precision

The exercises are done on various specialised equipment with weight resistance provided by springs and your own body.

The original New York Studio of Joseph Pilates

It's my first time attending SMART Pilates, how should I prepare?

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Welcome to SMART Pilates! We recommend pre-registering online before your first visit so we can help you get off to the best start.

One of our highly qualified instructors will be in touch to discuss your experience, goals and any individual needs, helping you choose the most suitable classes.

If you're unable to register online or unsure where to begin, simply give us a call and our friendly team will guide you.

For your first session, wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle and arrive 5 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the studio. If a session is in progress the door may be locked, so please just wait.

No experience necessary! Our small, personalised classes and expert instructors ensure you feel welcomed, supported and confident from day one.

What are the benefits of SMART Pilates?

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General benefits include: stress management, improved core strength, increased flexibility, strength development, improved postural awareness, enhanced balance and stability, injury prevention or rehabilitation, sporting event cross training, pregnancy or postpartum support and occupational health support.

What do I bring and wear?

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Wear comfortable clothes, like yoga pants and tops, bring a towel and perhaps a water bottle.

You will need to wear socks during the workout.

Specific Pilates grip socks are available for purchase in the studio for $15.

Who is Pilates for? Do I need a high level of fitness or coordination?

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Pilates is good for everyone. The key premise behind SMART Pilates is to provide an accessible, fun form of exercise for all.

Each class has been specifically designed to adapt movements for every level.

Individual attention is given to ensure proper alignment, progression and modifications are applied for a thorough workout.

What should I expect during the different types of classes?

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Depending on the class, the duration is either 45 minutes or 55 minutes.

Every session commences with a warm up, followed by exercise sequences specific to each class.

You might use light weights and other small accessories incorporated into the exercises and progressions to work the core, joint stabilizers, and other major muscle groups.

Circuit Pilates classes will begin with getting you comfortable with the machine you are using (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Jumpboard and Ladder Barrel) and are followed by a full circuit workout in small classes.

Our sessions are completed with a stretch or roll down sequence to prevent injuries, improve blood flow, increase flexibility, and decrease soreness and stress.

Will SMART Pilates help me lose weight?

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SMART Pilates can help you create a toned physique.

Attendance multiple times per week coupled with a sensible diet, you are on the path to see increased muscle tone and decreased body fat.

How quickly will I see results?

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We recommend taking a variety of SMART Pilates classes 2-3 times per week for optimum results.

Every client is different, but those who attend class multiple times per week usually see results in a short period of time.

The first changes most clients feel is an increase in strength.

Visual definition is typically seen anywhere from 3-4 months.

Results will vary from client to client due to diet habits, effort exerted in class, and frequency of attendance.

If you can only attend one weekly session you will still see tangible results, and the more experienced you become, the more you will gain from that one session.

Can I attend if I am pregnant or post-natal?

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Assuming that your healthcare practitioner has no concerns with you taking the sessions, Pilates is safe to do during all stages of pregnancy.

We strongly recommend booking an initial consultation/private appointment before joining group classes.

Please always notify your instructor if you are expecting so that they can provide modifications.

Can I come to class if I have injury?

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We have extensive practice working with clients who have injuries.

We recommend starting with an initial consultation to ensure you find the right class for you.

If you have done Pilates before, and are aware of your limitations and understand how to modify exercises correctly, then you can join an appropriate group class.

We also suggest chatting with an instructor to see which classes are appropriate for your individual needs. We can advise you on how to gradually build strength based on exercises and stretches.

Always notify our instructors of any injuries so that they may offer additional modifications if needed. If you have serious injuries or health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, please consult a physician for clearance before attending class and start with a private session.

Can I use the studio for self-practice?

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Yes! Our Essential and Premium Freedom Memberships include access to dedicated self-practice sessions, giving you the freedom and flexibility to visit the studio, build confidence and practise at your own pace.

Self-practice sessions are designed for members who regularly attend instructor-led classes and already have a sound understanding of the equipment, techniques and safety procedures.

As these sessions are not instructor-led or supervised, you must be confident working independently and using the equipment safely.

Your health, safety and use of equipment are your responsibility during self-practice sessions. You are expected to practise within your own abilities, use equipment correctly and only perform exercises you have been taught.

All members must sign a Self-Practice Waiver and Acknowledgement of Responsibility before attending, confirming they understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for their independent practice, to the extent permitted by law.

Self-practice is a fantastic way to complement your regular classes, but it is not a replacement for instructor-led training.

Where is SMART Pilates and is there easy parking?

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SMART Pilates is conveniently located in the heart of Port Macquarie's CBD at 7/120 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie.

Parking is easy, with spaces available directly in front of the studio and along the side near Bel's Bakery. There is also plenty of nearby council parking, making your visit simple and convenient.

We recommend arriving 5 minutes before your class to allow time to park and settle in.

How long do I have to cancel a class?

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We understand that circumstances may arise where you need to cancel a class. We have a cancellation policy in place to ensure fairness to both our clients and instructors. Please see our Policy online.

We kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel a class.

This allows us to offer the spot to someone on the waitlist.

Failure to cancel within the specified timeframe or not showing up for a booked class will result in the loss of class credit or a cancellation fee, depending on the membership or package you have.

When Should I Arrive, and What If the Studio Door Is Locked?

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We recommend arriving 2–3 minutes before your scheduled class.

To ensure every class receives our full attention and runs without interruption, our studio doors remain locked while sessions are in progress.

Please note that there is no indoor waiting or chill-out area available before class. We kindly ask that you wait outside until your instructor welcomes you in.

Please do not knock, enter the studio or interrupt a class in progress. This allows each session to finish peacefully, members to leave and our instructors time to prepare the space for the next class.

Thank you for respecting our studio flow and helping us create a calm, focused and enjoyable experience for everyone!

What is a waitlist and what happens if I am waitlisted for a class?

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A waitlist is a feature we offer when a class is fully booked. If you wish to attend a class that is currently at maximum capacity, you can choose to join the waitlist for that particular class. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation, it will be offered to the individuals on the waitlist in the order they joined. If you are on the waitlist and a spot opens up, you will be notified via email or phone. It's important to respond promptly to secure your place in the class.

Do I need to attend an initial consultation if I want to book a reformer class?

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If you have done a reformer Pilates class before it is not necessary for you to book an initial consultation before joining our reformer class.

An Initial Consultation is a great idea if you have injuries, certain goals that you'd like to discuss or if you are needing some personalised attention for any reason.

How do I book a SMART Pilates Class?

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Bookings can be made online at our bookings page on our website by signing up as a new user and entering in your details, goals and anything that we may need to know about your ability.

You can view our class schedule, browse through available classes and select the one you would like to attend based on time, date, instructors and studio.

Once you've chosen your desired class, click on it to proceed with the booking.

You will be able to confirm your class selection and complete the booking. If you have previously purchased a package, the class booking will be automatically deducted from your existing package. Or you can purchase a new package.

Upon completion of the booking, you will receive an email confirming your class.

If you prefer to book a class over the phone or have any difficulties with online booking, you can reach out to our friendly team at 0456 304 131 or [email protected]

Class Packs vs Memberships – Which Offers the Best Value?

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Our memberships are hands down the best way to get the most value from your time in the studio!

While class packs are great for those who prefer to drop in occasionally or need flexibility without commitment, our memberships are designed to give you **more value, more consistency and more opportunities to practise.

With better value per class and added membership benefits, you'll get more out of every visit while building a regular routine and seeing real progress.

Our Essential and Premium Freedom Memberships also include access to self-practice sessions, giving you even more studio time to refine your skills, build confidence and practise at your own pace.

Our recommendation? If you're planning to come regularly, a membership is definitely the way to go! It's the smartest and most cost-effective way to make the most of everything our studio has to offer.

More practice, more progress, better value!

Are the Practitioners and Instructors fully insured?

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Yes, the allied health care practitioner is insured with public liability and indemnity insurance and is a member of the ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society). Our Pilates Instructors are all ensured with the appropriate bodies of Pilates insurance.

HICAPS - Health Funds

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Fascia Remedy service is now claimable under Private Health Insurance with a trained Allied Health Professional (*Remedial Massage). Please enquire.

How much Rebate will you get back depend on your Private Health Insurance level of cover.

Do you offer specific Pre or Post Natal Pilates classes?

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We do not offer specialised Pre and Postnatal Pilates classes however are smaller grouped sized classes can accommodate you if you are pre or post-natal.

Can I attend if I am pregnant or post-natal?

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Assuming that your healthcare practitioner has no concerns with you taking the sessions, Pilates is safe to do during all stages of pregnancy.

We strongly recommend booking an initial consultation/private appointment before joining group classes.

Please always notify your instructor if you are expecting so that they can provide modifications. Smaller sized reformer classes are a preferred option for attending a class at the studio if you are pregnant and/or post-natal and able to participate.

How often should I attend the studio?

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We recommend 2–3 sessions per week to build consistency, improve strength and mobility, and see real progress.

Beginners: Start with 1–2 classes a week to learn the foundations, build confidence and develop good technique.

Intermediate: Aim for 2–3 classes a week to build strength, improve mobility and explore different movement styles.

Experienced Movers: Enjoy 3+ sessions a week, mixing up classes and intensities to challenge yourself while allowing time for recovery.

With our diverse range of classes, from Fuse Ladder to Strength & Movement, and our highly skilled instructors bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise, there's something for every level.

Our tip? Consistency is key! Find a routine you love, explore different classes and enjoy the benefits of regular movement.

What are our Prices?

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You can click here to see how we get you started at our studio and our ongoing prices for various services.

We're not a gym, we're a boutique movement studio offering a personalised, high-quality experience.

Our bespoke classes, small class sizes and attention to detail set us apart. You'll be guided by highly qualified instructors with extensive experience, including bachelor-level qualifications and clinical education, bringing expert knowledge to every session.

We focus on quality over quantity, offering individual attention, thoughtful programming and expert guidance to help you move safely, build strength and achieve lasting results.

You're not just paying for a class you're investing in exceptional instruction, personalised care and a better way to move.

How do I sign up to SMART Pilates?

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Joining SMART Studio is easy! Simply download the Momence app, create your account and explore our range of classes, memberships and class packs.

Through the app, you can purchase your membership or class pack, book your favourite classes and manage your bookings, all in one convenient place.

Prefer to sign up in person? No problem! Our friendly team can help you get started at the studio, where you can register and pay using our EFTPOS facilities. All major cards are accepted.

Our tip? Download the Momence app to make booking and managing your studio sessions simple, flexible and convenient!

POP-UP EVENT: SMART Pilates Open Day Sat 14 Nov 2026