Something you really want to ask us?
Check out our FAQs below. If you still don’t have the answer you’re looking for, just get in touch with us via email (sarah@yogomotiv.com).
We’re here to HELP!
I’m interesting in booking a class……
What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga have tons of benefits, from getting your body moving, building strength, and helping you de-stress, to improving flexibility and endurance. But let’s break it down:
Yoga: It’s all about connecting mind, body, and breath. Expect a mix of movement, breathwork, and sometimes meditation. With different styles, yoga can range from chill and relaxing to more active and challenging. In class, you’ll move through poses, working on balance, flexibility, and strength. And yes, there’s always time for that blissful final relaxation (aka Savasana). If you’re feeling stiff or stressed, Yoga could be your go-to.
Pilates: Created by Joseph Pilates (fun fact: the guy was a genius at understanding how the body works), it focuses on strength, flexibility, and posture, with a big emphasis on core work. You’ll move a bit less than in Yoga and focus more on specific, controlled exercises that target different muscle groups. You’ll mainly be on the mat, and it’s perfect if getting up and down isn’t your thing. Doctors often recommend it for back or joint pain.
Still not sure which is for you? No worries! Check out our class descriptions, or drop Sarah an email at hello@yogomotiv.com and the team will help you pick the right one!
What is the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates?
Both focus on moving in a slow, controlled way to help strengthen muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility.
Mat Pilates |
Reformer Pilates |
You create resistance using your body weight (and sometimes small equipment) | Resistance from the springs gives a greater variety of options (from lighter to stronger) |
Much more freedom to move on the mat and YOU work to align your own body without outside assistance or restrictions | Shoulder rests and footbar help guide and steady your body. The structure and resistance can help exercises be more achievable |
Help to improve balance, stability and strength without outside help | Helps to improve balance, stability and strength in a supportive position if you’re not able to get there yourself |
More challenging for a beginner as you use your body weight as resistance | More supportive for a beginner – footbar and springs to push and pull against |
Provides the challenge to work against the freedom of movement to find feedback (proprioception) | Feedback from shoulder rests and footbar as to how you are sitting or lying on the carriage (essential for balance, muscle coordination and quality of movement) |
Can improve balance and core stability quickly as no assistance to get there | Get more control, stability and range of movement with use of the springs |
Offers greater range of movement as no restrictions | Allows safe movement with limited range of movement |
Varying resistance and tensions on muscles | Regulated resistance and tension on muscles |
Mat is for you if you’re looking for:
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Reformer is for you if you’re looking for:
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Check out our class descriptions and levels for more information. Still unsure, email hello@yogomotiv.com and the team will help guide you to the right class.
Which class is best for me?
If you’ve read the information above, you’ll want to decide whether it’s Pilates or Yoga you’re looking for. Then, check out the PILATES or YOGA page on the website. Here you’ll find the different classes, and levels too, to help you decide. Still not sure, drop us an email hello@yogomotiv.com and the team will be happy to help!
I'm a beginner, can you help?
YES! We have plenty of classes for beginners – as we know everyone has to start somewhere – and sometimes starting is the hardest bit. You can also look out for our Beginners courses that we run (check out the dates on our website for the next course) which will help you to get started, build your confidence and ‘learn the moves’.
I'm not very flexible, is it for me?
So, let’s get honest here – you don’t need to be able to touch your toes to start! All of our clients have different levels of fitness and abilities, but that’s the whole point of coming to class. If you could, you might not need to (actually that’s not true either! Nobody ever regretted taking a class!) Take a look at our Yoga & Pilates pages. You’ll see that we have noted the levels of the classes – and whether they are appropriate for total beginners, had a go before or are ready for a challenge. If you’re unsure if it’s right for you, or you want to try a few classes to see, simply try our FREE first class or our New Client Intro Offer – your first 3 classes for only £21 . As you become a little more experienced, you can safely start to expand your classes to help meet your goals – remember everyone somewhere.
I’ve booked my first class……
Where is the studio?
The studio is based in Shenley Church End local centre. We are directly opposite Sainsburys / above Subway / directly next to Good Fella’s Barber Shop. Our entrance is directly next to Good Fella’s – so if you can’t see us, look out for our fab neighbours! And you should find the doorway. Our entrance is tucked away in the corner – all the better for creating a peaceful and relaxing environment too!
Is there parking?
There’s plenty of parking around Shenley Church End local centre. If you can’t find parking directly in front of the studio, turn left past Subway, left again by Ladbrooke’s and head around the back (by Spice Village). You should find plenty of free spaces there as well. Oh, and parking is free too!
What do I wear?
Just wear what you are comfortable in and that you can easily move around in. Leggings or jogging bottoms are a good choice. T-shirts and comfortable work-out tops too. As you can sometimes be moving and other times still, it’s a good idea to wear layers as well. You might want something warm, especially at the end of a Yoga class during relaxation (think warm and cosy!). The room is warm but you’ll be more relaxed if you’re nice and warm too!
I'm pregnant, can I still attend any class?
Firstly, congrats!! Exercise during pregnancy is designed to maintain your fitness levels. As well as help you prepare for birth and beyond, and requires some adaptations as you progress through your pregnancy. Exercise at this stage of life is great but does need some adapatations. We currently don’t offer these in classes as we feel that being in a specific pregnancy class has lots of benefits. Also, not all of our instructors are trained in this area in regular classes and we want to ensure your class is a safe pregnancy practice. Please don’t ask us to make an exception!
Where can I find the health screening form that I need to complete before I attend?
For our regular classes – find the health screening form by following this link: bit.ly/PARQ-YM
This information will only be shared with the teacher that is taking your class (so that they are aware of any medical conditions etc). Know that your information will be stored safely. You can check out our Privacy Policy HERE which tells you how we use and store your data.
I’ve got a question……
I'm running late for my class......
We totally understand that LIFE gets in the way – traffic, work, kids – and we’ll try to work with you on this.
For in-studio classes, the front door will be locked at the start of the class so that we can start on time. If this happens, and you can, just drop us an email (hello@yogomotiv.com) to let us know you can’t attend.
If you’re attending online, there may be a little ‘wiggle room’ for us to let you into class.
Our teachers carefully plan each class with a ‘warm-up/introduction’ and a ‘cool-down/relaxation’ period for safety reasons – so we wouldn’t let you join a class more than 2mins late.
Please also stay to the end (even if you aren’t up for doing the whole class). Your body and mind both need to properly cool-down, so please don’t skip out on the AMAZING stretch and relaxation that comes at the end of each class! It’s your TREAT to yourself – kind of a ‘self-gift’!
I've booked a class but now can't make it. How do I cancel the class?
As we have limited space, especially in the studio, we kindly ask that you observe our 2hour cancellation window.
You can cancel and reschedule any bookings via the Momence app – simply log in using your email and password, find your booking and cancel / reschedule.
If you aren’t able to cancel at least 2hours before, you will be charged the class pass. This allows us to accommodate others who may wish to attend if the class is full with a wait list (this may be you another time!). Thanks for understanding!