POLICIES

These policies help maintain the standard of care, safety, + consistency our studio members expect.

Your Studio Ritual | Group Classes

  • Arrive 10 minutes ahead of your class.

  • Check in with your instructor + tell them your name!

  • Shoes are not allowed in the studio. Please remove them + place them on the floor under the wooden bench. (Shoes do not belong in the cubbies.)

  • Place all of your belongings, including your phone, in a cubby.

  • Once the previous class ends, choose any reformer or mat.

  • While you wait, stretch, breathe, or chat with your neighbor. It’s Pilates, not a library! :)

  • Have an injury or special need? Let your instructor know! We know most of our people and their injuries, but reminders are always appreciated. It is your responsibility to let us know about any new injuries, or changes to your health that impact your ability to participate safely.

Attire

Semi-fitted activewear is recommended so instructors can see your form; layer up and shed as you get warm. Please avoid zippers, claw hair clips, or dangly jewelry, as they can puncture the equipment. Long hair should be tied back for safety. Grip socks are required for hygiene and secure footing, and are available for purchase in-studio. Bring a water bottle to refill at our FloWater station, and please avoid perfume or strong fragrances, as many clients are sensitive to scent.

Late Arrivals

The studio doors lock five minutes after the start of class. For group classes, late entry is not permitted. For private sessions, late entry may be allowed at the instructor’s discretion based on their schedule. This policy protects your safety, allows those already in session to stay fully focused, and preserves the flow of the class without distractions.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

All reservation changes must be made at least 24 hours in advance through the Village West Pilates app or website, as we cannot accept cancellations via email or social media. Members are responsible for managing their own reservations.

Group classes cancelled within 24 hours incur a $15 late cancellation fee. No-shows result in a $25 fee and forfeited credit. Private sessions cancelled within 24 hours forfeit your credit, and no-shows incur a $25 fee. We know life happens and we're happy to work with you when it does. These policies honor our instructors' time and keep classes fair and available for everyone.

If the studio must cancel a class, you’ll be notified by email and/or text and your credit will be automatically returned. In the case of inclement weather, updates will be sent promptly by email or text. If the studio remains open, please use your best judgment when traveling; weather-related cancellations will not incur a fee.

Class Schedule & Instructor Substitution

Class schedules, instructors, and programming are subject to change. Instructor substitutions may occur to support staff availability, and Village West may adjust offerings as needed to serve the community and uphold the integrity of the method.

Guest Passes

Select studio memberships include one guest pass per billing cycle. The pass is issued on the first day of your billing cycle, is separate from your membership credits, and is valid for 45 days. Unused guest passes expire after 45 days. Guest passes are for guests, not other members, or yourself.

Age Restrictions, Minors & Guests

For safety and focus, children and non-participating guests are not permitted in the studio during class.

Private training and group mat classes are for ages 14+, and group reformer classes are for ages 16+. Minors ages 14–17 may participate only if enrolled in an eligible class or private session, with a participating parent or legal guardian present and a Minor Participant Waiver and Consent signed by both the minor and parent/legal guardian. All minors must have their own account, be booked through the app, and have a signed waiver on file. Standard class pricing applies to all participants, including minors.

Exceptions: Pilates + Play is for children ages 3 and under (one child per participating adult). Infants and newborns may accompany a parent to private sessions, and minors may participate in events where minor participation is explicitly stated (such as Mom + Me events).

Parking

Village West offers private, complimentary client parking directly in front of the studio, with entry from Main Street and exit onto Railroad Avenue. This lot is reserved for Village West clients and is intended to be your first choice for parking. If the lot is full, overflow parking is available in the side lot. We appreciate your help in being mindful of our neighbors.

Photo & Media

To preserve the class experience, recording, photographing, or streaming is not permitted during class. Photos are welcome before or after class with the consent of all included.

Membership & Package Expiration

Village West Pilates is a membership-based studio. Purchases of class packs and memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Class packages have set expiration dates, and unused credits do not roll over.

Memberships reset at the start of each billing cycle, which begins on the date of your first class rather than the first of the calendar month. Any unused classes expire at the end of each cycle and cannot be carried forward.

Health & Safety Policy

All clients must complete an intake form and disclose any injuries, health conditions, or special circumstances before participating in classes so that instructors can provide safe and appropriate modifications. If you are pregnant, postpartum, recovering from surgery, or managing a medical condition, please notify us — medical clearance may be required for your safety. Instructors may adjust or modify movements and reserve the right to stop any exercise that poses a risk. For the wellbeing of our community, please refrain from attending class if you are unwell, experiencing symptoms of illness, or within 24 hours of a fever or other contagious condition. Clients are expected to maintain proper hygiene and wipe down equipment after use. Village West Pilates reserves the right to deny participation if a client’s health or condition poses a risk to themselves or others.

Booking Policy

All private sessions + classes must be booked and prepaid in advance through the Village West Pilates app. Walk-ins are not permitted. Cash and checks are not accepted.

Waitlist

Our waitlist feature makes it easy to secure a spot in popular classes. Joining the waitlist uses a class credit (or prompts a drop-in purchase), and if a spot opens prior to 4 hours before class, you’ll be automatically enrolled and notified. After that window, you’ll get a notification to book manually through the app. If you can no longer attend, please remove yourself from the waitlist to avoid automatic enrollment. If you don’t get in, your credit or drop-in purchase will be returned to your account for future use.

Communication

We value open communication and do our best to respond quickly. The best way to reach us is by texting us, and we aim to reply the same day or by the next business day. Social media is a place for community, connection, and inspiration — but not for account changes, billing, or membership questions. For all account-related needs, please contact us directly so we can assist you efficiently.

Liability Waiver

By attending a class or private session at Village West Pilates, you acknowledge that participation is at your own risk and release Village West Pilates from any liability for injury, illness, or damage to personal property that may occur during or as a result of your participation.

Refund Policy

All sales are final. Village West Pilates does not offer refunds on class packages, memberships, or retail purchases, except in the case of a transaction error or a manufacturer defect in a retail item. In limited circumstances, account credits may be issued at the studio’s discretion.

The Vibe

Kindness only. We lift each other up here.

Diversity is our strength. All bodies, all backgrounds, all journeys are welcome.

No BS, ever. Negativity, judgment, or drama has no place in our studio.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

  • Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening the core, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. It combines breath control, mindful movement, and precise exercises to promote alignment, posture, and muscle strength. Pilates can be done on a mat or using specialized equipment like the Reformer.

  • Pilates is a method, not a workout, and progress comes through consistent practice over time. Strength, control, and awareness develop through repetition and return, not intensity or occasional attendance. For this reason, Village West is structured as a membership-based teaching studio, allowing clients to build skill gradually and experience lasting change. Our 12-month memberships reflect the time it takes to truly learn the method and integrate the work into the body.

  • Private sessions are where the foundation of Pilates is built. In a one-on-one setting, instructors can teach the details of the method that cannot be fully addressed in a group class, including individualized cueing, alignment, breath, and how the body interacts with the equipment. Early sessions often feel unfamiliar, and that is expected. Most clients leave their first private session with a clearer understanding of their body and how Pilates works.

  • Group classes are designed to support and reinforce the work learned in private sessions. They provide a consistent environment to practice, refine, and build upon foundational skills over time. Group classes are not a replacement for private instruction, but a place to apply what has been taught within a focused, guided setting.

  • Our comprehensive private studio is equipped exclusively with state-of-the-art Balanced Body equipment.

    • Studio Reformer/Trapeze Combo (Cadillac)

    • Two Studio Reformer/Tower Combos

    • Combo Chair

    • Two EXO Chairs

    • Ladder Barrel

    • Spine Correctors and Small Barrels

    • Weight rack and more

    Your instructor will thoughtfully select the equipment that best supports your goals and needs. We follow an open studio concept inspired by Joseph Pilates’ original space, meaning more than one private session may take place at the same time. This creates a focused, active environment while maintaining individual attention.

  • The ideal number of classes depends on your personal goals and schedule. For most people, 2-3 classes per week is a great starting point for building strength and flexibility without overtraining. Once Pilates becomes part of your routine, a typical practice is 3-5 classes per week to see lasting results. Consistency is key, but always listen to your body and rest when needed.

  • A Reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment that consists of a sliding platform, springs for resistance, and adjustable straps. It allows for a wider variety of movements and exercises than mat Pilates and can be used to target specific muscle groups more effectively. The Reformer offers greater support and allows for modifications, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.

  • Mat Pilates: This is the traditional Pilates method performed on the floor using a mat. It focuses on bodyweight exercises that target core strength, stability, and flexibility.

    Reformer Pilates: Involves the use of a Reformer machine, which uses springs for resistance. This allows for a greater range of motion and more dynamic exercises, making it easier to challenge and modify movements based on your fitness level.

    Both methods are highly effective, and each offers its own benefits! A well-rounded routine incorporates both styles.

  • Not at all! Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors are trained to offer modifications and adjustments to suit individual needs.

  • While Pilates may not burn as many calories as high-intensity cardio workouts, it’s an excellent way to build lean muscle, manage cortisol, and improve body composition. A strong, balanced body burns calories more efficiently, and Pilates helps with overall muscle strength and posture.

  • Yes! Pilates is known for improving posture, strengthening the core muscles, and increasing flexibility—all of which can help alleviate back pain. Our instructors can guide you through exercises specifically designed to relieve tension and improve alignment. If you have chronic back pain, we recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

  • Wear comfortable, semi-fitted athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid loose clothing, as it can get in the way of certain movements. Pilates is practiced in our studio with grip socks for alignment, safety, & comfort.

  • We have a free, private parking lot located directly in front of our building, exclusively for Village West clients. Please park in our lot first. If it’s full, you’re welcome to use the side lot.

  • Grip socks are required to take our classes and can be purchased in our studio. We strongly recommend bringing a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or clip so your hair does not get caught in the reformer.

  • Our decision to be mirror-free is intentional.

    After years spent in a wide range of studios, we’ve found that removing mirrors creates a more grounded and effective learning environment. Pilates is about how movement feels, not how it looks.

    Pilates inherently features clear instruction, thoughtful cueing, and moving at a pace that supports your body. In class, you may occasionally turn to view a demonstration, which is normal. In fact, mirrors often pull clients out of alignment, while learning to feel the work helps maintain it.

    A mirror-free studio supports:

    Deeper awareness.
    Clients develop proprioception, the body’s ability to sense alignment and movement without visual feedback. This awareness improves balance, coordination, and confidence in everyday movement and becomes increasingly important as we age.

    Fewer distractions.
    No visual comparisons, no self-checking. Just focus on breath, control, and strength.

    A more inclusive environment.
    Removing mirrors reduces comparison and self-consciousness, creating a space where clients of all ages, body types, and experience levels can feel comfortable and present. The emphasis shifts from appearance to capability.

    We invite you to experience Pilates in a space designed to help you feel strong, supported, and connected to your body from the inside out.

  • No. Village West Pilates does not offer hot Pilates.

    The Pilates method emphasizes control, breath, and precision rather than fatigue or intensity. Added heat is not necessary to achieve the benefits of Pilates and can interfere with the clarity and control the method requires.

    Exercising in high heat raises core temperature and heart rate more quickly, which can lead to earlier fatigue and reduced precision. While increased sweat may create the sensation of working harder, there is limited evidence that heated environments improve Pilates outcomes compared to traditional practice.

    Pilates already supports circulation and lymphatic flow through intentional movement, breath, and alignment. For some individuals, excessive heat can increase physical stress and leave the body feeling depleted rather than restored.

    We believe Pilates is most effective when practiced without added heat.