FAQ

Absolutely!

High Intensity Pilates can be modified for all levels of fitness. Throughout class we offer ways to scale back or level up. Let us know if you have injuries or sensitivities that we should be mindful of so that we can help you find modifications where needed.

Welcome! Please come 10-15 minutes early so we can orient you to our method and machines. The first few classes can feel confusing so have some grace with yourself – we don’t expect you to know the names of the moves or understand the machine right away. We’re here to guide you! You can expect class to be challenging, but know that we’ll encourage you to listen to your body and modify when you need to. We’ll offer ways to scale moves to be more or less challenging.

Our High Intensity classes on the XFORMER are loosely based on traditional Pilates, but incorporate strength and cardio for a super efficient 45 minutes.

Each movement itself is slow, but transitions from one move to the next are quick to keep our heart rate elevated. The XFORMER allows us to have the benefit of traditional low impact Pilates movements, while using various tension loads to push our body to the limit without strain on joints.

The body is worked in sections with the ultimate goal of finding that satisfying muscle shake which happens when our muscles are fully fatigued.

Your heart rate will rise in class and you’ll feel the after-burn long after you leave. We bet you’ll even discover muscles you didn’t know you had!

Grip socks are required, bring your own or purchase at the studio (our 2 class intro offer includes socks).

We also recommend a water bottle, we have a filling station, lock for our lockers, and a small towel.

If a spot becomes available at least 12 hours prior to class, you will be notified via email and/or text. You must be opted into text message communications to receive text alerts. If spots open up after the 12 hour mark our automated system will not add you. This is to allow clients the chance to cancel class without penalty. 

Last Minute Openings

After 12 hours clients are welcome to check our app or website to see if a spot has become available in the final 12 hours before class. Our system will not add you automatically in these final hours.

Unused Credits

If you do not ultimately make it into class, your class credit will be returned to your account. It may take out automated several hours to process and return the credit to your account, do not be alarmed if it is not returned instantly. 

Members are given priority booking and may book their classes two weeks in advance. Clients using a credit package will be able to book classes one week in advance.

Every pregnancy is different. We always ask that clients check in with their doctor before moving forward with a class.

Typically it is not recommended to start a new routine mid pregnancy, while continuing methods you've done prior to pregnancy are often permitted.

If you and your doctor are comfortable with you continuing to take classes we are happy to help you find modifications throughout the various stages of pregnancy.

We specialize in group fitness classes and at this time do not offer private one-on-one sessions.

In El Cerrito - we have a free parking lot behind the studio on Carlos Ave with 12 spaces available for clients. You will also find street parking on San Pablo and Carlos to be plentiful during the day.

In Berkeley you will find 2 Hour Meters in front of the studio, and street parking in the block surrounding. Please allow yourself extra time for parking.

We’ve all been there!

Grip socks are required for all classes without exception. They ensure safety during exercises, without them you may slip. Additionally they help us maintain the utmost level of cleanliness.

Socks do not have to be purchased from us, but we do have a variety of colors and sizes for sale in case you forget yours.

For all classes we have a 12-hour Cancellation Policy. No Exceptions.

For Members: Cancellation with less than 12-hours notice is deemed a Late Cancellation and will result in a loss of the class credit and a $10 penalty.

Classes missed without cancellation are deemed as “No shows” and will incur a $15 penalty and loss of the class credit. No exceptions

For Credit Holders: All Late Cancellations and No Shows forfeit the credit, no exceptions.

We get it, things happen. However with the limited number of spaces in each class, we need to ensure all clients show up for the class they’ve reserved.

So please, take a moment the night before class and be sure you are prepared to arrive on time.

We know life happens, truly! But we will not return credits or penalty fees for missed classes or classes cancelled outside of the 12 hour window.

This policy isn’t because we hold some kind of grudge for canceling plans. We have all experienced traffic, getting sick, all the reasons one misses class and we know it’s frustrating!

With that said we have a limited number of XFORMERS in class, which means when you’ve reserved one, it is no longer available for anyone else to claim. Sitting on a waitlist only to hear later you could have come to class is so disappointing, so when you can’t make it we want to open that class back up! Classes are also designed to be experienced as a group so the empty machine affects everyone from fellow clients to your instructor.

Of course, you’re welcome to reach out, but please be prepared for us to maintain this boundary.

We get it, life happens, but to ensure everyone has a safe and undisrupted class doors will be closed once class begins.

This is truly not meant to punish anyone (we have all been late!) but because it is our top priority to keep clients and their belongings safe and that means the doors must remain locked while we are in class.

Please note that new clients must arrive 10 minutes early so we can show you the XFORMER and ensure that you are safe and well prepared for class. If you have not been given an orientation to the XFORMER and the method you will not be permitted to participate in class. This is one rule we simply will not budge on, we want to keep you safe!

Clients must be 18 or older to participate.

The best way to reach us is via email: hello@plankandpower.com.