Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the body's core muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting overall physical and mental wellbeing.

    The Pilates system is based on a series of controlled movements that are performed using specialized Pilates equipment or on a mat. These movements are designed to improve posture, balance, coordination, and muscular control. They also incorporate principles such as breathing, concentration, centering, precision, and flow.

    Pilates can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is often used as a rehabilitation tool by physical therapists and is also a popular form of exercise for dancers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.

  • Creating an account is easy! You can create an account downloading our app and following the prompts to create a new account. Once you have created an account, you will be able to access all of our features and services. If you have any issues with creating an account, please contact our studio manager at +1 205-718-0837

  • We have a variety of times available, including early mornings and late afternoons. You can book on your desktop online here or you can download our mobile app for ios here. And the easiest is to contact our studio manager at +1 205-718-0837 and she can take care of purchasing, scheduling and more.

  • Yes! Place yourself on the waitlist by booking the time you want. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified via Email. If you get into the class, you will need to follow the sign up process sent in the email.

  • Wear what you feel comfortable and free to move in! We do suggest wearing a more fitted top and leggings, as loose clothes and sweat pants tend to get in the way while using equipment. Pilates is practiced without shoes. Grip-socks are required.

  • Please Arrive 5 minutes before your class is set to start. There are only 10 minutes between classes, so there may be a class still in progress if you come too early. When you first walk in, one of our wonderful instructors will greet you, get you set up and introduce you to the equipment. We have cubbies along the wall you can put your belongings in. You must silence your phone and leave it in the cubbies during class.

  • If you are running behind, please text us and let us know you are on your way. Out of respect for other students, we do not allow entrance after 10 minutes.

  • To cancel a reservation, login to your account, click on the round button with your initial and select the ‘Bookings’ tab. The ‘cancel’ button will be shown by your class reservation until the 12 hour window before. Cancellations must be done at least twelve (12) hours before the class start time. Clients with unlimited memberships will be charged $10 for late cancels or no shows. Clients with class-packs will be deducted one class credit.

  • Yes! Let us know your current situation when booking so we can best help you during your time in the studio. We suggest Private Sessions while recovering from an injury, however, depending on your situation, group classes may still be a safe option. Our instructors are comprehensively trained with a variety of specializations and can provide modifications for you.

  • If you have been practicing Pilates prior to pregnancy, it is safe to continue your practice with modifications. We do not suggest starting a new form of exercise after becoming pregnant. Our instructors have specialized training in pre/post natal and pelvic floor training. We recommend booking a Private Session to familiarize yourself with safe modifications to apply while doing Pilates throughout your pregnancy.

  • To keep our equipment in great shape, please avoid wearing clothing with exposed zippers during your sessions (especially a zipper on the back of leggings). These can scratch or tear the leather on our reformers and towers. We really appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Getting Started

  • Expect to get your blood-pumping and have a killer workout. You’ll also get to meet some of the Essential MVMT regulars. One of the best things about Essential MVMT is our community of warm, wonderful clients (just like you)! After class, your instructor will check in with you to see how you liked your first class and get you scheduled for your next class. And of course tell you all the fun stuff we have going on at the studio.

  • Our classes are designed to help you progress between levels seamlessly. All provide a great workout.

    THE ESSENTIALS SERIES (10 classes REQUIRED for new clients)
    This class will teach you movement fundamentals in both Mat and Reformer exercises. We will help you build your practice and strengthen your core connection so you feel confident transitioning into our Intermediate level classes!

    Intermediate Level (Reformer/Tower)
    Once the fundamentals have been mastered, we move at a quicker pace and add in more advanced exercises with overhead movements

    Advanced Level (Mixed Equipment)
    For instructors and clients who have mastered intermediate level exercises and are ready to level up their practice, dive deeper into the Classical method and deepen their mind-body awareness!

    Pilates Blend 60+
    Designed for women 60+ looking for a gentle yet challenging class to build strength, improve balance and coordination. This class will help you connect mind, body and movement and help you live and move more confidently throughout your daily life!

    Visit our schedule to see different class types and levels offered!

  • Pilates Blend
    All things Pilates! This class will expose you to a variety of the Pilates Mat and apparatus exercises and equipment. Your instructor may utilize the Reformer, Tower, Chair, Mat and props, giving you an ever revolving Pilates experience.

    Grip socks required.

    Reformer and Chair Blend (Mixed Level)
    Is a series focused on the movement fundamentals in Reformer Pilates to help you strengthen the foundation of your practice. The Wunda Chair exercises are designed to build strength and stamina. We will incorporate exercises with the Wunda Chair and Reformer work to help you build your practice and strengthen your entire body. All levels welcome!

    Grip socks required.


    Tower and Chair Blend (Mixed Level)
    This class incorporates both body weight and resistance based exercises that will work your entire body, help you build strength, flexibility and mind-body awareness. The Tower apparatus is an original Pilates apparatus that incorporates leg springs, arm springs, the push through bar and rollback bar. The Wunda Chair exercises are designed to build strength and stamina. We will incorporate exercises with the Wunda Chair and Tower work to help you build your practice and strengthen your entire body.

    All levels welcome! Grip socks required.

    Advanced (Mixed Equipment)
    For instructors and clients who have mastered intermediate level exercises and are ready to level up their practice, dive deeper into the method and deepen their mind-body awareness! This class will be challenging, quick pace and sweat inducing! Teacher approval required prior to sign up.

    Grip socks required.

    Tower (Mixed Level)
    This class incorporates both body weight and resistance based exercises that will work your entire body, help you build strength, flexibility and mind-body awareness. The Tower apparatus is an original Pilates apparatus that incorporates leg springs, arm springs, the push through bar and rollback bar.

    Grip socks required.

    Mats & props provided. Grip socks required.

    Reformer (Intermediate)
    A full body, resistance-based, workout designed to improve posture, balance, strength and flexibility. You will truly work every muscle in your body and leave feeling taller, stronger and leaner!

    Essentials: Blend class is a prerequisite. Grip socks required.

    Barre MVMT (Mixed Level)
    Barre MVMT fuses fundamentals from Classical Pilates and ballet, to lengthen and strengthen the whole body. This class will utilize music to keep your body moving in a continuous flow of movement to improve stability, coordination, and kinesthetic awareness. In addition to the barre, teachers may incorporate props such as balls, bands, light weights, and rings to make each class unique and challenging!

    All skill levels welcome! Mat & props provided. Grip socks required.

    Cardio Sculpt (Intermediate)
    An upbeat Pilates class designed to elevate your heart rate and help you strengthen and tone using Pilates equipment and 2-10lb weights. This form focused, low impact strength training will leave your mind and body feeling connected and your body feeling balanced, strong and toned. We add in props such as rings, balls, bands and free weights to add challenge and variation to every class!

    Grip socks required.

    Essentials: Blend
    The Essentials Blend Series focuses on the movement fundamentals in Pilates and will gradually introduce you to all of the equipment that we have to offer! Throughout this series we will build on the Mat exercises and introduce you to the Pilates equipment in our studio! Our goal is to help you build your practice from a strong foundation and strengthen your core connection so that you feel confident transitioning into more advanced classes! In this class we take our time explaining the setup of the equipment and exercises so that you don’t feel overwhelmed!

    Grip socks required.

    Pilates Blend 60+
    Designed for women 60+ looking for a gentle yet challenging class to build strength, improve balance and coordination. This class will help you connect mind, body and movement and help you live and move more confidently throughout your daily life!

    Slow Flow Yoga
    A slow flow yoga class invites you to connect with your breath while gently moving through a series of lying, seated and standing postures. You can expect to hold poses a bit longer than a vinyasa class to encourage deeper stretching and restoration, while still building strength and stability.

  • We believe starting with a Private Session is the best route. With a session tailored to your body and experience, you will receive individualized direction and move at an appropriate pace for your body. We also offer Beginner Level classes in a small group setting that focus on learning the fundamentals to movement in Mat and Reformer exercises. We have many clients who mix Privates and group classes throughout the week!

  • Yes! Beginner classes are the foundation of your practice and experience at Essential MVMT. Our equipment is unique and Beginner classes get you comfortable in the studio and allow our teachers to assess if you are ready to advance levels. Our beginner classes will contain blend or mixed level in the title of the class. Clients 68+ are eligible to take the Pilates Blend 60+ classes only.

  • We have several different options for you to choose from! We offer class packs and membership options.

    Class Packs
    Our Class Pack option is great for those who are wanting a more flexible payment plan. All Class Packs expire within 6 months of purchase. Single Class — $30 10 pack — $270

    Membership Options
    Includes FREE access to our On Demand library of classes and 10% discount on merch! If you regularly attend 2+ classes/week, this option is for you! We offer 7 different membership options to choose from. Memberships only apply to group classes and are non-refundable.

    1 Month Membership
    12 visits/month — $289/mo
    Unlimited - $379/mo

    3 Month Memberships
    4 visits/month — $109/mo
    8 visits/month — $199/mo
    12 visits/month — $269/mo
    Unlimited - $349/mo

    12 Month Memberships
    4 visits/month — $99/mo
    8 visits/month — $179/mo
    12 visits/month — $249/mo
    Unlimited - $329/mo

  • We offer a class pack, private sessions and individual classes! We also offer an Intro Package for the beginner! If that is you please let us know and we will get you set up and booked! We have an amazing team that is ready to help you find classes, instructors or answer any questions you may have! Please reach out to info@essentialmvmt.com. We are so excited to help and guide you along this journey.

  • No, memberships cannot be shared. Our memberships are designed for individual use and cannot be transferred or shared with anyone else. Each member is required to have their own membership and sign our waiver to ensure that they have agreed to our terms and conditions. Sharing memberships can cause issues with scheduling, liability, and fairness to other members. We ask that each person interested in becoming a member obtains their own membership to ensure the best experience for all.

  • Yes, if you are currently enrolled in a 12-month membership and you have a medical concern that prevents you from using the studio facilities, you may request to put your membership on hold for up to one month. Please note that we require a doctor's note or other medical documentation to approve a medical hold. If you are eligible for a medical hold and would like to request one, please contact our studio manager for assistance.

  • We have a variety of different instructors who each bring a uniqueness to our studio and to your overall journey with us! We are so proud of each and every one of our instructors. They are each certified in areas in which they specialize. Check out their bio’s here to read more about each of our instructors certifications and backgrounds.

  • For membership cancellation please click this link.

Classes/Membership