Pilates FAQ’s

Curious about reformer Pilates? We’ve answered your most common questions — from how to get started, to what to bring, and how our classes at Cadence work.

 GETTING STARTED

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 Information For Our First Timers

  • It’s easy to begin your Pilates journey at Cadence Physio & Pilates.
    Start with our Cadence Starter Pack — 6 sessions for $79, including a 1:1 intro and 5 group Pilates classes.

    Book your intro session at your chosen studio — Dernancourt, Golden Grove, or Port Adelaide — and we’ll guide you into the right classes for your goals.

    Experience how personalised, physio-led Pilates can help you move better, feel stronger, and find your flow.

  • No doctors referral is required to start Cadence Pilates. All Intro Sessions and ongoing classes are supervised by a fully qualified, highly skilled physiotherapist or Certified Pilates Instructor.

  • A Cadence Pilates Intro Session begins in our consulting rooms or studio space (when available) and is a one-on-one assessment tailored to you. During the session, we’ll explore your general health, body metrics, and your specific goals for starting Pilates.

    You’ll also learn the 5 key elements of Pilates and get an introduction to the reformer. We use outcome measures to assess your physical capacity and track your progress over time, ensuring your Pilates journey is safe, effective, and results-focused.

    Find out more about the Cadence Pilates Intro Session [HERE], or if you’re ready to get started, you can book your Intro Session at our:

  • Cadence Pilates offers a unique form of exercise and goal setting approach. We believe that if we have direct knowledge of your current capacity, we will be far better placed to help you achieve your goals and gain greater benefit in regard to health, strength and fitness.

 BECOMING A MEMBER

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 Everything You Need To Know

  • We use membership pricing as they promote community engagement and growth, as well as individual ownership through an accountable exercise model.

    It allows us to provide an elite service delivery with a large scope of class types and available times, which leads to greater accessibility, flexibility and affordability.

    You’ll also need to book your 1:1 Intro Session with one of our Cadence Pilates Physiotherapists or Pilates Instructors before you get started with your first Pilates class with us at Cadence Pilates.

    We look forward to having you join us at Cadence Pilates. Get Activated!

  • As a student/concession holder, you’ll get 10% off Pricing and Memberships! Just show one of our friendly staff members your student ID or Concession Card and we will update your membership for you.

    *Not to be used with any other offer or sale. Full-time students only.

  • Check out our Refer A Friend and Earn program on our Cadence Pilates App. When you refer your friend we will give them $10 credit. Once they spend $20 with Cadence Pilates, you’ll get $20 credits.

  • Cadence Pilates promotes individual and group based progression. We aim to encourage one another’s progression by focusing on individual goal setting and progressive change, rather than comparison to one another.

  • All memberships have an initial minimum commitment period. Once this minimum period is complete, you can cancel your membership at any time. Memberships are billed on a fortnightly basis, and we’ll always provide clear guidance on the minimum commitment when you sign up.

YOUR FIRST CLASS

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 Helping You Come Prepared

  • Each class does require a booking. We make this as easy as possible but do require the booking to confirm your place as each class is limited to 10 spaces.

    Please book as early as possible for your preferred classes to ensure your place in the class.

  • At Cadence Pilates, we keep our class sizes small to give you plenty of individual attention and ensure safe, effective movement.

    • Dernancourt Studio – up to 12 clients per class

    • Port Adelaide & Golden Grove Studios – up to 10 clients per class

    By keeping numbers low, our instructors can provide personalised guidance, helping you progress safely, build strength, and get the most out of every Reformer Pilates session.

  • Active exercise wear is most appropriate for Cadence Pilates classes.

  • We require you to wear Pilates grip socks (which are readily available at our studio) as they allow best feedback through the feet for proprioceptive feedback mechanisms.

  • Non-slip Pilates socks are required as there are certain movements during most classes that require a non-slip sole. We have Pilates socks readily available for purchase at our studio, so you’ll never be stuck without a pair.

  • Our Cadence Pilates app allows you to put yourself on the waiting list for any classes that are already fully booked. If another member pulls out, the first person on the waitlist automatically gets booked into the class and will receive a SMS notification. 1 hour before the class starts the waitlist changes to ‘fastest finger first’. If a spot becomes available everyone who is on the waitlist gets a SMS notification advising that a spot is free and the first one to book into the class gets the spot.

 INJURIES

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 A Proactive, Scientific & Experience Based Approach

  • Clinical Pilates is led by qualified health professionals, like physiotherapists, who use their expertise in injury rehab, anatomy, and biomechanics to create safe, tailored programs.
    Non-clinical Pilates focuses on general fitness and strength but doesn’t provide the same level of individual assessment or injury management.

  • Cadence Pilates is goal focused and has regular reviews of your goals helping you stay motivated to achieve your goals. Trained and specialised physiotherapists have an advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as goal setting and progressive exercise. We do our absolute best to promote ongoing accountability to exercise and lifestyle change.

  • The Cadence Pilates Intro Session is best undertaken whilst in good physical condition. However, rehabilitation is a common reason for undertaking Cadence Pilates. Our highly skilled physiotherapists are experienced with injury and rehabilitation, and will provide advice on the right time to commence Cadence Pilates.

  • During the Cadence Pilates Intro Session our physiotherapists will examine any old injuries and provide advice regarding self management. An understanding of these injuries from the expert perspective of a physiotherapist will help address correct form and also provide adequate and appropriate boundaries for exercise prescription and supervision within group-based classes.

  • Our Cadence Pilates Intro Session helps us understand your current fitness level, goals, and movement boundaries so we can design a safe program just for you.

    Because our classes are run by highly trained physiotherapists, we keep injury risk low. If something does happen—which is rare—your physio can immediately assess the situation, adapt your session, and provide expert injury management advice to help you recover quickly and safely.

MISCELLANEOUS

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 Something We’ve Missed?
Please Let Us Know

  • Pure Foundation is the perfect starting point for anyone new to Cadence Pilates. This class focuses on building correct movement patterns, improving motor control, and mastering breathing techniques.

    It’s a great way to recalibrate your muscles while learning the 5 key elements of Pilates and how to use the reformer to grow your core strength, stability, and body awareness.

  • Pure Transition is the next step after Pure Foundation, designed to build on the movement patterns and techniques you’ve already learned. In this class, you’ll continue to develop core strength, stability, and control, while being gently challenged with new exercises and progressions.

    It’s perfect for those ready to take their Pilates practice to the next level while still focusing on safe, effective movement under the guidance of our highly trained physiotherapists.

  • A Pilates reformer is a versatile piece of equipment made up of a moving carriage, springs, pulleys, footbar, and frame. While it might look a little intimidating at first, it offers incredible variety and can be adapted to suit all fitness levels—from beginners to advanced.

    With our expert instruction and demonstrations, you’ll gradually build confidence and skill, learning how to use the reformer to improve strength, flexibility, and control over time.

  • Cadence Pilates has 3 Pilates studios that vary slightly in size, all being fully equipped as first class Pilates reformer studios, located in Dernancourt, Golden Grove and Port Adelaide, serving the North Western and the North Eastern Suburbs of Adelaide.

  • Absolutely! If you’d prefer a private, one-on-one experience, our physiotherapists offer Clinical Pilates sessions tailored specifically to your goals, injuries, or rehab needs.

    To book a 1:1 session, simply contact our Cadence Physio team, who will match you with the physio best suited to support you.

  • Cadence Pilates is an all-round body workout. We have some classes that are more driven to muscle growth and strength, however all classes will grow and develop muscles.

  • Cadence Pilates is highly effective for men looking to build core strength, improve flexibility, and prevent injury. Many men experience tight muscles, reduced mobility, and lower back pain due to overdeveloped global muscle groups or repetitive training.

    Our classes focus on core activation, dynamic mobility, and balanced strength, helping to reduce pain, improve performance, and support overall movement health—whether you’re active in sport, at the gym, or just wanting to move better every day.

  • Cadence Pilates helps women strengthen their core, build upper body strength and tone, and improve pelvic floor activation. Our classes are designed to support women through every stage of life—whether you’re returning to exercise post-pregnancy, building strength, or looking to improve mobility and stability.

    With a focus on foundational core muscles and dynamic movement, Pilates can help reduce pain, prevent injury, and boost overall wellbeing.

  • Yes! In fact, Pilates is generally encouraged during pregnancy. In order to attend Cadence Pilates classes whilst pregnant beyond 12 weeks, a 1:1 physiotherapy consultation will first need to be booked.

  • If you are 6 weeks to 6 months postnatal, we recommend starting with our Cadence Refine program. Begin with a one-on-one physiotherapy assessment once you’ve been cleared for exercise by your medical professional.

    This approach ensures your core, pelvic floor, and overall strength are safely rebuilt while reducing the risk of injury.

    Find out more information HERE.


PILATES STUDIO INTRO OFFER

The Cadence Starter Pack — 6 Sessions for $79

Find your rhythm in 6 sessions. Start your journey with a 1:1 Intro Session and 5 Pilates classes designed to help you move with strength, balance, and confidence.

To get started, purchase the Starter Pack and book your Intro Session at one of our Adelaide studios — Dernancourt, Golden Grove, St Peters, or Port Adelaide.
T&Cs apply.

Buy Intro Offer