GENERAL

Can I park on-site?

Yes, we have a large carpark which can be used free of charge by customers.

Do I need to bring anything for my class?

Just yourself, a towel (if it is a hot class) and a bottle of water! We also recommend sticky socks for Reformer Pilates specifically. We have yoga blocks, straps, knee pads and blankets available to use. We encourage you to bring your own mat for yoga or Pilates but we do have mats available to borrow – just ask your instructor.

Do I have to book beforehand?

Yes, please. You can book online on our website, via the Ironstone app, or by giving us a ring. You can book online up to an hour before a class starts, if you want to join a class and there’s less than an hour until it begins then give us a call.

What is the protocol on classes during pregnancy?

First of all, we always recommend that you seek medical advice to ensure it is suitable for you to attend classes. In general, it is safe to attend classes during pregnancy. However, you should avoid classes that are completely new to your normal routine.

If you regularly attended yoga or fitness classes before pregnancy, it is usually safe to continue exercising with slight modifications. However, if you are looking to start a new routine, we would not recommend doing so in Ironstone classes.

Hot classes are not suitable during pregnancy. You must always inform your instructor or a member of staff if you are pregnant before attending your class.

I am returning from injury or health condition where should I start?

There are a few options for returning to classes once you have been given the all-clear from your doctor. Our Rest and Recovery classes offer entry-level sessions specifically designed for those managing health conditions. These classes are low-impact and focus on improving core strength, mobility, and balance.

Alternatively, a one-to-one session is the best option for returning to exercise. During a private session, the instructor can tailor the session to your level and focus on the specific areas needed to help you get back up to speed. These sessions are available in Pilates, Reformer, or Fitness.

Should I eat beforehand? What about water? 

A small snack is fine but we’d advise against wolfing down your dinner right before a class.  Water is ideal but if you forget your bottle you can purchase regular or Electrolyte water from our café.  Likewise, if you need to refill your bottle before or after class then we have water dispensers in the foyer for clients to use.

I need to cancel my class, what shall I do?

Please try and cancel if you can’t make it as it frees up a space for someone else.  If you do need to cancel you can do this via the app, online or by telephone. To make sure that everyone who is waitlisted has the opportunity to join a class, we will now ask that anyone who wishes to cancel their attendance lets us know at least 24 hours before the class is due to take place.

• Cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead of class can of course be rebooked without charge.
• However, cancellations within 24 hours of a class, or no-shows will result in the class being forfeited from a class pack/drop-in, or if on a monthly membership, a penalty charge issued to the relevant account. The penalty for late cancelling a Yoga, Mat Pilates, Barre or Fitness class is £10. The penalty for late cancelling a Reformer Pilates class is £16. 

Do you have showers?

Yes, we do, and lockers and hairdryers.

Attending Classes:

What should I wear to Pilates?

Your usual gym clothes will be perfect for Pilates.  Make sure you’re comfortable and avoid anything too baggy which will get in the way; leggings or shorts and a vest or a t-shirt is perfect. Bare feet are encouraged, or sticky socks can be purchased from reception if that’s more comfortable for you. For Reformer Pilates, we highly recommend sticky socks to prevent slipping. 

What should I wear to a fitness or barre class?

Normal gym clothes and trainers. Shorts or leggings with a light t-shirt or vest is perfect. Make sure you feel comfortable and that the clothing does not restrict your movement. For barre you won’t need your trainers but we recommend sticky socks to prevent slipping – these can be purchased at reception. 

What should I wear to yoga?

Your usual gym clothes will be perfect for yoga.  Make sure you’re comfortable and avoid anything too baggy which will get in the way; leggings or shorts and a vest or a t-shirt is perfect. Bare feet are encouraged. 

What do I need for Hot Yoga?

The same clothes as non-heated yoga are fine i.e. leggings or shorts and a vest or t-shirt are suitable for hot yoga, but you will also need a towel to lay on your mat to prevent slipping.

I’m a beginner, is hot yoga suitable for me?

We welcome all levels at Ironstone from beginners to seasoned yogis. If it’s your first hot yoga experience make sure your teacher is aware of that, take it steady, take breaks when you need to and make sure you drink plenty of water. We’d recommend starting in our Hot Yin or Hatha Yoga classes to get used to the heat. 

Who is hot yoga not suitable for?

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have any kind of heart condition (including high blood pressure) we’re afraid that hot yoga isn’t for you. 

How hot is your hot yoga?

Our studio is heated to around 37 degrees for our Hot Yoga classes.

I’m not flexible at all, can I do yoga / pilates?

Yes! You don’t need to be flexible to do our classes at all, in fact doing yoga / pilates will help your flexibility.

I’ve never done yoga / pilates before, will everyone be more experienced than me?

No!  We run beginner friendly classes at different points in the week which are ideal for those new to class.  If you come to a class not designated as *Beginner Friendly* the instructor will still know modifications and advancements to cater for everyone!  However, we might initially advise against a class that is designated Intermediate/Advanced.

I’ve just had a baby can I do yoga / pilates?

Yes! Once you’ve had your 6-week all clear from your midwife or GP you can re-join classes. 

Can men do yoga /pilates?

Yes of course! Men are welcome in all of our classes and we have lots of male members.