Your First Class at Afitness Pilates: What to Wear, What to Bring, Parking, and Studio Policies

Walking into a new studio for the first time is the hardest part of starting. Once you know where to park, what to wear, how early to arrive, and what the rules are, the rest is just a workout. This guide covers everything a first timer needs to know before a class at Afitness Pilates in St. Albert.

How do I book my first class?

All bookings are made through Momence, either on the web booking page linked from our site or in the Momence app. Create an account, purchase an intro offer, drop in, pack, or membership, and book into a class from the live schedule. New clients can try one week of unlimited hot classes for $29 or one week of unlimited reformer classes for $59.

Which class should I start with?

• Hot mat Pilates if you want a heated, full body, core focused class with light props. The best all round starting point.

• Reformer Pilates if you want strength training on the machine in a room temperature studio. Beginner friendly and great for anyone with joint concerns.

• Hot barre if you want a low impact, high repetition legs and glutes class in the heat.

• Hot Strength if you want a heated bootcamp style class with weights and conditioning. Best once you are comfortable with heat.

All classes are open to all levels. If you are nervous, tell the instructor before class.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive about 10 minutes before class to check in, store your things, set up your mat or reformer, and settle in. The doors open before class and the hot room is already heated when you arrive. Please note that anyone arriving more than 10 minutes after the start time will not be admitted and the session is forfeited. This protects the warm up and keeps the class safe for everyone.

Where do I park?

Afitness is at 20 Circle Drive, Unit 10, St. Albert. The studio has designated parking stalls at the building, and street parking is available on the front and side of the building. During weekday business hours, from 8 AM to 4 PM, please do not park in stalls belonging to neighbouring businesses, including stalls marked Visitor under another business name. Those businesses have vehicles ticketed. Outside those hours, parking around the building is open.

Where is the studio inside the building?

Afitness is on the second floor, above Adam Physio and Wellness. Follow the signage up the stairs.

What should I wear?

Fitted, breathable activewear: leggings or shorts and a sports bra or fitted tank. Fitted clothing helps the instructor see your form and does not catch on the reformer springs or get in the way on the mat. Grip socks are strongly recommended for hot classes and required for reformer classes. Tie long hair back. Avoid jewellery and clothing with zippers that could scratch the equipment.

What should I bring?

• A large water bottle, especially for heated classes

• A towel to lay over your mat and a small towel for your face

• Grip socks

• A change of clothes if you are heading somewhere after a hot class

Mats and all small equipment are provided.

Should I eat before class?

Have a light snack one to two hours before class if you need energy, and avoid a heavy meal in the hour before, particularly for heated classes. Drink water through the day before an evening class.

What happens during class?

Every Afitness class is 50 minutes. The instructor opens with an introduction and a five minute warm up, checks everyone in during the opening stretch, leads about 40 minutes of work, and finishes with a five minute cool down. At the end, everyone wipes down their mat or reformer and puts equipment away. Classes are challenging, but every exercise has a modification and you are always welcome to rest.

What are the studio rules?

• Women only. Afitness is a women only studio.

• Age. Clients must be 18 or older, or have parental consent. Valid ID may be requested.

• Cancellation. Cancel at least 6 hours before class. Late cancellations incur a $20 fee for members, and pack holders forfeit the session. No shows forfeit the session.

• Late arrival. More than 10 minutes late means no entry and the session is lost.

• Filming. No filming or photography during class, to protect everyone's privacy.

• Health. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or have a medical condition, tell the instructor and provide medical clearance before participating. Pregnant clients may not attend heated classes under any circumstance.

The full studio policy is available on our site.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancel through Momence at least 6 hours before the class starts and your credit returns to your account automatically. If the studio cancels a class, your credit is returned and the validity of your package is extended.

I am out of shape. Will I be able to keep up?

Yes. Most of the women in any class started exactly where you are. You set your own pace, you choose your own weights, and you rest when you need to. The instructor's job is to give you options, not to push you past what is safe. Give yourself three classes before you judge how you feel.

Where is Afitness Pilates?

20 Circle Drive, Unit 10, St. Albert, Alberta, second floor. Email info@afitness.ca with any questions, or follow @afitnesspilates on Instagram for daily schedule updates.

Book your first class at Afitness

New to Afitness? Try one week of unlimited hot classes for $29 or one week of unlimited reformer for $59. Check the live schedule and the studio policy before you arrive. Afitness Pilates is a women only reformer and hot Pilates studio at 20 Circle Drive, Unit 10, St. Albert, Alberta, on the second floor above Adam Physio and Wellness. Email info@afitness.ca or follow @afitnesspilates on Instagram.

Related reading: pricing guide, reformer Pilates guide, and hot Pilates guide.