Faqs

What IS STUDIO MEMBERSHIP?

Studio Membership at Pilates by Ashiya offers a set number of private 1:1 sessions every month at a reduced rate compared to the standard single session price (£57), as well as access to all of my online mat classes. Clients are encouraged to choose a regular private slot for their 1:1 sessions in order to establish a routine (scroll down for information on fixed slots).

Membership is designed to reward consistency, and to give clients access to the full Pilates system of apparatus and matwork as it was originally devised. Through regular, focused 1:1 sessions on the large apparatus and independent mat practice at home, you’ll find that you gain a deeper understanding of the method as a whole, which will help you make stronger progress.

Pilates is a practice that benefits from continuity and repetition; membership is the ideal way to ensure your practice remains a priority, even when life gets busy. Think of it as a commitment to yourself and your practice.

How much does studio membership cost?

Sessions per month:

• Two private sessions: £110pm

• Four private sessions: £210pm

• Eight private sessions: £415pm

All studio memberships include free access to my online mat classes: live Zoom group classes & 200+ on-demand videos (worth £25 per month) so clients can also practise Pilates at home.

Memberships have a three-month minimum commitment. Clients who need more flexibility (or who don’t want to commit to a membership) can still purchase single sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis for £57 per session.

How do memberships work?

Memberships run on calendar months, with a fixed number of private session credits included every month. These can be used to reserve 1:1 sessions at the studio or over Zoom.

Your membership becomes active immediately upon signing up, at which point credits are added to your account. You can then reserve any 1:1 session you see on the public calendar within the stated usage period.

If you have a fixed slot, I will manually book in all of your regular sessions for you, then you can adjust as needed.

Payment is taken automatically on the same date each month, and session credits reset at the start of each billing cycle.

Do unused sessions roll over?

No. Session credits are allocated monthly and do not roll over or accumulate. The only exception is where a session cannot be delivered due to teacher absence (see below).

How do I cancel or pause my membership?

Memberships have a three-month minimum commitment.

Once your minimum commitment period has ended, you can cancel your membership by giving at least 30 days’ notice.

You can cancel in either of two ways:

• Through your Arketa account: log in, go to Active Packages, select the relevant membership and choose the option to cancel.

• By email: email me and request that I cancel your membership for you.

Your 30-day notice period starts on the date you submit your cancellation request.

Please note: If your next scheduled payment falls within your 30-day notice period, this will be charged in full as yout final payment, and you’ll receive your usual allocation of credits. Your final set of credits will expire after one calendar month, at which point your membership will automatically cancel on the system. No further payments will be taken.

When your final set of credits expires, your membership will automatically cancel and no further payment will be taken.

If you have a fixed appointment slot, this will be released when your membership ends.

What happens in months with a fifth week?

Studio memberships do not account for five-week months; the number of sessions remains the same every month. In such instances, clients who prefer to attend weekly or twice-weekly may:

• purchase a one-off additional session for £57 if you’d like to attend during the fifth week, or

• skip that fifth session.

Occasionally, my annual leave may coincide with a five-week month, in which case the additional week may effectively balance out. I’ll always give notice of any planned leave in advance so you can decide what works best.

What HAPPENS WHEN THE TEACHER IS away?

When I’m due to be away, I’ll always give notice in advance and let you know the best way to use your sessions around that period; for example, by taking a session before or after your usual slot.

When studio closure impacts a client’s fixed slot and they’re unable to find a suitable alternative, I will extend the affected credit’s expiry date by three months. This means the client can hold onto the credit and attend at a later date. 

Please note that this applies only where a session cannot be delivered due to teacher absence. It does not apply to sessions missed, cancelled, or unused by the client.

What if you (the client) are away, or you’re ill?

Session credits are allocated on a monthly basis even when you’re away or ill, so being mindful of this and planning ahead where possible is important.

Think of it like a gym membership; there may be times that you end up missing a session or two when life gets in the way. However, the hope is that this will help you to stay committed to the practice on a long-term basis.

To make up for any missed sessions, if I have availability, you’ll have the option to take extra sessions before or after your time away (provided it’s within the billing cycle).

However, as availability cannot always be guaranteed, I have various other options:

• If you’re going away and you’d like to maintain a routine, you are welcome to take mat privates with me over Zoom in place of our usual studio sessions. These are a great opportunity to really dig into technique, which has a huge impact on your studio practice.

• After the initial three month commitment, you may decide to temporarily switch your membership to one with fewer sessions (for example, two sessions per month) during busy periods. You can do so on request with one calendar month’s notice before your next renewal is due. Please note, your regular slot may be forfeited.

• There’s also the option (again, after the initial three-month commitment) to freeze your membership for one month, with one calendar month’s notice before your next renewal is due. If you pay for the following month upfront (before the freeze), you’ll be able to reclaim your fixed slot upon returning.

• You can also gift your session credit to a friend or family member who you think might benefit from some Pilates in their life! Please email me to arrange this, as I’ll need them to fill out some forms before they attend.

I’ve taken out a membership; how do I request a fixed slot?

If you’d like sessions (weekly, fortnightly or twice-weekly) at a set time, simply check the studio calendar and email me to enquire about your preferred slot. If it’s available long-term, I will then hold it back for you. In order to keep the slot, it is expected that you attend on a regular basis.

Having a regular time each week not only means you don’t need to worry about booking, it also helps you build a steady routine, which makes it easier to make progress in your practice.

Fixed Slot Requirements

Choosing a regular time slot means your session is reserved exclusively for you and removed from the public calendar.

This arrangement is designed to support consistency in your practice (weekly, twice-weekly or fortnightly, as agreed), so your place is held with the expectation that all sessions will run as scheduled unless you let me know otherwise.

At each membership renewal, your sessions for the month ahead will be booked automatically at your usual time. You’ll receive an email confirming all upcoming dates—please take a moment to review these and reschedule any you can’t attend via your Arketa account. Advance notice is always appreciated, as it allows the space to be offered to others.

If you need to move a session, you’re welcome to book another available time within your current membership cycle. Alternative appointments are subject to availability, but you’re free to select any suitable option from the public calendar. If you’re unable to find a time that works, you’re also welcome to offer your session to a friend or family member so the credit doesn’t go to waste.

I understand that plans can shift from time to time, and occasional adjustments are absolutely fine. However, if sessions are rescheduled frequently, the arrangement may be reviewed and a more flexible booking approach recommended to ensure fairness and availability for all clients..

What if my work schedule is erratic, or I’m away a lot?

Many clients with busy or unpredictable lives find that having a regular session booked in actually helps anchor their practice. You can also take private mat sessions over Zoom with me while you’re away – in place of your usual studio session – in order to maintain a routine.

That said, if you know that your availability will be very inconsistent over a longer period, booking single sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis may be more suitable, as these allow greater flexibility.

I’m always happy to talk this through with you and help you choose the option that feels most supportive rather than stressful.

I’m not ready to commit! Are memberships the only option?

No! If you need more flexibility, you’re very welcome to book single sessions for £57, on a pay-as-you-go basis, instead. Memberships work best for those who want a regular, ongoing practice, but they’re not the right fit for everyone.