Questions About Somatic Pilates?

Welcome! If you're brand new to pilates, start with our Foundation classes or the Beginner sessions offered online. These are specifically designed to teach you the core principles of alignment, breath, and body awareness that underpin somatic pilates. Our instructors will guide you through movement slowly and mindfully, ensuring you understand how to engage your muscles properly. Don't worry about perfection—somatic pilates is about listening to your body, not pushing yourself into shapes.

Absolutely not. Somatic pilates is designed to meet you exactly where you are. Our classes range from gentle to more challenging, and every movement can be modified to suit your body. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply reconnecting with your body, there's a place for you in our community. Polly personalizes instruction to honor each person's unique movement needs.

Absolutely! Many students like to try a single drop-in class or watch one of our online introductions first. This gives you a feel for Polly's teaching style and our community. Check our website for current trial offers or contact us directly—we want you to feel confident and comfortable before you commit to a package.

Ideally, 2-3 classes per week will give you the best results—this frequency allows your body to build strength while having time to integrate and recover. However, even one class per week makes a real difference, especially if you complement it with home practice or other gentle movement. The key is consistency: regular practice, even if less frequent, beats sporadic intense sessions.

Wear something comfortable and breathable that lets you move freely—think activewear, yoga pants, leggings, or comfortable athletic wear. You'll be barefoot on the mat, and we want you to feel the floor beneath you as part of the sensory experience. Avoid anything too baggy (it makes it harder to see your alignment) or restrictive. Bring a water bottle and maybe a light layer in case you get cool during relaxation.

Somatic pilates blends the precise, controlled movements of pilates with somatic awareness—the practice of tuning into how your body feels as it moves. Instead of pushing for perfect form or high reps, we focus on quality of movement and the mind-body connection. It's about feeling your muscles work, noticing where you hold tension, and releasing unnecessary strain. This approach creates deeper strength, better posture, and a more intuitive relationship with your body.

The benefits are profound and lasting. You'll develop long, lean muscle tone, improve your posture, and strengthen your core—but more importantly, you'll gain body awareness and release chronic tension you didn't even know you were carrying. Many clients report feeling less back pain, improved flexibility, and a deeper sense of calm. Because somatic pilates is gentle yet effective, it's suitable for all fitness levels and can support recovery from injury.

While both practices cultivate mind-body connection, pilates and yoga have different origins and focuses. Pilates emphasizes controlled, precise movements with a focus on core strength and alignment. Somatic pilates layers in the awareness component, encouraging you to feel and understand your movement. Yoga often incorporates more stretching and holds, and has spiritual or philosophical elements. That said, they're beautifully complementary—many people practice both.

Yes, and somatic pilates can be particularly helpful for healing and pain management. However, please let Polly know about any injuries or conditions so she can offer modifications and ensure you're moving in ways that support your recovery. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have significant injuries. Somatic pilates is often recommended by physical therapists as a complementary practice for injury rehabilitation.

For online classes, you'll need a yoga or exercise mat for cushioning and grip. A small pillow or rolled towel for neck support is helpful. We recommend bare feet to maximize proprioceptive feedback. Props like resistance bands or light weights are optional and we'll let you know in advance if a class calls for them. In-studio classes provide all the equipment and props you need.

We have beautiful studio spaces in Melbourne where you can experience somatic pilates in person. You'll also find our complete schedule on our website—visit the Studios page for addresses, class times, and parking information. If you can't make it to the studio, our online classes offer the same quality instruction in the comfort of your home.

Both are wonderful in different ways. In-studio classes offer personalized adjustments, immediate feedback, and the energy of a community. Online classes give you flexibility, the comfort of your own space, and the ability to pause and rewind if needed. Many people alternate between both or start online and progress to the studio. Choose what works best for your life right now—you can always mix and match.

Yes! Private sessions with Polly are available for personalized instruction, deeper body work, or targeted coaching toward specific goals. These sessions are wonderful if you're recovering from injury, preparing for an event, or wanting one-on-one attention to your practice. Contact us via Instagram @groundedgroove_ or our website chat to book.

You can reach Polly through our Instagram @groundedgroove_ or by using the chat feature on our website. Polly loves connecting with students and answering questions about your individual practice. For more personalized coaching or private sessions, get in touch and we can arrange something that suits your needs. Your movement journey is unique, and we're here to support it.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, and offer flexible payment plans for class packages. Visit the Studios page or contact us for current pricing and package options. Whether you're booking a single drop-in class or a multi-class package, we have options to fit your budget and commitment level.

Somatic pilates can be wonderful during pregnancy when practiced mindfully and with modifications. We offer prenatal-specific classes designed to strengthen your core, maintain flexibility, and prepare your body for labor and postpartum recovery. Always check with your midwife or doctor before starting any new exercise program, and let Polly know you're pregnant so she can guide you through safe, supportive modifications.

The timeline varies depending on whether you had a vaginal delivery or cesarean, and how you're feeling overall. Generally, wait until you've been cleared by your healthcare provider—usually 6 weeks for vaginal delivery and 8-12 weeks for cesarean. We offer gentle postpartum classes specifically designed to rebuild core strength and restore your pelvic floor. Start slowly and listen to your body; healing takes time.

Life happens! If your schedule changes, you have options. Online classes offer flexibility around your calendar. If you've purchased a class package, check our policies on class transfers or pausing your membership. Reach out to us directly—we're happy to work with you to keep your practice going.

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans and various class packages to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for a single drop-in class, a 5-class pass, or a monthly membership, we have options. Visit our Studios page for current pricing, or reach out via chat or Instagram to discuss what works best for your situation.

Life is unpredictable, and we understand. If you need to cancel or reschedule a class, please let us know as soon as possible via the booking system on our website or by contacting Polly directly. For private sessions, we ask for reasonable notice so we can offer the slot to another student. Details about our cancellation policy are available on the Studios page or through our chat support.