FAQs
Are you new to Pilates or just new to Monarch? We are here to help you find your best path to meet your movement goals. We understand we have many options, so we offer a free 15-minute consultation or phone call/text to help answer questions not addressed here. Feel free to drop in and meet our community of amazing teachers, students, and staff who make Monarch Pilates a third place for many in Santa Cruz.
Signing Up
How do I sign up?
Create an account on Pike13 and follow the prompts.
Why do I have to enter my credit card?
You must enter your credit card to book your lesson or class but for most services, you will not be charged unless you choose a pass or plan. We do not require you to pay for class before attending. We encourage you to try the class and then decide if you’d like to purchase a plan, pass or pay for a one-time class. No-shows and late cancellations will be charged the single class fee.
What services require prepayment?
Prepayment is required for Pilates Assessments, PT Evaluations and Apprentice/ Student teacher lessons.
Choosing Classes
I am new to Pilates, what classes are best for me to join?
Foundations, Pelvic Health I and Shoulder Health I are our three best classes for new students. You can purchase a discounted Intro 3 Pass for $90 and sign up for all 3 of these classes to begin.
I have done Pilates before, which class should I join?
Our level 2 Progressions class is our mid-level class appropriate for students with Pilates and reformer experience. Private lessons with our Integrate, Apprentice and Student Teachers are available for assistance to level up classes.
I would like to join the Dynamic class. What is required to join a class?
Permission is required to join the Dynamic class. Prerequisites include previous reformer experience and/or attendance in Progressions class. Contact the studio for more info.
How do I know when to move up a level?
Each student's pace to advance classes is unique and there is no precise schedule for leveling up. Many students choose to continually revisit Foundations & Progressions as each class provides a unique opportunity to deepen your movement practice. Talk to a teacher or studio staff for guidance.
What are the requirements for leveling up in classes?
Foundations classes are appropriate for all levels.
Progressions classes require students to have experience on the reformer, a baseline understanding of the Pilates foundations and any personal modifications to ensure safety.
Dynamic classes require students to have advanced experience on the reformer with an understanding of how to use the reformer, self-proficiency in the Pilates foundations and personal safety modifications. We require studio permission to maintain the high level of this class.
There are only a few Foundations classes on the schedule. How can I move quickly into Progressions to open more availability?
Our goal is to help each student move into Progressions so there are more classes available to attend. Private lessons are available at a range of prices and times and are a fabulous way to learn the Foundations needed to level up.
What are the Pop-Up classes?
We offer Pop-Up classes along with our ongoing classes when we have an idea for a new class, a specialty we’d like to share or to offer one of our ongoing classes at a different time. Class passes and plans may be used for Pop-Up classes. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on our Pop-Ups.
Canceling Enrollment
How do I cancel my private lesson or group class?
Use the Pike13 software on your browser or app to cancel all classes and lessons.
Why can’t I call or email to cancel?
The booking software ensures the success of our waitlist and rebooking availability for private lessons. Our front desk staff are not immediately available to process cancellations through phone or email.
What are your cancellation policies?
You may cancel up to 12 hours prior to a group class and 24 hrs prior to a private lesson.
Late cancels or no-shows will be charged full price or deduct a visit from your plan/pass.
Can I waive my late cancellation due to sickness?
As a small business, we need to abide by our policies to uphold consistency and success for all. We appreciate you canceling class when you are sick for the safety of your fellow students and teachers. The 12-hour class and 24-hour private cancellation are necessary to protect the teacher and studio from income loss due to late cancellations. We appreciate your understanding.
Waitlist
I’d like to attend a class that is full. How does the waitlist work?
When a class is full, you can sign up for the waitlist. You can be added to the class up to 4 hours before its start time. Be sure to enable push notifications both in the Pike 13 app and in your cell phone notification settings for Pike13. Once added to the class, no-show or late cancellation fees apply. Remove yourself from the waitlist if you no longer plan to attend class.
Why are some classes always full?
Class memberships enable students to bulk enroll for a class. Certain classes have a full bulk enrollment roster. Space on the class roster opens when bulk enrollment clients cancel their attendance. Class spots do open regularly, so join waitlists and check the schedule to claim these spots.
How do I bulk enroll?
Purchase a Class Membership, and decide which class you’d like to use bulk enrollment. Contact the front desk to enable & end bulk enrollment. Cancel class attendance as needed.
Membership vs Pass
What is the difference between a Class Pass and a Membership Plan?
The Class Pass is a one-time purchase that is good for a year. The Membership Plan is an auto renewal plan that will charge your card on file once a month. Please refer to Membership Terms & Conditions and Benefits for more info.
Can I share my pass or plan?
You can share your pass or plan with children under 18. A shared pass or plan must be purchased by the front desk to enable family sharing. We do not allow sharing amongst spouses or friends.
About Pilates
What should I expect in my first private Pilates session?
Your Pilates instructor will review your health history, current concerns and discuss your movement goals. You will learn the foundations of Pilates that ensure a high integrity of movement, assess your movement patterns and initiate a plan that will help you strengthen with confidence.
Why so subtle?
Our bodies have well-established movement. When retraining our habits, the lesser-used muscles can be difficult to feel. The larger superficial muscles tend to dominate our movement and prevent the smaller muscles from naturally working. The brain is often accustomed to working hard for reward. Pilates movements focus on a less is more strategy. For example, a pelvic tilt improves form with connection to the feet, pelvic floor and deep abs with less gluteals, hip flexors and low back work than many people are used to using. When you perform a simplified pelvic tilt it may feel like less work and more subtle, but also allows the core muscles to engage with better efficiency. Understanding how to do a smaller more connected pelvic tilt is part of the foundation work that is essential to strengthening your core.
How do I do core work correctly?
The Core is made up of your transverse abdominals (the deepest layer of abs), the multifidus (deep back muscles), the pelvic floor and your diaphragm. It is not your gluteals, hip flexors or superficial back muscles. Learning the difference between your superficial muscle groups and deep core muscles will improve the effectiveness of your core work.
Why so much focus on pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a vital part of your core. The pelvic floor should be included in a core contraction. It is as equally important that the pelvic floor stretch with movement. It often becomes too tight, too weak or disconnected from the rest of the core. We teach how to understand the muscles of the pelvic floor and how to use them to create a longer, more integrated strength in your body. Sign up for PELVIC HEALTH I to learn more and PELVIC HEALTH II for an on going workout class.
Why are breathing and the diaphragm so important?
The diaphragm creates the “top” of the core. Think of your core as a rectangle in your body with the pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, multifidus and diaphragm. Ease of movement improves when the rectangle is less rigid or constantly engaged. The diaphragm and pelvic floor are domes in the body. The pelvic floor and diaphragm together drop down and widen with inhale and up and in with exhale. They look like an umbrella opening and closing with the inner ring sliding up and down. The exhale (and closing of the umbrella) creates a strong, long connected core (and healthy back). When the diaphragm doesn’t open evenly it is like an uneven umbrella only opening on one side. Pilates movements and education help create fluidity through your movement and muscles.
Still have questions? Contact the studio.