FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Humankind Studios

  • No - we have separate studios for the Pilates (Reformer) and Yoga classes. They are based a 5 minute walk from each other in Kemptown. Check out our contact page for directions.

  • The best option is to download our Humankind app (you can find the links in footer of page).

    Once logged in then you will find a location pin at the top of the screen - use this to toggle between the Pilates (Reformer) and Yoga class schedules.

    Alternatively you can book via the Mindbody app or using the links below:

    Book a Yoga or Sound Healing class: https://humankind.squarespace.com/yoga

    Book a Reformer Pilates class: https://humankind.squarespace.com/pilates

  • We ask that you cancel outside of our 6 hour cancellation window, otherwise we charge a £5 fee. This also applies if you don’t show up to class.

  • For both the Yoga and Reformer Studios you just need to wear your gym kit and bring some water. If you are coming to a yoga class then you are welcome to bring along your own mat.

  • No, but we have some lovely spacious toilets which do the trick!

  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before class as the classes start promptly. Unfortunately you usually won’t get access to the studio if you are late.

  • We’d love a carpark but alas we don’t have one. Street parking is usually fine nearby but give yourself enough time to find a spot!

  • We allow 4 places on our waitlist - you are very likely to get on the class if you go on the waitlist! You will be notified up to 3 hours before class by email or text if you have got into the class.

  • Make sure your preferences are updated on the app so that you agree to receiving communications from us (Under your Profile section & More section of the Humankind app.)

  • We store all lost property behind reception at the Yoga studio, or on our kitchen shelf at the Reformer studio. We usually do a clear out of old lost properly every 6 months so you should be able to find any lost belongings very easily if you don’t leave it too long!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yoga & Sound Healing

  • Yoga is a holistic practise designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles (such as the Yamas and Niyamas).

  • Through regular practice, yoga cultivates strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and inner peace. It is not just a form of exercise but a lifestyle that encourages mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion towards oneself and others.

  • For beginners, it's recommended to start with 2-3 yoga sessions per week to establish a consistent practice while allowing time for the body to adapt and recover. This frequency enables beginners to build strength, flexibility, and familiarity with different yoga poses and techniques.

    As proficiency and comfort increase, participants may gradually increase the frequency of sessions to 4-5 times per week or more, depending on individual goals and schedules.

  • Hatha or Slow Flow yoga is a good place to start for for beginners. These classes typically offer a gentle introduction to basic yoga poses (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) at a slower pace, allowing beginners to build strength, flexibility, and awareness without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Yoga and Pilates offer numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. Yoga emphasises flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Pilates focuses on core strength, stability, and body alignment.

    You may choose one or both practices based on personal preferences, goals, and physical condition.

  • After three months of consistent yoga practice, you will experience noticeable improvements in physical strength, flexibility, and balance. Regular yoga practice helps to tone muscles, increase range of motion, and enhance overall physical fitness. Additionally, you may experience reduced stress levels, improved mental clarity, and a greater sense of calmness and well-being.

    With continued dedication and practice, yoga can lead to profound transformations both on and off the mat, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and promoting holistic health and vitality.

  • It is never too late to start practicing yoga! Yoga is a versatile and accessible practice that can be adapted to suit individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.

  • Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses sound vibrations to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It draws upon the principles of resonance, frequency, and vibration to facilitate healing and balance within the body and mind. Sound healing techniques can include the use of various instruments such as singing bowls, tuning forks, gongs, drums, and vocal toning.

    These sounds are believed to interact with the body's energy systems, including the chakras and meridians, to promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and restore harmony.

  • A gong bath, or sound bath, is a therapeutic experience where participants lie down comfortably and immerse themselves in the soothing sounds and vibrations of gongs. The vibrations produced by the gongs are believed to resonate with the body's energy centres, promoting deep relaxation, stress reduction, and energetic balance.

    Participants often report feelings of peace, tranquillity, and rejuvenation after a gong bath.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Reformer Pilates

  • Reformer Pilates is a full body workout which you will quickly find is an addictive and fun way to improve your core, plus inner and outer muscular strength. Reformer Pilates has a considerable effect on reducing joint pressure, improving balance and stability, and unlocking your body, improving movement and quality of life.

  • The main difference between regular Pilates and Reformer Pilates is the use of your body for resistance (aka Mat Pilates) versus a machine with springs and straps (aka Reformer Pilates). Mat Pilates requires no equipment (aside from the mat!) whereas Reformer Pilates uses a machine. The Reformer machine consists of a moving bed, with weighted springs and straps for your feet or hands. There is also the option for a cardio tramp which is attached to the end of the bed to give you a low impact bounce workout.

  • Yes, absolutely. At Humankind, we welcome beginners with open arms. We offer a Foundation class focusing on your form, technique, and alignment for a complete full-body, low to medium impact workout. You will be guided through the signature reformer exercises with options for greater or lesser intensity. This class gives you time to focus on your alignment and flexibility whilst building your muscular strength and endurance.

  • Attending a Reformer Pilates class two or three times a week might be sufficient for you. However, this depends on your personal workout goals as well as your body's needs. At Humankind, we offer 3 types of classes each week - Foundation, Flow, and Fit. With our Unlimited Classes membership, you have the option of attending as many classes as you like!

  • Everybody and every body is different and individual experiences will vary. Many of our clients notice physical improvements, in particular an increase in core strength and posture correction, within just a few weeks of consistent Reformer Pilates practice.

  • In truth, Reformer Pilates classes tend to be more expensive than other types of classes because of the cost of the reformer bed. Class sizes tend to be smaller, and our instructors need to be qualified to teach Reformer Pilates. At Humankind, we offer a variety of membership options to make our Reformer classes as accessible to all as possible.

  • No! At least, it doesn't have to be. We strive to ensure our classes are accessible to people of all capabilities. In all our classes, our instructors will offer modifications ensuring your workout challenges you exactly where you are.

  • At Humankind, we offer 3 different types of classes each week. Our Foundation class is for all levels (but must be taken at least once before taking our Flow or Fit classes).

    In Foundation, we focus on your form, technique, and alignment for a complete full-body, low to medium impact workout.

    Our Flow classes are dynamic and explore beginner to intermediate Pilates exercises. With an emphasis on flowing and extending each of the exercises, you will be guided through fluid sequences that will improve your flexibility and stamina.

    Our Fit class is a high energy class, incorporating the strength of reformer exercises combined with jumping on the Cardio Tramp (sometimes known as a Jump Board). Get maximum results using low impact moves, giving you an aerobic workout which will build muscle and bone density along with the classic core centred focus.