POLICIES
ATTENDING SESSIONS [+] ATTENDING SESSIONS [-]
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to your first class or session to sign a registration and release forms and get situated. The registration for can also be downloaded on our website and filled out ahead of time at your convenience. Wear comfortable clothing that allow free movement and are fitted so they will not get caught in the Pilates apparatus. Fitted clothing will also allow your instructor to see you body as you move to provide you with the best instruction and feedback possible. Please avoid wearing clothing with zippers as these will damage our equipment.
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES [+] REGISTERING FOR CLASSES [-]
  • Please book all group mat and group apparatus through our online MindBody Portal. Appointments for private sessions can be made by texting or calling our studio at (860) 470-MOVE (860-470-6683). Preregistration is required for private sessions and recommended for group apparatus sessions due to the limited number of spaces. If space is available in a class, walk ins are always welcome. If you chose to walk-in, please arrive a few minutes early to register.
STUDIO ATTIRE [+] STUDIO ATTIRE [-]
  • Please wear yoga/Pilates style pants for your workout. Pilates is generally done without shoes and socks are optional. We find that many clients like to use nonslip or "grip" socks during Pilates workouts, and these are available for purchase in our studio for your convenience. Please avoid wearing regular socks or clothing with zippers as these will damage the upholstery on our equipment.
    • Avoid baggy clothing that might obscure your instructor's view of how you move or otherwise get caught in Pilates apparatus
    • Be sure your shirt isn’t so long that you might sit on the tail of it
    • Shorts are appropriate length for when your legs to be in the air (for modesty's sake)
    • Most fitness classes are done in bare or socked feet (grip socks are available for purchase).
    • Please avoid wearing clothing with zippers as they damage our equipment
    • Tie back long, loose hair
REFUND POLICY [+] REFUND POLICY [-]
  • We cannot refund transactions for classes and services but we welcome converting the balance in your account to any service, class, or product that SOMA Movement Studio or Farmington Valley Physical Therapy offers including gift cards. We can also transfer the balance in your account to another person. For special circumstances, such as injury or pregnancy, packages can be frozen for a few months or converted as described before. Retail items can be returned in unopened, unused condition within 14 days of purchase when accompanied by a receipt.
CANCELLATIONS [+] CANCELLATIONS [-]
  • Private sessions and reservations in Group Apparatus Classes have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Group Mat classes can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance of the class. Cancellations can be made on our MindBody Portal 24 hours a day, or by texting/calling our studio at (860) 470-MOVE during business hours. Late cancellations or no shows will be charged the full session or class rate.

    Unlimited-member no-shows or late-cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) will have days deducted from their unlimited memberships as follows:
    First & Second Occurrences: One day deducted for each absence from monthly membership
    Third & Fourth Occurrences: Two days deducted for each absence from monthly membership
    Fifth Occurrence: Five days deducted from monthly membership and suspended eligibility for an immediate monthly membership renewal.

    Unlimited Monthly Membership eligibility can be reinstated in of the following two ways:
    Option 1) By using a standard class card package for a period of one calendar month
    Option 2) By paying off the late cancellation/no-show classes at a rate of $15/class
    Please help us preserve SOMA’s ability to have the most flexible schedule and scheduling policies of any fitness studio in the Farmington Valley. Thank you in advance for understanding.

    In the case of contagious illness and severe weather, this cancellation policy is waived. Please contact our studio should you need help with a late cancellation. To check for severe weather cancellations, call our studio at (860) 470-MOVE or check our MindBody portal.

PACKAGE EXPIRATIONS [+] PACKAGE EXPIRATIONS [-]
  • All regular packages of sessions and classes purchased through SOMA Movement Studio do not expire. Memberships are valid for their stated duration (monthly membership expires in one month). Groupon or other promotional packages have their own expiration policies; please check the details of the promotion for expiration dates.
PAYMENTS [+] PAYMENTS [-]
  • We accept all major credit and debit cards on our online MindBody Portal. We accept all major credit cards, check, and cash in the studio. Payment for sessions and classes is expected the day you come. Clients with negative balances will not be able to take classes until the balance is settled.
CELL PHONES [+] CELL PHONES [-]
  • We ask that you silence cell phones when you come to our studio as they can be distracting to others, especially when working with apparatus. Should there be extenuating circumstances and you must take a call during a session, please notify your instructor ahead of time, set your phone to vibrate, and step out of the studio or step into the waiting area to take the call.
WEATHER [+] WEATHER [-]
  • If group classes are cancelled due to severe weather, we will record a message on our voicemail as soon as possible. Additionally, we will update the MindBody portal of class cancellations. Private sessions are cancelled on an individual basis between client and instructor.
PRIVACY POLICY [+] PRIVACY POLICY [-]
  • SOMA Movement Studio is committed to protecting your privacy and developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience.

    Collection of Information
    We collect personally identifiable information, like names, postal addresses, email addresses, etc., when voluntarily submitted by our visitors. The information you provide is only used to fulfill your specific request, unless you give us permission to use it in another manner, for example to add you to one of our mailing lists.

    Distribution of Information
    We may share information with governmental agencies or other companies assisting us in fraud prevention or investigation. We may do so when:

      (1) permitted or required by law; or,
      (2) trying to protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud or unauthorized transactions; or,
      (3) investigating fraud which has already taken place. The information is not provided to these companies for marketing purposes.

    Commitment to Data Security
    Your personally identifiable information is kept secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who have agreed to keep information secure and confidential) have access to this information. All emails and newsletters from this site allow you to opt out of further mailings.

AGE [+] AGE [-]
  • The minimum age requirement is 13 years old. Clients between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all sessions. Clients between the ages of 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult to their first session only. All clients under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their guardian.
UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIPS [+] UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIPS [-]
  • SOMA is proud to offer class memberships that are truly UNLIMITED. Meaning that there are no black out dates, no restrictions on the number of classes or types of classes that you can register for. That being said, clients who register for classes and either no-show or late-cancel will be assessed a cancellation fee of $15 per class. CLients who have more than four late-cancellations in a single month, will not be eligible for another unlimited monthly membership unless the following criteria is met: 1) all late fees are paid in full ($15 per Tier Two class missed, $10 per Tier One class missed) 2) a period of 30 days has passed or the client has attended at least 10 classes with a class card
GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS MIND-BODY FITNESS? [+] WHAT IS MIND-BODY FITNESS? [-]
  • Mind-body exercise can be defined in a variety of ways, and in general it focuses on creating a kinesthetic awareness (understanding where your body is in space during movement), and moving precisely with intention and focus. For some people, there is a psychological component to the methods, gaining of a deeper level of consciousness, discipline, and connection with one's body. Mind-body fitness practices can include deliberate and intentional focusing of the mind (while exercising) on breath, body scans, or immediate experience. It is this mind-set that can be seen as a key ingredient to mind-body exercise. The approach to mind-body fitness can be applied to lifestyle and anything that one does in life.

I AM NEW TO SOMA, WHERE SHOULD I START? [+] I AM NEW TO SOMA, WHERE SHOULD I START? [-]
  • All of SOMA's classes are open to people of all fitness levels with the exception of Pilates Equipment classes. Pilates Apparatus involves moving carriages, pulleys, and springs and so we ask that you attend an orientation session, even if you have taken Pilates Apparatus classes at other studios to ensure your safety and the saftey of other students that attend classes. The orientation session is your chance to get to know us and our equipment, and also for our instructors to get to know you and how you move.

    Please arrive 15 minutes before your first class to allow time to fill out our registration paperwork and aquaint yourself with our studio. You can also download the registration forms from our website and fill them out ahead of time at your convenience.

HOW ARE CLASSES PRICED AT SOMA MOVEMENT STUDIO? [+] HOW ARE CLASSES PRICED AT SOMA MOVEMENT STUDIO? [-]
  • Classes are split into categories based on duration, use of equipment, and level of expertise necessary to run the class. Tier One classes are generally non-equipment classes and 30 minute equipment-based classes. Tier Two classes are generally one hour long equipment-based classes and specialty/special event classes. See our Class Descriptions for a full list and descriptions of our classes.

    If you purchase a Tier One package, you may register for any Tier One class with the classes you purchased. For example, if you purchased a five pack of Tier One classes, you could attend two Barre classes, a Somatic Movement Class, and any othe mat class as these are all Tier One Classes. Same deal for the Tier Two and Express class categories.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO MIND-BODY FITNESS CLASSES? WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? [+] WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO MIND-BODY FITNESS CLASSES? WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? [-]
  • Our studio will supply any equipment, including mats, that you will need for your workout. Feel free to bring a water bottle with you. Only water is allowed in our studio in case of spills. Please dress comfortably in exercise clothing that allows for free movement.

    • Avoid baggy clothing that might obscure your instructor's view of how you move or otherwise get caught in Pilates apparatus
    • Be sure your shirt isn’t so long that you might sit on the tail of it
    • Shorts are appropriate length for when your legs to be in the air (for modesty's sake)
    • Most fitness classes are done in bare or socked feet (grip socks are available for purchase). The exception are dance fitness classes which may have specialty footwear. Please check the individual class descriptions if you are taking a dance fitness class.
    • Please avoid wearing clothing with zippers as they damage our equipment
    • Tie back long, loose hair
HOW LONG ARE YOUR PRIVATE SESSIONS/GROUP CLASSES? [+] HOW LONG ARE YOUR PRIVATE SESSIONS/GROUP CLASSES? [-]
  • Officially, private sessions are 55 minutes. This allows for Instructors to schedule future sessions, take payments, and greet the next client to get started on time.

    Classes vary in length from 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes in length depending on the class. Please arrive a couple minutes before your class starts so our classes can start on time. If there is a class finishing up in the studio where your class is going to start, please wait in the foyer until the class finishes.

    You are welcome to stay after your private session or class for stretching.

WHAT IF I HAVE AN INJURY? [+] WHAT IF I HAVE AN INJURY? [-]
  • One reason why Mind-Body fitness has become so popular is because there are practices that are safe to do with almost any injury or limitation. At SOMA Movement Studio, we have used Pilates, Barre, and Hanna Somatics with clients: after knee and hip replacements, after back, shoulder, wrist or foot surgery, after a stroke, with MS, vertigo, scoliosis, whiplash, herniated discs, compression fractures, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, during radiation treatments, after a Mastectomy, after broken bones and more.

    Please contact us if you have an injury and our team of physical therapy professionals and fitness instructors will work with you to figure out where on the rehabilitation and fitness spectrum you can reach your movement goals.


PILATES SPECIFIC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS PILATES? [+] WHAT IS PILATES? [-]
  • Pilates is a full-body exercise system that uses a series of apparatus and mat exercises to engage the entire body. It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse" or your core muscles plus back, gluts, and pelvic floor. With Pilates, no matter what exercise you're doing, you are focusing on this powerhouse area to add stability, power, and awareness to your movement. Whether using one’s own weight as resistance on the mat or spring resistance on Pilates apparatus the goal is to strengthen the body's core, elongate the spine, improve overall posture, and create long, lean muscles with definition and sculpted tone.

    With regular practice, results come quickly and can benefit those with an active or otherwise sedentary lifestyle. Pilates exercises encourage flexibility, control, balance, help prevent injury, and build strength – without adding bulk. Pilates teaches you to move in a way that makes everyday life easier - as your body starts to come to life and muscles awaken, you become stronger and move with more intention. As the Pilates-generated endorphins start firing, you find yourself happier and more centered. The principles of Pilates are simple, and its always challenging.

I'VE NEVER DONE PILATES BEFORE. WHERE SHOULD I START? [+] I'VE NEVER DONE PILATES BEFORE. WHERE SHOULD I START? [-]
  • Clients generally start with a free Pilates Orientation session. The first session includes assessment so you and your instructor can identify your goals, your strengths, and what challenges you as well as a safety orientation to the Reformer. At the end of your orientation session, your instructor can help you select a Pilates package that helps you acheive your goals, whether you are rehabbing an injury, cross training for a sport, wanting to learn a workout that keeps you interested in engaged. Some people don’t know what they want out of it, but you’re instructor will help you figure that out. Our focus is on helping you move so you feel good. Most people who start at our studio are coming because they want to feel better, not because they are already good at Pilates!
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF PILATES? [+] WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF PILATES? [-]
  • The original principles of Joe Pilates' "Contrology"are:

    • Concentration. This is the most important principle in Pilates. You must be very mentally present as you do the exercises, aware of every aspect of your body's movement, alignment, sensations, body position ....
    • Centering. Abdominal and spinal stabilization, carriage, power. All movement comes from the center.
    • Control. Every movement is to be done with control and intention Centering, so that you are evenly using your body. Think of a plumb line down the middle of the body working both sides evenly
    • Fluidity. A smooth transition from one exercise to the next important because once you've learned the routine, it should look something like a dance, where every movement flows into the next.
    • Precision. You try to make each movement as precise as possible; alignment, placement of your limbs, position of each part of your body is paramount and a central aspect of how and why Joseph Pilates designed this system of exercise.
    • Breath. How you breathe is very important in Pilates exercises. You don't want to hold your breath at all. Deep, steady breaths will help you maintain concentration and precision, too.
    • Cardiovascular Conditioning. Endurance, stamina. For a normal, healthy individual without any issues, the workout is vigorous enough to achieve cardiovascular benefits.
PILATES APPARATUS LOOK LIKE TORTURE DEVICES? WHY WOULD I NEED TO USE THEM? [+] PILATES APPARATUS LOOK LIKE TORTURE DEVICES? WHY WOULD I NEED TO USE THEM? [-]
  • Some Pilates equipment can look like some kind of medieval torture device, which is ironic because it makes you feel so good. Depending on how the equipment is used and the exercise being done, the apparatus can either make the exercise much easier, or much more challenging. Soma Movement Studio and Farmington Valley Physical Therapy has a complete line of contemporary Pilates equipment (and some classic pieces too) so there is no end to the variety of exercises available for clients of every fitness level and at every point in rehabilitation.

    The reformer is a rectangular frame with four legs and a cushioned mat, or carriage, that slides back and forth on wheels with the resistance of springs and pulleys.

    The cadillac is a trapeze-like table and has a canopy from which a trapeze, springs and pulleys hang. Because it's elevated, it's nice for older people if they have trouble getting down on the floor. The trapeze also allows for some of the most challenging hanging arm work you'll try.

    The Pilates chair, also called a wunda chair or stability chair was originally developed as total body workout system for cramped, NYC apartments. It consists of a box like chair, with spring loaded pedal and metal support arms. Because of its small base of support compared to the reformer, many exercises require lots of balance and coordination.

    Pilates developed a full assortment of pilates barrels of varying heights and curvature. These barrels can be as high as four feet tall! Barrels can challenge balance, assist in gaining range of motion, and challenge strength. Soma Movement has ladder barrels, spine correctors, and arc barrels.

    Finally, there's the mat — the ideal apparatus for Pilates because there's nothing helping you. It's only you, your body weight and your alignment making the exercises fluid, controlled and precise. We have plenty of props for variety, challenge, and fun workouts.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO PILATES? [+] HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO PILATES? [-]
  • That depends on a lot of factors- what else do you do for exercise? What other activities do you participate in? How much time can you devote? There is no answer as everyone’s situations will be different.

    At Soma Movement Studio, we push for consistency. Doing a session or class once a week regularly will be better than a lot one week, and none the next. The Studio offers many possibilities for different types of sessions and classes. We also encourage and help clients to establish a home program.

    Pilates is safe enough to do every day. Initially you may want to do a little every day, at home or in the studio, so you get a rhythm and become consistent; then a good goal is to do it every other day. Joseph Pilates used to say to do it three times a week.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES? [+] WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES? [-]
  • Both forms of exercise have mind-body connection and a very similar fluidity. But one difference is that there's a whole line of equipment in Pilates that doesn't exist in yoga, so it provides a different ways modulate the exercises. You're doing exercises with the assistance and resistance of springs and pulleys. The springs may assist you or they may make an exercise more difficult, depending on the exercise. Pilates also has more exercises with repetition rather than poses and there is more meditation in Yoga.
IS PILATES A CARDIOVASCULAR WORKOUT? [+] IS PILATES A CARDIOVASCULAR WORKOUT? [-]
  • Initially the workout is slow moving because everything is being explained to you and you are focusing on gaining awareness and strength. Eventually, once you learn the workout and you're going through the motions, it becomes aerobic. You can get a cardiovascular workout when you're on the equipment and working on an advanced level because it's more physical.

    Soma Movement Studio also has reformer jumpboards which add modified pliometrics to Pilates and is very aerobic. In the future, we will incorporate Cycling into some Pilates equipment classes.

WILL I BE SORE AFTER PILATES? [+] WILL I BE SORE AFTER PILATES? [+]
  • Feeling sore is a very individual thing. Some people don't feel sore. Pilates is what you put into it. If you're really conscious and making an effort to make every movement count, you'll most likely feel something the following day (sometimes where you least expect it). It also has to do with your athleticism. If you've been sedentary, you're probably going to feel it more than someone who's very active. It's all relative.
DOES PILATES EVER GET EASIER? HOW DO I PROGRESS BEYOND A BEGINNER LEVEL? [+] DOES PILATES EVER GET EASIER? HOW DO I PROGRESS BEYOND A BEGINNER LEVEL? [-]
  • One of the best parts of a Pilates practice is there are as many ways to challenge yourself with an exercise as there are levels of fitness and strength. Exercises can be made by more challenging adding props, moving the exercise on or off apparatus, or by challenging balance. Clients are encouraged to notice how their body feels instead of counting repetitions. Clients are strengthening their bodies and increasing their flexibility so that their lives are better.

    Pilates will not only change the way you move in the gym or studio; it will also change the way you move and function in your life outside the studio. As clients get stronger and more aware of their bodies, their the progress is measured by their activities not the amount of resistance. For example, how fluidly you ski, how effortless you pick up your children, or how energetic you feel at the end of the day.


HELP! I CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE MIND-BODY PORTAL
TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT [+] TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT [-]
  • 1. Go to somamovementstudio.com
    2. Click on “Login” on the right side of the menu
    3. If this is your first time registering for an account, enter your first and last name under the “New to our site?”
    4. Enter your contact information and click blue “Create an Account” button

TO LOG IN IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT [+] TO LOG IN IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT [-]
  • 1. Go to somamovementstudio.com
    2. Click on “Login” on the right side of the menu
    3. Log in with your username and password under the “Been here before” box

TO PURCHASE CLASSES [+] TO PURCHASE CLASSES [-]
  • 1. Log in to your SOMA - Mind Body account (see above)
    2. Click on the “Online Store Tab”
    3. Under the drop down menu, select the type of class or service you would like to purchase.
    4. This will open a new window where you can select the number of classes/type of package you would like to buy
    5. Follow the prompts to check out with any major credit card or debit card. You will receive an email confirmation of your purchase.

TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES [+] TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES [-]
  • 1. Open the Class Schedule either in the mind body portal under the "Classes" tab, or on the somamovementstudio.com site under the “Classes + Rates" tab.
    2. Click the “Sign up Now” button next to the class you want to sign up for. This will open up a pop up window if you are not already logged into the mind body portal.
    3. Now you will be asked to confirm your registration for your class. You can create a single reservation (one time) or a recurring registration (same class each week up to four weeks in advance). Click the blue registration button you prefer.
    4. If you have class credits already in your account, you are all set. If you do not have class credits in your account, then you will be guided to purchase class credits before registering for classes.

I WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S CLASSES (MY CHILD/FRIEND/PARTNER/ETC). HOW DO I SET THAT UP? [+] I WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S CLASSES (MY CHILD/FRIEND/PARTNER/ETC). HOW DO I SET THAT UP? [-]
  • 1. Have both people create Mind-Body accounts.
    2. Email or call us with both clients' names and who the payor (person paying for the classes) will be and we will set up the link on our side. Please allow 24 business hours for creation of this link, although many times we will have it done sooner.
    3. Once the payment link is established, both clients will be able to register for classes from the same class package.