Frequently Asked Questions

New Students Yoga Pilates

New students

What is the Introductory offer?

The 14 Day Introductory Offer for $50 is a one-time offer and is available for new students. Your Introductory Offer will activate from your first class booking. Please note that once you book your first class the date cannot be brought forward. The Introductory Offer is non-refundable and non-transferable – there are no suspensions or extensions available.

The Introductory Offer this gives you 14 consecutive days as and opportunity to experience all class styles across yoga and pilates across both of our Mornington studios with over 100 classes per week.

We recommend looking over our class options as we have a range of different teachers, styles and levels of heat to choose from. Find something that aligns with where you are at in your practice.

How do I book a class?

The first step is to create a Soul Haven; Yoga + Pilates account through our Momence Online booking system. You can access this right from your smart phone, or via our App or Soul Haven; Yoga + Pilates websites. If you’re ready to go, you can create an account by clicking here. We also ask that you subscribe to marketing emails so you can receive important updates regarding our schedule and classes.

What do I need to bring?

Bring yourself! Showing up is the most important thing of all. Outside of this, we suggest bringing a mat for yoga/mat pilates, towel and drink bottle. Mats are available to use at the studio free of charge if you don’t have your own. We recommend wearing suitable fitness clothing that is stretchy and comfortable for movement. Outside of these things, bring a curious and open mindset with you to help you get the most out of your first classes. With our reformer Pilates class we suggest wearing grippy socks but this optional, many students prefer bare feet.

Why we have both Yoga and Pilates on offer?

We believe that by offering Yoga and Pilates to our community, we’re able to offer a haven for mindful movement. The different practices can provide different benefits, all linking back to physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Your choice of mindful movement will depend on a number of factors including how your body feels physically, emotionally and spiritually. We encourage you to listen to your body and ask yourself what does it need today? Learning to recognise and take responsibility for what you need will help you keep life in balance.

What happens when I arrive for class?

Allow 10 to 15 mins prior to each class to check in at reception and to set yourself up inside the studio. We are a barefoot studio, so we’ll ask that you remove your shoes upon entering and place in the storage unit near the front door. Introduce yourself to the teacher and let them know what class you have signed up for. If it’s your first class, we will familiarise you with the studio and our amenities. Our Kenji St studio is where yoga, hot mat pilates and reformer pilates take place while our McLaren St studio is only for reformer pilates. 

Once in the studio, take a moment to enjoy the stillness and quiet that the space provides; the perfect way to prepare for the mindful practice that awaits. Please note all classes will start on time and the door will be locked if the reception area is unattended. Late arrivals are not permitted to join the class after it has started.

Yoga

What classes are suitable for beginners?

New students are welcome at all classes. Most students will begin with the Yin, SH Gentle Flowor Rest and Restore classes. Please always let the teacher know you are new to the practice and if you have any prior injuries.

I don’t feel fit or flexible. Will yoga be for me?

Absolutely, yoga is accessible for everyone as a way to nourish their mind, body and soul. We’re an inclusive studio that welcomes everyone that comes through our doors, regardless of how long they have been practicing. If you’ve got the inclination, we’ve got the classes, mats and teachers ready and waiting to show you how you can bring life into balance. Every yogi’s experience began with a first class. Please let the class teacher know that you’re new to yoga and they will be able to guide and modify your practice.

What if it gets too much? Can I take a break?

Of course, everybody’s body and mindset is different, and we encourage everyone to listen to their body during class and honour what it needs in that moment. This may mean taking a break, so Child’s Pose (we’ll show you how to do this) or lying flat is always available to you.

What does a typical class look like?

Within our various classes come different teachers offering their own unique styles, life journeys and training. Our teachers are specifically trained to lead with their intuition and to creatively plan the class sequence, leading to a truly authentic experience in each class. All of our classes emphasise the synergy between breath and movement, with mindfulness weaved into class themes. You’ll quickly learn that yoga practice involves listening to your body (your internal teacher) and working with whatever limitations are showing up for you on the mat.

What are the benefits of a heated yoga room ?

We offer both heated and non-heated yoga classes. Our mat room is fitted with Infrared panels that gently heat warm the room between 24 and 34 degrees depending on the class style. This helps loosen up your muscles and connective tissue assisting with joint mobility and flexibility. The heat also promotes sweating which is a great way to detoxify.

We recommended being well-hydrated before class.

If I'm injured, can I still practice yoga?

Yes, of course. We offer a variety of classes and modifications that give you a choice of strong, slow or a deeper stretch, and we encourage you to listen to your body and find a class that suits you on any given day.

Can I leave a yoga class early?

Please stay for the entire length of practice. This includes Savasana – it’s one of the most important poses in yoga. If you MUST leave early, please discuss this with your teacher before class begins and understand that they may not be able to accommodate your request.

Can I attend a yoga class if I am pregnant?

If you are starting your yoga journey while pregnant, heated yoga is not recommended, so we advise you not to attend hot classes. As an alternative, you can try our SH Gentle Flow or Yin Yoga or rest and Rsetore which are all suitable for pregnancy.

Many of our teachers are pre and post-natal trained so please reach out if you would like to know more specific information about their class offerings.

We do advise you check with your doctor in advance and let your teacher know you’re pregnant so they can help you modify poses as necessary.

How do bookings, cancellations and waitlists work?

Bookings and cancellations can be made via our booking platform Momence which can be accessed via our website and Soul Haven; Yoga + Pilates App, we ask that you please familiarise yourself with our cancellation policy here. If you are on a waitlist for a class, you will receive a notification once a spot becomes available.

Pilates

What type of Pilates classes do you offer?

Our pilates offering includes both reformer and mat classes. Our mat room is heated with Infrared panels and fits up to 22 students. We have two reformer pilates studios, located at our Kenji St studio (7 beds) and our McLaren studio (11 beds). You can familiarise yourself with our different classes styles here. 

I’ve never practiced reformer Pilates before. What class should I take?

Most students will start with SH Reformer Flow first which is our most accessible class style before moving on to Reformer Power and Jump for an increased challenge. All classes are designed to build the foundations of your practice – gradually and safely toning the body, while increasing control, balance, precision and strength. Our instructors can cater for all student levels and all classes are suitable for those who are new to the practice.

Can I practice Pilates while I am pregnant?

Reformer Pilates is an amazing and supportive way to prepare your body for birth and postpartum recovery. If you have had no complications and have medical clearance from your doctor you are welcome to attend our classes. Heated classes are not recommended all other classes are pregnancy safe and can be modified.

Can I practice Pilates while I am injured?

We encourage you to seek medical clearance and guidance  from your doctor. Please also note that classes are not specifically designed for injury rehabilitation. We do not offer clinically based Pilates classes.

Will pilates help my yoga practice?

Yes. Pilates help build up your core, strengthening the deep muscles in the abdominal and obliques. It will also increase stability in your shoulders and hips, supporting your joints, and helping you to move with greater efficiency and control.

Do you need more information?

We are here to set you up for success so please reach out to us if you need any further information or guidance.