A – Z OF HARRIET MIND AND BODY REFORMER STUDIO
A
APP
Harriet Mind & Body doesn’t stop at the studio door.
My Harriet Mind & Body App gives you another way to move with me when you can’t make it to the studio, with workouts, Pilates, strength sessions and live online classes.
Important: the App and Reformer Studio are separate businesses.
Your Reformer classes are booked through Mindbody, not through the Harriet Mind & Body App.
If you would like to sign up to the app and enjoy your 7 day free trial, click here, £25.00 / month or £250.00 / year.
ARRIVAL
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your class.
This gives you time to park, use the loo, put your belongings away and get yourself settled without rushing.
If it’s your first visit, give yourself a little longer.
If you want to arrive early, have a coffee, catch up with friends before the class, or simply have a moment of quiet after the school run then please make use of the community space.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you have mobility or accessibility requirements, please contact Harriet (harrietbush@icloud.com) before your first visit so I can explain the studio layout and discuss anything you may need.
B
BEGINNERS
Never been on a Reformer?
Perfect. That’s what Reformer Introduction is for. Please make sure you book the REFORMER INTRODUCTION class before you book the Reformer Classic – this is mandatory.
You do not need to be flexible, strong, coordinated or “good at Pilates” before you start.
BOOKING
All studio Reformer classes are booked through Mindbody.
Download Mindbody, choose your package, class and press go!
You’ll be able to see the timetable, book classes, join waitlists and manage your bookings there.
Please don’t turn up hoping there will be a spare Reformer. With only six spaces, booking is essential.
BOOKING THE RIGHT CLASS
Choosing the right level makes your class safer and much more enjoyable.
If you’re completely new, start with Reformer Intro.
Once you understand the equipment and basic principles, you can move into the appropriate regular classes.
Not sure? Ask me before you book. Go to CLASSES to find out more or email Harriet (harrietbush@icloud.com).
C
CANCELLATIONS
There are only six Reformers in the studio, so every space matters.
If you can’t make your class, please cancel it through Mindbody as early as possible. This gives somebody on the waitlist the opportunity to come.
Cancellation window: 24 hours before class.
Cancel within the permitted window and your credit will be returned according to the terms of your package.
A late cancellation will result in the loss of that class credit.
CHILDREN
At the moment clients need to be 18 and over but I will be offering classes to U18s soon.
CLASSES (click link)
CLASS CREDITS (click link)
CLASS SIZE
Six Reformers. Six people. That’s it.
I’ve deliberately kept classes small.
I want you to have the energy, fun and motivation of exercising alongside other people without becoming anonymous in a huge class.
I want to know who’s on every Reformer.
CLIENT CONSULTATION FORM
Please make sure you have filled this in before your first class. You will receive this form when you make your first booking online.
CONSISTENCY
How often should I workout to see results? Depending on your age and stage of life a rough guide would be 3 workouts a week – some cardio, weights, Reformer, stretching, mobility – if you are not sure then please ask me, I am happy to have a chat about your weekly fitness routine. Don’t forget if you can’t get to the studio 3x week then the Harriet Mind and Body App is a great addition to your fitness routine at only £6.25 a week! Sign up for the 7 Day FREE trial.
COFFEE/TEA ETC
Yes, there’s coffee! Tea, herbals or fresh lemon water.
And I’d love you to stay for one after class or before!
The coffee area is part of the bigger vision for the studio, the studio is not simply somewhere to exercise, but somewhere to connect, chat and get to know the people you’re moving alongside.
This area will evolve over time to offer food as well as drink, please be patient!
COFFEE HONESTY POLICY
The coffee area will sometimes be unmanned, so it operates on an honesty system.
Help yourself, pay for what you have and leave the space as you’d like to find it.
CONCERNS & COMPLAINTS
Something is not right? Please tell me.
For concerns or complaints, please email Harriet directly (harrietbush@icloud.com) rather than trying to catch Harriet between classes.
It gives everyone the opportunity to properly understand what’s happened and respond thoughtfully and privately.
CONNECTION
Above all the instructions and teachings Harriet’s number one priority is for you to connect your MIND AND BODY – this is something that you might already be familiar with but if not we will talk about in every class.
CONTACT DETAILS
07825370322
Instagram – harrietbushmindandbody
Website – www.harrietbush.co.uk
D
DOCTOR’S APPROVAL
Most people can enjoy Pilates safely, but there are circumstances where I may ask you to obtain appropriate medical clearance before participating.
This could include a recent operation, significant injury, new medical diagnosis, or symptoms that need investigating.
If you’re unsure whether Reformer Pilates is appropriate for you, please speak to your GP or relevant healthcare professional before attending.
And please tell me.
DIRECTIONS
The studio is located on a private farm, Higher Hill, Butleigh, Somerset, BA6 8TW.
What Three Words - ///free.conned.bulletins
Look out for the A frame by the gates, enter and park on your left as you enter the courtyard.
E
EQUIPMENT
All my Reformers are V2 Max from Merrithew, in my experience they are the best!The Reformers may look complicated at first. Don’t worry I’ll teach you how everything works.Please don’t alter springs, straps, foot bars, headrests or other equipment unless I have instructed you to.Never try an exercise you’ve seen online while waiting for class to start
ETIQUETTE
Be kind. Be welcoming. Be considerate.Everyone arrives with different bodies, different abilities, and different reasons for being there.There’s no competition and no judgement.Please respect the studio, the equipment, your instructor and, most importantly, each other.
F
FIRST TIME
Your first time is about learning, not performing.
You’ll start to understand the Reformer, the springs, the moving carriage and how the basic Pilates principles apply to your body.
Nobody expects you to know what you’re doing before you’ve been taught.
FIRST-TIME CHECKLIST
Before arriving:
✓ Client Form completed
✓ Mindbody details correct
✓ Intro video watched
✓ Correct class booked
✓ Health/injury information shared
✓ Water packed
✓ Grip socks packed
✓ Arriving 5–10 minutes early
FIVE BASIC PRINCIPLES
My teaching is based on the STOTT PILATES® Five Basic Principles:
1. Breathing
2. Pelvic placement
3. Rib cage placement
4. Scapular movement and stabilisation
5. Head and cervical placement
These principles help you understand alignment, breathing, stability and how to move your body effectively.
Please watch my introductory video before your first class.
G
GETTING STARTED
New to Reformer or returning from a break or time out? Start with Reformer Intro.
Your instructor will introduce the equipment, terminology and fundamental movements so that when you join other classes, you aren’t spending the whole time wondering which spring to use or where your feet are supposed to go.
If you have any questions about which class to book please refer to CLASSES above or if that doesn’t answer your queries then email Harriet, harrietbush@icloud.com.
GIFT VOUCHERS
These are available, please ask Harriet for more information harrietbush@icloud.com.
GRIP SOCKS
Grip socks are compulsory.
They’re worn for safety and hygiene and help give you traction on the Reformer.
Forgotten yours?
Don’t panic, grip socks are available to buy at the studio from October.
No grip socks = no Reformer.
H
HEALTH
Your Client Form gives me important information about you, but health changes.
Please tell me if anything has changed since you completed it.
A new diagnosis, medication, injury, operation, pain or other health concern may affect how I teach you.
HYDRATION
Please arrive hydrated and bring a water bottle. Filtered water is available.
You’ll be working — sometimes harder than you expect — so don’t wait until you’re thirsty to think about hydration.
I
INJURIES
Having an injury doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do Pilates.
But your instructor needs to know about it.
Tell your instructor before class about injuries, pain, surgery or anything that could affect your movement.
And if something hurts during class, stop and speak out.
There’s a difference between muscles working hard and pain. I don’t want you silently pushing through something that doesn’t feel right.
I love seeing you enjoying the studio.
If you share your Reformer session, tag harrietbushmindandbody so I can see it and, where appropriate, reshare it. FREE coffee for every share!
J
JOIN IN
This studio is about more than the hour you’re on the Reformer.
Say hello.
Stay for coffee.
Have a chat.
You might arrive for Pilates, but I hope you’ll stay for the community.
A space to move, a place to belong.
K
KEEP ME UPDATED
Please don’t assume that because you told me something six months ago, I’ll know that something has changed today.
Pregnant? Tell me.
New medication? Tell me.
Operation? Tell me.
New injury or unexplained pain? Tell me.
Coming back after a long break? Tell me.
Good communication helps me teach you appropriately.
L
LATE ARRIVALS
Please be on time.
The beginning of the class prepares your body for the session and allows me to establish movement, alignment and safety before we progress.
If you arrive after the warm-up has finished, you will not be able to join the class and your credit will be lost.
It isn’t about being strict for the sake of it.
It’s about your safety and avoiding disruption to everyone else.
LOST PROPERTY
Left something behind? I’ll always do my best to keep any lost property safe until you can collect it. However, I can’t take responsibility for items left at the studio, so please have a quick check for phones, water bottles, grip socks and other belongings before you leave!
M
MEMBERSHIPS (click the link)
MOBILES
Please make sure your mobile is on silent and out of sight during your class so you’re not tempted to check it. 50 minutes away from your phone can be a good thing!
If there’s a genuine reason you need to keep your phone accessible, perhaps you’re waiting for an important call or need it for medical reasons, just let me know before class.
I’m very happy for you to take a quick selfie or photo before or after your session and I love seeing you share your Reformer experience! Please tag @harrietbushmindandbody on Instagram.
Please be mindful of everyone else’s privacy. Other clients should not appear in your photos or videos unless you have their permission, and please never photograph or film another client without asking them first.
If I’m taking photos or videos for Harriet Mind and Body social media or promotional material, I will always respect your preferences if you would rather not be included.
N
NEIGHBOURS
One of the things that makes the studio so special is its setting.
But please remember people live and work here too.
Be considerate when arriving and leaving and respect private areas of the farm.
NOISE
Please keep voices, music and car-door slamming to a considerate level, particularly during early morning and evening classes.
Enjoy the peace and help me keep it peaceful.
NO-SHOWS
Booked but didn’t come?
Your class credit will be lost.
With only six Reformers, an unused booking can mean someone else missed the opportunity to attend.
If plans change, cancel as early as you can.
NUTRITION
O
OPEN COMMUNICATION
I’d much rather you ask than spend an entire class worrying.
Don’t understand something?
Something feels uncomfortable?
Worried you’re in the wrong class?
Need a modification?
Tell me.
You are never expected to struggle quietly.
P
PARKING
There is free parking at the studio.
Please use the designated client parking area and don’t block entrances, farm access or areas reserved for residents.
PAYMENTS
Reformer Studio classes are purchased and booked through Mindbody.
Payments for any coffees, teas etc will be make via a SumUp terminal or you can pay via BACS if you prefer.
Harriet Mind and Body Ltd, Barclays Business Bank, sort code 20-68-15 and account number 23862178, please say what the purchase is for.
PHOTOS
Photos are welcome before or after class, but please respect other clients.
Never photograph or film somebody else without their permission.
And please don’t stop mid-class to create content!
POSTNATAL
Returning to exercise after having a baby is individual.
Following a straightforward birth, gentle activity may begin when you feel ready, but returning to more demanding exercise should be gradual.
Please contact me before booking your first Reformer class after having a baby so we can discuss your recovery and the most appropriate starting point.
If you’ve had a Caesarean, complicated delivery, ongoing pain, pelvic-floor symptoms or other concerns, I may ask you to seek advice from your GP, midwife or pelvic-health physiotherapist before joining a class.
PREGNANCY
Please tell me as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
Being pregnant doesn’t automatically mean stopping exercise. Current UK guidance encourages activity during an uncomplicated pregnancy, but your exercise programme needs to take account of your pregnancy, previous activity and how you’re feeling.
If you’re new to exercise, pregnancy isn’t the time to suddenly begin strenuous training.
As pregnancy progresses, exercises may need to be modified — including avoiding prolonged exercise lying flat on your back later in pregnancy.
If you have complications or concerns, I’ll ask you to speak to your maternity team before continuing.
PRICING (click for pricing)
If you are searching for the cheapest price then this probably isn’t the studio for you. I offer a range of class credits and memberships ranging from £16.80 through to £25.00 depending on your credit pack and membership.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
Prefer individual attention or small group session?
1–2–1 sessions may be appropriate if you’re nervous about starting, have a specific goal, want individual technique work or would simply prefer to work privately.
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1-2-1 Sessions £65
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2-2-1 Session are £35 per person
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Small groups or private hire please contact Harriet directly.
Q
QUESTIONS
There is no such thing as a silly question.
“What spring?”
“Which way am I facing?”
“Where does this strap go?”
Ask. That’s what I’m here for.
R
REFORMER PILATES
The Reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment with a moving carriage, springs, straps and an adjustable footbar.
The springs can provide both resistance and assistance, which is part of what makes Reformer Pilates so versatile.
We can use it to work on strength, stability, mobility, balance, coordination, control and body awareness.
REFORMER vs MAT PILATES
The principles behind Mat and Reformer Pilates are closely related.
On the Mat, much of the resistance comes from your own body weight and gravity.
The Reformer adds the moving carriage, springs, straps and other equipment, allowing us to assist, resist and challenge movement in different ways.
Neither is “better”.
They’re simply different ways of applying Pilates.
REFUNDS
Packages and memberships should be purchased carefully, so please read the validity and cancellation terms before buying.
If you’re unsure which option suits you, ask before purchasing.
REVIEWS
Word of mouth is my number one marketing tool so I would really appreciate your feedback. Click to write a review. FREE coffee for every review!
S
SAFETY
Your safety matters more than keeping up.
Listen to instructions and don’t change springs, equipment settings or exercises unless directed.
If you feel dizzy, faint, unwell or experience pain, stop and tell me immediately.
SMALL CLASSES
There are just six Reformers.
That’s deliberate.
Small classes allow me to teach the person rather than simply teach a routine to a room.
SPRINGS & STRAPS
Springs are part of what makes the Reformer brilliant — but they’re also why you need to listen carefully.
More springs doesn’t necessarily mean “harder”, and fewer doesn’t necessarily mean “easier”.
Wait for my instruction before changing them.
STUDIO
I want the studio to feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.
Come to move.
Come to get stronger.
Come to learn about your body.
Come because you’ve had a terrible day and need an hour to yourself.
There’s room for all of it.
SUGGESTIONS
I am always open to new ideas and suggestions so please feel free to add your ideas in my Suggestions Box in the coffee area.
T
TAG ME
Post your studio visit to your Instagram Story or feed and tag Harriet Mind & Body.
Show me your post/tag and…your coffee is on me. ☕
My little thank-you for helping other people discover the studio.
TIMINGS
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before class.
Your booking time is the time the class begins, not the time to pull into the car park!
TOILETS
Facilities are available in between the coffee area/waiting room and studio. Please leave as you find, thank you.
TRANSFERS
Class credits and memberships belong to the client who purchased them and cannot be transferred or shared.
TIDYING UP
Please help me look after the space.
At the end of class, return props where requested and leave your area ready for the next person. Spray and wipe down your reformer with the cleanser and wipes available. If you are not sure please ask.
U
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEVEL
REFORMER INTRO
New to Reformer? Start here.
Learn the equipment, springs, basic movements and STOTT Pilates principles.
REFORMER CLASSIC
Build confidence, technique and control while developing your Reformer repertoire. This class can be progressed as well as modified.
REFORMER INTERMEDIATE
For clients who already have a good understanding of the Reformer, Pilates principles and basic repertoire and are ready for increased pace, coordination and complexity. This class can be progressed.
REFORMER STRENGTH
A stronger, more athletic Reformer session with an emphasis on strength and challenge. May include weights.
REFORMER CORE
A focused class with additional emphasis on the abdominals, back, glutes and deep stabilising muscles.
REFORMER RESTORE
A slower-paced class focused on stretching, lengthening and mobility, helping to release tension, improve flexibility and create space throughout the body. Perfect when you want to move, loosen up and reset, leaving you feeling longer, lighter and restored.
UP A LEVEL?
Moving up isn’t about how many classes you’ve ticked off. You’re ready when you can control the carriage, understand the equipment and springs, follow the terminology, maintain good technique and confidently manage the pace of the next class.
Not sure? Ask Harriet - harrietbush@icloud.com.
V
VIDEO
Before your first Reformer class, please watch my short introductory video explaining the Six Basic Principles.
They underpin the way I teach and you’ll hear me refer to them again and again.
W
WAITLIST
Class full? Join the waitlist.
Plans change and spaces regularly become available.
Clients may be notified or moved from the waitlist when a space becomes available, so please keep an eye on your booking notifications.
Once you have a confirmed place, the normal cancellation policy applies.
WARM-UP
The warm-up isn’t an optional bit before the “real” workout.
It’s part of the class.
I use it to prepare your body and establish the movement patterns we’ll need for what comes next. That’s why you cannot join after the warm-up has finished.
WHAT TO BRING
You don’t need much:
GRIP SOCKS + water + energy!
I provide the Reformers and other equipment.
WEIGHTS
As a personal trainer and nearly 50 years old I understand the need for lifting weights! To access weights classes choose;
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Reformer Strength Class
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Join the App (LIVE classes and on demand)
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Private 1-2-1 or group session
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Ask!
WHAT THREE WORDS
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WHAT TO WEAR
Wear comfortable exercise clothes that allow you to move freely.
Relatively fitted clothing can help me see your alignment and position.
Avoid lots of loose jewellery.
Please avoid sharp zips, buckles or other details that could catch on or damage the upholstery. And, of course…GRIP SOCKS. Always.
WHERE TO WAIT
Please enter through the kitchen door and once the internal door to the studio is open please come on in. If you arrive while another class or private session is finishing, please wait in the kitchen area.
Please don’t enter the main studio while somebody else’s session is still taking place.
WORKSHOPS
Another vision for the studio is to offer relevant workshops at Harriet Mind and Body Studio – if you have a speaker or topic in mind then please Contact Harriet via WhatsApp 07825370322 or email harrietbush@icloud.com.
WINTERBOURNE
I teach Pilates Mat Work at Winterbourne - for more details please email harrietbush@icloud.com
X
eXPERIENCE
Your Reformer experience belongs to you.
Don’t worry about the person on the next carriage.
Don’t worry if their legs go lower, their springs are different or they’ve been doing Pilates for ten years.
You don’t have to prove anything.
Listen. Learn. Move. Breathe.
Y
YOUR DETAILS
Please keep your Mindbody profile up to date, particularly your mobile number and email address.
If I need to contact you about a class, I need to know I’ll reach you.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
I will do everything I reasonably can to provide a safe, welcoming and well-taught class.
I need something from you too.
Please:
• give accurate information on your Client Form
• tell me when your health circumstances change
• choose the appropriate class level
• arrive on time
• follow equipment and safety instructions
• listen to your body
• tell me if something doesn't feel right
Z
ZEN
You’ve booked.
You’ve arrived on time.
Your phone is away.
You’ve moved.
You’ve breathed.
You’ve probably shaken a little.
Now…
stay for a coffee. ☕
Welcome to Harriet Mind & Body.
A place to move, a place to belong.