Frequently Asked Questions

We’d love for you to feel comfortable and move with ease during your session, so we recommend wearing your favorite comfy, stretchy workout clothes, something that allows us to clearly see your form and support your movement For your safety and comfort, we kindly ask that you wear grip socks. They help you stay steady and make it easier to move on the reformer. But don’t worry if you don’t have any, we have some available for purchase at the studio. Feel free to use our lockers, but just bring along the essentials.

Give yourself a little extra time to settle in. Arriving 10-15 minutes early lets you check in and stash your things. Plus, it’s a great way to feel relaxed and ready to enjoy your session. To keep everyone safe, we have a 10-minute grace period per class. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we’ll need to ask you to join us next time. Thanks for your understanding.

Your session will be around 50 minutes of movement and mindfulness. Before we begin, your instructor will check in with you about any injuries or medical conditions, feel free to share so they can tailor the class to support you best. We’ll then start with a gentle warm-up to ease your body into the flow. Remember, there’s no pressure to be perfect immediately. Listen to your body, do it at your own pace and take breaks if you need to.

After class, feel free to chat with your instructor or any of our staff—they’re happy to help you find the best option to support your goals. It’s normal to feel a bit sore in your core, legs, or arms after your session. Pilates works on muscles you might not use often, especially your core, so this is completely expected! To get the most out of your practice and maintain your momentum, we recommend aiming for 2-3 sessions per week. This helps you build strength, improve flexibility, and see progress over time. But most importantly, listen to your body and go at your own pace.

We value your thoughts! As a studio committed to integrity and continuous improvement, help us make every class even better. Whether it’s a suggestion, a highlight, or just something you’d like to share, we’re here to listen.

We believe that starting with at least (3) three private sessions is a great way to ensure you feel prepared and confident as well as for your safety and comfort. These sessions include a pre-assessment to understand your body, goals, and to tailor the experience to your unique needs. Think of it as your personal introduction to Pilates, a chance to learn the basics, connect with your body, and get familiar with the movements. You’ll also have access to a wider range of equipment, such as the Cadillac, Stability Chair, and Ladder Barrel, allowing for a more customized and comprehensive experience.

Not at all! Our sessions are designed for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience. Pilates exercises are adaptable and beginner-friendly, so no prior fitness level, flexibility, or experience is needed. Our New to Pilates Package is perfect for newcomers, and our instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable from the very start.

Pilates is the perfect blend of stretching and strengthening! While it improves flexibility, it also builds strength in your core, arms, legs, and back. It’s a full-body workout that tones, lengthens, enhances mobility and posture improvement—all in one!

Our classes are open to most adults, and we welcome everyone to try Pilates! If you are pregnant, recently pregnant or have any medical conditions or concerns, we recommend consulting your doctor first. Let our instructors know in advance, and we’ll assess how best to support you during the session.

Incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine can enhance your weight loss journey as part of a holistic, healthy lifestyle. While it may not directly lead to weight loss, Pilates can help strengthen and lengthen muscles, helping you achieve a leaner, more toned look. It’s a great complement to a balanced diet and regular exercise for sustainable results.

Absolutely! Pilates is for everyone, no matter your age, fitness level, or body type. Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to enhance your strength and mobility, Pilates adapts to your needs. You don’t need to be flexible, fit, or in perfect shape to begin—our exercises are designed to meet you exactly where you are. As Joseph Pilates once said, “A man is as young as his spinal column. If your spine is stiff at 30, you are old; if it is flexible at 60, you are young.”

Pilates is an excellent way for older individuals to enhance functional mobility, improve joint stability, and increase range of motion. It helps you move more efficiently and with greater ease, which becomes even more important as we age. By staying active, Pilates supports your body’s ability to function well at every age, allowing you to move better and with more confidence in everyday life

If you’re feeling hungry, opt for a light meal at least 2 hours before class. If you need a snack closer to class time, choose light, easy-to-digest food options. Most importantly, remember to drink water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated and energized!

To get the most out of your practice and maintain your momentum, we recommend aiming for 2-3 sessions per week. This helps you build strength, improve flexibility, and see progress over time. But most importantly, listen to your body and go at your own pace.

With consistent practice, you'll begin to feel a difference in just a few weeks, and over time, you may even see the results. Progress looks different for everyone, but consistency is key. There’s no rush, focus on steady improvement over perfection. As Joseph Pilates once said, “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body”

We’ve got you covered! We provide all the equipment and mats you’ll need for your Pilates session. Simply bring yourself, wear comfortable, fitted clothing, grip socks and don’t forget your water bottle!

Give yourself a little extra time to settle in. Arriving 10-15 minutes early lets you check in and stash your things, especially on your first visit. Plus, it’s a great way to feel relaxed and ready to enjoy your session.

Studio Address : 16th floor, Room 1604, China Plaza Bldg.,1017 Tambacan Street Sta. Cruz, Manila. Nestled just a 5-minute walk from Escolta, we’re located inside a condominium building—just a short walk to Manila’s vibrant mix of creative spaces, historical landmarks, and bustling food scene. For detailed directions, commute options, and parking information, click here. Note : Nearby landmarks and proximity are used as navigation tools only to help guide you to our location.

We’re open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Specific class times vary, so we recommend checking our online schedule or contacting us directly for details.

Our rates and packages can be found here. Be sure to keep an eye out for exclusive deals and limited-time offers!

Each session lasts for approximately 50 minutes, including a warm-up, the main exercise routine, and a cool-down.

All sessions are by appointment only, and we recommend scheduling at least 3-4 days ahead to reserve your desired date and time. While we do our best to accommodate walk-ins whenever possible, availability is limited and not guaranteed without a prior booking

To secure your spot, we kindly ask that you register, reserve/book and pay for your preferred time slot beforehand. This ensures we can prepare for your session, guarantee your slot, and maintain an organized schedule to provide the best experience for everyone. Single Group Class Click “Book Now” Button on the homepage Click “Book” to reserve your preferred timeslot Check calendar for class availability Message us on Viber to settle payment and confirm **Classes must be paid within 6 hours to secure your slot, unpaid slots may be canceled and released to others Group Class Package Message us on Viber to avail of your chosen Group Class Package Once confirmed, your group class credits will be credited automatically Settle payment within 6 hrs and send proof to confirm You can then use your credits to book your sessions Private OR Duo Session and Package Message us on Viber to book a schedule (Private or Duo) OR to avail package Once confirmed, we’ll credit your account so you can attend your class as scheduled Settle payment within 6 hours and send proof to confirm **All Private and Duo sessions are booked and scheduled via DM If you have a specific request, can't find your ideal time, or simply want to discuss your options, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

You can book classes up to 7 days ahead. BOOKING WINDOW : For 8AM - 10AM classes, bookings close by 9 PM the day before. For all other time slots, bookings close 4 hours before the class starts. We recommend booking early to secure your spot and avoid any inconvenience.

Yes, we kindly ask that you complete your payment within 6 hours of booking your slot to secure your spot. Otherwise, we may give the slot to the next client on the waitlist. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We happily can offer one extension of up to 14 days. Please feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to assist you.

We allow one (1) freeze request per package, with a maximum duration of 1 month. If you're traveling or unable to exercise for an extended period, we kindly ask for proof in order to consider an extension for your package. Please reach out to us at least 7 days prior to your travel date or the time you're unable to exercise to ensure we can process your request in time. If you need to place your package on hold due to health reasons or injury, you will be required to submit a doctor's note, medical certificate, or appropriate documentation. Please note that any hold related to health concerns will not be deducted from your allotted hold days. All extension requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. Any unused classes or credits cannot be carried over beyond the extension period.

We accept payments through GCash and bank transfers (Metrobank and BDO) for your convenience. If you have any issues or need assistance with your payment, feel free to reach out to us—we're happy to help!

We will notify you via Viber, text, or email once we’ve received your payment. Once you receive this confirmation, your time slot for the session is confirmed.

If you need to reschedule, we kindly ask that you do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled class. This helps us manage our schedule and offer your spot to other clients who may be interested. We try our best to accommodate your needs and appreciate your understanding.

To allow us to offer the best experience for all clients, cancellations for all classes must be made at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures that we can manage our schedule and give others the opportunity to book.

If you are unable to cancel within the specified timeframe, your session will be forfeited

We will do our best to accommodate your situation on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us as soon as possible to discuss the matter. While we aim to be understanding, we kindly ask that cancellations due to emergencies remain occasional to help us manage our schedule effectively.

At Essentia, we are committed to supporting your journey with understanding and fairness. All sessions and packages are non-refundable, and all transactions are considered final upon completion. However, in cases of valid circumstances, such as medical conditions or other exceptional reasons permitted by law, refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of our management. If you believe you have a valid reason for a refund, please reach out to us directly. We strive to be flexible while ensuring fairness to all our clients, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Refunds for unused packages are not allowed. However, we can assist you with pausing or extending your membership as needed on a case-by-case basis.

Pilates and Yoga are both wonderful practices for improving flexibility, strength, and overall well-being, but they each offer something a little different. Pilates focuses on strengthening your core, improving posture, and increasing flexibility through flowing, controlled movements. It can be done with just mat or equipment like a reformer. Yoga, on the other hand, is mainly on the mat and all about flexibility, balance, and mindfulness, combining gentle stretches with deep breathing to help you feel relaxed and centered. While both practices connect the body and mind, Pilates tends to be more dynamic and systematic, while Yoga is rooted in meditation and embraces slower, calming poses. The beauty of both is that they complement each other, and doing both can help you find the perfect balance for your body and mind.

Both Lagree and Pilates offer unique benefits, with each method focusing on strengthening the body. Pilates emphasizes mindful controlled movements, flexibility, and core strength, often using equipment like the Reformer. Lagree, on the other hand, is a high-intensity workout that combines Pilates principles with a faster-paced, full-body approach. Both offer great benefits, but the choice depends on your fitness goals and preferences.

There’s a common misconception that Pilates is only for women, but that’s far from the truth. It was actually created by Joseph Pilates, a man, with the goal of benefiting all bodies, regardless of gender. While more women may practice it today, Pilates is designed to strengthen, stretch, and improve flexibility for everyone, making it a perfect complement to any fitness routine.

Mat Pilates focuses on core strength and challenges you to support your body against gravity, making it tough but rewarding. Pilates equipment, like the Reformer, offers more support with a frame that guides your movements. The Reformer both assists and challenges you by adjusting the springs, helping target and tone specific areas efficiently. While the mat is all about working against gravity, the Reformer allows for deeper stretches and a greater range of motion, offering a different kind of challenge and support in your practice.

Pilates machines may seem intimidating at first with all the springs, ropes, and poles, but once you try them, you'll see how easy they are to use and how they make your workout more enjoyable. Think of it like your favorite gym machines or treadmills that match your pace, bikes that adjust to your resistance, Pilates equipment works the same way, once you're familiar with it, it becomes second nature. These machines are designed to help you move better, maintain proper alignment, and get the most out of each session, no matter your experience level, making exercises both more effective and safer.

Pilates is excellent for strengthening the core and improving flexibility, balance, mobility, and overall movement. It helps develop a lean, toned physique while enhancing overall strength. Weight lifting, on the other hand, focuses more on building muscle mass and strength in areas like the arms, legs, chest, and upper back. Together, Pilates and weight training offer a well-rounded approach to fitness, combining core strength, muscle development, and a balanced, toned body.

Pilates is a great complement to any workout or sport you’re already enjoying! It enhances core strength, flexibility, and posture, helping you move better and feel stronger. Pilates improves mobility, boosts performance, and adds strength and balance. It’s not about replacing your routine but enhancing it. In fact, many professional athletes—like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo—integrate Pilates into their training to elevate performance and prevent injury. Pilates can even be your main workout, with other activities serving as a supplement to create a well-rounded fitness plan.

Yes! Pilates is a great way to boost your athletic performance and minimize injury risk. By focusing on core strength, control, and precision, it helps enhance your movement, spatial awareness, and stability. These benefits can make a noticeable difference in your game or sports. In fact, many professional athletes—like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo—integrate Pilates into their training to elevate performance and prevent injury. There’s even a special program called Pilates for Golfers! This makes Pilates a go-to method for improving strength, agility, and resilience across various sports.

While we offer multi-level group classes, we highly recommend starting with a few private sessions to help you understand your body, familiarize yourself with Pilates basics. This will provide you the foundation so you can better enjoy the group classes. Of course, our instructors are always there to provide modifications in group sessions to ensure everyone’s needs are met and that you feel comfortable throughout the session

If you're fairly new to Pilates or just finished 3 introductory private sessions, we recommend starting with our Essence class. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can consider progressing to the next level. However, it's always important to listen to your body and move at your own pace. If you're ever unsure, feel free to ask any of our instructors or staff for guidance—we're here to help!

We keep our group classes intimate, with no more than 4 participants per session. This allows our instructors to provide personalized attention and guidance.

For your safety and well-being, we recommend that pregnant clients or those recovering from recent injuries consider Private classes. These one-on-one sessions allow us to tailor a program that meets your specific needs. If you’ve recently had an injury, we advise consulting with a healthcare professional before starting or returning to any classes.

Absolutely! It’s always great to have a workout buddy, exercising together can be a fun and motivating way to stay on track with your goals. We offer duo semi-private sessions, so you’ll still receive personalized attention while enjoying the experience and support of working out together.

Each session is tailored to you! Your instructor will start with a brief consultation and pre-assessment to understand your goals, needs, or any areas requiring special attention. From there, they’ll guide you through a session using various equipment, incorporating exercises that align with your objectives. If it’s your first session, expect a gentle introduction to assess your body and comfort with different movements.

Absolutely! Pilates can be a great way to support recovery and improve mobility. Just let us know when booking or at the start of your session, and we'll ensure your instructor is prepared to guide you through exercises that suit your needs.

The ideal frequency really depends on your goals, schedule, and fitness level. In general, to get the most out of your practice and maintain your momentum, we recommend aiming for 2-3 sessions per week. Consistency is key to building strength and flexibility, but always listen to your body and progress at your own pace.

Yes, you're welcome to book multiple sessions in a day! We recommend consulting with your instructor to ensure that the frequency aligns with your fitness goals and allows for enough recovery time in between sessions.

We keep track of your progress and milestones during each session to better understand how you're doing and to tailor a program that supports your unique needs. Our goal is not to monitor or test your abilities, but to create a plan that helps you improve your movement and well-being in a way that is sustainable and beneficial in the long run.