FAQs

We require 2-weeks notice for holds.
We will take your notice from the day you complete and submit this form. Click here to access >>

You are entitled to one hold per 4-month period for a maximum of 28 days.
Holds must be taken in 7-day blocks: 7-day hold, 14-day hold, 21-day hold or 28-day hold

We do accept holds without notice and for longer periods of time in extenuating circumstances (e.g. injury/pregnancy), please provide details in the form if you require this.

We require 2-weeks notice for cancellations.
We will take your notice from the day you complete and submit this form. Click here to access >>

Our in-studio and online weekly memberships have a 12-payment lock-in period. You can only cancel after this period is complete.

Check out our Types of Sessions page to find out more about the different sessions we offer at Essence of Living.

Yoga and Pilates are different styles of exercise but they do complement each other exceptionally well. Yoga focuses on flexibility, broad muscle groups, breathing, strength and a dash of spirituality and philosophy. While PIlates will also work on your flexibility, it’s main emphasis is on core strength. You can find out more about Yoga and Pilates here.

Yoga and Pilates are completely different styles of exercise and both training styles complement each other tremendously. Practicing regularly (3-6 times a week) is recommended to get the best results, however, even if you are only able to come once per week, you will experience benefits from both Yoga and Pilates. In fact, you’ll probably begin to plan sessions into your busy schedule as a priority once you feel and see the differences in your body and mind.

Try to be open to new experiences by trying a few (or all) of the different styles of yoga and pilates on offer at our Gold Coast studio. All of our teachers have their own unique style so we’re sure you’ll find a few favourites that suit you best.

Yes! In fact, one of the greatest benefits of starting a yoga or Pilates practice is an increase in flexibility. Please do not feel embarrassed, discouraged or put off by your perceived ‘lack’ of flexibility. All of our teachers will be able to show you variations of poses/movements to best work on increasing your flexibility.

We suggest that you begin your Yoga or Pilates journey by starting with beginner level sessions. For Yoga, look for Beginners Yoga sessions on the timetable. For Pilates, we recommend you start with a regular Pilates session before moving up to Barre.

Typically we suggest you take 8 -10 beginner level sessions before advancing to a general level session (or barre). This will give you the opportunity to build both a strong foundation, learn the basics and gain strength and flexibility. However, if you feel like you’re advancing at a different rate, your teacher will be happy to talk this over with you.

There are innumerable benefits to both yoga and pilates. Here are are just a few of them:

• Creates longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
• Improves postural problems
• Creates a stronger, more flexible spine
• Promotes recovery from strain or injury
• Increases joint range of motion
• Improves circulation
• Increases core strength/stability and peripheral mobility
• Helps prevent injury
• Enhances mobility, agility and stamina
• Improves balance, coordination & circulation
• Balances strength & flexibility
• Engage the mind and heightens body awareness
• No-impact – kind to the joints
• Can be customised for everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
• Complements other methods of exercise
• Improves performance in other sports
• Reduces stress, relieves tension, boosts energy
• Heightens neuromuscular coordination

It is best to avoid eating 2-3 hours before your session as we twist from side to side, turn upside down, bend in different directions and if you have not fully digested a meal, you will more than likely become uncomfortable. If this doesn’t suit you and you know you are someone who becomes faint or needs to eat regularly, you can experiment with having a light snack before class. It is highly recommended that you hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water before, during and after a session.

Probably! As long as your doctor has given you the okay to do so, yoga and pilates can be of great benefit pre and postnatal. However, we do not recommend you participate in barre, especially in your first trimester. We ask that you please inform your teacher before the session so they are aware of your pregnancy and at what stage you’re in. It is at your teacher’s discretion whether you are admitted to practice.

If you are not a regular practitioner already and want to begin a yoga or pilates practice for the first time, it might be more beneficial for you to take part in a yoga beginners or yin yoga session.

If you are a regular practitioner we encourage you to take full responsibility for your practice, to listen to your body and to do what is right for you. Please talk with your teacher if you have any concerns.

As long as your doctor has given you the okay to do so, yoga and Pilates can be of great benefit post-illness or injury. Your teacher may ask for a letter from your doctor giving the okay for you to practice, so have this ready.

As with any physical exercise program, Yoga and Pilates should be partnered with a healthy diet for optimal results. Also, each and every body is different, and the time it takes to see ‘results’ is just as varied, making it difficult to provide a simple answer to this question. However, we can tell you that you will feel amazing from your very first session! At Essence of Living, our focus is on feeling great from the inside out, rather than focusing on the external form (a hot bod is a happy side effect of consistent practice!).

Barre is pronounced like ‘bar’. Click here to hear the correct pronunciation.

Come to a session with an open mind, curiosity and a smile. Wear clothing you feel comfortable in, keeping in mind practicality. Stretchy pants, leggings, shorts, tshirts and singlets are all options.  No need to bring shoes as all sessions are barefoot. You may wish to bring a towel to a session (especially for barre or a powerful yoga session). Mats are provided, however please feel free to bring your own. We have a range of clothing and mats available to buy at the studio if you wish to do so.

There are no bookings required. Just get to the studio with enough time to set up before your session. If this is your first session with us, please get to the studio about 15 minutes before the beginning of your chosen session to allow time to fill out a new student form and for your teacher to get to know you a little.

Mats are provided, however please feel free to bring your own. We have mats available to buy at the studio if you wish to do so.

People of all ages can practice yoga and pilates – however our regular sessions are aimed at adults and teens. We ask that if you are younger than 16, you have a parent of guardian join you in a session. For those younger than 12, we suggest finding a kid’s session to join.

Currently we do not have any child minding facilities at the studio. If your child is 12 or older, and would like to participate with you in a session, we welcome you to bring them along.

If you are stuck without a carer and need to bring your younger child along, we ask that you ensure they are well behaved, quiet and self-entertained. We can’t provide them with any supervision or take any responsibility for them.

Occasionally Essence of Living will have a special discounts on our pass packs to celebrate. Make sure you are following us on Facebook or Instagram to be in the know!

Yes. Find out more here.

These sessions are at a discounted rate, allowing more people in the community to discover and enjoy the benefits of Yoga and Pilates. You will find a number of them on our studio timetable and our Gold Coast Active and Healthy classes.

To book in for any of the workshops we offer at Essence if Living either gives us a call on 07 5526 6600, download our app, or book in person at the studio.

You’ll find a comprehensive price list here.

At Essence of Living we know you will love our sessions. Which is why all purchases are final and we do not offer refunds.

For Essence of Living memberships we offer two options, you can either pay in full or pay weekly via direct debit. You can find out more about our prices here.

We also offer a payment plan option for Teacher Training. Find out more here.

We do! You can find out all about our Teacher Training options on the Academy page.

We are open most public holidays, sometimes with a full timetable, sometimes with a reduced timetable. We are closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

You can check our Timetable page for the most up to date class times.

The studio opens 15 minutes before the beginning of class. Check the timetable for class times.

We don’t currently have shower facilities at the studio. We do have a great big bath close by though – it’s called the ocean!

There is on street parking around the studio. Please be mindful of the signage in some areas where there are parking time limits.

Please arrive with plenty of time before your session to sign in and set up in the room. Leave your footwear inside the front door. Switch your mobile off or to silent before you enter the room. Respect your fellow students and don’t talk during your session. Avoid leaving during relaxation/savasana. If you must leave, please do so before relaxation/savasana begins. If you borrowed a studio mat, please give it a spray down with the provided cleaning solution at the end of your session. Return any equipment you may have used neatly. Most of all, have fun!

9/2431 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218. We are on the second level, just walk up the stairs and enter at the top.