FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions/Answers

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What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday to Thursday from 4:30pm to 5:15pm for practice. Class times are 5:20pm, 6:25pm, 7:30pm and 8:35pm. Saturdays we have practice from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. We book parties Friday from 5pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm.

What if I missed a class? Can I do a make-up?

Students unable to attend a group class within a 6-week program (due to personal schedule conflicts, unanticipated circumstances, etc.) will need to arrange a make-up class. To book a make-up class, sign into your OPF account, then click the link in the top left menu called Make-up / Drop-in and follow the prompts to arrange a make-up class. If you’re a Standard Member there is a $10 fee. If you’re an Enhanced Member with 3, 6 or 12 month memberships there is no fee. Once successfully arranged you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation with a make-up card attached you’ll need to show your instructor. If you do not show up for this arranged make-up class then your make up will be forfeited.

How to arrange a drop-in class?

To book a drop-in class, sign into your PFA account and click the link in the top left menu called Make-up / Drop-in and follow the prompts to arrange a drop-in class. There is a $27 fee, (Enhanced members will receive a membership discount). Once successfully arranged you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation with a drop-in card attached you’ll need to show your instructor. If you do not show up for this arranged drop-in class then your drop in will be forfeited.

What is the difference between a Standard Member and Enhanced Member?

An Enhanced Member is someone who purchased a 3, 6 or 12 month membership. Enhanced members recieve discounts on all store purchases, workshops, etc. and don't have to pay a make-up fee. A Standard Member is someone who has not purchased a membership.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

When registering for a class, full payment is required to reserve your spot in class. We reserve the right to delay or cancel a class if a class does not have enough registrations. You may keep a credit on file if preferred or a refund option will be provided if we cancel a class.

Classes:
• If a student wishes to cancel their class more than 7 days before the start date, there will be a $20 admin fee subtracted from the amount refunded.
• If a student wishes to cancel their class within 7 days of their class or while the class is in session, there will be no refund.
• After the class has started, there will be no refund.

Workshops:
• All Workshops are non-refundable. We do not offer refunds or make-up time for workshops. All sales are final.

Parties:
• When booking a party, a $100 non-refundable non-transferable deposit is required to reserve your date and time, and the remaining balance owing is due before your party starts.

For All Other Purchases:
• We do not offer refunds or exchanges on any other purchases from our store, products or gift certificates. All sales are final.

What is the difference between Studio A and Studio B?

Studio A and Studio B are both located in the same building at 1066 Somerset St. West. Studio A has 5 poles and it is located on the main floor; it can accommodate small groups up to 6 students. Studio A also accommodates Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoops classes. Studio B is located on the lower level and can accommodate up to 8 students;and it has 9 poles.

Is the 4 Week Pole Intro (Level 1) Session mandatory?

Yes, if you have never done pole before, the 4-week pole intro is mandatory. In this intro class, developed for those who are new to physical activity and would like to try pole fitness, you will learn the basics of pole in a supervised and safe setting.

Who can attend a Pole Fitness/Dancing Class?

Pole fitness/dancing is for everyone, every size or shape, experienced or not. All can join a pole fitness exercise class. Participants with the following conditions should not participate: Back problems, Heart problems, previous or current muscle injury. Minimum age is 14 years old with a parent or guardian approval; there is no upper age limit as long as none of the above medical conditions apply. If you are shy and really don’t want to learn in a group fitness class then try a one-on-one private class.

What can I expect when taking a class?

Students are asked to arrive 5 minutes before their first class begins to show their student ID to the instructor and fill out the waiver forms if they haven't already done so. The class begins with a 10-minute warm up to increase the body’s temperature, activate the joints and prepare the body. The next part of the class is a 40-minute lesson on the pole. A lesson includes spins, transitions and floor work moving into a routine designed for each student’s level. To finish there is 10-minute stretching routine to cool down and improve flexibility.

Do I get a certificate if I complete a level?

Yes, when you successfully complete a session from level 1-10, you will be entitled to receive a certificate of completion. Once your class is finished, sign into your account and click on My Classes to see the link called Print Certificate, next to your completed class. This is a PDF file and you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader free from Adobe.

Can I come to practice at the studio?

Yes, as long as you are currently in an ongoing 6 week session you may come to practice at the studio for FREE anytime Mon - Thu 4:30 to 5:15 and Saturday from 12:30-1:30. If you are not in session or not a member of our studio you must pay a practice fee. Practice time is unsupervised and no instructors are present. Practice is at your own risk. Everyone attending practice MUST sign the sign-in sheet before practicing.

What should I wear and bring while taking a class?

We recommend that you wear something that you can move and feel comfortable in. Yoga pants, shorts and a tank top are usually good as it's important to have bare arms and legs in order to get a good grip on the pole. If you have kneepads, they would be useful for floor work. Remember to bring your water bottle but leave your jewelry at home. In the cooler months you may bring your outfit to change into at the studio.

For Aerial Class:
Wear long pants and shirts that cover your under-arms such as T-shirts and long sleeves. Do not wear tank tops or shorts.

I have pole experience from another studio, what level should I start with?

Send us an email by clicking on the Contact Us link and someone will get back to you to arrange a time to come into the studio for a free assessment. Bring your pole clothes and show the instructor your most advanced moves you learned previously and they will suggest the appropriate level for you.

Why no body lotions and rings?

Creams and lotions stay in the pores of the skin and become greasy, which transfers to the pole making it slippery and dangerous. Please do not wear any body creams or lotions on the day of your class. Please do not wear rings during a class; the hard metal could scratch the pole and also may damage your expensive jewelry.

What’s the difference between Group and Private Classes?

Group Lessons are a great way to get fit, gain muscle tone and learn to express another side of your personality while meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone. Group classes are limited in size, one hour once a week for 6-weeks, and they are more focused on being progressive. You start at level 1 and progress from there. You will learn various moves/tricks which will lead you to build a little routine at each class. By the end of the 6-week session at each level you will have a routine to dance and exercise with.

Private Lessons are designed for the individual who wishes to learn the art of pole fitness quickly and consists of 1-hour intensive training between the instructor and student. This session is highly recommended as the instructor has more time to concentrate on the individual needs of each student. Private classes are limited to no more than 2 students and class can be one or two hours long depending on your needs.

Check the online schedule.

How many levels are there?

Beginner (Level 1-2)
Intermediate (Level 3-6)
Advanced (Level 7-10)

Please see detailed class descriptions here.

How many students attend each class and how long are the classes?

Group classes are limited to 8 students maximum in Studio B and small group classes are limited to 4 students in Studio A. Classes are one hour long to ensure quality instruction at Pole Fitness Academy. We limit our regular class size to make sure everyone has their own pole. Private classes are limited to no more than 2 students and class can be one or two hours long, depending on your needs.

Will I hurt myself?

As with any physical fitness program, you should do what you are comfortable with. Plus you need to follow the guidelines of the instructor. You will inevitably get some bruises in the beginning as your body adjusts to this type of activity.

I am pregnant, can I still participate?

Yes you can, as long as you feel fit enough for physical activity and are not in any discomfort you may participate in any of our classes or workshops.

Do I need any dance experience?

Absolutely not. Pole Fitness is very unique; everyone can learn regardless of their background, experience, age, shape etc.

What methods of payment do you accept?

For online payments we accept Visa, MasterCard and Interac online (debit). Debit is accepted only for the following banks: Scotia Bank, Canada Trust, Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank. We can also accept email money transfers from bank to bank, just send to info@polefitnessacademy.com with the password POLEDANCE.

At the studio we accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We do not accept personal cheques.

What are Workshops all about?

Workshops are special events which are scheduled on weekends and are not part of our regular programs. We offer a variety of workshops such as Lap/Chair Dance, Aerial Silks and Hoops, flexibility and conditioning. We also invite guest instructors to come to our studio and host specialty workshops(occasionally).

How do I register for a class?

Simply complete the on-line registration process and pay for your class. An email confirmation will be sent to you. Be sure to check your spam filter if you do not receive it.

How do I switch my class?

If you are registered for a session that has not started yet and you wish to change your class to another date and time you may do so by signing into your account on our website and under My Classes there is a button labeled Change Class. If this button does not appear then the time to switch classes has expired. You may only switch your class up to 1 week prior to the start date.

Where are you located?

The studios are located at 1066 Somerset Street West, at the corner of Bayswater Ave. Studio A is on the main floor, Studio B is on the lower level, (take the elevator down to B level). Look for the building entrance that says "Bayswater Square". To get driving or bus directions check the Contact page. To access the building after hours please use the intercom on the outside of the building and we will buzz you in.

Are we allowed to bring cameras and take videos?

Cameras are allowed during Bachelorette and Private Group Parties. Video recording is allowed with certain restrictions. If you want to take a video, you may only record after the pole fitness lessons or parties are finished. The recording cannot include the instructor, the instruction, or the lessons. You can record the participants in your group only after the instructions and lessons have been completed. You can take digital still pictures anytime during your party. Digital pictures can include everyone. No restrictions on still digital pictures.

For students registered in 6-week programs, you may bring your cameras to your last class, and you’ll have opportunity at the end of the last class to take pictures of yourself and your classmates with the poles and instructors

Do you offer Memberships?

Yes we do! Check the Memberships section where you can learn all about the different options and purchase a membership online. We offer 3-month, 6-month and 12-month memberships. Convenient monthly payment options are available for 6 and 12 month memberships. See one of the Admins in Studio A office for details.

Do you sell Gift Certificates?

Yes we do! Gift Certificates are available in our online store for a drop-in class or a 6-week session, depending on your budget. Gift Certificates are a great idea for Holiday or Birthday gifts for your family and friends.

Can I just drop into the studio?

Yes! As long as you come during the open hours you can come and visit the studio, get a tour and ask questions from the office Admin. If you want to take a drop-in class you must make an appointment and contact us ahead of time to ensure we have a pole for you. We limit our class size to ensure everyone has a pole.

Do I need to sign a waiver before trying this out?

Yes, just like any fitness organization we also require our students to sign a personal injury waiver and a PAR-Q questionaire. We require the minimum age to be 18, as this is the legal age of adulthood in Canada and you should be aware of any and all risks you are taking and agree to these risks. If you are between 14-18 years old a parent or legal guardian has to accompany you to your first class and sign the waiver in front of the front desk Admin. If you are under 18 and do not have your waiver signed properly you will not be able to participate.

Do you offer student discounts to college or university students?

Yes, if you have a valid student ID from a known college, university or high school, you'll receive a discount on all classes offered when registering online and clicking on the student box. Just present your student ID at your first class as proof. If while registering you did not check the student box there is no refund of any price difference.

Do your instructors carry liability insurance?

Yes, we fully insure all of our instructors.