FAQ’s

New to White Dog. New to Pilates and Yoga?

Here is some information to help you out.

“Why are we called White Dog?

When we started the studio in 2010 it was called TWD Pilates.

We – my daughter Tess and I – always said it was for ‘The Weirdest Dog’ because we had a weird white dog aka Ralph. But that wasn’t the case. It was just easier to say that than explain that I had been walking with the metaphorical Black Dog for a long time and needed a way out.

In the dark times of my adult life the two things that have sustained me are the company of hounds and the discipline of movement.

White Dog studio is the physical expression and now the virtual expression of these twin pillars of sustenance. The light that sits behind the dark.

Well into my 4th decade and nearing the first decade of the studio, we (Jo and I) are clearer and clearer every day on our shared mission and vision to live and help others live a second half of life better than the first. First and foremost through movement.

What do we mean by the second half? Not the years after 40 or 50.

We mean what author David Brooks calls the second mountain.

The life that comes after the inflection point at which we realise our life is not an ‘I’ game but a ‘we’ game.

The life we lead when we realise that our happiness is intertwined with the contribution we can make to other lives, that our own physical wellness is a responsibility that allows us to enjoy the relationships that define us with the greatest level of contribution.”

Heath Lander – Co-Founder

White Dog is a friendly and inclusive community offering Reformer Pilates, Fitness, Mat Pilates, Yoga, and so much more. 

Our mission is to help you live happier and healthier. We don’t give a hoot about your size, your background, your fitness level or your activewear – we just want to help you enjoy regular exercise and workouts taught by attentive instructors.

You can find us in YARRAVILLE in Melbourne’s inner west and ONLINE.

Come join the pack and move with us 7 days a week – from early AM to late PM!

Yarraville Studio

Our Yarraville studio offers a ‘non contact’ booking system so you will need to have credits for your session prior to attending. We use a secure website called MindBody to ensure your details are kept safe and sound.

White dog studio does not have a reception and we have set up our booking system to ensure an easy booking process and a contactless check in for you when you arrive. We also choose not to have cash kept on our premisses. Please call us on 0412 581 031 if you need help.

You will find Reformer Pilates sessions on the ground floor room.

Yoga, Mat pilates, clinical pilates small groups,  1:1’s and Strength & Mobility training upstairs .

Online Studio

What to expect from our Online studio virtual classes?

Virtual classes are an online teaching and learning environment where teachers and students can engage and interact, ask questions, expect instruction and adjustments and best of all work together to progress and improve strength, flexibility and understanding. The key distinction of a virtual classroom is that it takes place live, in real time and it is not recorded to be used at a later date.

Our team is committed to giving you an experience that is engaging, informative and most of all helps you feel connected and part of a community.

YOU MUST CREATE A CLIENT PROFILE AND PURCHASE CLASS CREDITS PRIOR TO ATTENDING OUR STUDIO.

WE USE THE SECURE MINDBODY BOOKING SYSTEM TO ENSURE ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION IS SAFE AND SOUND.

WHEN BOOKING VIA THE WEBSITE

To view our website please click here

BOOKING VIA THE WHITE DOG APP

When booking via the White Dog APP be sure to select the Yarraville  or VIRTUAL (via the menu button in the top left corner) in the home screen first then the class.

BOOKING BY YOUR HOME COMPUTER

 When booking via the MBO platform from your home computer be sure to select the location first followed by the class type/style.

What you need to know when attending any of our bricks and mortar studios:

There are some simple but important procedures that we ask that you

follow to ensure our studio continues to remain compliant and COVIDsafe for everyone.

1. Respect each individuals need for space 

2. We continue to practice CovisSafe protocols. (please check current victorian government mandates regarding masks.

3. Use hand sanitiser provided

4. Bring your own water bottle/towel. (We do have props at the studio for your use however they are shared)

8. Clean all your equipment thoroughly

9. If you or are feeling unwell please stay home

Our studio continues will be deep cleaned regularly and all high touch points prioritised.

Lets do our very best to ensure we create a space where everyone can feel  confident and supported.

Slow and steady

No expectations

No pressure

No judgement

Open minds

Open hearts

That is all that matters.

We can work on the rest.

#community #connection #support 

Ready to join us in-studio?

View our schedule, and start booking in here

Have a question for us? Send us an email.

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

HEATH, JO & THE WHITE DOG TEAM

All our studios offer a ‘non contact’ booking system so you will need to use our website and the mindbody booking system to book your sessions.

Please call us if you need some help.

Booking in is quick and easy via the White Dog App, MindBody App or from right here on our website.

Our Yarraville timetable is here.

WHITE DOG APP iOS

WHITE DOG APP Android

Check out the booking cancellation policy outlined in our terms and conditions.

You will find ample FREE parking in all the surrounding streets

Please note there is no allocation for client and/or staff parking within our  complex.

We ask that you please do not park in the parking spaces of other tenants.

 

Our studio offers a ‘non contact’ booking system that allows you to book in and out easily.

Please be sure that you have credits to attend your session. Please contact us on 0412 581 031 if you need some help.

We ask that you arrive close to the start time of your class. We have consciously reduced the size of our waiting areas to ensure we can uphold social distancing for our industry.

We don’t have a full time receptionist so please approach your trainer or alternatively wait for your instructor to come and get you for your class.

Your instructor will mark attendance at the beginning of class.

Relax we have got you.

Our studio offers a ‘non contact’ booking system that allows you to book in and out easily.

We ask that you arrive close to the start time of your class.

We have no expectations at all and you definitely do not need to be flexible or super strong.

Our instructors are experienced and more than happy to show you the ropes and springs as they guide you along the way.

If you don’t have any injuries that significantly affect daily movement we suggest starting with our Introductory Offer which applies to all general group classes.

Strength Reformer, Mat Pilates and/or Yoga 1 are the best place to start your White Dog movement journey. Your instructor will know you are a beginner. They see a note in their class role that alerts them that you are new to the studio..

If you are keen for a challenge, Strength & Cardio Reformer (Pilates) and Surya Namaska (Yoga) are more intense.

To purchase the $45 intro offer,  please click here and start booking.

If you are injured, pregnant or wanting a little more attention at the beginning we suggest you start with Clinical Pilates or a 1:1.
 
(please check our timetables prior to making your purchase)

Our rooms are kept at a comfortable temperature.

There is no need for special active wear or sweat towels.  Simply wear clothing that is suitable for exercise.

If you are injured in a way that effects your normal movement significantly, we recommend clearance form your Physiotherapist/Osteopath/GP before commencing classes.

If your injury is acute (red/hot/swollen) or recently post operation we also recommend clearance from a health professional before commencing classes.

Chronic pain – associated with injuries no longer red/hot/swollen – usually responds very well to exercise and the national guidelines recommend maintaining as close to normal activity levels. This includes, rotator cuff syndrome (shoulder impingement) tendinopathies,  lower back pain, hip/shoulder/knee bursitis, meniscal issues

Our instructors are experienced and trained to work with a wide variety of injures and pain conditions, just let your instructor know before class and they will look after you.

Clinical Pilates differs from Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and general Pilates as it takes into account an individual’s specific injuries and physical needs, instead of having every person working in the same way.

Clinical Pilates does not involve manual hands on manipulation.

The staff in a Clinical Pilates session have expert knowledge and training in movement based therapy that will help you build strength and regain mobility through physical movement. They work closely with individual clients to offer Pilates exercises that suit each individuals needs, using specialised pilates apparatus like the Reformer bed, Trapeze table and Wunda Chair.

Prenatal: We require all new clients to book a 1:1 assessment with us prior to attending group classes.

If you are an existing student and have not attended studio for a period of 12 weeks we recommend a 1:1 assessment prior to resuming group classes.

This is an essential part of the way we care for you and your babe. In this session your instructor will assess which class/es are suitable for you to attend moving forward, and go through any modifications required in class.

Postnatal: General Group exercise can be resumed after pregnancy however it should be done so gradually because of the normal deconditioning in the initial postpartum period. Generally, gradual exercise may begin 4-6 weeks after a ‘normal’ vaginal delivery or 8-10 weeks (with Medical clearance) after a caesarean section delivery. Women who maintained a more rigorous routine prior to and during pregnancy may be able to resume exercise sooner. Light to moderate intensity exercise is recommended in the postpartum period.
Based on the current guidelines we ask all pre and post natal women to attend a 1:1 session once cleared by their healthcare provider.

In this 1:1 session our aim is to address any concerns or specific considerations you may have before transitioning you into a small group clinical setting and then on to general group classes.

Click here to book in a 1:1 session in Yarraville

If you would like to book in for a 1:1 session, you can book directly for Yarraville here

Our Intro offer is a great place to try out our group classes, including yoga, reformer and mat pilates.

This offer gives you access to 4 group classes for $45 – this pass is valid for 14 days only.

If you have purchased the introductory offer, you can jump online to book at any time. Once you have booked your first session, the 14 day expiry will commence from the date of your first session. Please ignore any expiry date prior to booking into your first class, it is just the system applying a temporary date.

please note: Our studio offers a contactless booking system so please be sure you have purchased your pass prior to attending your session.

Please note all our larger packs have a 12 month expiration date.

Please note:This does not include Introductory packs.

COVID safe protocols

The confidence and safety of our community is important to us.

White Dog Studios have a clear, up to date COVID plan in place and follow all protocols and procedures outlined for the fitness industry.

Our studios offer a ‘non contact’ booking system

We request all our clients arrive close to start times to ensure social distancing measures, hygiene and client flow are considered. We have reduced our waiting areas as part of our plan to ensure a smooth transition between classes and have made less areas available inside for clients to gather.

Our staff are clear on our protocols and procedures, kept up to date regarding changes and have completed a COVID-19 Marshall training through the Department of Health.

Improvements to White Dog Reformer:

  • Brand new purpose built studio
  • Excellent airflow
  • air filtration system installed
  • Single use towels
  • Antiviral, non corrosive spray
  • Vinyl strap coverings on all hand and foot loops for easy cleaning
  • Contactless check in
  • Classes capped to 13 participants, socially distanced

Improvements to White Dog Clinical Pilates:

  • Brand new purpose built studio
  • Sessions capped to 5 to allow for social distancing
  • Vinyl strap coverings on all hand and foot loops for easy cleaning
  • Clinical clients encouraged to bring own towels
  • Contactless check in
  • Excellent ventilation

Improvements to White Dog Mat Room (Yoga & Pilates):

  • brand new purpose built studio
  • Sessions capped to 13 to allow for social distancing
  • Clients are encouraged to BYO props or alternatively their own towel to use as barrier over studio props.
  • Contactless check in

Client protocols:

  • Government regulations do change depending on outbreaks in our community. You can find current regulations and information here https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
  • Wearing a mask regulations can change at any time. Please ensure you follow the current government regulations.
  • If you are unwell, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, upset stomach and/or have been in contact with a suspected COVID case, please do not come to White Dog studios.
  • If you are awaiting COVID test results please do not attend the studio.
  • Clean your props as directed by staff.
  • Our classes remain capped at 13 for 2023.

If you have booked into a virtual class online, you will receive a video link to the class approx. 30 minutes prior to the class commencement time

Virtual classes are an online teaching and learning environment where teachers and students can engage and interact, ask questions, expect instruction and adjustments and best of all work together to progress and improve strength, flexibility and understanding. The key distinction of a virtual classroom is that it takes place live, in real time and it is not recorded to be used at a later date.

Our team is committed to giving you an experience that is engaging, informative and most of all helps you feel connected and part of a community.

If you can no longer attend a class, please cancel online with more than 1 hour notice to retain your class credit. Please note that if you cancel with less than 1 hour notice of class start time, you will lose the associated class credit and if you are an Unlimited Member the late cancellation will be recorded.

For more information on how to attend a VIRTUAL live stream class through our Online studio

https://support.mindbodyonline.com/s/article/Joining-a-live-stream?language=en_US

If you are experiencing issues booking via ClassPass, please contact ClassPass directly as we do not have access to the booking information.

If your ClassPass schedule does not show a booking with us it means your booking has been unsuccessful.

The ClassPass system does not allow us to add, cancel or amend ANY ClassPass bookings.

Thank you for your understanding.

Please check to see if there are any White Dog app updates. If there are, once you have updated the app, please log out of the app and log back in, to refresh the data

Forgotten password –  please request a new password from the app (which is then sent to your email), as we unfortunately cannot reset your app password

If you continue to experience issues with the app, please login online from a web browser to book in

Grab our app here

 

Hell no. We pride ourselves on welcoming everyone. We do ask that you are at least 15 years old but beyond that there is no limit. If you are concerned that Pilates has an age limit, rest assured it’s for everyone and every age.

Some clients who feel they want individualised attention, maybe due to injury, age or confidence do a few Clinical Pilates sessions first.

Yes we do.

Our Move Good program is part of our Clinical Pilates offering. You will find Clinical (S&M) sessions on the timetable. Please contact the studio if you have any further questions about this program.

If you need to cancel a session you have booked please cancel within the 9 hour cancellation period to avoid class charges.

We ask that all cancellation are made online to ensure our instructors are notified in their individual schedules of your cancellation.

Membership Cancellation

Memberships can be suspended for a total of 12 weeks in any 12 month period (minimum suspension period is 7 days) |  All cancellations and suspensions require a minimum of 14 days written notice, one EFT banking cycle | *T&C’s apply

Please email us at info@whitedogstudio.com.au to request cancellations. Cancellations can not be done via our social media platforms.

Yarraville Colour

10/167 Hyde Street
Yarraville VIC

IMG 0900

Online Studio
Virtual sessions/workshops

Grab our intro offer today 4 sessions for $45*

The White Dog community acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woiworung and Bunurong people of the Kulin nation, and the Gulidjan people as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our studios are located. We recognise that sovereignty over the land has never been ceded and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. White Dog strongly believe in the power of connection and belonging through movement and recognise the important role Indigenous people play in this space. We recognise and respect that the Indigenous community hold knowledge about movement and health that has lasted for centuries and welcome this knowledge within our studios.