Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most of our classes are taught in English. At our Saldanha studio and upcoming Porto studio, we also offer some classes in Portuguese. These are clearly marked with a 🇵🇹 flag on the schedule.

    Wherever possible, we aim to continue expanding Portuguese-language offerings.

  • We offer several class formats within The Prescription Method, including First Prescription (Beginner), Signature Prescription (Intermediate), Cardio Prescription (Intermediate +), Advanced Prescription (Advanced and Invite-Only), Recovery Prescription (all levels) and Pre/Post-Natal Prescription (Pre/Post-Natal only). Each class has its own intention, structure, and level of intensity based on our Prescription Method, allowing you to build a practice that suits your goals and experience.

  • All classes are 50 minutes.

  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before class to allow time to check in, store belongings, fill your water bottle, equip yourself with mandatory grip socks, and set up your Reformer.

    First-time clients should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

    For safety and operational reasons, the room closes 5 minutes after the class starts. Late arrivals cannot be admitted into class. If exceptional circumstances occur, you are welcome to speak with the Studio Manager at reception.

  • Of course. Many of our clients start with little or no prior experience.

    We ask first to join 1-3 First Prescription (beginners) classes, which is designed to introduce you to the method, equipment and fundamentals in a supportive environment.  Our trainers can then guide you toward Signature Prescription (intermediate) classes if appropriate.

  • We truly respect prior experience. However, because The Prescription Method may differ significantly from other approaches, we ask everyone to begin with 1-3 First Prescription classes. This allows you to become familiar with our method and ensures safety. Our trainers can then guide you toward Signature Prescription (intermediate) classes if appropriate.

  • All clients must be at least 18 years old to attend group classes. We maintain a strict 18+ policy to ensure a safe, consistent, and high-quality experience for all clients. We are currently developing dedicated programs for younger clients in the future. Stay tuned!

  • If you have any injuries, medical conditions or health concerns, please inform the studio team before attending class. Our trainers can advise on suitability and, when appropriate, offer modifications, or redirect you to the Front of House Team if they suggest an alternative solution such as Private Class, to support your physical activity with safety. 

About Our Classes

  • Yes. Your membership and credit packs are valid across all Prescription studios.

  • Yes. Due to limited reformer availability, all classes must be booked in advance through our website or app. Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed a spot.

  • If a class is full, you can join the waitlist. If a space becomes available, clients are automatically added in order and notified by email. We recommend keeping notifications enabled so you don’t miss your spot.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to book a class for a friend using your credits.

  • Yes. The credit will be deducted from your account. If your friend prefers to use their own credits, they should create their own account and purchase a class.

  • Please email the studio directly and our team will be happy to assist you.

  • Yes. Each credit pack has its own validity period, which is visible at the time of purchase and in your account. We encourage using your credits within the validity period, as expired credits cannot be reactivated.

  • You can cancel your class up to 12 hours before class start without losing a credit. Cancellations made within 12 hours of class will result in the credit being used.

Bookings & Credits

  • Yes. You may pause your subscription for up to 2 months per year, taken in increments of one month at a time.

  • Yes. Subscriptions require a minimum of 2 months, plus 1 month’s prior notice before cancellation (a total minimum of 3 months).

  • Yes, you can purchase as many top-up credits as you like. If you find yourself purchasing extras often, it may be worth considering upgrading your plan for better value.

  • We don’t offer free trial classes. However, we do offer an Intro Offer: 3 classes for 55€, available once per client and designed to help you experience the method.

Memberships & Payments

  • Wear comfortable workout clothes and bring Pilates grip socks (mandatory). If you forget them, socks are available for purchase at the studio.

    For hygiene and safety reasons, clients without grip socks cannot be permitted into class.

  • Yes. Our studios offer lockers, private showers, complimentary towels, toiletries, and filtered water to ensure your experience is comfortable and convenient.

  • We encourage keeping your phone on silent and stored with your personal belongings to fully enjoy and engage in your class experience. If you bring your phone into the practice room, we ask that any content be recorded before or after class, not during, to respect client privacy and the work of the Prescription Method and our trainers. Please ensure you have permission from anyone captured before sharing content publicly. Prescription is not responsible for any personal belongings left unattended in the studio.

First Visit & Studio Experience

  • Yes. Each Prescription studio offers two Pre/Post-Natal Prescription classes per week, specifically designed to deliver The Prescription Method adapted to the needs of the body during pregnancy and post-partum.

    These classes are intentionally programmed with a strong focus on:

    • Safety

    • Mobility and flexibility

    • Strength and stability

    • The physical and physiological changes occurring during this period

  • We strongly recommend Pre/Post-Natal Prescription classes for all pregnant and post-partum clients, regardless of fitness level or previous Pilates experience. These sessions provide education on how the body changes during this time and teach essential modifications, empowering clients to move with confidence and awareness.

  • If you practiced Dynamic Reformer Pilates with Prescription prior to your pregnancy for over a year, you may attend:

    • Pre & Post-Natal Prescription classes

    • First Prescription classes

    • Recovery Prescription classes

    • Signature Dynamic classes

    Please note however, that classes are taught as programmed. Trainers cannot prioritise pregnancy-specific modifications to the sacrifice of the rest of the class programming. Active guidance with modifications is reserved to Pre/Post Natal Prescription classes.

    Attendance in all other class types at Prescription is not permitted, as your own safety, the speed, cardiovascular demand, and intensity of The Prescription Method would otherwise be compromised.

  • Yes. All Pre/Post-natal clients must provide a medical note from their doctor or healthcare provider, confirming clearance for physical activity. While we understand that obtaining this documentation may take time, we are unable to allow participation in any classes without it.

  • Return-to-practice timelines vary from person to person. We recommend resuming movement only once you have been cleared by your doctor or healthcare provider.

  • Yes. A medical note confirming clearance for physical activity is required before returning to any classes post-partum.

  • We strongly recommend beginning with Pre/Post Natal Prescription classes, as these sessions are designed to safely rebuild strength, mobility, and stability while accounting for post-partum changes. There is no fixed timeline nor use cases as everybody and every journey is different. Our team is happy to support you in transitioning back to regular programming once strength, stability, and readiness are appropriately re-established.

  • Yes. These requirements and policies apply to all Prescription studios, without exception.

  • This depends on your doctor’s guidance. We do not recommend starting Pilates during pregnancy without any prior experience.

  • Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons and to maintain the standards of our group classes, babies are not permitted in class nor able to be left without assistance in another area of the studio.

Pre/Post-Natal Practice

  • Pets are not allowed in any of our studios. However, certified assistance dogs are permitted under Portuguese law (Decreto-Lei nº74/2007).

  • We offer private sessions for 1–2 people. For larger groups, we offer a Studio Hire option. Please email us for details and pricing.

  • Yes. The majority of our classes are taught in English.

Studio Policies

  • Prescription falls under the CAE code 96040, which classifies it as “physical well-being activities” rather than a traditional gym.

  • Yes. Please include your NIF during checkout, or email the studio so we can update your account.

  • Your invoice is sent to your email after purchase. If you can’t find it, simply contact the studio and we’ll be happy to resend it.

Invoices & Administration