FAQs
Why Alimba?
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We hear you - there are a bunch of fitness programs on the market - why should you choose this one?
Some of the key features that make Alimba the best (if you ask our mums anyway) are:
- Unique workouts recorded each week. Classes aren't pre-recorded and stitched together, and your classes are taught by us - real humans!
- Curated week of classes - every week. We do the programming for you - all you have to do is show up. This ensures you are hitting all your muscle groups to maximise impact, and minimise overuse.
- Efficient and effective. Our program utilises biomechanics principles to ensure every movement is building strength - without unnecessary stress through your joints. Sound complicated? Don't worry - we do all the science-y stuff so you don't have to.
- Workouts are modifiable. Meaning that Alimba is suitable for everyone. We provide you with the tools to make every class feel like a personal training session.
- Focus on building muscle. After age 30, we lose 3-8% of our muscle mass every decade. That is a LOT. You know what slows that down? Strength training. This is the main focus of Alimba workouts.
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Alimba is designed to be suitable for every person and every body.
Each class provides a number of variations/options for each movement to ensure that you can make the workout fit you and your body. There is no “one size fits all” approach.
So whether you are recovering from years of high impact workouts, a stressful period of life, or are looking to get back into your fitness, there is a place for you at Alimba.
We recommend that you get advice from your doctor and/or any physiotherapist or similar that you are currently seeing to ensure that you are cleared to workout and if you require any restrictions/modifications in your workouts. Alimba does not take the place of any of these specialists in your health and routine.
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If you are still looking for:
- consistent high intensity “no pain no gain” workouts;
- 30 day shreds or bikini body challenges; or
- gimmicky marketing about "shedding belly fat" or "toning your inner thighs" -
I am sorry, but Alimba is not the place for you.
Come back when you have seen the light and we will welcome you with open arms and efficient workouts.
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As we age, past 30 we begin to lose muscle unless we actively focus on maintaining our muscle mass.
The key to Alimba being so effective is the use of resistance. Resistance is needed to build muscle. More muscle = faster metabolism and a stronger body (among a myriad of other good things). Muscle = your friend.
If you have never focused on building muscle before, or find it a bit intimidating, rest assured - Alimba is a perfect first step into strength training. For some movements we use relatively light weights and no weights for others, and provide plenty of options to build up your strength.
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Alimba is about building strength through consistency. Therefore, the way our program works is that there is a schedule of 5 new classes for you to take every week, with suggested days for you to take each class. These classes have been specifically programmed to grow your muscles, without overuse.
If you chop and change around different classes, this can lead to overuse or even underuse of some muscle groups.
We therefore recommend that you take the 4 strength training classes every week (with the cardio class being optional).
It may seem like a big change to how you currently work out, but once you get into the rhythm it makes working out a joy. All you have to do is show up and click play on that day's workout!
Program details
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Every week the following core classes are uploaded, and the videos are available for you to take class at any time that suits you:
- Lower body Lift
- Upper body Lift
- Full body Lift
- Form
- Move class (low-impact cardio)
The week is programmed out to ensure that we are hitting different muscle groups enough to build muscle, without overuse.
We will also be working on bringing in some bonus workouts to your week with specialists in their fields, including meditation, mindfulness and lots more.
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Our classes range in length from 15-45 minutes.
- Our Upper and Lower Body Lift classes are approx. 30 minutes.
- Our Full Body Lift class is approx. 45 minutes.
- Our Cardio Move classes are approx. 15 minutes.
We will also have a range of mini classes coming soon!
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So you’re thinking - this all sounds great, but what do I need to get started?
We have been working out using this method for the past 3 years completely from home.
Equipment is minimal (and as you will see in the suggested equipment swaps table here there are always alternatives you can find in your house to start with). However, there are a few pieces we recommend you add to your arsenal, to get the most out of your workouts.
- Dumbbells. A set of light (1-3kg) medium (4-7kg) and heavy (7+kg) weights are ideal. If you are just starting out, you can definitely get away with a set of 5kg weights and a heavy water bottle (to use as your lighter weight). But as you start to progress, it is great to have some variation in your weight options.
- Resistance bands. The long stretchy ones are the most versatile in our classes.
- Small pilates ball.
- A sturdy dining chair / bench.
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Yes! Our workouts are designed to be done from home, however you can of course do our workouts in the gym.
Find yourself a corner with some dumbbells, a wall and a bench and you will be good to go.
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Absolutely. We have a schedule of brand new classes uploaded into the "Weekly Workouts" section of the members portal every week! This is our signature program and takes all the guesswork out of what workouts you should be doing.
If you want an overview of the schedules we recommend e.g. what day of the week you should do what classes, check out our Styles & Schedule page.
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In addition to our Signature weekly classes, we also have the following programs available:
Launchpad Program
The Launchpad Program is a 3-week intro program that gets you across all of our main movements, with heaps of cues to help you get familiar with the Alimba style of classes. We spend a bit more time cueing and getting you into position (but don't be fooled, this does not mean these classes are easy!).
Revive Program
Our Revive Program is 1 week of classes that are all mat-based, low to the ground and gentle.
These are perfectly designed for those weeks when you are feeling stressed, or maybe you are getting back in to training after being sick or maybe you just feel like a gentle week of movement.
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For sure - that is what we are all about! We like to make our classes fit our bodies (not the other way around).
In class, we will often cue alternative movements or modifications that you can take to make sure the movements are working for your body.
In our membership portal we also have a table of suggested movement swaps so you can still be hitting the right muscles in the way that suits you best.
Of course if you have any specific physical requirements, be sure to discuss these with your doctor or health care professional, before starting any new program.
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We are all about educating you. Being toned is a very common goal for a lot of women - but it is important to understand what this means.
Someone that is considered "toned" in general society will usually have visible muscle, and a low body fat percentage for this muscle to be visible. Fat loss is primarily achieved through diet - but it is super important to be focusing on building and maintaining muscle during this time!
Alimba is the perfect program to help you focus on building muscle if being "toned" is a goal of yours!
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It is incredibly hard to build muscle - you will not turn into a full on body builder overnight - do not fear! You have to be lifting very heavy, consistently and eating a very dialed in nutrition program to build muscle.
Further - we think it is time to end the idea that building muscle for women is a bad thing. It is SO CRUCIAL for our health and longevity, and should be a goal - not something to be feared!
Getting started & membership
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Yeah, we do! Access our 14 day free trial here. We know you will be hooked.
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Our Launchpad program is where all our new members should begin!
This is 3 weeks worth of workouts, that are a little bit slower, work through a wide range of our most common Alimba movements, so you an get familiar with our method of working out.
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Any fitness level can join Alimba (subject to your doc giving you the all clear of course). There are plenty of options and modifications cued throughout classes so you can always find a movement that suits you.
We recommend all new joiners start off with our Launchpad Program. This is a 3-week intro program that gets you across all of our main movements, with heaps of cues to help you get familiar with the Alimba style of classes.
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Be sure to always consult with your doctor before commencing any new health, fitness or nutrition program. While we’re always here to provide general help and support, this should not be used in place of professional advice.
For your health and safety, please also ensure you read and comply with our terms prior to joining. When working out - it is also important to ensure you are always working out in a safe and appropriate environment, with suitable equipment.
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We of course have our 14 day free trial - where you can dip your toe in the water of all things Alimba.
We then offer monthly and 6-monthly subscriptions. Check out the options here.
We can't wait for you to join the Alimba Movement community.
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We don't batch record our workouts. This is something we are SUPER passionate about - and means that we are working out with you every single week, and your classes are always fresh.
We have also completed very specific training in the underlying Method that Alimba is founded on.
Plus - it is still WAY cheaper than most gym / Pilates memberships (and we find gets you way better results too!). Our whole month is basically cheaper than one single reformer pilates class....
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Thanks to the beauty of the internet you can take our classes from anywhere in the world (that has an internet connection)!
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We currently do not have specific pre-natal or post-natal programs (however these will be coming soon!) so for our mummas to be, we would recommend finding a specific program to suit your needs.
As always, please ensure you run any exercise program and movements past your medical professionals.
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We understand that sometimes things change - and that's ok. But we will miss you.
You can cancel your subscription at any time and you will have access until the end of that billing period. Further details are available in our Ts & Cs.
Please also feel free to reach out to us directly for any assistance via our contact form.
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We currently don't have an app - however you can still access our classes on any mobile device via the internet directly.
Stay tuned however - as an app is in the works!
More questions?
If we have missed a question - please reach out to us directly via our Contact page. We are always happy to help and love talking all things Alimba to anyone that will listen.