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Have a Question?

Do you have a question about Pilates?

Never done Pilates before and you’re a little nervous about what to expect?

Are you concerned you’re not going to be able to keep up with the others in class?

Have you done Pilates previously, but unsure whether you should enrol on Beginners Pilates or Improvers Pilates class?

Please find the answers to some of the most common questions below:

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles and balance the mechanics of the body by working on your posture, in particular, promoting a healthier back and stronger abdominal muscles.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates can really help you:

• tone your abdominals/core
• strengthen your back
• improve your posture
• challenge your coordination/balance
• lengthen tight muscles
• de-stress and relieve tension

What Pilates is NOT

Pilates is NOT aerobics (eg fast-moving, choreographed routines), although to add variety, slow, simple choreography may be added where appropriate eg during the warm-up.  Pilates is not Yoga, Tai Chi or body building.  It is a complete exercise method in it’s own right.

What does a typical class contain?

We start with a short, standing warm-up to increase blood flow around the body, mobilise your joints and warm up your muscles.  We then run through correct posture alignment and perform standing exercises.  Next, we go down onto the floor/mats to work through a series of exercises which focus on your abdominals/core, back, upper and lower body.  To finish, we’ll perform a thorough warm-down stretch to lengthen tight muscles and help you relieve tension.

Is Pilates suitable for everyone?

Pilates is suitable for everyone – young or old, male or female, big or small, fit or unfit, beginners to exercise or advanced exercisers and is perfect for postnatal women.  If you have any pre-existing injuries eg back, neck or knee problems, Doctor’s Consent/Medical Clearance may be required before acceptance on the course.  Alternative exercises can be provided and more advanced adaptations will be given for those who have done Pilates before.

Is Pilates another fad?

No, not at all.  Pilates is named after Joseph Pilates, the creator, who continued teaching his methods right up until he died at 86!

What do I need to wear?

• Comfortable sports clothing – multiple thin upper body layers is best, that way, layers can be added/removed as necessary
• warm socks – because you might prefer to take your shoes off for the floor/mat exercises
• trainers – for the standing work if you feel uncomfortable with your shoes off or wear insoles in your shoes

Your instructor, Claire Mockridge, discusses more about what to wear in the following video:

What do I need to bring?

• Long exercise mat
• small towel (to use as a prop for some of the exercises)
• bottle of water

How do I register?

To register your place on the course the beginners course please go the Beginners booking page. To register for the Improvers course please visit the Improvers booking page. You will need to complete a quick online health form in order to book.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, get in touch with Claire via email by clicking here