How is Pilates different to Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga are forms of exercise that encourage you to move your body in a specific way. While the focus in Yoga is often a spiritual one, Pilates focuses on you as an individual and on exercises designed to suit your own body. By teaching you to become aware of your body and by strengthening your core, you learn to move more effectively and protect yourself from injury. Pilates can complement Yoga by helping you to find your centre and take responsibility for your own movement, thus finding the required yogic postures safely.

Am I too old?
No! You are never too old to take up or practice Pilates. In fact, practicing gentle Pilates will help to improve and maintain mobility and strength in your body. We focus particularly on keeping your joints and bones healthy, so it is a perfect form of exercise for any age!

I’m a man, surely Pilates isn’t for me?
A common misconception! The Method was originally developed by Joseph Pilates (most definitely a man!) to keep himself fit and healthy, so there is no doubt that it is a form of exercise designed to be as beneficial for men as women. Pilates works to change muscle recruitment patterns, correct common muscle imbalances and restore good postural alignment – issues that affect us all, regardless of gender. Tall men in particular will find Pilates of great benefit in keeping the back healthy.

Can Pilates help my performance in other sports?
Oh yes… Pilates complements other sports very effectively. Often a particular sport may result in a certain part of your body becoming stronger and more dominant than others. Pilates works to restore good movement patterns and rebalance areas of tension and weakness. As a result of this rebalancing, you are highly likely to see improvements in efficiency and technique in your chosen sport, be it running, tennis, hockey, football, rugby, weight-lifting.... the list is endless!

Should I be doing Pilates if I’m pregnant?
If you have been doing Pilates before you became pregnant, it is fine to continue with gentle sessions (with the consent of your medical practitioner) though we would recommend that you stop exercising between 8 and 14 weeks, until the pregnancy is well established. From 14 weeks, you may find it helpful to work on a specially tailored programme, which can continue right up to 40 weeks if you wish. We do not recommend that anyone should begin learning Pilates during their first trimester but it is possible to take up Pilates during the second trimester, preferably on a 1:1 basis.

I’ve injured myself in the past, can I take up Pilates?
Pilates is well known as a method that is hugely beneficial for those who have experienced pain or injury, particularly in the back, and Pilates-based exercises are frequently used by physiotherapists in injury rehabilitation programmes. Provided that your medical practitioner is aware of your intention to take up Pilates, and is happy that you are at an appropriate stage of recovery to do so, then great! We will of course discuss any injury you have had in the past, so that I can plan a safe and effective programme for you, to help protect you from further pain or injury and rebuild your strength from within.

How quickly will I be able to do the advanced moves?!
As each person is so individual, the rate with which you progress through the more basic matwork towards the advanced moves will depend on a variety of factors such as any injuries you might have had in the past and how often you are prepared to practice! I always aim to progress clients as quickly and safely as possible, and encourage everyone to discuss their progression with me at any time.

What should I wear?
Please wear close fitting clothing - I need to be able to assess your posture and check your alignment throughout the class, so it really helps if I can see what’s going on through your clothes! Pilates is normally practiced in socks or barefoot.

What if I miss a class or private session?
If you are unable to attend a group class, you are very welcome to come to another class during the term, provided space is available. Cancellation of private sessions within 24 hours will be charged at 50% of the session cost.

Do you give refunds?
Unfortunately, I can only give full refunds for group classes or private sessions in a situation where I have to unavoidably cancel the class or session due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.