How many people are there in a group class?
There will be a maximum of 12 people in a group class, to ensure that you receive the individual attention you deserve during a session.

I’m a beginner, can I join a group class?
In order to ensure that you are ready and safe to join a group class, I prefer to see all new beginners for at least one private session first. It is important that you have a good grasp of the basics before you begin to work on the more challenging exercises.

Can I do 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 or in class tailored to pregnancy.

What is a reformer?!
It's a piece of Pilates equipment, which facilitates many Pilates exercises safely and effectively by offering assistance and spring resistance. Working in a closed chain helps correct poor alignment and address muscle imbalances/poor biomechanics while building strength and flexibility.

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. Workouts on the Reformer may be particularly beneficial and 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!

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.

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.

How is Pilates different to Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga encourage you to move your body in a specific way. While the focus in Yoga is often a spiritual one, Pilates focuses on correct movement patterns, teaching you to become aware of your body and how you use it. By strengthening your core through exercises tailored to you as an individual, you learn to move more effectively, keeping mobile and protecting yourself from injury and stiffness both now and in the future.