Pilates Classes

Pilates is a technique designed to improve breath, co-ordination, concentration, strength and body awareness. In the UK the largest regulating body is the Pilates Foundation which works to maintain the integrity and training of all its teachers. The minimum training course for the Pilates Foundation is 12 months ensuring that all teachers are highly trained to the maximum level for your safety and welfare.

The Pilates technique focuses on specific muscle groups, usually stabilising muscles that are the small supporting muscles of the body as opposed to the larger torque producing global muscles. In this respect, Pilates can be a great method for re-educating the muscles after injury or before and after pregnancy.

Pilates is open to interpretation and as with yoga I like to incorporate other techniques within my Pilates sessions to personalise my class and make life that little bit more interesting. I generally prefer to teach Pilates one-to-one since the minimalist nature of some of the exercises are often assimilated more efficiently from a one-to-one session to begin with. Having said that group classes are worthwhile and available (see Where you learn for details).

What should I wear?

Whatever you feel comfortable in; bare feet so you can feel the floor and something comfortable that you can move in. I find tight fitting clothes can sometimes be beneficial for seeing your alignment, but if you don't feel confident in tight things a pair of loose fitting trousers and a t-shirt works every time. You don't need a mat as these are often provided for you. For private sessions I can provide a mat.