Pilates FAQ

What do I wear?

Please wear clothing that you can move around in easily (tee shirt and jogging bottoms/leggings). You do not need to wear outdoor shoes while exercising but you must wear socks.

What do I bring?

Please bring your own exercise mat or towel on which to lie, a bottle of water and a resistance band. These are not essential but I can supply them cheaper than retailers if you wish to buy one.

What can I expect at my first class?

I will ask you to complete a screening form – this is for your safety so I am aware of any health conditions, so please make sure you are early enough to fill in the form accurately (please remember your reading glasses)!

I will show you where to go and introduce you to other class members.

Try not to watch or think about what other people are doing. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get everything right straight away and it is my job to help you improve. It takes time to develop your body awareness and control – and everyone was a beginner once.  As weeks go by, things will get simpler!

Can I just turn up to the class?

No, you must book in advance.

Are there changing/toilet facilities?

There are no changing rooms available, but you can use the toilets to change in.

I’ve not done anything like this before, will the class be suitable?

All classes are tailored to suit the individuals in them. I suggest different options, and modifications during the class (some people may even follow the class while seated or holding onto a chair). Every exercise is adjusted to suit what you can do – it’s not a competition!

I have an injury/ bad back, can I still do Pilates?

Probably! This is why you need to complete the health screening form accurately before your first class. If anything on it changes, contact me privately and we can discuss what is (and isn’t) suitable for you. Pilates can help with many injuries over time by improving posture, strengthening, stretching and mobilising muscles and helping the body to work more efficiently and therefore reducing the likelihood of injuries re-occurring.  I do not offer specialist rehabilitation Pilates – but can suggest other specialists in this area.

Anyone starting a new exercise programme (especially if recovering from serious illness or injury) is advised to consult a medically qualified professional.

I have recently had a baby, is Pilates suitable for me?

Once you’ve had your post-natal check, you should be able to attend a Pilates class. This is often an effective way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Please talk to me privately so that I can tailor exercises to your needs and conditions. I have completed specialist training in ‘Understanding Diastasis Recti’. 

Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates isn’t a way to lose weight but by increasing your awareness of how your body moves and works, it can support weight loss and improve posture. If you want to lose weight you need to combine Pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic exercise.

Can people my age do Pilates?

Pilates is suitable for all ages but for insurance reasons I do not take clients under the age of 18. There is no upper age limit. Some of my older clients are still attending class because Pilates is gentle and low-impact exercise and I am able to adjust classes to focus on balance, posture, co-ordination and breathing with older clients in order to maintain mobility.