Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I would love to work on a One to One basis but can't afford a weekly session what do you suggest?

A: We appreciate that cost can be an issue when considering an exercise programme and at the Studio we can offer semi-private classes using the equipment. There will be a maximum of 3 students and the cost is reduced. This service has to be booked on a pre-paid 4 week basis. We can also offer small group Matwork classes.

Q: Why do you not have music in the class?

A: In his book, Return to life through Contrology first published in 1945, Joseph Pilates wrote ""concentrate on the correct movements each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value." Music can be a distraction and each exercise creates its own music with a unique rhythm and dynamic. The teacher can also vary tempo change the degree of difficulty.

Q: If you do the same exercises every week doesn't it get boring?

A: Your body varies from day to day so no workout is ever the same. The exercises were designed with intelligence in the order so that each muscle group is worked. Classical Pilates provides a total body workout and each time you exercise you are challenging your body to get longer and grow stronger. Consider a runner, a footballer, a golfer and indeed any sport. The basics are the same but you can vary the pace and effort.

Q: I work shifts and can't commit to the same time each week. Why can't you just drop in to classes?

A: Because demand is high and class numbers are restricted we can only accept pre-booked students. We would suggest One to One tuition and personal practice between sessions or get a small group of your colleagues together and book small group sessions on a week to week basis to fit in with your shifts.

Q: I suffer from low back pain, can I do Classical Pilates?

A: We recommend that before commencing any exercise programme you first speak to your Doctor. We will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire before you join and we may Liase with your Doctor with your written permission. Classical Pilates is physically strenuous but we tailor the workout to the individual and we recommend one to one work before joining a group. While Pilates assists rehabilitation it is not a substitute for Physiotherapy and you should only commence training once your Medical Professional confirms that you are fit to do so.

Q: Do I need to bring a mat?

A: Yes . Health and safety rules now state that multi user equipment must be capable of being scrubbed to maintain cleanliness. As many people break sweat in class and use bare feet we think this is a very positive step. We therefore ask that if you attend a community based class that you bring your own mat or purchase a specialised Pilates Mat from us. Your teacher can guide you as to the type of mat which are suitable for Classical Pilates. If you join an introductory workshop you will be given your own small mat.

Q: What do I need to wear?

A: Joseph Pilates encouraged his students to wear bathing suits so that he could really see how the body was working! We don't go that far but ask that your t-shirt is fairly fitted and trousers should allow comfortable movement. Running trousers or joggers are appropriate. Shoes are not required but for hygiene reasons we require socks for Matwork.

Q: What is the Powerhouse?

A: You can imagine this as a 4 inch band running around between the ribs and the hips supported by the muscles of the inner thighs and the seat. Each exercise within Classical Pilates uses the trunk muscles in some way and also in a combination. This allows stabilisation in one area, movement in another or by using the entire trunk in rotation, flexion or extension. To create stability and strength the student learns that movement emanates from the powerhouse.

Q: Are your courses recognised by REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals)?

A: Currently No. In the UK there is only a national standard for Pilates matwork instruction.  This is at Level 3 on the Register of Exercise Professionals and is based around the skills required to be a Personal Trainer with modules on Pilates Matwork. There is NO standard for equipment based Pilates (reformer/Cadillac/chair/barrels etc.), which requires longer training, nor does the standard make any differentiation between Classical teaching and other interpretations of the work Joseph Pilates. This means that although there is a "standard" the training may vary considerably both in the Pilates experience of the Course Tutors and the length and content of the programme. Learning to teach the Classical Pilates method requires months and years of personal practice and study to acheive Full Certification. It cannot be done by distance learning, a weekend module or teaching without practising.  The student attending a Classical Pilates class will have a very different experience to one attending a Pilates based session both in terms of class construction and class numbers. Media reporting has led many people to believe that all classes which carry the name "Pilates" are the same. This is not so.