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 Liaise 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: We ask that if you attend a community based class that you bring your own mat or purchase a specialised Pilates Mat from us.  Yoga mats are not suitable for Pilates. Health and safety rules now state that multi user equipment must be capable of being scrubbed to maintain cleanliness. As many people sweat in class we think this is a very positive step and all students are required to clean their mat after each session. 

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 teacher training courses recognised by REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals)?

A: Yes. If you pass all elements of the matwork programme you will receive a certificate from Active IQ  (the awarding body) and Corpus Studios. 

 

Q:  How does your programme differ from every other level 3 programmes?

A:   The National Occupational Standard in Pilates at level 3 gives a generic outline of what should be included within a Pilates matwork programme.  It does not specify how the method should be taught and therefore allows non specialist organisations to set up Pilates programmes. This leads to many interpretations and variations in how Pilates is taught.

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 Pilates cannot be done by distance learning, a two day module or teaching without practicing.  The student attending a Classical Pilates Teacher Training Course will have a very different experience to one attending a Pilates based programme.  Our courses tutors are Comprehensively trained in the full method having received training from many of the worlds leading pilates experts.