Frequently Asked Questions

The creator of Pilates, Joseph H. Pilates, was inspired by both easern and westernmethodologies while developing his program, as a result there are many similarities;however the breathing is different, you are asked to pull your stomach in ratherthan allowing it to expand with breath, and most importantly perhaps Pilates isabout flowing, fluid movements, moving in and out of the Pilates postions ratherthan holding the poses like in the more well known Yoga positions.

As often as you feel you can, the same rule applies as witheverything - all in moderation. However I find to start with 1 lesson per week with additional 'homework' 2 to 3 times a weekwill give you a real boost. Then, generally (as it will be differentfor everyone) 2 sessions per week added to your normal exercise program would be a good maintenance level.

Soft, comfortable, stretchy close fitted clothing is best to allow your instructor to see precise movements throughout your workout. Dance type clothing is great and very comfortable, but comfort is the key so don't wear anything you are self conscious in. Remember clothing will ride up with certain movements, so tucked in or long T-shirts are best if you choose them. Gentlemen, stretchy tracksuit bottoms or bicycle type shorts are recommended. Trainers are not required.

NO, and nothing should be hurting before you start! Some gently stretching can be uncomfortable for some people however you can and should keep it all within your comfort zone and control.

Pilates concentrates on the deep-set muscles within the back and torso unlike 'crunches' that mainly target the superficial abdominal muscles that you can so easily see and which are generally the strongest. You will be surprised at how difficult it is to isolate certain movements, but when they are mastered it will enhance your whole workout regime improving co-ordination and balance.

Odd though it may seem, you don't need to be able to do either of those things if you find them difficult or impossible. The great thing about Pilates is that it lends itself perfectly to all fitness levels, abilities and disabilities and ages. Each lesson is customized to the individual so creating realistic goals and effective ways to achieve them

Yes but only if it’s just a tired ache, however, if you have an ongoing definite pain then you MUST go and find out from a qualified practitioner why it hurts and follow their specific guidelines for rehabilitation. Ask your physio if you can do Pilates, quite often you can but with some specified precautions for you, please let your Pilates teacher know them too. If it is a MILD ache or stiffness you can decide on your level of participation. I am happy to work in conjunction with your physiotherapist and am always happy to speak directly to your therapist to assist your rehabilitation.

Pilates is just fabulous for pre and especially postnatal fitness!(Have a look at the ‘Pilates and Pregnancy’ page on this site) Ideally, it is good to be practicing Pilates or any form of exercise that you wish to continue with during your pregnancy before the fact!

You need to be more than 13 weeks pregnant before you participate in Pilates (or resume your earlier sessions) to avoid any risk to your baby and I like to have your doctor's consent ( I have a specific form) This way I can eliminate as many worries as possible and provide a safe and beneficial program throughout your pregnancy and after.

Having worked in a hospital setting for 7 years specifically in this area I have seen many benefits both during and especially after to recommend this to all fit and healthy mothers to be.

There is a lot of information to get across in the first session. Both from me to you - basic principles on movement, breathing, centring, how to effectively execute the moves, learning the base exercises to name but a few. And from you to me - your exercise history, your wants and needs, expectations, posture analysis, which I will do for you so that I can prescribe the best exercises suited to your specific needs. The first session is setting the scene so to speak, then in the next 2 lessons you will start to recognise the moves and start to understand what you are trying to achieve, by the 4th lesson you will start to feel and see some results and this is a good feeling and worth the work! Not to be hurried and confused into a single quick try out lesson.