FAQs
FAQs
How long is each session?
Private sessions are approximately 55 minutes.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a full body, low impact practice with a system of controlled exercises that work to improve strength, flexibility, balance, alignment and control with a mind – body connection throughout.
This reduces physical and mental stress which is closely connected.
Pilates was created in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, his method was influenced by many different types of physical activities such as, yoga, acrobatics, Tai Chi and gymnastics. The key 6 principles that make Pilates unique are:
Control – The mind and muscles working together to prevent injurie and maximise the effect of the movement.
- Breathing – To learn to breathe fully and to help facilitate the movements. To connect to our breathe mindfully continuously throughput.
- Precision – Every movement in Pilates has a specific purpose, and needs precise placement and alignment.
- Centring – What is the core doing? In each movement we need awareness and focus of our central stabilisation muscles.
- Concentration – Mind and body connection to ensure correct movement and positioning.
- Flow – To move with grace and fluidity
Do I need to have done Pilates before?
No Pilates caters for everyone from beginner level to the more advanced, and is suitable for all ages. Exercise variations will be offered to suit your individual level. However if you are brand new, I do recommend booking in for a private 1-1 session if you can first, so I can go through the fundamentals with you and determine your specific individual health goals, before joining a group scenario.
Do I sign up for individual session or a pack?
I offer session packs to make it more affordable, and to encourage regular attendance to really gain the benefits of Pilates. However if it is your preference of course you are welcome to purchase individual classes.
I believe you will not notice the real benefits of your Pilates practice till you have attended for at least a few weeks, and as Joseph Pilates once famously said:
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body” – Joseph Pilates
You may not even notice a big difference yourself, it takes time to work on your individual practice, but I will spot little things like improvement in your flexibility, mobility, balance, stamina, alignment and posture etc, so stay patient and I would definitely suggest measure in progress not time.
How do I cancel my classes?
Please just go to your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule, at least 12 hours before you know you cannot attend, unfortunately if you do not give adequate notice your class credit will be used.
Please still cancel even if it is outside of the 12hrs, someone might be able to fill your space.
Do I have to book all my classes at once with a class pack?
No, you don’t have to, once you have purchased the class credits, they are yours to book all at once or as you go.
If you book them all at once, then can’t make a class simply rebook or cancel, and the credit will return to your account. (As long as you do so within the 12 hour cancellation period.)
Where will the Private sessions be held?
At my home studio – Knightswood Park, Tunbridge Wells (exact location available upon booking.
What equipment will I need?
Just yourselves, mats and equipment will be provided.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and fitting, to allow your body to move without distraction, and for your form to be seen, bare feet is fine, or if you want to wear socks you will need non slip grip socks to help you with stability.
For women a low impact sports bra is ideal, so you can still feel supported, and lastly a hair tie is recommended to keep strands away from your face.
How often should I practice Pilates?
The more often you attend the quicker you will see and feel results! You will understand more what Pilates is from one session, but I would recommend committing and buying a pack of lessons to experience a real improvement, also it will be financially beneficial to buy class packs, as it works out cheaper than buying a single class.
Can I practice Pilates if I am pregnant or just had a baby?
,Yes of course! Pilates is wonderful for pregnancy or post baby, but only on the basis that you have had medical clearance from your GP / Midwife, and filled out the required health form, I would suggest private sessions if pregnant, and newly postnatal.
Postnatal you will need to have had your 6-8 week postnatal check, or following a c-section you will need to wait at least 8 weeks with your GP’s approval.
Please note babies are warmly invited to my home studio until they are crawling.
What’s the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Both have similarities, as Pilates and Yoga celebrate the mind body connection and breathwork, alongside developing your physical strength through various exercises, however the two practices are very different.
Pilates was created and developed by Joseph Pilates in 1925, initially to help physically rehabilitate the weak, injured soldiers after the first world war. It has developed over the decades, but the original concepts have always stayed the same, which is to strengthen the core, and improve the muscular, skeletal alignment, resulting in postural awareness and improvement.
Yoga, however, is more of a spiritual practice, rooted from Indian traditions. Poses will be held for a longer period of time, compared to Pilates which is more dynamic in movement.
