Classes

Classes are deliberately kept small to allow for professional supervision, instruction and individual modification (by verbal cue or hands on correction) as necessary. Exercises can be adapted to the level of each client ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their session.

Please note these are not drop in classes. Contact must be made prior to attending classes in order to complete a client enrolment form, in accordance with Body Control Pilates professional standards.

You can download an enrolment form if you would like to complete it in advance.

pilates ring
pilates pregnancy class

Pregnancy Pilates - because your body changes during pregnancy your exercise needs also change. From 16 weeks of pregnancy, Pilates exercises can offer a safe, effective and enjoyable exercise programme that keeps you fit, toned, flexible and increases stamina. Pilates exercises help to prepare you for labour and motherhood by learning how to use your body well and have confidence in your ability to manage your pregnancy, labour and the birth itself. Benefits include;

  • Focus on posture and movement patterns, particularly as your baby grows
  • Help with hormonal changes and the effects this can have on your joints
  • Help prevent common joint problems including pelvic girdle pain
  • To develop your natural corset to support your back and baby
  • Promote breathing and relaxation skills
  • Focus on pelvic floor control and release

Postnatal Pilates offers specialist exercises from 6 weeks postnatal (medical permission required). Pilates exercises during this period helps your body to readjust and benefits include;

  • Regaining abdominal tone and improving the abdominal divide (Diastasis Recti) if present
  • Restoring the pelvic floor and helping with problems such as stress incontinence
  • Release endorphins, the “feel good” hormones
  • Helps to relax
  • Meet other mums and babies in a supportive environment
  • Last but not least, help to regain pre-birth weight, tone up and get back into shape

Classes are supportive and welcoming and you can either benefit from a 1:1 or duets in the comfort of your own home or attend a class. No previous experience of Pilates is necessary. Classes are kept small (no more than 6-8) to allow for close attention and modification of exercises, dependant on your birth experience and recovery. There will be regular reviews to ensure that exercises delivered are appropriate to your stage of recovery. Postnatal classes are baby friendly where you can bring your baby until they are mobile. You can relax and exercise with the reassurance that if your baby needs comfort, feeding or changing then you are able to do so.

Please note that babies are to be supervised at all times in the designated area during class and remain the full responsibility of the parent. Please don't attend class if either you or your baby are unwell.

Sources: Hodges (2009) moving on from giving isolated core stability exercises; NICE guidelines (2006) Postnatal care of women and their babies; Lynne Robinson (2011) Pilates for Pregnancy; Sutton J and Scott P (1996) Optimum Foetal positioning; Watkins (1997) Current concept in dynamic stabilisation of the spine and pelvis; their relevance to obstetrics.

 

Pilates in the Workplace - most working days are lost to musculoskeletal problems and stress. Our bodies are not designed to sit for long periods, however more than half of our waking hours are spent sitting. The NHS (2015) is focusing on raising awareness of reducing sitting times and research highlights the negative impact on our health through sitting (Owen et al 2009, Corliss 2015). The workplace environment can involve sitting for long periods and our everyday lives compound the problem through travel, watching TV and the forward head posture when looking at PCs, laptops and mobile phones. When the body is in this flexed position it impacts on our ability to breath effectively, our posture, concentration and focus. It compresses the spine causing pain, fatigue and can lead to long term health problems and sickness.

Pilates in the Workplace can provide a comprehensive exercise programme that Tones, Strengthens and Realigns our bodies, counteracting the negative impact of sitting for too long. By strengthening postural and core muscles we stand taller, move more efficiently and breath correctly, all of which reduce musculoskeletal injury and pain, increasing wellbeing, reducing stress and gaining more concentration, focus and productivity.

I offer classes in the workplace for up to 12 participants. Classes can be before, during or after work. Classes can be tailored to suit your requirements, whether you would like a one-off session; great for team building, or a regular weekly class. I would recommend at least 6 sessions to notice the benefits. You just need enough space for mats and up to 12 participants. Classes are deliberately kept small to allow for individual attention and modification if necessary. Pilates is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, fitness or previous experience (some exclusions apply). Just turn up in suitable gym style clothing, bare feet or socks. All equipment provided. A 45 minute class is £45 and can be Corporately funded; participant funded or Corporately subsidised. One hour classes are available.

What are the benefits for your workplace?

  • Improves team moral, job satisfaction and workplace culture
  • Invests in the wellbeing of your staff
  • Can increase staff retention rates and assist in recruitment, a positive image for your business
  • Great stress reliever, improving focus, energy levels and productivity
  • May assist in the reduction of staff sickness due to low back pain and musculoskeletal problems
  • May reduce absenteeism due to stress related problems

For more information about Pilates in the Workplace please contact Kathy today to find out more.

Clients benefit from using a variety of small equipment such as Resistance Bands, Prickle Balls, soft Pilates Balls, Pilates Rings and Foam Rollers. The use of additional equipment provides a fun challenge to stability, flexibility, resistance and strength.

Sources: NHS Choices (2015) Office workers of England, stand up for your health!; Owen et al (2015) Too much sitting; a novel and important predictor of chronic disease risk?; British Journal of Sports Medicine Corliss (2015) Too much sitting linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, premature death; Julie Corliss; Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School