What is Pilates?
Pilates is a breath-led, low-impact movement practice that focuses on strength, mobility, coordination, and awareness — supporting you to move with more ease and confidence in everyday life.
It works with the deeper support muscles of the body — particularly around the spine, pelvis, and shoulders — while integrating the whole body into smooth, controlled movement. The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity, helping you move with more ease, stability, and confidence in everyday life.
Pilates can support posture, joint health, and resilience, and is often used to help manage or reduce persistent aches and pains, including back pain. It also complements other activities such as running, cycling, walking, and strength training.
What’s the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Pilates and Yoga share some similarities — both are breath-led and encourage mindful movement — and Joseph Pilates was influenced by Yoga when developing his original method, which he called Contrology.
The focus, however, is different.
Pilates places a strong emphasis on functional strength, control, and movement efficiency. Breath is typically used to support effort and stability, with the exhale helping to power movement. Pilates also has roots in rehabilitation and was designed to help people move better in daily life.
Yoga traditionally has a broader spiritual and meditative framework and often uses postures held for longer periods, originally intended to prepare the body for seated meditation.
Many people enjoy both — they simply offer different things.
I have mobility restrictions — can I still join a class?
Yes. Pilates is adaptable by nature. Movements can be modified, supported, or re-worked in countless ways to suit different bodies, abilities, and energy levels.
If you have an injury, a medical condition, or movement restrictions, you’re very welcome — just get in touch beforehand so we can talk things through and make sure you feel supported from the start.
You’re never expected to “keep up” or push through discomfort.
Do I need to be flexible or fit to start Pilates?
Not at all.
Pilates is something you build into, not something you need to be ready for. Many people start because they feel stiff, cautious, or unsure about movement — and that’s absolutely fine.
Classes are guided with options, and you’re encouraged to work within your own range.
What should I expect in a class?
Classes are calm, guided, thoughtfully paced... and fun! We're not very serious, but we work as hard as our bodies need us to.
You’ll be talked through movements clearly, with time to settle, notice how things feel, and rest when needed. There’s no pressure to perform or compare — you’re encouraged to work at your own pace and rest whenever you need.
Depending on the class, we may use small props such as blocks, balls, or rings to support or challenge movement.
Is Pilates suitable if I’m returning after injury or a long break?
Yes — and this is very common.
Pilates is often used as a way to rebuild confidence in movement after time off, injury, or periods of pain. If you’re unsure where to start, the 10–20–30 Pilates Learning Programme is designed specifically to support this process from the very beginning.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily. Bare feet or grip socks work well.
You need to bring a mat and some water; please let me know if you don't have a mat for your first class; I have a small number available. Astwood does have yoga mats available. Otherwise, just bring yourself!
Which class is right for me?
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
Weekly classes vary in size, pace, and focus, and the learning programme is ideal if you’re new, returning, or wanting a more structured introduction. Mini-retreats are slower, restorative sessions focused on rest and regulation.
If you’re unsure, you’re very welcome to get in touch — I’m happy to help you find the right starting point!