Who Can do Pilates?

Pilates is for everyone! Office workers, professional sports people, first time exercisers, those looking to enhance general fitness or those wanting to help prevent injury or rehabilitation after an accident or injury. Pilates is suitable for men and women of all ages and levels of fitness, the emphasis being on individual progress.

What happens in a class?

The class will focus on mat work and will begin with a few gentle stretches to relax and focus you. We will then move onto a series of Pilates exercises designed to challenge, strengthen and mobilise your body, leaving you lengthened, energised and yet relaxed.

I have booked a class - what now?

Payment must be received before you attend your class, please see your confirmation email for details of how to pay. If you have booked at short notice then please email us to let us know that you will bring your payment to the class with you. You will also need complete our screening form and bring with you to your first class.

How do I cancel a class if I can't make it?

If you give more than 24 hours notice prior to missing a class, you are able to gain a class credit and attend a class at another time within the 7 weeks course. To cancel your class & to get the class credit, please follow the following steps (making sure that you give at least 24 hours notice otherwise you will lose the class. 

• Log on to your profile.
• Go to 'My bookings
• Click 'Cancel' next to the class / classes you cannot attend
• You will then receive and email giving you your class credit. This must be used within the 7  week block that you are currently on
• To book your class credit, please email me with at least 3 options of classes you could attend. I will then come back to you with which classes I can fit you into.

I am pregnant — can I still do Pilates?

You should always check with your doctor before doing any kind of exercise during pregnancy. However, Pilates tends to be particularly suitable for pregnant women, since it is a low-impact form of exercise that strengthens the back, stomach and pelvic floor muscles. Some exercises may need to be modified while pregnant. A properly tailored Pilates programme, however, can be the ideal way to lessen or avoid the back-pain commonly experienced during late pregnancy and to enable your body to regain its shape.

I am post-natal — can I still do Pilates?

As with pregnancy, you should always get your doctors advice before doing any form of exercise. For new mothers, Pilates will stretch muscles back into place, helping the body regain its shape and tone. The exercises can be customised to provide a safe and effective workout that is not too stressful for the abdominal area or spine, even in those who have had a Caesarean delivery.

I am being treated for an injury — can I still do Pilates?

Pilates is ideal to complement any kind of body-therapy and is recommended by many practitioners and therapists today. Before you start a course at Berkshire Pilates you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire - and we may ask for your permission to work in conjunction with your practitioner to give you the best results. Pilates is a safe, low impact and highly effective method of exercise for rehabilitation.

Do I need to bring anything?

No, everything you need is provided in the class. All the Pilates products are available to buy if you prefer not to use shared equipment and use at home. You may wish to bring a bottle of water with you.

What do I wear?

Comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. Pilates is usually performed in bare feet, although please wear socks if you have a verruca.

How long before I notice a difference?

Pilates is not a quick fix, but a longer term commitment brings great results! There are many factors to consider—different body types, genetics, stamina and previous injuries, so no one person is the same. You should notice small changes after a 6-8 weeks course, but as a general guide you should feel stronger and more flexible after 30 lessons.

** Snow / Extreme weather conditions

If the weather conditions are severe your class may be cancelled. Generally this will only be due to extreme conditions that are deemed dangerous, such as heavy snow. Updated information will be published on the website as to if your class is running. If your class is cancelled you will either be offered the opportunity to attend another class or a refund.

If the conditions are not considered dangerous (i.e. schools are still open) your class will still run. However, safety is paramount to Power of Pilates and if you do not feel equipped to venture out you are able to 'Late Cancel'. This must be 2 hours advance notice by email, text or telephone and you will be credited 1 class which will be valid to the end of your current course. This can only be redeemed in our off peak classes. Please be aware that this is only valid in extreme weather conditions - not when it's 'just a bit chilly out'!

 

Book a class now!