Pilates Information

Feel stronger, move better, and reconnect with your body through Pilates.

To develop the body uniformly, correct bad posture, restore vitality, invigorate the mind, and elevate the spirit. — Joseph Pilates

Pilates is for everybody – whether you’re brand new, returning after a break, or looking to deepen your practice. Our classes focus on strengthening your core, improving flexibility, enhancing posture, and bringing more awareness to the way you move every day.

What is Pilates?

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. His vision was:

“To develop the body uniformly, correct bad posture, restore vitality, invigorate the mind, and elevate the spirit.”

Unlike many forms of exercise that focus on specific muscle groups, Pilates develops the whole body evenly. It helps improve strength, stability, stamina, and flexibility by working both major and minor muscle groups together. The result? A more balanced, resilient body that feels strong, mobile, and energised.

How Can Pilates Help Me?

With regular Pilates practice, you can enjoy:

Improved core strength and reduced risk of injury
Increased flexibility and joint mobility
A more toned, energised body
Better posture and spinal support
Relief from chronic back pain
Enhanced balance, co-ordination and concentration
Improved breathing and lung function
A greater sense of calm and well-being

Pilates is gentle and adaptable, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels – even if you’re recovering from injury.

The Principles of Pilates

These key principles guide every class:

Posture & Alignment
Core Strength & Stability
Flexibility & Ease of Movement
Balance & Co-ordination
Breathing
Stamina
Relaxation of Body & Mind
Concentration & Focus

Core Stability – Why It Matters

Think of your core like the inner rings of a tree trunk – without them, the tree might look the same but it’s far less stable.

In Pilates, we focus on the deep core muscles: the transverse abdominals and pelvic floor. These stabilise your spine and joints, giving you a strong foundation. When we don’t engage our core correctly, the larger outer muscles overwork, leading to fatigue and potential injury. Pilates retrains the body to move efficiently, using the right muscles for the job.

Breathing – The Power of the Breath

Breathing is at the heart of Pilates. We often breathe shallowly into the upper chest, but lateral breathing – drawing breath into the sides and base of the ribcage – increases oxygen intake and calms the body.

Lateral breathing helps:

Reduce tension in the neck and shoulders
Improve stamina and athletic performance
Support lung function (especially for asthma sufferers)
Encourage mindful movement and relaxation

Learning to combine breath with movement may take time, but once it clicks, it becomes second nature – adding power, flow, and ease to every exercise.