| Pilates is form of body conditioning that focuses on developing a strong core by using the deep abdominal muscles to control movements and postures. Pilates develops muscle tone throughout the body and improves flexibility, posture, body awareness, balance and breathing.
We offer classes to suit all ages and ability levels. We can cater for the keen sports person, the weekend warrior, those who are not so fit and people recovering from serious illness. An initial assessment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists is required for all new participants so we can put you into a class to suit your ability and make sure it is modified just for you.
An Initial assessment is required for all new Clients in order to ensure suitability. Please call us to book an assessment prior to enrolling on a class.
If you would like information on up-coming classes please email
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. Watch out for our specialised seasonal classes e.g. pre season golf/ ski/ sailing classes.
  
Pilates Timetable
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Pilates frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of Pilates?
- Improved muscle tone & strength without adding muscle bulk
- Better posture
- Increased flexibility
- Reduced Stress
- Stronger spine
- Stronger bones
- Injury Prevention
- Increased energy levels
- Improved immune system
- Improved sleep
- Improved physical & mental health
What do I wear?
- Comfortable and loose fitting clothing
- No trainers are required
Do I need to bring anything?
- Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated during the class.
- We provide all the equipment required.
How many people are in the class?
- There is a maximum of 10 people per class. There will be a maximum of 9 in Just for Men classes due to space restrictions.
Is Pilates suitable if I have an Injury?
- Yes of course! All our Pilates instructors are Chartered Physiotherapists and can guide you through a Pilates programme to speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Is Pilates suitable after serious illness?
- Yes. We are all Chartered Physiotherapists with extensive knowledge of how the body works. Following an initial assessment, any areas of weakness or concerns will be highlighted and the exercises will be tailored to suit you. We commonly have people who have recovered from different types of cancer and from heart attacks in the class.
I am reasonably fit, will I benefit from Pilates?
- Yes. There is a natural progression from the basic Pilates exercises to the more advanced exercises. The exercise programme will be tailored to challenge your body, whatever stage you are at.
Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?
- Yes. Pilates is a gentle low impact form of exercise and as such it is considered one of the best forms of exercise both during and after pregnancy. One of the top reasons Pilates and pregnancy go together so well is that Pilates is great at building core strength – focusing on strengthening on your abdominal muscles, back and pelvic floor muscles, allowing for an easier pregnancy, delivery and recovery. Pilates is also famous for helping new mums get their figures back after baby is born! Doctors and midwives firmly support continuing exercise during a healthy pregnancy. Statistically, active women are better able to cope with labour, and regain their pre-pregnant figures more quickly.
Our Pregnancy Pilates instructor, Sinead, is not only a Chartered Physiotherapist but she is also specifically trained in pregnancy and postnatal pilates. Pregnancy pilates can begin after 16 weeks and is safe to continue right up until your due date."
How soon can I start post-natal pilates?
- A post natal pilates class can begin after your 6 week check-up (normal delivery) or after 10 weeks (Caesarean Section).
What are the benefits of attending a post-natal pilates class?
- Post-natal pilates focuses on working postural muscles, overworked pelvic floor muscles and helps tone the tummy (which is the main aim of all our new Mums!). Post natal pilates classes are great building blocks for getting you strong enough to return to your pre-pregnancy sporting activities.
Can I bring my baby with me?
- Yes of course! You are welcome to bring your baby in their car-seat or lay them on a blanket beside your mat as you exercise. We have a lift for ease of access to the pilates studio and a baby-changing station on the ground floor should you need it.
Will Pilates improve my sport performance?
- Yes. Many top athletes are now making Pilates an integral part of their fitness programme to enhance their performance. All athletes know about the crucial importance of stretching, suppleness and flexibility. Well these are the very things that Pilates does best.
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Pilates is a super way of improving:
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All sports have their own key patterns of movement and repeated use of these movement patterns can result in muscular imbalance. Less relevant muscle groups can become weak and inefficient, with the more predominant muscles becoming bulky and tight. Pilates focuses on the body as a whole, aiming to rebalance muscles and improve postural alignment to give a stronger body.
Why do I need to attend for a 1:1 session with a Chartered Physio prior to joining a class?
- If you are joining a class and have never done pilates before, a 1:1 assessment session allows identification of any weak areas or postural issues that can be focused on. It also allows you to go through the 5 basic principles of Pilates which will promote a quicker transition for you into the class exercises. Feedback to us has indicated that class participants find this session very beneficial when they are new to the concepts and language of pilates. Please contact us to arrange for a 1:1 session.
If I find the class I am in too fast for my ability, can I move to a more suitable level?
- Of course. At all times it is vital that you are happy with the standard of your class. If you find it too fast for your ability, or indeed if you are too good for the class you find yourself in, please talk to your instructor immediately so that we may find a class better suited to your ability.
How do I Register for classes?
- You can register for a class by sending an email to
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or by phoning Elysha on 01-2000555. In order to speed up the registration process please download and complete the following form and send it with your application - Pilates Application Form.
How can I make a payment?
- Once you have registered with us and booked into a class that suits you, payment may be made by sending a cheque for the full amount (payable to Total Physio) or by credit / debit card in person or over the phone with Elysha. We regret that we cannot confirm your place in the class until payment has been received in full.
Where does Pilates come from?
- Pilates was founded by the late Joseph Pilates, who was born in 1880 near Düsseldorf, Germany. He was a frail child and developed an exercise programmes to improve his body image. While he was interned during the First World War, he developed a fitness programme for his fellow internees in order to maintain their health and fitness levels. He always claimed that his regime was the reason why not one of these internees died from the influenza epidemic that killed thousands in 1918! Returning to Germany, he began to work with dancers and trained the Hamburg police force in self-defence. He then emigrated to the United States of America and set up a fitness studio in New York, beside the New York City Ballet. He worked closely with the 'elite' New York ballet dancers, as his exercises perfected and complemented their exercise programme. He attracted those who wanted to do a workout to build strength without adding bulk, balancing strength with flexibility.
What is Fit 4 Golf Pilates?
Do I need to play golf to attend the Fit 4 Golf pilates class?
- Not necessarily. While the workshop will be aimed at those who like to play golf, it will still work on the basic principles of pilates (breathing, pelvic, shoulder blade and rib cage placement and head and neck stability). This workshop will also suit anyone who plays an asymmetrical sport, such as tennis or squash, and will help restore balance and strength on both sides of the body.
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