FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are following all guidelines as they arise and all our indoor venues have stringent cleaning measures in place, hand sanitiser available, increased cleaning schedules and safe entry and exit. Risk assessments are in place, and we have space to keep all class participants at least 2m apart at all times. We have met all the required guidelines to make us covid secure, and will update these as they change.
Due to the pandemic we are no longer able to allow use of our mats, balls, bands etc. I have balls and bands available to purchase if you are coming to a face to face class, however you will need your own mat. If you don’t have a mat, please bring a picnic blanket. It is also useful to have a large towel or cushion available for both face to face and online classes.
Wear loose comfortable trousers or shorts and a comfortable top. In Pilates we tend to take our shoes off, however if you prefer, these can be left on.
Yes, I have numerous high level qualifications all of which you can view and read more about on my about page by following this link:- Qualified Pilates Instructor
My class sizes are small so it’s like having your own personal Pilates instructor. Usual class sizes are around 4 to 10 people. However, I do also provide one to one personal Pilates classes, please contact me for more details.
Yes, I can either come to you or you can come to me. We will arrange a time and place that is suitable for both. Prices will depend on if you are travelling to me, or if I am travelling to you, and the number of sessions you would like. Please contact me for further details.
Yes, prices start at £40 per session and include equipment for you to practice at home with. Please contact me for more details.
All of my Pilates classes are tailored towards my clients specific needs and goals. I provide a wide range of classes which can be customised to your ability.
We now have half of our classes online. This came as a result of the pandemic, but has allowed people from other geographic locations to join us. This means that wherever you are, we can be with you, in your home, teaching you Pilates. Our face to face classes are currently in Roydon, North Weald, and in our studio on the edge of Roydon.
Classes are friendly and you will be in a small group which allows your instructor to assess and correct your technique and posture so you get maximum benefit. Classes normally start in a standing position to correctly align your body, re-set your posture and help you learn the most beneficial position for you and your posture type. This will be reminded each week, and over time, you should start to feel your ‘normal’ becoming closer to this ‘ideal’ posture. This gives you a real feeling of achievement. After an initial warm up, you will transfer to the floor and begin a series of exercises. Some will be on your front, some on your side, some on your back, some in a seated position. If any of these positions may cause you discomfort, please let your instructor know prior to the class, or during and you will be discreetly offered an alternative position. The exercises will flow with stretches in between, and the class will fly by as the concentration required to perform such small movements with correct technique and engagement is phenomenal. Pilates is not initially a physical challenge. It’s a mental challenge. Then when you understand what is required to maintain good posture throughout the movements, then it becomes more physically challenging.
Please let your instructor know. You may be offered a 1:1 to further help you understand the requirements of each exercise. Also please check our YouTube channel for videos explaining some of the exercises in more detail. If you are deaf, Heather is learning British Sign Language and if this is your preferred method of communication, you will need to sign a little slowly, but we will get there.
In my Pilates classes I create a haven where you can unwind and relax forgetting your stresses of day to day life. Everyone is made to feel welcome in a relaxed environment.
Probably, yes. But don’t panic. Speak to your instructor, and ask them to help you engage your transverse abdominis. This is key to your understanding. Once you have that engaged correctly, and are able to tell if it ‘switches off’, Pilates becomes a whole new ball game. Pilates is never easy. Even an advanced Pilates participant will find the beginner exercises challenging when they are done with correct technique and engagement.
Your instructor will observe covid guidelines and stay more than 2m apart. This will mean they may look for eye contact, or use your name to give specific verbal instructions. Please don’t take offence as it is difficult to know exactly what position you are in, and getting the most out of your Pilates comes from precision. Often participants initially concentrate very hard to get the movement correct, when actually your first focus should always be the stability of your core while a movement occurs.
Your instructor needs a good front and side view of every participant in every exercise, particularly at certain points of each exercise. This is to make sure you are correctly performing the movement and are continuing to focus on stability. If the instructor were to lie down and perform the exercises, you could make mistakes and may not always be doing the correct thing. This is your class, and you should leave feeling you have been observed and corrected to help you do Pilates to the best of your ability on that day.
I require all clients to complete a simple screening form which ensures that you are not taking any risks and assists me in tailoring your requirements precisely, something which all professionally qualified Pilates instructors should do. You can fill in our online screening form by clicking here:- Screening Form
If you are unable to complete the online form then just contact me and I will be happy to fill in the details for you.
Yes, I have written for many different websites and press releases over the years and enjoy doing so. If you would like me to write an article for you or your company then please contact me for further details.
Our studio address can be found on the contact page or if your session is being held at an alternative venue then I will provide you with the details. Many of our classes are now held online and login details will be provided before your session.