What should I do prior to joining a class?
Please make sure you ask advice from your doctor prior to taking up any new exercise program.
A health questionnaire must be completed and returned with payment before you start a course. This is so we know what your exercise goals are and also if you have any injuries that we need to be aware of.
Pilates mats are provided so there is no need to bring your own. As well as large equipment like Reformer, Cadillac and Chair, props and small equipment are also provided for your use – fitness circles, flexbands, foam rollers, toning balls etc.
Group classes are mainly suitable for those who are injury free – if you have active pain or an ongoing injury a one to one session may be more beneficial prior to joining a group class. If you’re not sure, please give us a call to discuss. If you are attending a group class please make your instructor aware of any recent injuries prior to the class starting.
The timetable section will give you details on class schedules.
Payment is required a minimum of one week in advance of commencement of the course, by cash or cheque to guarantee your place. Please make any cheques payable to Steph Grey. We do not take Laser or Visa. Please see fees section for prices.
If you would like to do a course and the dates listed don’t suit or you have financial issues, please get in touch as we may be able to work something else out. I do offer discounts for the unwaged.
What level of class is suitable for me?
Please see our general recommendations below – however, you must follow your instructor’s recommendations if they feel a class is not suitable for you. Safety is our first priority.
Beginners
If you have never done Pilates before or have an injury we recommend you start with the beginners course – even if you are very fit or have done yoga or other forms of exercise in the past. Pilates, done correctly, is an excellent system to assist in strengthening and toning the body – but you must be aware of the fundamental basic principles which need to be applied to all exercises to get the most from it. Our beginners program is the best place to learn these principles.
Essentials
Our essentials course builds on what you have learnt in the beginners course. More Essential level exercises are added to the class whilst applying basic principles and learning more about your body and how it is designed to move.
Intermediate
Intermediate classes are suitable if you have been regularly been doing Pilates for six months or more. Strength, balance and endurance are all challenged as we add more of the Pilates repertoire to your program.
Advanced
Advanced classes are only available for those who have been practising Pilates for a number of years and can apply the basic principles correctly to movements as they progress through the Pilates repertoire.
Over 55s
Our over 55s classses are designed to get you fit and flexible and to assist in keeping you strong from day to day. These classes are especially helpful is you have any arthritis or osteoporosis issues. Exercises are modified to keep the more mature client safe and strong throughout.
What can I expect during a class?
During a group class you will be guided through a warm up and then a series of exercises based at the level advertised. Your instructor will demonstrate as required and will explain each of the moves. Pilates is all about quality of movement rather than quantity so classes will gradually build on strength, co-ordination, balance and endurance.
Classes are small to make sure everyone gets individual instruction as required.
Do please try to make sure you get there in time so you can do the warm up prior to getting into more difficult exercises for safety reasons.
What should I wear?
You can wear comfortable clothes that aren’t too baggy e.g. tracksuit/leggings and t-shirt/vest with socks. Your instructor needs to be able to see your muscles as you work out to ensure the exercises are being performed correctly.
Other info
Missed classes can be made up on instructor’s discretion only and this is subject to there being a space available in another class.
Late notice or a no-show at the class does not automatically entitle the client to a make up class.
Please note I do not offer drop in classes as Pilates is a progressive exercise program and it will work best for you if a course of classes is followed.
Generally lunchtime classes are 45 minutes and evening classes are for one hour.
One on ones are offered for 45 minutes or one hour.
Please make sure you are well hydrated before class as dehydration can lead to cramping during class. It’s also not a great idea to have a big meal prior to class as you will be using your stomach muscles a lot and this can be uncomfortable.
If you have any questions about exercises just ask your instructor after class – I’m delighted to answer any queries.
And lastly, try to remember to turn your phone off – classes are much more enjoyable without distractions from the outside world – both for you and your classmates!