About us

The Litte Pilates Studio was opened in January 2007 by Jennifer Ainger. The studio aims to offer small, safe and personal classes to people of all ages and ability. Small class sizes enable the clients to experience a level of personal instruction not possible in larger gym-based Pilates classes and afford a more social and relaxed atmosphere, this is central to our philosophy.

The studio setting allows clients to make use of a wider range of equipment than is possible in classes in other venues. Recently refurbished, the studio is equipped with a professional reformer, split-pedal chair, resistance and stability equipment - all of which is beneficial for building strength and flexibility in general and especially following injury or illness.

But don't take our word for it. You can read what some of our clients have to say about us below.

The studio is available to hire. Read more below.

Our Philosophy

At the Little Pilates Studio our clients come first. Without you, we would not be here. We may be a small studio, in a small space but we want to help you to get the most from your Pilates sessions, whether they be one-to-ones, studio equipment sessions or group classes. We believe that Pilates is an extremely effective form of exercise, whether your goal is just to improve fitness and flexibility or for rehabilitation.

The exercises work and work well, but as with anything they will be much more effective if done correctly. Joseph Pilates said that "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion. " We agree and see it as our job to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly so that you can get the most out of your sessions. This would not be possible in a class with 20 people. At our studio there is a maximum of eight people in a group session and most of our classes generally have between four and six. This allows us to give you the attention that you deserve.

But it is not just about us and what we can do for you. In order for you to get the most from your Pilates sessions you must be committed and practice regularly. If you want a class that you can drop into every few weeks than maybe a gym class would be more suitable for you. We like to help people and love the feeling that comes from seeing a client finally reach their goals. But this can only happen if you are committed to putting in the time and effort and to letting us help you. Pilates is not a miracle cure but it does work and is a lot of fun. As Joseph Pilates famously said, "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body".

Our Clients

At the Little Pilates Studio we are proud of our varied clientele. There is no particular "type" who visits the studio, instead we have a wide range of men and women of varied ages and abilities from young adults to seniors, beginners to advanced levels, those with no exercise experience to athletes. All clients are treated as individuals, with specific needs and objectives. The one thing that they do all have in common is a desire to enhance their general well-being through Pilates and a commitment to continue their practice.

What they say about us:

Following are some testimonials from our clients.

I began one to one sessions with Jen at The Little Pilates Studio several months ago, after experiencing a few years of less then great health. I have found pilates and the way that Jen teaches a really positive and transformative process.It has made such a difference to my well being, improving my core strength and I've become far more flexible - no more backache! I find my energy levels are enhanced both during and after the exercises, and my body has strengthened in a gentle way.
In discovering pilates my body feels like it's found an old friend - a really natural and familiar way of being. I highly recommend it! - Louise

My osteopath said that since starting the pilates sessions, something was happening to my back, something good, he recommended that I continue with the pilates sessions as they were having an obvious benefit. -Pip

I enjoy your class a lot. It really solved my back problem. After I started, I stopped having a backache and headache. -anonymous

Before starting Pilates I had stiffness and pain in my lower back. At times it was difficult getting up in the mornings - I had thought it was part of the aging process. The Pilates combination of the use of hands on correction of my posture, stretching and prescribed strengthening exercises have restored the mobility of my lower back and increased flexibility. A couple of months later and I no longer experience the pain or stiffness. An added benefit is that my balance and ankle strength/stability has also improved. I would (and have) highly recommend this approach. - Cathy

I have always been impressed how well Jen explains exactly what to do in Pilates and, having trained for many sports to a good level, I know how important this is. - Rick

(Jen's) soothing Canadian lilt makes for a very calm and relaxed approach and it goes without saying that the exercise does help to keep an ageing body supple. - Jean

Jen's studio pilates classes are relaxing and very enjoyable. Although the exercises never seem strenuous, I find that I've gradually become much stronger and far more supple. I can't recommend them highly enough. - Julia

I wouldn't stop Pilates because it has made such a difference (..to my back) - Tamsin

Studio hire

The Little Pilates Studio is available for hire at times when it is not in use. The studio comes equipped with full length mirrors along one wall, wooden floors and equipment including hand weights, resistance rings, soft overballs, 6 core-stability balls, resistance bands, head cushions and mats. The studio can fit and is equipped for eight people and one instructor on mats on the floor. Outside of the main studio there is a hallway leading to a small kitchen area and toilet. Chairs may not be brought into the studio.

Suitable uses would include Pilates or Yoga classes, sports massage, antenatal massage, physiotherapy or Alexander technique. Other uses may be considered. All hirers of the studio must be fully qualified in their field and hold valid insurance and a current CPR qualification.

Cost for hire of the studio is £12.50 per hour or 30% of your income, whichever is greater. If interested please contact Jennifer on info@littlepilatesstudio.co.uk.

We are a member of Blackheath Pilates. Click here to be taken to the Blackheath Pilates website (this page will open in a new window).

*Body Control Pilates is a registered Trade Mark used under licence