Matwork & Antenatal Classes

We offer small matwork classes for beginners to intermediates. Our matwork classes have a maximum of 9 people and make use of the small Pilates apparatus (such as flex bands, weights and toning circles). Our general classes are not suitable for pregnancy but we do offer antenatal classes for pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. If you are new to Pilates you will be required to complete a 4-week Introduction to Pilates course before joining a beginners or improvers level class.

Introduction to Pilates courses

These 4-week courses are compulsory for all new clients who have either never done Pilates before or are at beginners level and do not wish to book one-to-one tuition. These courses run every month either on Saturday or in the evenings after 8 p.m. The classes cover the basics of alignment, breathing and centering as well as a number of beginners Pilates exercises. They provide a perfect opportunity for you to try out the studio and to see whether Pilates is for you as well as for your instructor to assess your level. These classes will have a maximum of 8 people and are suitable for clients with back pain or minor injuries. Please note that these are not compulsory for clients who wish to join an antenatal class.

Once you have completed the entire course it will either be possible to join a beginners or improvers level matwork course or a studio equipment session, spaces providing. To book and for more information and course dates click here.

General Matwork Classes

Do classes need to be booked in advance?

Yes, most classes (with the exception of drop-in classes) are progressive and set in courses of between 6 to 12 one hour sessions. Payment is taken for these per course in advance and refunds cannot be given for missed classes. Clients will be required to fill out an enrolment form and will be placed in a suitable class according to level and ability. Beginners must complete a 4-week introduction to Pilates course or some one-to-one sessions before joining a beginners class (other than the Monday night semi drop-in class).

Do you offer drop-in classes?

We do run classes on a Monday evening on a semi drop-in basis which enables people who cannot commit to a regular weekly class to participate. These cost £50 for 5 classes (which must be paid for in advance) but you then have a 10 week period in which to use them. These are beginners and improvers level.

Do I need to take anything to class?
No - the studio will supply all mats and other equipment that will be used during the class.

What should I wear?
The most important thing is that you wear something that allows you to move freely and is comfortable. No footwear is needed - socks or bare feet only. The following clothes are suggested:

Women - tight fitting shirt or leotard and leggings
Men - T-shirt and track suit bottoms (not baggy) or long shorts

The reason for wearing the clothes suggested above is that it is important for the instructor to see the alignment of your body and this is sometimes difficult when wearing baggy clothes.

What if I have to miss a class?
Clients are expected to attend as many classes as possible once they have paid but we understand that there will be circumstances in which a client will not be able to attend a class that they have paid for. Unfortunately, we are not able to give refunds for missed classes. However, if a client has to miss a class than they can make the class up by attending another similar-level class during any term in which they are booked, spaces providing.

Antenatal Classes

Is it safe to do Pilates during pregnancy?
Generally yes (unless you feel unwell or experience any of the symptoms listed below), but first it is important to check with your medical practitioner and to keep checking in with them during the pregnancy. It is also recommended to find a specialised antenatal class or do private sessions with a qualified instructor. Our antenatal Pilates instructors have training in teaching Pilates for pregnancy.

Antenatal Ball Classes
Our general pilates classes are not suitable for pregnant women but we do run special antenatal classes for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. We were the first studio in the area to offer these classes and they have proved to be extremely successful, with women returning for their 2nd pregnancies. These classes have fewer people then a general class and allow for closer attention to be paid to each client. Exercises are carefully adapted for the pregnant woman and the majority of the class is conducted on or using large (swiss) balls.

Please note that the antenatal classes fill up quickly each term and may have a waiting list. It is a good idea to contact us as soon as possible - even if it is too early in your pregnancy to join. If you have any injuries, have had problems in previous pregnancies or are having twins the classes may not be suitable for you. Please contact us to discuss further.

What are the benefits?
Pilates can be of great benefit to pregnant women, helping to ease some of the symptoms of pregnancy, to prepare for the birth and aiding with a quick recovery in the months following. Antenatal classes will help you to move correctly without stressing your joints and, in emphasizing correct alignment and good posture, is perfect for helping you to cope with the increased strain on your neck, shoulders and upper back. Strengthening exercises for you pelvic floor and deep abdominals help to support the extra weight in your tummy thus decreasing the strain taken by your lower back. Meanwhile gentle toning and relaxation exercises will keep you fit, healthy and relaxed. Many of the exercises are conducted while seated on a large ball which helps to increase balance and core stability while providing release for the lower back. We have been offering these classes for a number of years and are now seeing some women returning for their 2nd pregnancy - so it must be working!

When can I start?
It is inadvisable to do Pilates between weeks 8 to 16 of pregnancy, unless by special arrangement with your teacher. It is also wise to wait 6 weeks after the birth before resuming exercise.
If you are new to Pilates, then you will need to wait until at least week 16 before beginning classes. It is highly recommended that you have a few private sessions before enrolling on a class. If you have any injuries then it will be necessary to have at least one private session before starting classes.

Please note that the antenatal classes fill up quickly each term and have a waiting list. It is a good idea to contact us as soon as possible - even if it is too early in your pregnancy to join.

When should I not exercise?
The following are contraindications to exercising during pregnancy. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical advice:

• pain
• bleeding
• shortness of breath
• dizziness or disorientation
• irregular heartbeat
• difficulty walking
• high blood pressure
• severe headaches accompanied by swelling, blurred vision, pain at the side of the rib cage
• fever
• anaemia
• breach in the third trimester
• you haven't felt the baby move
• swelling, pain or tenderness in the calf or leg

What if I have to miss a class?
Clients are expected to attend as many classes as possible once they have paid but we understand that there will be circumstances in which a client will not be able to attend a class that they have paid for. Unfortunately, we are not able to give refunds for missed classes. If there is space on another antenatal class at the studio then you may be able to make the missed class up but this is not guaranteed.

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