Mat Based Pilates

Pilates is based on a set of principles that exercise the whole body through a range of mat based exercises. Pilates combines the co-ordination of deep postural and stability muscles combined with breathing, arm and leg movements, postural correction and flexibility.

With regular practice, Pilates positively changes the body. Pilates is suitable for all ages and levels of ability. Scientific research provides evidence of its effectiveness on reducing pain, improving physical function, movement and wellbeing.

At Andover Pilates our Pilates classes:

  • Are smaller classes so you can benefit from more individual instruction
  • Suits all ages & fitness levels
  • Improve mobility, flexibility, strength & balance
  • Encourage improved body & postural awareness
  • Aid rehabilitation following injury
  • Help prevent injury
  • Are ideal during and after pregnancy

You can enjoy the benefits no matter what level you start at.  As you get stronger, the exercises get tougher to ensure continued results.

View Class Timetable

Clinical Pilates

Some of our classes are run by Physiotherapists trained by The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) where the original 34 Pilates matwork repertoire is broken down into defined levels to allow clients to progress safely towards normal movement and function.

As our founders are physiotherapists, they recognise the demand for more specific Pilates training which targets the unique challenges of today’s population. Pilates is no longer just for the dancers and gymnasts of this world but for everyday people like you and me. It’s great for adults, kids, our older population, sportspeople, military, those needing neurological rehabilitation, scoliosis, hypermobility and many other sectors of the community.

The APPI method presents the most current research relevant on how we move and function as people in the modern day climate of increased sedentary lifestyles. It teaches a realistic framework of exercises to get the results we are all looking for. It may be performance, muscle toning, rehabilitation, posture or just to be able to move more efficiently and free of pain and stiffness. Whatever the objective our program has a proven track record of achieving this.

This approach incorporates the recent research on back instability, muscle imbalance and adverse neural tension.  It is deemed safe and effective for individuals recovering from recent injury and those who suffer from chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

The APPI only train Physiotherapists or equivalent degree specialists so you can rest assured that your instructor has the highest level of training and is able to provide safe and effective programmes to suit your individual needs.

View Class Timetable

Starting Pilates

If you are new to Pilates then an initial consultation with a Physiotherapist is required to ensure that you are best suited to classes, as some injuries will require closer supervision and treatment. This will be a 30 assessment where our Physios will look at your posture, joint range of movement, functional activities such as squats, lunges and balance. Then you will go through the 5 basic principles of Pilates and how to apply them to Pilates exercises. This will make sure that you are prepared for and can get the most out of the regular classes.

Following on from your 1:1 you will then be directed into either an Introduction to Pilates or Beginners class. Please see the Introduction to Pilates course for further details. This course is also suitable for those wanting a refresher.

Do you have Pilates experience?

If you have been participating in a regular Pilates class elsewhere then you may not need a 1:1 session. If you are unsure, please contact us to discuss this further.

You can sign up to any of our classes as a PAYG members by booking online today. Click on the book classes tab on our home page. If you have any questions regarding which class would be most suitable for you or if you would like to book as a regular client, then please contact us.

How do I book?

If you would like to book a regular set class, please get in touch.

We do all the initial bookings for the regular clients and once the schedule is online you are then very welcome to swap and change bookings as needed as we know life, work, family life can be unpredictable! You are also very welcome to book extra hoc sessions online where you see spaces in the schedule.

If you are unable to commit to a regular termly place, we also offer Pay As You Go Pilates that you can book directly online.

Our Term dates are run in line with the Hampshire school terms so the length of each term varies a little. We do try and keep some classes running over each holiday period and you will be notified of the holiday schedules.

Introduction to Pilates Course

This course is designed for those who have little or no previous Pilates experience, or if you have had a break from Pilates and are looking to get back into it again. It is a progressive 6 week course, which allows you to gradually get to grips with the basic exercises and breathing techniques.

The classes will focus on the key principals of Pilates and will help develop your strength, tone, flexibility and improve your posture.

You will be closely monitored by our Physiotherapist Pilates instructor who will tailor the exercises to your needs, and adjust any exercises which you are having difficulty with.

You will also be introduced to some of our small Pilates equipment throughout the block, which adds variety to the classes and exercises.

After completing the 6 week course you will then be ready to move on up into a Beginners or Beginner/s Improvers class. Where possible we try and arrange this with you before the 6 week course begins.

Pilates Timetable

2020
Spring Term 1: Monday 6th January – 14th February (6 weeks)
Spring Term 2: Monday 24th February – Friday 3rd April (6 weeks)

All classes are 55 minutes long unless stated.

Monday Level Instructor
09.30 Beginner/Improver Sam
10.40 Improver Sam
11.50 Beginner Sam
13.00 Improver Sam
19.00 Improver Helen
20.00 Beginner/ Improver Helen

 

Tuesday Level Instructor
09.30 Beginner/Improver Helen
10.40 Beginner/Improver Helen
12.00 Improver/ Intermediate Helen
13.15 Beginner Helen
18.00 Beginner/Improver Sam
19.00 Mixed ability Sam
20.00 Improver/ Intermediate Sam

 

Wednesday Level Instructor
08.30 Improver/ Intermediate Tricia
09.40 Improver/ Intermediate Tricia
10.50 40 minute Rehab / lower level Tricia
11.40 Beginner Tricia
18.00 Improver Helen
19.00 Improver Helen
20.00 Beginner/ Improver Helen

 

Thursday Level Instructor
09.30 Improver/ Intermediate Helen
10.45 Improver Lucy
12.00 40 minute Introduction to Pilates / Beginner Lucy
18.00 Introduction to Pilates Tricia
19.00 Beginner/Improver Tricia
20.00 Beginner Tricia

 

Friday Level Instructor
09.45 Beginner/ Improver Helen
11.00 Intermediate Sam
12.10 Stretch & Flexibility Sam

Class Level Descriptions

Introduction to Pilates – designed for those who have little or no previous Pilates experience, or if you have had a break from Pilates and are looking to get back into it again. It is a progressive 6 week course, which allows you to gradually get to grips with the basic exercises and breathing techniques. The classes will focus on the key principals of Pilates and will help develop your strength, tone, flexibility and improve your posture. You will be closely monitored by our Physiotherapist Pilates instructor who will tailor the exercises to your needs, and adjust any exercises which you are having difficulty with.

Beginner – You will learn and reinforce the basic principles and work on correct muscle patterning, increasing core strength and correct breathing but gradually introducing some more challenging progressions for those who need to move on.  This level should not be rushed! Some clients prefer to stay at this level if it’s best for them.

Improver – For those who have a very good grasp of the basics and want to be challenged with tougher exercises.  The focus is on increasing core strength, stamina and more complex patterns of movement.  Many clients will remain at this level and feel huge benefits from regular classes.

Intermediate – For those clients are ready for even more challenging exercises for the core and co-ordination. A faster pace, working towards increasing stamina as well as flexibility and strength. The aim is for movement to become more flowing and dynamic so the body becomes evenly strengthened and toned. Clients must have the ability to know their own bodies and how far to push themselves.  Essential to have a complete grasp of previous levels.

40 minute Rehab  – This class works on your balance, bone health and overall tone and flexibility to keep you moving efficiently despite any injuries or difficulties you may be experiencing. Delivered at a level that allows everyone to participate.

Stretching, flexibility & Relaxation – This class is suitable for anyone who has a range of movement loss, from athletes who need to improve flexibility for performance or if you need to improve the range required for everyday activities. You will be introduced to a comprehensive approach that includes stretching, strengthening and relaxation. The goals of this class are to move with grace and ease, and this is experienced as enhanced awareness of your movement.

1:1 sessions

Pre –  class assessment.

An initial consultation with a Physiotherapist is required to ensure that you are best suited to classes, as some injuries will require closer supervision and treatment. This will be a 30 assessment where our Physios will look at your posture, joint range of movement, functional activities such as squats, lunges and balance. Then you will go through the 5 basic principles of Pilates and how to apply them to Pilates exercises.

1:1 sessions

The personal attention you get in a One to One session can be incredibly helpful and beneficial to your Pilates practice and also your performance in other areas of life.

Every one to one session is personalised to the client’s needs and wishes; regular classes, a programme to work on at home or a combination of both. In the private environment of a one-to-one session you can also discuss more sensitive issues which you may not want to raise in a class setting.

Some people come three times a week, others come once a month to fine tune their programme and make it more challenging as they are able. Every session is different and tailored to suit you.

In the one to one setting we can look very closely at the positions that are causing discomfort, and start to find positions of ease. These positions are then used to very gradually build up the challenge of the exercises within your abilities. It is a slow process and demands patience whilst you make steady improvements.

If you are experiencing any pain, Pilates can still help. We focus more on activity than pain as often people find they improve in everyday activities before pain starts to decrease.

We can be versatile in our approach to a one to one session, so if you’ve got something in mind, we can talk through your ideas and work on them together.

Appointment Times:

Day Time Instructor
Tuesday 8.40am, 2.30pm Helen
Wednesday 1.00pm Tricia
Thursday 2.30pm Helen
Thursday 5.15pm Tricia
Friday 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2.00pm Helen
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