What is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates named his exercise method ‘Contrology’, which was renamed Pilates after his death.  He developed exercises that he believed balanced any misalignments in the body, and became particularly popular with dancers, gymnasts and athletes who quickly saw the benefits to such conditioning training with improvements in their strength and flexibility and the all important link between mind and body.

Today it is available to all ages, levels and abilities, whether to help with a particular sport, or simply to to strengthen posture and produce feelings of well being.  The exercises focus on quality not quantity.  This lessens the risk of injury as it assists in balancing weaker parts of the body by strengthening them.  Every move is controlled by the contraction of the deep abdominal muscles, or ‘core’.  The concentration required to perform these exercises well require focus, and educate our minds to connect with our bodies to create better body awareness, not only whilst performing the exercise but also transition through to our daily lives.

‘Contrology is complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit’ – Joseph Pilates

The strength and flexibility gains from practising Pilates are felt from the first few sessions and I really believe it is an essential part of our training, whether it be for playing sport, helping with aches and pains, recovering from injury or pregnancy or simply to look and feel stronger.

‘The Pilates method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy’ – Joseph Pilates

Pilates Classes

Pilates classes are based in Redbourn Primary School hall.  They are limited to small groups to ensure everyone understands the exercise and performs it with good technique.  My classes take on a ‘personal training’ approach, so you feel you have worked, but also stretched and rejuvenated!

Each class is kept varied and interesting, and the use of small equipment such as bands, Pilates balls and foam rollers are regularly included to challenge your stability within different exercises.

Due to Covid 19, please bring your own mat and small head support or towel.  It is advisable to bring water.  Comfortable clothing that isn’t too baggy is best as I need to be able to see how your body is moving!

Classes are booked on a half termly basis, at £10 each* usually comprising of blocks of between 6 and 8 weeks depending on the school term.  Please note they are term time only.  Missed classes are non refundable but you are able to attend another one of my classes that week if there is space.

*£9 Tuesdays 6.45pm

Mondays 6.45pm – Intermediate/advanced Pilates matwork – Redbourn Primary School Hall

Mondays 8.30pm -ZOOM- Pilates for Womens Health –  matwork 

Tuesdays 6.45pm (55 mins) Beginner/Improver Pilates, Redbourn Primary School Hall

Wednesdays 10.30am Mixed ability matwork Pilates, Redbourn Village Hall

Wednesdays 11.45am – Over 60’s Pilates Redbourn Village Hall

Or try our Pilates and Hiit mix ‘Hudgellates’ – Wednesdays 9.15 – 10.15am – Redbourn Village Hall or Tuesdays 7.45pm Redbourn School

If you are interested in joining a class, and coming for a trial, please contact me to discuss your needs and which class would suit you best.

Hudgellates

A mix of fat burning HIIT sessions with Pilates… for those that want it all….!

Click through for more Hudgellates information.

Testimonials

‘Sarah’s small group Pilates classes are fantastic and I would highly recommend them for improving core strength and flexibility.  Sarah has a great eye for technique and shows you how to do the exercises properly to get maximum benefit from the session.  My core strength has improved a lot since I have been going to the class and the techniques Sarah has taught me have helped to improve my performance not only in Pilates but also the other types of exercise that I do.’

– Claire Haynes, Redbourn

‘I started these classes the other year as a complete beginner but due to the well organised structure I have quickly improved and now completely hooked on Pilates.  Each week the format and exercises are completely different with great use of equipment like balls, bands and rollers.  Plus Sarah layers up the exercise so to cater for all levels and allowing us to push ourselves to the next level – all in all I can’t recommend enough, good fun plus noticeable differences to my core/body in general!’

– Clair Walker, Redbourn

‘Sarah is an excellent Pilates teacher- she is knowledgeable and supportive, is aware of everybody’s unique physiological needs, and keeps a close eye throughout the class to ensure we all get the most from the class’

– Rachael Moss, Redbourn

‘I would definitely recommend Sarah’s classes, she always takes the time to ensure each person has the correct posture and position whilst keeping the flow of the lesson going.  I like how I can finish a class without being all sweaty and hot, yet still have enjoyed a challenging workout and come out feeling relaxed and unwound.  Perfect.

-Debbie Chandra, Redbourn

‘Having never done Pilates before and having no core, I was recommended Sarah’s class and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it!  Sarah is an amazing teacher and with a small class and easy explanations of each move I feel I am already strengthening my core and doing it daily without too much thought, thank you Sarah!’

– Katherine Pryor, Redbourn

‘Great Pilates classes – small groups so Sarah has time to talk and help you individually.  You can check anything your not sure of, and you definitely come out after an hour knowing you’ve been to an exercise class!’

– Sandra Gray, St Albans