Best Pilates Classes in Keighley

Pilates is suitable for any fitness level and any age making it a perfect choice of exercise, you do not need to have prior knowledge or experience of Pilates. Although, unless you are joining a brand new beginners group we do recommend you book a private session with us first so we can go through Pilates principles as there are some basic fundamentals that are key to practicing Pilates to gain the best experience and make the changes you wish to see. When joining an established group you may miss some of these important basics that will have a profound impact on your practice.

Everyone that comes to our Pilates classes are there for their own reasons and to work on different goals. The beauty of Pilates is that it takes concentration (one of the key principles of Pilates) you will soon forget about everyone around you and zone in to your own body. If you are concerned about being able to keep up, I can also assure you that you will not be placed into a class that you are not capable of. Some classes are mixed ability and working at different levels, we teach small classes so we can keep a watchful eye on you moving to ensure you are not doing anything that can cause you any harm, if on the occasion your teacher does not think you are ready for an exercise that has been offered you will be given an alternative to practice. Pilates is not an exercise practice to compete with others, you only have to work on your own body to help you feel better than you did yesterday.

My motto with Pilates is, it should never be too easy or it should never be too hard. We work on deep stabilising muscles rather than superficial muscles that you may feel when participating in other exercise classes. If Pilates is new to you, you will most probably work some muscles that are not used to be worked, we work slowly in a controlled way so we can bypass the superficial muscles and go a little deeper so you may feel muscles working hard, and its usually on those small movements that look very easy (this is a good way of knowing that you are doing it right!) Pilates works to progress you slowly at the right time, there is no point working too hard without control, as this will entice injury which will hurt, so in short, no it should not hurt but you may feel your muscles working hard, there is a difference!

Something comfortable that you can move easily and freely in. In order to help your teacher see you move easily its better to wear closer fitted clothing, as baggy t-shirts and pants can prohibit us seeing you move, but firstly and most importantly you must feel comfortable, leggings, comfortable trousers and t-shirts are just fine. We do not wear shoes in Pilates, so either socks or no socks are just fine.

Once upon a time I would say nothing, just turn up for your session in the right clothing and we will be ready to go, although since covid we have been working on ways to prevent the spread of covid-19 where possible. We do have mats and head cushions at the studio but you may feel happier bringing your own equipment to class if you have them at home. We use mats and head cushions to help with a good alignment of your spine when we exercise. If you do not have your own equipment, you are welcome to use ours all we ask is that you bring a small towel to cover the head cushions that you will be using so they are ready to use for the next person coming into class.