Hopefully. I have given you all the information that you need on the preceding pages, but here is a selection of answers to questions I have been asked in the past.

Q. Is Pilates like yoga?

A. In many respects Pilates is like yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasise deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. The difference is that while yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next without repetitions, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based. In other words, in Yoga, your aim is to get into that static posture and hold it, whereas in Pilates it is the process that we are more interested it.

Q. What do I wear?

 A.  Anything that will allow you freedom to move. No jeans, please, no belts but close fitting clothing that is comfortable. No shoes – socks in winter and bare feet in the summer.

Q. Can I continue practicing Pilates when I am pregnant?

A.   If you have been practicing Pilates regularly and have no history of miscarriages, then there are no contraindications for you to stop, even if it is group classes that you want to continue to attend. However, please bear the following in mind:-

  • in the first trimester, you will be more tired than normal. You may prefer to sleep rather than come to a Pilates class, however gentle it may be.
  • many of Pilates exercises are performed in your front, in prone position. The later the pregnancy the bigger you'll get and the more uncomfortable this position will become.
  • In the last trimester you may also find that lying on your back is uncomfortable; many women find that the foetus presses on some nerves in the pelvic region. That will limit what you can comfortably do in your group classes
You may therefore prefer to attend a dedicated pregnancy class or come to one- to-one sessions, which will be more effective. I do not teach group classes for pregnant women but can recommend several practitioners in the area. Please look at my page “Links and Recommended practitioners” for details.

Q. Can I come on drop in basis?

A.   Unfortunately, not. To achieve any worthwhile results, Pilates needs to be practiced regularly; continuity and commitment are very important. I agree to drop-in basis in exceptional circumstances and only if you have been practicing Pilates regularly: please talk to me if you would like to pursue this option. 

Q.  How often should I practice Pilates?

A.   Once a week minimum, 4 times a week maximum. Little and often is better than a lot at one time, particularly if you suffer with stiffness and lower back pain. You should do your stretches daily, for 5 minutes or so.

 Q. Should do other forms of exercise?

A.  Yes! If you can…. You may have read recent World Health Organisation  recommendations, based on newest research, that in order to stay healthy we need a good dose of aerobic exercise weekly. A gentle stroll is not enough. The new guidelines, drawn up by scientists considered world leaders in public health, now say 30 minutes of daily vigorous - rather than gentle - activity should be considered the minimum. They also advise taking two weight-training sessions a week in addition to lighter activities such as walking, shopping and taking out the rubbish.

The report now states that fast walking or heavy-duty gardening would be considered moderate-intensity exercise, but emphasises the importance of breaking a sweat and raising the heart rate.

Q. What happens if I miss a class?

A. You can come to another class the same week or another week in the same term. Please choose your replacement class carefully, though. Whilst it is easy to come to any class, if you are intermediate (and sometime greatly beneficial to go back to the basics), if you are just embarking on a Pilates routine, you will find a higher level class bewildering and potentially dangerous.