There’s a real mixture:

Sometimes it’s specific: some have had hip replacements and want to improve their quality of life post surgery; some have neck, shoulder and back issues from working at their desk all day and want to improve their posture; some are training for a particular sporting event and want to ensure their entire body is as strong as can be.

Sometimes its general: some want to improve their mental health and wellbeing; some want to improve the way they move their body; some want social connection.

Before we do any pilates, I spend an hour getting to know you and your body:

- Medical screening and lifestyle information: this covers all of the general medical, health and wellbeing points to allow me to plan the safest and most appropriate exercise programme for you that will enable you to reach your goals.

- Informed consent: we discuss the purpose, content, risks and benefits and I answer any questions you have so that you feel confident that pilates is right for you.

- Postural assessment and screening: I observe you from head to toe standing from each side, rear and front. I then have you lay on your back and observe how your body moves when asked to do certain things. I’m checking your alignment to see which parts of your body are strong and which are weak. All of this informs your unique pilates programme.

- Your goals and any barriers you may have to achieving these: it’s important for me to know what you would like to achieve so that each session I plan helps you progress towards your goal.

You don’t have to but I do advise it in order to get the most out of your group classes. The better I know you and your body, the safer and more appropriately I can modify and adapt movements for you in class to help you progress towards your goals.

If you choose to have an initial 1:1 it costs £15 and takes us an hour to go through the following:

- Medical screening and lifestyle information

- Informed consent: we discuss the purpose, content, risks and benefits and I answer any questions you have

- Postural assessment: I observe you from head to toe - standing, lying down and moving

- Your goals and any barriers you may have to achieving these

If you choose not to have the initial 1:1, you will still need to fill in the Medical screening information and sign to give informed consent. As I get to know you and your body in the class I’ll be able to personalise movements for you to help you reach your goals.

Form-fitting clothing is ideal. Pilates is all about the alignment of your body, which means that I need to be able to see your form. Ideally leggings or shorts and a fitted t shirt or vest. If you choose to wear socks, make sure you wear a pair that has some grip on the bottom of them.

Bring yourself and a bottle of water. Some choose to bring their own mat and you are welcome to do so if you wish.

Please let me know as soon as you know so that someone else can have your place.