Group Classes

I currently run five Pilates group classes per week from my spacious Pilates studio in Central Winchester.

The Beginner/Improver class is held on a Monday at 5.30pm. This class is currently full, but if you are interested in starting Pilates for the first time, please do make contact to register your interest - circumstances can change and it may be that a place comes up within the next half-term.

The other 4 classes are all mixed ability classes and are ideal for those who have some previous experience of Pilates. These classes are held at 7pm on a Monday, 9.20am on a Tuesday and 6.15pm & 7.30pm on a Wednesday.

During the classes, clients will generally be doing the same exercise at the same time. However, I will differentiate and offer alternative exercises to different people based on what I know about their individual bodies and needs (for example if they have a specific injury or health condition which requires them to avoid certain movements). The ability to do that well, is one of the things that sets Body Control Pilates instructors apart from general fitness trainers. You should feel challenged but not overwhelmed. It is essential that you always listen to your body and work within your limits.

If you wish to join a Pilates class as a beginner (if there is space) or are returning after a break, I do ask you to attend two initial 1:1 sessions and sometimes more, depending on individual circumstances, before I can integrate you into an existing class. These sessions are so that I can be sure that you understand the fundamentals of Pilates – Alignment, Breathing and Centring, so that you can work safely and at the right level within a class setting.

Good Pilates instruction is individualised even in a group setting, so these initial 1:1 assessments help me look at your posture and how you move so that you will get the best experience from the classes, should you decide to join. I will only put you in a class if, having read your enrolment form and spoken to you, I think a group setting is appropriate for you (i.e. you have no complex injuries/issues). If you have injuries or medical issues that may require more ongoing individual attention, I might suggest the 1:1’s are a better fit for you.              

In these 1:1 sessions, we will revisit the fundamentals of Pilates (Alignment, Breathing and Centring), so that I can be confident you know how to find/activate your core muscles and start to move with stability. We will cover:

  1.  What Pilates is (and isn’t)

  2.  Standing correctly (assess your existing posture)

  3.  Neutral pelvis and spine in various positions

  4.  Your range of movement and your general movement ability

  5.  The importance of breathing properly

  6.  How to move with an understanding of centring

  7.  Beginning to challenge your core stability

  8.  An understanding of scapular control (the position of your shoulder blades!)

  9.  Being aware of your own limitations and listening to your body

There will be a bit of ‘talk’ in these sessions, but I will get you ‘doing’ fairly quickly after that. In the weeks following, we will continue to build on the fundamentals, encouraging you to really work on your posture, core stability, flexibility and mobility.

As I’m sure you will appreciate, different Pilates organisations (and gyms…) approach their group classes in different ways and these two sessions are to make sure you know the fundamentals of Pilates and will be able to work safely and with confidence within a class setting. These 1:1 sessions are £55 per session and are a good way for you to get to know the basics of Pilates and how I teach. If you enjoy these sessions and would like to join a class, I will deduct £55 from your first block of group classes. The 1:1 sessions take place in my studio in Winchester at a mutually convenient time.

I do have limited availability in some of my mixed ability classes, so please tell me which class times you would prefer when you first make contact with me.

Regardless of whether you are a complete beginner or have done Pilates in the past, I will always ask you to fill out an enrolment form. On this form you should write in detail about any injuries, health concerns or recent surgery. This is also a great opportunity for you to share some of your interests, concerns and goals. Based on this information and following the two 1:1 sessions, I will suggest an appropriate group class for you (unless you wish to continue on a 1:1 basis).

If you have been referred for Pilates due to an ongoing injury, or have a medical condition, I may need to discuss your current suitability for Pilates with your medical practitioner, so that we can work out the best way to approach the classes or 1:1 sessions, taking into account any health problems or restricted movements you may have.

Please do get in touch, if you wish to join any of my weekly classes.

For more information on my group classes, what to expect and what to bring, please see full details below or take a look at my FAQs page.

“Group mat work classes are a great way to benefit from Pilates in a small group of like minded people. Whilst benefiting from the social side of group classes, you will also feel motivated and energised throughout your Pilates class.”

Enrolment and Booking Classes

In the first instance, to discuss class options and availability, please contact me by email at camilla@pilatesthroughlife.com including your name and mobile number or just text or call me on 07557 886 345.

All clients are then asked to complete the Enrolment Form to ensure that a mat class is the most appropriate option before being accepted into the class. This confidential form will give me important information regarding your health, lifestyle and any injuries. Please ensure you provide detailed information on injuries and any other medical issues you may have on the form. I will then arrange a time to talk through any individual requirements or needs, so that I can plan a safe and effective programme for you and integrate you safely into a class.

To access the Enrolment Form, please click the Enrolment Form link below, complete it and then send to me by email.

Group class FAQs

How big will the classes be?

My classes are all small (maximum 9 people), so that individual attention is given to technique and everyone can exercise safely.

How will the classes be run?

Classes typically run in ‘blocks’ alongside school term dates. These are generally 6 or 7 weeks in length. Please note, “drop ins” are not allowed. You must book a block of classes in advance.

How much are the group classes?

My group classes are £14.50 per class. Payment is always made on a block booking basis, with payment for the block in advance by bank transfer.

If for some reason, you need to miss a class, you can always make it up by joining another class, if there’s space. Otherwise, you can carry over one class credit (maximum) for the following block and I will adjust your block fees accordingly.

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable and warm (thin layers are best) that you can move in.

If possible, the clothes should not be too baggy, as I need to see your spine. Please wear socks.  

What equipment will I need?

Not a thing, all equipment is provided, including comfortable mats.

How do I enrol for group classes?

Before coming to your first session, as mentioned above, you will need to click the button above to download the Enrolment Form, complete it and then send to me by email/post.

This confidential form will give me important information regarding your health, lifestyle and any injuries. This way, I can plan a safe and effective programme for you and monitor your progress.

Can I join if I am recovering from an injury?

If you have been referred for Pilates following an injury, or have a medical condition, I may need to discuss your current suitability for Pilates with your medical practitioner. Clients are asked to complete the enrolment form to ensure that a mat class is the most appropriate option before being accepted into class.