Pilates Classes

Pilates is a postural form of exercise that works on strengthening and stretching the body. The aim is to perform exercises with good postural alignment using the core muscles to stabilise the spine, combined with breathing control to help reduce tension.

The great thing about Pilates is that it allows you to progress at your own pace, offering a gentle workout for those who prefer to keep at a steady level but also offering higher levels for those who want to progress and build up their fitness further.

The Benefits of Pilates:

Improved posture
Stronger, more flexible spine
Improved strength, stamina and flexibility
Reduction of tension and stress
Improved body awareness
Aids recovery from injury
Improved pelvic floor tone
Improved postnatal muscle control - you can start at 6 weeks postnatal, or after 12 weeks if you have a caesarian

APPI Pilates:

Pilates Classes at The Cloisters follow modified Pilates techniques developed by the Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute (APPI) which allow the rehabilitation of people with injuries, joint problems or pain.

Whilst Traditional Pilates focuses on the external power muscles, APPI Modified Pilates concentrates initially on the deeper stabilising muscles with the aim of establishing good core stability before the external muscles are brought in and challenged.

Our Instructors:

All our Pilates Instructors are also Chartered Physiotherapists and as such they are already human movement specialists with years of experience in assessing posture and mobility.

They are also used to dealing with people in pain and helping them to find their correct level of exercise, and then in building them up to restore function.

You can read more about our Pilates Team here.

Pilates Classes:

We offer a beginners class on Tuesday evening at 6.15pm and Wednesday evening at 6.00pm. This course teaches the basic principles of Pilates. Once these are mastered you may want to move on to a general level class where you can progress further. Classes last an hour and all equipment is provided. The classes are kept small to allow individual attention, we aim for up to ten people in a class.

Please wear loose comfortable clothing that you can move in (trousers or leggings) and socks or bare feet.

One to One Pilates:

One to One Pilates involves the assessment of your individual needs, your movement and your muscle control so that a program can be specifically designed to meet your requirements.

The program will target any specific areas of weakness and tightness, and you will learn correct alignment and how to isolate the core muscles effectively.

One to One Pilates will also give you a greater understanding of your body and how it works so that you will enjoy the benefits from your Pilates more quickly.

One to One is particularly beneficial if you suffer from spine or joint problems, and it is also a great way to introduce yourself to Pilates before joining a class.

Booking:

Pilates classes are offered at £55 for a six week course. One to One Pilates is offered at £45 for an hour. Please contact The Cloisters reception either by phone or via the contact page to organise a place in a class or book a one to one.

If you miss a class you can still catch up within the term by coming to another class - providing there is space. This system works best if you let your instructor or reception know if there are any classes that you cannot attend so that spaces can be offered to those that want to swap. Refunds are only offered if a space can be filled so if you realise you can no longer attend your course please let us know as soon as possible.

We are always happy to provide additional information or to talk through any problems or reservations you may have. Further information on Pilates can be found in our Pilates FAQ.

The Cloisters is situated close to Leamington Spa town centre and is within easy reach of Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry. There is plenty of free parking close by.

The Pilates Team:

Julia Edwards

I am a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with over 16 years NHS experience, including setting up the chronic back pain program at Warwick Hospital. I have enjoyed working as a Pilates instructor for many years.

I have found Pilates to be a very user friendly way to get patients to improve their postural awareness, build up their strength and help give them control over their condition.

I love the way Pilates allows people to work at a level that suits them so that exercises can be kept gentle for those that need to, whilst others can be progressed on.

I have worked with pregnant and postnatal ladies and found it particularly useful for for pregnancy related conditions such as pelvic pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction, weak pelvic floor and diastasis recti.

I am looking forward to getting involved with the physiotherapists at The Cloisters offering one to one Pilates and also setting up some daytime Pilates classes.

Katie Phillips

I qualified as a Physiotherapist from Birmingham University in 2003, and have gained extensive experience in all core areas of Physiotherapy whilst working in the the NHS. During this time I developed a passion for neurophysiotherapy and have since specialist in this area.

More recently I have qualified as a Pilates Class Instructor with the APPI and wish to share my enthusiasm for this enjoyable form of exercise that can help a variety of clients – from those that want to combat injury or recurrent pain to those who want to try a new form of exercise for a healthier lifestyle.

Through my professional and personal experiences of Pilates I believe it can benefit anyone and everyone by strengthening, lengthening and toning muscles, improving core stability and postural control.

Hayley Walding

I qualified in 2005 from the University of Brighton and currently work for South Warwickshire’s NHS Foundation Trust as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. In 2007 I became specialised in Musculoskeletal and since have become a Credentialed McKenzie Therapist.

I recently started my Pilates training in 2010 and passed my Pilates Class Instructor exam in the November of that year.

Despite this I have employed the basic APPI techniques for many years within my exercise programmes for patients to empower them and return to full fitness.

I have a keen interest in sport injuries, namely hockey, which has enabled Volunteer work with the Welsh Senior Ladies Hockey Squad in their World Cup campaign in 2010.

Caitriona Newham

I trained at the University of Hertfordshire and qualified as a physiotherapist in 2007 with BSc Honours. I am registered with the Health Professions Council and am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. I have trained with The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates institute (APPI) in London where I qualified to teach Pilates.

I currently work for the NHS as a Senior Physiotherapist where I specialise in outpatient physiotherapy working with patients with musculoskeletal problems.

My main area of interest is physical fitness and helping people with lower back pain. I aim to make my Pilates class a fun and rewarding experience where everyone can reach their own personal goals of fitness and flexibility.