Pilates

About the courses...

Group matwork classes (beginners, intermediate and advanced) are held by Sarah from Monday to Thursday, morning and evening. They include a wide range of Pilates matwork equipment including Stability Balls, Foam Rollers, Balance Balls, Sit Fits and Toning Circles.

Advanced Power Pilates drop in sessions, where you can pay on the day are available on Thursdays. These sessions are for those who have experience of the Pilates method and are fit and injury free.

Private 1-1 Sessions are available via appointment.

All other classes are offered as a course and require payment in advance to secure your space. Payment is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to other courses. Our ‘Catch Up’ system, which no other Pilates Studio offers, allows you to swap spaces with other clients if you are likely to miss sessions – please ask for more details.

If you have done Pilates before, you may pay for a ‘one off’ class to see how you get on without any obligation to sign up for the remainder of the course.

If you are a total beginner or require a refresher, in order to join a regular group course you will need to either:

- Attend a 1-1 (you may require one or more depending on your ability)

- Attend a beginners workshop available throughout the year

- Join a short beginners course

At the end of the 1-1 and/or beginner workshop, you will be able to discuss with Sarah which level of class you would like to attend or you may decide to continue with private tuition until you feel more confident.

Beginners Workshops are available throughout the year. These 'one off' sessions are designed to introduce the basic principles of Pilates and ideal for those of you who are a complete beginner or need a refresher. If, after the workshop you would like to join a group class, you can chat to the instructor to discuss which level would be suitable for you

Beginners Courses allow you to grasp the basic elements of Pilates. Currently, these are held on Mondays at 11.45am. They are also ideal for those of you who are experiencing joint pain or recovering from injury and clients who have been recommended by a Physio to try Pilates. The course will include the basic pre-pilates and remedial level exercises and are specifically for strengthening your core stability without compromising movement that would be inappropriate at this stage.

Intermediate classes introduce and fine-tune more challenging exercises. All the Pilates principles are blended together creating a balance between strength and flexibility.

Advanced classes are for those who are fit and injury free. This faster paced class incorporates exercises from the advanced classical mat series comprising of more complex movement sequences.

What is Pilates...

The Pilates Method
Body Control Pilates is very closely based upon the method of body-conditioning developed by the late Joseph Pilates. It is an exercise method which relies on strengthening core postural muscles and developing body alignment. It avoids muscle and ligament damage, sometimes associated with other fitness regimes. Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:

Relaxation, Breathing, Alignment,

Centering, Concentration, Co-ordination,

Flowing Movements, Stamina

Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body allowing you to be in control of your body, handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation. The Method can work for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Its consistent success rate in solving joint pain/back problems has bought it to the attention of osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and homeopathic doctors.

The Pilates Body

The Pilates Body is long, lean and strong. Through the prescribed exercise routines, we retrain the body to work efficiently with minimal effort and no tension. Stamina and co-ordination are improved. The body comes into perfect balance and alignment, the immune system is stimulated and the level of general health very often rises because the internal organs can now sit and function correctly. After working with the Method for a period of time, you will notice improved posture and alignment.

Sarah's Background...

Sarah Palmer, Studio Proprietor and Pilates Instructor originally came from a background of dance at a national level and taught dance for many years. Sarah then joined the fitness industry and set up her own business, TRAX fitness, teaching Aerobics, Body Conditioning, Step and Body Training Systems. Sarah also worked for Fitness Professionals assisting with their Web site development and as Press Officer for their magazines.

In 1998 Sarah sold TRAX to have a family. During both pregnancies Sarah developed back problems and turned to Pilates for help. As a result of seeing such tremendous benefits with unobtrusive, gentle, yet powerful movement, Sarah decided to retrain as a Body Control Pilates instructor.

Sarah is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals as an Advanced Level 3 Pilates instructor. She trained with the Body Control Pilates Association in London. All BCPA instructors work to a laid-down Code of Practice governing teaching standards, class sizes, professional ethics and continuing education. Pilates classes should never exceed 12 clients per class, for your safety and high quality of teaching.

Sarah set up Pilates classes around the Henley-on-Thames area in 2001 hiring various halls and clubs. She soon realised that to get the best out of Pilates, the right venue, atmosphere, temperature of a room and quality of surroundings is paramount to enjoying sessions. Sarah and the team feel priviledged to have found the perfect location and refurbished Studio One to the exact needs of the clients.

We look forward to welcoming you!