Why Practice Pilates?

“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.” Joseph Pilates

Improve your posture and muscle tone
Realign, strengthen and mobilise your joints
Prevent injuries and aid injury recovery and chronic back problems
Increase pelvic floor strength and help prevent incontinence
Improve your stamina, balance and coordination
Release tension, feel better and increase your energy levels

Book online

My small group mat classes allow you to practice the Pilates method in a friendly and relaxing way with like-minded people. We will work through many Pilates exercises with lots of variations and the use of small props such as resistance bands, spiky balls and overballs. Are you ready to embark on your Pilates journey and see the changes it will bring in your body?

  • Healthy Feet – Why Do You Need to Look After Your Feet?

    Healthy Feet – Why Do You Need to Look After Your Feet?

  • Spinal Rotation

    Spinal Rotation

  • Focus on Pilates Soft Ball/ Overball

    Focus on Pilates Soft Ball/ Overball

“What can Pilates do for you? How about improved posture, movement, core strength and general sense of well-being for a start. Pilates Inner Core Therapy classes are small, friendly, well planned and very enjoyable. The small class size is a real advantage as it allows Lena to give a high level of personal feedback. She is meticulous in her attention to detail, ensuring that everyone receive maximum benefit from the classes. Sign up today and you will soon start to notice a real difference. “

– Gill

” Excellent instructor, with a great teaching style. Very much enjoy the classes and look forward to them every week. Gives me time to relax, whilst really working on my inner core. Would certainly recommend these classes to people. “

– Sarah

” Lena’s relaxing and thoughtfully prepared antenatal classes are brilliant for mums-to-be looking to remain supple and tackle back problems during pregnancy.
I have looked forward to my hour of stretching out aching muscles each week with Lena and I have also found it a useful way to deal with worry and stress too, as you build up to the arrival of your new baby.
Lena is a very knowledgeable, kind and conscientious instructor and I would not hesitate to recommend her classes both during pregnancy and also after this time too. “

– Claire

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book?

Please go to my Booking page via Gymcatch.com to reserve your place and pay for the class or session. You will need to complete and return an enrolment form before attending your first class (See Classes Page). This provides me with essential information on your general health and the goals you wish to achieve through attending the classes. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a private session, please, email pilatesinnercore@gmail.com 

Do I need to bring my own mat?

Mats, head cushions and small equipment are provided in classes. Please bring a small towel to hygienic reasons. Feel free to bring your own mat and small cushion if you prefer. 

What do I wear for class?

Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose enough to move in, but not so baggy that your Pilates teacher can’t see your body move properly. We need to see what you are doing to make sure you are exercising correctly and safely. A close fitting T shirt and jogging bottoms or leggings are good. Please do not wear clothing with zips or buckles as these can interfere with the movement and damage the mats. Please wear socks for ease of movement when sliding feet on the mat and for hygiene.  

Can I do Pilates if I suffer from chronic back ache or other joint problems?

Pilates is often recommended to rehabilitate back and other joint problems. However, if your pain is new and/or acute and has not been checked out by a health professional, you need to make an appointment with your doctor or therapist first to make sure they are happy for you to join the class. If you are referred by your doctor, physiotherapist or osteopath, we may, with your permission, liaise with them to ensure we are providing you with the best treatment. If you do suffer from joint pains or have undergone surgery, it is recommended that you initially do a short course of private sessions before starting a group class.

Are Pilates exercises safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a natural state and staying active throughout pregnancy is vital for a healthy pregnancy and to be fit to deliver. Pilates exercises can help achieve a healthy pregnancy (e.g. focusing on pelvic floor education, breathing technique and building the natural corset to support the back and baby) and prepare for the birth. Yes, your body is changing and certain exercises should not be performed, but there are many exercises that we can do in full or modified form. Antenatal classes are open for those with established pregnancy (after 16 weeks) and all pregnant clients should obtain permission from their doctor or midwife to take part in exercise.

Is there a difference with Pilates class in a gym?

Is there a difference with Pilates class in a gym? Unlike the approach of many gyms, where there are no strict regulations on the size of the class, the Body Control Pilates approach limits the class to 12 people. Lena’s classes are up to 6 people. This is because we know that doing the exercises incorrectly could be, at best, not beneficial and at worst – dangerous. A smaller class size ensures you get individual attention and allow the teacher to carefully check that you are performing the exercises correctly.