Pilates FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pilates?

Pilates is not just about great posture and a rock-hard core. It is more than just a physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Pilates is essentially about re-educating your body and undoing any damage or cheat/compensatory movements your body has learned through years of abuse or lack of good exercise! By repeatedly moving in certain corrective positions, our musculature starts to retain a memory of how they feel, and in time will actually adapt to that better pattern automatically – without us having to think about them. This brings more balance to your body and prevents overstrain on muscles and joints – THIS GIVES LESS PAIN and helps you feel like you are stronger and more flexible. This is Pilates benefits us in our everyday lives!!

Can Pilates help with Stress?

Yes, just read our reviews! Many of our clients find Pilates very relaxing and most agree that they sleep better after their class!

Am I too old / too unfit / too large to do Pilates?

No! You can start Pilates at any age, any fitness level and any shape and size!! You are more than welcome to our classes. Our Level 1 Class is perfect for those over 55 who just want to work at a nice pace and enjoy moving whilst reaping the benefits!! “A man is as young as his spinal column. If your spine is stiff at 30, you are old. If it is flexible at 60, you are young.” – Joseph Pilates If you are unsure which class would be best suited to you please contact us.

Will I notice changes straight away?

Pilates takes a bit of practice to properly master some of the techniques, so you need to stick at it to really reap rewards. Most people find that even a handful of sessions is enough to start feeling fitter and stronger, but stick with it for about 10 sessions, and you will definitely feel improvements in your body.

Do I need to bring anything?

An enrolment form will be emailed to you when you sign up to a class, this must be completed prior to taking part in any of our classes at Causeway Pilates. Please bring your completed enrolment form and arrive 5 mins early to your first class. Feel free to also bring a bottle of water with you.

What should I wear to class?

Just wear something you are comfortable to move in, doesn’t have to be tight lycra but just not too baggy.

Why do I have to complete an enrolment form?

Before your first session you will need to complete an enrolment form. This form gives you an opportunity to provide us with any information about you and your background that might impact on your Pilates practise eg. Recent or past injuries that may affect your movement, ongoing medical conditions like Osteoporosis, high blood pressure etc.

How do I book?

Call the clinic: 028 703 59592 or send an email to info@causewayphysio.com or contact us directly via the “Contact us” section of the website. Please note that the full block payment is required at time of booking in order to secure your place, this can be done over the phone by card, or in the clinic via card, cheque or cash.. See full Terms and Conditions regarding class swaps, refunds and more.

Who can do Pilates?

Anyone and everyone! Pilates is so versatile that exercises can be adapted to suit every individual and to challenge at each level: beginner to advanced! If you’d like to try, contact us about our next FREE Taster Session or if you just want to get going call to book your block 028 703 59592.

Can you pay-as-you-go?

No. Throughout term time all our classes run in set blocks of 6-8 weeks. We may offer more flexible booking during the summer but pre-booking is still required.

Private Tuition

Private sessions can be paid for individually, or booked and paid for in advance to take advantage of the ‘six for the price of five’ offer. Block sessions are valid for 6 months from the original date of purchase. Any sessions not used within six months will expire.

We require at least 24hours notice should you wish to change or amend a booking for a private session. Late cancellations or amendments will be charged at their full rate.

Why are classes booked in blocks?

Classes are run in blocks to ensure a good progression and also to encourage a level of commitment. Pilates is a progressive form of exercise and although one class will give you an introduction, you really need to go to a few classes to get a proper feel and understand what you are doing. Block booking also allows the instructor to get to know his/her class so they can plan appropriately to challenge as required. Basics are always revised and taught thoroughly in each block while at the same time progressing the difficulty of the exercises. When you have an excellent grasp of the basics you will safely progress to the higher levels with confidence and knowing that you are performing each exercise safely and with good form.

Why are we different?

We value the principles of Pilates. We tailor each and every class to suit the needs of the each group so YOU get the most out of every session. Our passionate instructors keep you right the whole time and Joanne trains all her instructors to achieve the same high standards she sets herself. We constantly teach our teachers, share our experiences and continually develop our Pilates instructors to ensure you receive the very best Pilates experience!

Can pilates help with back pain?

Yes, pilates is great at helping to ease and eliminate back pain! Just read some of our reviews! So many of our clients start with niggly aching backs or even occasional spasms only to find after 1-2 blocks they are no longer having any back problems at all. Exercise is medicine BUT even the simplest of exercise can be harmful when done incorrectly… It’s our job to keep you right so you don’t hurt yourself.

How can Pilates help me?

PiIates is great for the whole body: physically and mentally! Strength and conditioning, toning and posture correction, maintenance of healthy joints, mobility and stress relief. Pilates leaves you feeling energised in mind and body. Read our reviews to hear some personal stories from our clients.

Can I try Pilates for FREE?

Yes, with Causeway Pilates you can! We offer regular FREE taster session to let you try, Please contact the clinic for the next available Taster Class.

Can men do Pilates?

Of course yes, we have a few men who attend our classes and would love to encourage more! Top footballers, rugby players, boxers etc all do Pilates…it really is the perfect exercise for injury prevention and to IMPROVE the benefits you get from strength training in the gym (learn to work the small muscles and get you’ll get bigger gains in the big muscles!!

Is Pilates challenging?

Some exercises look easy, but if you are in the correct position and recruiting appropriately, which we ensure you will be, you will work harder than you think. We can tailor Pilates to any level you are able for. In the unlikelihood that we can’t challenge you enough in a class situation, we can tailor private sessions specially to your level and pace.

How will I know I’m doing it right?

Because we have the best teachers who are there to help you! You will be taught the basics of Pilates in your first class and reminded throughout all your following sessions. We DEMO any new exercises and guide you through the class using verbal, physical instructions and through corrections – again verbally or through hands on tactile cueing. Classes are small (Max 12) so you will get an excellent level of individual attention. Classes are also very relaxed so please feel free to ask if you are unsure about anything.

Who are our instructors?

Our Lead Pilates instructor is Joanne Coleman, she is a Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher, you can read more about her Pilates story here. She has a fantastic team Laura, Hazel and Colin, who are all Chartered Physiotherapists and APPI Pilates Instructors. We work closely together and often observe and to from each other.

What are the Terms and Conditions?

See our Terms and Conditions page – click here to find out about class swaps, refunds and much more.

What Our Customers Say

Testimonials

"I have found that my left shoulder pain has reduced, I have better balance and better posture in everyday life. I found by starting at the basics I can understand and have been more aware of what I am actually meant to be doing. I will and have recommended Causeway Pilates to others."

10/10 rating from Nikki Crowe

"I find this class very good. I was in a previous Pilates class where I didn’t know if I was doing movement properly and the teacher didn’t get round to check on everyone. There is a Friendly atmosphere and I can ask Joanne questions without feeling foolish! I will and have recommended Causeway Pilates to others."

10/10 rating from Arvril Whiskers

"I started Pilates to lose weight, tone and relax. I have really enjoyed Pilates as it is relaxing. Jo is a great instructor, friendly and good fun. I have noticed a difference as I feel more toned and not as stressed. Thank you Jo, I will be signing up for the next set of sessions."

10/10 rating from Jaice Cassidy

"Having been to a large group exercise classes before, I was a bit nervous at maybe getting ‘lost’ is the group and then left to figure the moves for myself. But Jo’s classes are perfect, they are just the right size and Jo is able to still give individual attention when needed so that we don’t go wrong. I love this class. Even after just a few weeks I can feel a difference in my body, and my posture has improved too."

10/10 rating from Diane Rogers

"What can I say?…. Causeway Pilates is simply fabulous!!!
I have been through a considerable amount of stress & anxiety this year, and someone suggested Pilates as a way to do some endorphin-boosting exercise which didn’t involve throwing myself around a gym (which I felt way too delicate to face!). Jo has been so kind & encouraging, whilst also helping us to each find our individual levels of challenge & to push ourselves further each session."

10/10 rating from Emma Stewart

"I thoroughly enjoyed Pilates with Jo. She is such a knowledgeable, patient and fun teacher. I suffer from weakness in my neck and shoulder…this is exactly the right exercise for me to strengthen and balance my body. I can’t thank Jo enough!! Really enjoyed the atmosphere too…lovely people in every class. 10 stars!!"

10/10 rating from Tara Hoy

10/10 rating from Annebell

"I would highly recommend Causeway Pilates, it was my first time trying Pilates and even though I maybe wasn’t doing the things the way Jo was, she is encouraging and I didn’t feel embarrassed one little bit!"

10/10 rating from Julie Leighton