PILATES FAQS

Pilates is a method of body conditioning, named after its creator Joseph Pilates. The original method was named “Contrology”, and was renamed Pilates after Joe’s death to honour its creator.

Pilates works the whole body, improving strength, mobility and control.

Pilates exercises can be performed on the mat and using apparatus.

People take up Pilates for many reasons, such as building strength, improving mobility, easing aches and pains, training for an event, to help with injury recovery and more.

Joseph Pilates created various pieces of apparatus that he used with clients in his gym to enhance their workout. Many of these pieces of apparatus are still used in Pilates studios today.

In Joe’s Contrology gym the apparatus was used as a system, with each piece of apparatus helping to enhance your practice. In the Be:Poised Pilates studio we have Reformers, a Tower, Wunda Chairs, a ladder barrel, Pedi-Pul and Spine correctors, as well as smaller pieces of equipment.

Our well equipped studio ensures you get a highly effective workout that will both support and challenge your body.

The ideal answer is BOTH.

The apparatus helps you achieve some of the more complex elements of the mat work, as well as challenging you to move your body with strength and control. On the mat it is just you and your body.

Both mat and apparatus offer amazing benefits. If you are able to do both then that is always my recommendation. However if you have to choose one, here is some information to help…

The apparatus will support you to achieve things that are much more difficult with mat work alone, and challenge you to really tune into how your body moves. Clients who work in the apparatus studio begin to develop a deep understanding of their own body, which can help in other areas of movement outside of the studio.

The mat work makes regular practice more accessible for many people as group mat classes tend to accommodate more people (we take a maximum of 8) and can be cheaper. A lot of people will supplement time in the apparatus studio with mat work either in a group class or online at home. The mat is certainly not the “easy option”. Without the apparatus to support you it is just you and your body. Moving with control and purpose you will be amazed at just how challenging mat work can be.

Joseph Pilates dedicated his life to developing his method for body wellness that we now call “Pilates”. This method has been passed down through generations of teachers, allowing millions of people around the world to benefit from the Pilates method.

In more recent years, splinter disciplines of Pilates-based exercise have emerged, which can vary in terms of how much they really have to do with the original method.

Be:Poised Pilates founder Gina’s teaching is underpinned by an understanding and respect for the traditional Pilates method; working within the traditional framework because the classical method taught in this way works! Every exercise, including the order it is performed in and when we teach it has a purpose. It is a truly comprehensive method to work the whole body.

Gina’s teacher training has involved both traditional and contemporary approaches, and she believes both approaches can have something to offer. She will tailor exercises and programs to suit the individual client and help them get best from their body.

Guest teachers at Be:Poised Pilates are held to high standards and adhere to the Be:Poised Pilates principles of high quality teaching delivered in a supportive and encouraging environment. We believe that each body should be treated as an individual with a programme that works for them.

Pilates is NOT Yoga

Yoga and Pilates have very different origins, intentions and benefits. Both are great, but they are not the same thing and serve different purposes.

Pilates is NOT stretching

In a traditional Pilates class you won’t find much static “stretching”. What you will find are exercises that challenge your body’s mobility, and your strength through a range of movements. You will achieve functional mobility, not just stretching.

Pilates is NOT easy (not if you are doing it properly!)

Pilates is not and was never intended to be “easy”. If you are applying yourself correctly to your Pilates practice you will find every exercise is work…no matter how experienced you are in your practice. It is a full body workout that can challenge even those who think they are the strongest and fittest.

In a group Pilates mat work you will be guided through a series of exercises from the Pilates mat repertoire. Whilst the general flow of exercises is the same for everyone, different variations may be offered to help each person work in a way that is best for their body. Therefore in a group mat class you may see people doing different variations of the same exercise.

Group mat classes at the Be:Poised Pilates Studio are kept small so that each person can receive a good level of observation and support throughout the class.

Classes are generally suitable for all levels, including beginners. However if you are pregnant or just returning to exercise in the weeks/early months after having a baby I recommend joining one of our specialist pregnancy or postnatal classes.

Group apparatus classes are a great way to experience the studio apparatus, such as Reformer, Tower, Chairs and Barrels.

Classes are structured based on the experience levels and needs of those attending each class. We keep our class sizes small to ensure you don’t miss out on that all important personal touch that helps you understand and get the most out of each exercise you do.

Over time you will get the opportunity to work through the exercises on different pieces of apparatus (known as the system), with each piece of the system offering something different to really get you into your body and your practice. Individuals are progressed at a pace suitable for their body and needs.

An induction is needed to join our group apparatus classes so that you can use the apparatus safely and according to your body’s needs.

Please note that group apparatus classes may ot be suitable for everyone. If you have complex medical conditions or mobility issues that require more in-depth monitoring or modifications for exercise please get in touch with us first to discuss suitability. We may recommend 1:1 sessions on a more prolonged or ongoing basis instead.

Yes, absolutely!

Some clients prefer working on a 1:1 basis and will come into the studio for regular 1:1 sessions each week. Others may choose to book periodic 1:1s to supplement their group classes and develop their programming.

The Pilates studio system involves different apparatus, many of which have moving parts and springs under resistance. It is important that you can work safely on the apparatus before moving into a group setting.

Your teacher will show you how to use the apparatus safely, and also spend time with you to understand your body and your needs. There may be certain exercises that need slight modification for you to be able to perform them with correct technique and access the proper benefits. There may be particular areas where you are more restricted, and thus your teacher can identify these and work with you to target these areas.

In today’s busy lifestyles, our time is precious. We want to make sure that you get the most out of the time you put in at the studio, and your induction sessions set you up on the right path to achieve this. After all, Pilates is not just an exercise class. It is a method of body wellbeing. The destination is the same, but how we get there may look different for each individual.

Inductions can be completed via our beginner courses or as private sessions. Get in touch for information and availability

In general, unless you have been advised against exercise by your healthcare professional then yes you can, BUT…there are certain exercises that may not be appropriate for you during pregnancy particularly during 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It is important that you work with a teacher who is trained in working with pregnant clients.

Be:Poised Pilates founder Gina has extensive training and experience in teaching Pilates to pregnant people, including on the mat and using the apparatus. If you would like to join a mat class, Gina runs a Pilates for Pregnancy group mat class that is specially designed for you during your pregnancy. If you would like to work on the apparatus with Gina you are very welcome to book into the apparatus studio on a 1:1, duet or group class basis. You will be given an individual programme that is tailored to meet your body’s needs during pregnancy. We recommend you get in touch if you would like to attend group apparatus classes during your pregnancy.

It is important that you tell your teacher as soon as possible if you become pregnant at any time. Your news will always be treated with due confidentiality, and you will be discretely guided to adaptations of key exercises where required.

Pilates can be a great way to reconnect you with your body after having a baby, and promote restoration of strength, mobility and coordination.

When it comes to any form of exercise after having a baby the mantra “retrain before you train” rings true. There will be some restorative work to do, particularly for the pelvic floor and tummy muscles.

Gina runs a specialist Introduction to Postnatal Pilates course for those returning to exercise after having a baby. She also works with postnatal clients on a private 1:1 basis.

A dedicated Mum & Baby friendly mat class are also available for those who have completed the initial postnatal course and are ready to progress to more general Pilates work, yet still need the option of bringing baby along. You will have the benefit of working with a teacher who already knows what your needs and goals are as you continue through the postnatal period, and a programme that is tailored to meet your needs.

The answer to this will depend on what the injury is, and where you are in your recovery.

A lot of clients come to us via referral / recommendation from their physiotherapist. When you book any class or session with us you will be sent a health form to complete before your first session. This will ask you questions about any injuries, health conditions and specific needs or goals you have. Your teacher may contact you to discuss specific injuries or conditions in more detail and will advise on adaptations that may be suitable for you in a Pilates class. With your permission we can also liaise with your physio or similar therapist to optimise the work we do.

When working with injury recovery we recommend some 1:1 sessions to start with so that we can tailor the best programme for you. In teaching you your teacher will be observing not only the movement at the injury site, but also how your body is moving as a whole - taking a full body approach to get you back on your feet and feeling strong.

Yes - Pilates can be very beneficial for people with back pain.

Joseph Pilates is quoted as saying “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”.

Pilates can help ease back pain and promote spine health by strengthening the stabilising muscles of the trunk, mobilising the body and promoting better body mechanics.

If you are experiencing back pain and would like to try Pilates, it is important that your teacher knows what type of back pain you are experiencing. For certain conditions, such as vertebral or disc issues, osteoporosis or acute injury there may be some exercises your teacher will avoid/modify for you, and others that they will ensure feature prominently in your programme to aid recovery.

Absolutely, yes! Pilates is about you feeling good and celebrating what your body can do. We welcome clients with disabilities and will work with you to meet you where you are and make it work for you.

We might recommend starting with a consultation so we can get a better idea of how your disability impacts you and what you would like to acheve from your sessions. Depending on the nature of your disability we may discuss things such as how we can set up the studio to make the environment more conducive for you - such as altering light or background noise, teaching techniques that are particularly effective for you, or modifications to the equipment in the studio to support you.

If you require a chaperone or interpreter to accompany you they will be welcomed into the studio.

Active 2-way communication is always encouraged. Your instructor will be learning from you as much as you are learning from them as you are the expert in how your disability affects YOU personally. Therefore don’t be afraid to tell us if there is anything that isn’t working for you or you don’t feel comfortable with, as well as all the things that make you feel epic!

We want our studio to be a welcoming space where everyone feels safe to experience the benefits of Pilates for their body. After all, it is about making Pilates work for YOU.

We use the BSport Platform for all our bookings and client management. When making your first booking you will be asked to register with us. You can then book with us online or via the BSport app. Please note, if you already have a BSport account with another fitness provider your log in will be the same. Use your existing log in or select Forgotten Password to reset your password. If you are on our mailing list, select Forgotten Password if this is your first log in.

Once your first booking has been made you will receive a Welcome email that includes important information about your booking. This includes a link to complete your online health form before your first class.

Your teacher will review your health form prior to your first class. You may be contacted for further information if I feel something in your health form requires further clarifiation ahead of your first session. If you have booked a 1:1 some time at the beginning of your session will be devoted to a discussion of your needs. I will also check in with you from time to time to see how you are doing and whether you have any questions.

Remember, your Pilates practice is for YOU. Therefore please do ask questions and talk to me if there is anything you would like to discuss that will help you in your practice.

At Be:Poised Pilates you will be taught in small class sizes and by highly trained teachers with specialist knowledge.

All class sizes are kept small so that each person receives a good level of individual observation, guidance and support throughout a class.

Comprehensive Pilates teacher training is an intense period of learning which requires a dedicated investment of time and expense. Qualification requires a detailed understanding of anatomy & physiology, and the abilily to apply the method appropriately for clients with differing needs or medical conditions.

As a Comprehensive Pilates teacher I am continually investing in ongoing continued training which enables me to continue to offer high quality teaching and cater for clients with specialist needs. Our studio and cover teachers are held to the same high standards with regards to their training, experience and teaching approach.

As a client of Be:Poised Pilates you can be confident that you are recieving high quality teaching that will help you get the very best out of your body and the time you put in.

You should wear clothes that you can move comfortably in. Ideally form fitting clothes, such as leggings and vest tops, are ideal as it helps your teacher see how you are moving, however the most important thing is that you feel comfortable so if you prefer something looser such as a t-shirt that is fine.

Thin grip socks should be worn so that you don’t slip on the floor or apparatus. Grip socks are mandatory for working in the apparatus for safety and hygiene. Grip socks can be purchased at the studio or via our online shop and collected from the studio.

Please do not wear clothing with zips or poppers, or sharp jewellery. These can be uncomfortable for you in certain movements and can cause very costly tears to equipment.

Men, please note that you will spend a proportion of the time with your legs elevated and baggy shorts can be quite exposing in these positions. If you want to wear baggy shorts please layer a tighter pair of lycra shorts or similar under these.

All mats and equipment are provided for you. If you are attending a mat class you may wish to bring your own mat to lay on top of ours.

You will need grip socks in the apparatus studio. If you do not have any or forget to bring yours we do have some available for sale at the studio.

We recommend minimising personal belongings brought with you. Shoes and coats may be left in the lobby. Mobile phones may be brought into the studio but should be set to silent or “Do Not Disturb” when possible to minimise disruption to the class.

All items left in the studio building, car park or grounds are left at your own risk.

Lavant is situated at the foot of the South Downs, yet just a stones throw to the north of Chichester.

We have free parking on site, and The Stables cafe within the beautiful estate grounds is the perfect place to catch up with friends for a refreshing drink, slice of cake or bite of lunch after class.

Our address is Lavant House, West Lavant, PO18 9AB. If you are arriving by car we recommend coming via West Stoke Road rather than Old Wick Lane as the latter has some limited visibility along the country lane. The entrance to Lavant House is right nextdoor to Lavant Equestrian, which provides a handy landmark when approaching the site. There is free parking on site.

Please park considerately in the main car park. From the car park walk through the site with the main house on your right. You will see a series of dark wooden clad buildings on your left. We are the farthest of these buildings. A site map can be found at the site office by the car park.

You can also arrive by bicycle, and the number 60 bus stops in Lavant just a short walk from Lavant House.

If you are attending classes during evenings or at the weekend you may find the gates closed when you arrive. The gates are usually opened approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the class start time. If you are running early or late please text when you arrive and we will open the gates for you. When leaving your class please be aware that there are residents on site, including families with children. Please keep noise to a minimum when walking through the site, especially late in the evening.