Group Classes

I currently run five Pilates group classes per week from my own dedicated, spacious Pilates studio in Central Winchester.

The Improvers class is held on a Monday at 5.30pm. The other 4 classes are all mixed ability classes and are ideal for those who have some previous experience of Pilates. These classes are held at 7pm on a Monday, 9.20am on a Tuesday and 6.15pm & 7.30pm on a Wednesday.

As of 14th January 2025, at 11am, I will be starting a sixth weekly class which is for Beginners. This class is perfect if you have never tried Pilates before or are returning to Pilates after a break. If you are interested in starting Pilates for the first time, this is the class for you, please do make contact to register your interest.

My Beginner’s class normally starts with a group induction over the first two weeks of the block, with the remainder of the block running on from there. This is very much dependent on circumstances and numbers. I will only put you in a group induction if, having read your enrolment forms and spoken to you, I think a group induction is appropriate for you and you have no complex injuries/issues. If you have injuries or medical issues that may require some initial individual attention the 1:1’s might be more appropriate.    

The Induction weeks will be very much about learning the fundamentals of Pilates (Alignment, Breathing and Centring), finding your core and starting to move with stability. In the first couple of classes, we will cover:

1.  What Pilates is (and isn’t)

2.  Standing correctly (assess your existing posture)

3.  Neutral pelvis and spine in various positions

4.  Your range of movement and your general movement ability

5.  The importance of breathing properly

6.  How to move with an understanding of centring

7.  Beginning to challenge your core stability

8.  An understanding of scapular control (the position of your shoulder blades!)

9.  Being aware of your own limitations and listening to your body

There will be a bit of ‘talk’ in these sessions, but I will get you ‘doing’ fairly quickly after that. In the weeks following, we will continue to build on the fundamentals, encouraging you to really work on your posture, core stability, flexibility and mobility.

Regardless of the class you join, during the classes, clients will generally be doing the same exercise at the same time. However, I will differentiate and offer alternative exercises to different people based on what I know about their individual bodies and needs (for example if they have a specific injury or health condition which requires them to avoid certain movements). The ability to do that well, is one of the things that sets Body Control Pilates instructors apart from general fitness trainers. You should feel challenged but not overwhelmed. It is essential that you always listen to your body and work within your limits.

If you wish to join an existing Pilates class (if there is space), have missed the Beginner’s group induction, or are returning to Pilates after a break, I do ask you to attend two initial 1:1 induction sessions and sometimes more, depending on individual circumstances, before I can integrate you into an existing class. As above, these induction sessions are so that I can be sure that you understand the fundamentals of Pilates – Alignment, Breathing and Centring, so that you can work safely and at the right level within a class setting.

Good Pilates instruction is individualised even in a group setting, so these initial 1:1 assessments help me look at your posture and how you move so that you will get the best experience from the classes, should you decide to join. I will only put you in a class if, having read your enrolment form and spoken to you, I think a group setting is appropriate for you (i.e. you have no complex injuries/issues). If you have injuries or medical issues that may require more ongoing individual attention, I might suggest the 1:1’s are a better fit for you.

In these initial 1:1 inductions, as per the group inductions above, we visit the fundamentals of Pilates (Alignment, Breathing and Centring), so that I can be confident you know how to find/activate your core muscles and start to move with stability.

As I’m sure you will appreciate, different Pilates organisations (and gyms…) approach their group classes in different ways and these two sessions are to make sure you know the fundamentals of Pilates and will be able to work safely and with confidence within a class setting. These 1:1 induction sessions are discounted at £30 per session and are a good way for you to get to know the basics of Pilates, how I teach and for me to get to know you. The 1:1 inductions take place in my studio in Winchester at a mutually convenient time.

I have limited availability in most of my classes, so please tell me which class times you would prefer when you first make contact with me to see if I can fit you in to a class.

Regardless of whether you are a complete beginner or have done Pilates in the past, I will always ask you to fill out an enrolment form. On this form you should write in detail about any injuries, health concerns or recent surgery. This is also a great opportunity for you to share some of your interests, concerns and goals. Based on this information and following the group or two 1:1 inductions, I will suggest an appropriate group class for you (unless you wish to continue on a 1:1 basis).

If you have been referred for Pilates due to an ongoing injury, or have a medical condition, I may need to discuss your current suitability for Pilates with your medical practitioner, so that we can work out the best way to approach the classes or 1:1 sessions, taking into account any health problems or restricted movements you may have.

Please do get in touch, if you wish to join any of my weekly classes.

For more information on my group classes, what to expect and what to bring, please see details below or take a look at my comprehensive FAQs page.

Enrolment and Booking Classes

In the first instance, to discuss class options and availability, please contact me by email at camilla@pilatesthroughlife.com including your name and mobile number or just text or call me on 07557 886 345.

All clients are then asked to complete the Enrolment Form to ensure that a mat class is the most appropriate option before being accepted into the class. This confidential form will give me important information regarding your health, lifestyle and any injuries. Please ensure you provide detailed information on injuries and any other medical issues you may have on the form. I will then arrange a time to talk through any individual requirements or needs, so that I can plan a safe and effective programme for you and integrate you safely into a class.

To access the Enrolment Form, please click the Enrolment Form link below, complete it and then send to me by email.

Group class FAQs

How big will the classes be?

My classes are all small (maximum 8 people), so that individual attention is given to technique and everyone can exercise safely.

How will the classes be run?

Classes typically run in ‘blocks’ alongside school term dates. These are generally 6 or 7 weeks in length. Please note, “drop ins” are not allowed. You must book a block of classes in advance.

How much are the group classes?

My group classes are £14.50 per class. Payment is always made on a block booking basis, with payment for the block in advance by bank transfer.

What if I need to miss a class?

I completely understand that Pilates classes and life don't always align perfectly and everyone needs to miss a class sometimes (illness, holidays, working late etc). To account for this, and ensure that you get the most chance to attend a session, there are actually FOUR ways to attend my classes:

1. In person.

2. Live online on Zoom from wherever you are.

3. Swap into another class either before or after the planned absence (as long as there's space and the level is appropriate for you). I do ask that any catch up/swap classes are taken within the same block.

4. Ask for a recording (these have been very popular!)

After a lot of trial and error, I have found that making my classes accessible to clients in four ways, rather than offering a credits system, makes the logistics of running a small business a whole lot easier.

Can you tell me more about the online/Zoom classes?

The online format is helpful for those who sometimes take extended holidays or just can’t always make the class in person, as it will allow you to keep your Pilates going and hopefully avoid lots of catch-up classes. It is very simple, I will send you a zoom link and you just need to click on it and have your mat and device set up so that I can see your spine and pelvis. If you would like a recording of the class, please arrange this with me in advance.

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable and warm (thin layers are best) that you can move in.

If possible, the clothes should not be too baggy, as I need to see your spine. Please wear socks.  

What equipment will I need?

Not a thing, all equipment is provided, including comfortable mats.

How do I enrol for group classes?

Before coming to your first session, as mentioned above, you will need to click the button above to download the Enrolment Form, complete it and then send to me by email/post.

This confidential form will give me important information regarding your health, lifestyle and any injuries. This way, I can plan a safe and effective programme for you and monitor your progress.

Can I join if I am recovering from an injury?

If you have been referred for Pilates following an injury, or have a medical condition, I may need to discuss your current suitability for Pilates with your medical practitioner. Clients are asked to complete the enrolment form to ensure that a mat class is the most appropriate option before being accepted into class.