FAQs - Joining a Pilates class
Find out how to enrol, how to pay and reserve your space, what to bring with you and other common questions.
If you can't find what you're looking for, please do get in touch.
I have never done Pilates before, would your classes be suitable for me?
Yes. Newcomers are always very welcome and I aim to run beginners courses 2 or 3 times a year where there is enough interest. If a Beginners class is not available when you are looking to join, you can still join the existing mixed ability classes after attending approximately 3-5 introductory sessions (depending on individual needs, injuries, medical conditions etc). These introductory sessions can be held on a 1:1, 1:2 or small group basis. Read more about the different class options available.
Am I too old for Pilates?
No, the wonderful thing about Pilates is that the exercises are suitable for young and old, the ultra-fit and those who have not done any exercise for a while. I offer a range of classes at different levels and our Buff Bones® classes are particularly beneficial for the over 50s. If you are unable to get down to the floor and would prefer to do your exercise seated or standing, please ask me about Private Sessions.
My GP / Physiotherapist / Osteopath / Podiatrist has recommended I do Pilates. Can I join a class?
If you have been diagnosed and treated for a musculoskeletal injury or condition and your healthcare professional is now happy for you to start Pilates, do get in touch to ask about suitable classes. Pilates is a great way to recondition your body, reducing pain and teaching you new movement skills to avoid recurrences. Exercises (especially in a 1:1 session) can be adapted to be safe and effective for you at this time. After completing an enrolment form it may be necessary for you to attend 1 or more Private Sessions for an assessment before joining a group class, so that I can recommend the best option for you.
Can I come to a class while I am pregnant?
Congratulations! I hope you and your baby are doing well.
While I don’t currently offer Pregnancy Pilates Classes, please reach out when you’re at least 12 weeks post-natal and ready to start exercising again. We can begin with personalised 1:1 sessions and then transition to a suitable group class to help you feel great again!
Can I come to more than one class each week?
Absolutely! Classes are held at Bramble Hall, Balcombe on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Regular Pilates practise can really help you to feel longer and stronger and practising 3 or 4 times each week is recommended to get the best results. Discounts are available for those coming to more than one class each week. Check out the latest timetable for a class that suits you.
How many people will be in each class?
As a Body Control Pilates® teacher I teach small classes (typically between 7 and 10 places in each class). This is so that I can provide individual attention, help you to gain the greatest benefit from each movement and ensure that each exercise is performed safely.
Booking & Payment
How do I join a class or book a private session?
Please email me to check availability in the class / session of your choice and/or to ask advice about the most appropriate class or session for you at this time. Before joining a class or booking a 1:1 or 1:2 session you will be asked to complete an enrolment form, where you can give details of any injuries or medical conditions as well as describing any exercise goals you may have. Newcomers who have already done some Pilates can typically join a group class straight away (depending on individual needs, medical conditions or injuries).
How do I pay for my classes / private sessions?
Payment for group classes must be made in advance of starting a block of classes. I can only reserve your place in a class once your payment and enrolment form have been received. Payment can be made by online bank transfer or cheque.
Towards the end of each term I publish term dates and prices for the upcoming term, along with payment deadlines for reserving a space in the next 2 half-term blocks. This helps me to predict and manage the available spaces in each class.
Newcomers are very welcome to join in the middle of a block if there is space.
For private 1:1 or 1:2 sessions a deposit is taken when booking to reserve your appointment slot and the balance is paid on the day. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you wish to rearrange your session. To receive a discount through block-booking, full payment for all sessions in the block must be made before the first session. Read more about prices for Private Sessions.
Can I get a refund if I miss a group class?
As the hall hire must be arranged and classes planned in advance, refunds cannot be given for missed classes. However you are very welcome to make up a missed class at another time during the same block (subject to available space). The cost of a missed class cannot be deducted from the price of a subsequent block.
A pre-paid "pay-per-class" option is available (for Mixed Ability, Intermediate and Buff Bones classes only) if you are unable to attend all the classes in a block. This option must be paid for and booked in advance at the beginning of a block.
For newcomers a 3 class mini block can be purchased so you can try a few classes before committing to a 6 or 7 week block.
When spaces are limited, priority is given to those paying for a full block. Find out more about Times & Prices.
Can I stay in the same group class each term?
Yes, priority spaces are reserved each term for those currently enrolled in a particular class, subject to fees being paid by the payment deadline. If I have a waiting list for a class, any available spaces once the payment deadline has passed are offered to those on the waiting list. You are very welcome to change classes or add on additional classes at any point if there is available space in another suitable class.
Practicalities
What should I wear to classes?
It is best to wear clothes that are close-fitting so that I can monitor your alignment, but stretchy so that they do not restrict your movement. For your own modesty please ensure your clothes are opaque and that they stay in place as you move. No shoes required - we want your toes to be able to move and stretch (so socks need to be nice and stretchy too!).
Do I need to bring my own mat or equipment?
Please bring your own mat, head cushions, spiky balls and resistance bands to group classes. I provide larger equipment (such as foam rollers, toning circles, hand weights, yoga blocks, Optineck Balance Wedges®️, Triad Balls etc.). For newcomers, I have equipment bags to buy or borrow which contain all the basic equipment that you will need for your first block of classes.
Where are your classes held and is there any parking available?
Pilates and Buff Bones® classes are held at Bramble Hall, Bramble Hill, Balcombe (RH17 6HR). Street Parking is available on Bramble Hill and additional spaces may be found at the nearby Victory Hall.
Private sessions are held initially at Bramble Hall and then we can move online or to your home if this is more convenient.
