I have a Reformer, a Wunda Chair and a Spine Corrector which I use in my 1:1 Pilates sessions. These are some of the original pieces of equipment invented by Joseph Pilates when he was developing his method back in the mid-twentieth century.
Pilates on the Reformer
The Pilates Reformer is a truly marvellous piece of kit. It brings great versatility and diversity to the way in which you can train the body. The ropes, when attached to the arms or legs, mean that you can work, push and pull against many different resistances. In addition, the carriage slides forwards and backwards so that you can push against that with your arms or legs. You can lie, stand or sit or kneel on the carriage or sit on top of a box on top of the carriage.
The Reformer is extremely good for rehabilitation sessions because of the extra support it can give the body, beyond lying on the floor, whilst at the same time making you work pushing and pulling against resistance.
Have a look at the short video to get a better idea of the Pilates Reformer and how it is used.
I have heard many, many people over the years comment on how scary it looks, with or without seeing me in action. I know that watching my demo could just make things worse! Please trust me on this: once you are on and working, it doesn’t feel scary or even difficult if you are doing the basic movements. Beyond that, because of the momentum and the gentle movement of the carriage, it can be strangely calming and pleasant.
Why use the Reformer as opposed to doing Matwork?
It is all a question of variety and extra opportunity. Matwork and Reformer Pilates are the twin pillars of Pilates and the other equipment (and there are other pieces too) are amazing extras.
- Enormous amount of extra variety – positions, exercises,
- Add varying resistance, beyond simply using body weight.
- Less emphasis on lying supine, (that is, on your back) and performing exercises in spine flexion with your head off the ground or your head and legs off the ground.
- Develop core stability across a range of positions and movements.
- Our Reformers are roughly bed height – good for people who find it hard to get down onto the floor.
- The variety of resistance and working positions mean that it is ideal for people with back problems – there will always be exercises that are suitable and useful.
Other Pilates Studio Equipment
Pilates Wunda Chair
We also have A Wunda Chair and a Spine Corrector. These will bring yet more variety and different ways to work and challenge your body during a 1:1 session.
The Wunda Chair is, at least nominally, chair shaped and many of the exercises are done from a seated position although you can also stand, squat or even side lie and use it. The resistance is from spring-loaded pedals which can be pushed with the hands and feet.
This is a short clip of me on the Wunda Chair, showing a tiny fraction of what it can do
Pilates Spine Corrector
The Spine Corrector is another scary sounding name. More often than not, my choice of exercises on the Spine Corrector are gentle and help to get the spine moving more successfully than the more conventional choices like Cat Stretch for instance. Having said that, some Spine Corrector exercises are brutal. It just depends…
It depends upon what you want to achieve, how fit you are, whether we are aiming for rehabilitation, joint mobility, strength or anything else in between.
This is a short clip of me on the Spine Corrector.
Small Equipment
So far I’ve been talking about big pieces of studio equipment, as opposed to small kit, which I also have: Foam Roller, Magic Circle (aka Pilates Ring), Body Bars, Fit Balls (aka gym balls) and dumbbells.
If you would like to talk to Alison about 1:1 Pilates or book a session please contact her by phone or email.
In addition to Alison, Charlotte teaches Reformer Pilates . Charlotte is part way through her training and is teaching as a Student teacher. This is reflected in the price we currently charge.
Session Costs
The cost of a single 1 to 1 Pilates session with Alison is £45.
If you book a block of five, the cost is £200 (£40 per session).
If you book a block of ten, the cost is £350 (£35 per session).
The cost of a single 1 to 1 Pilates session with Charlotte is £33. Due to the reduced rate we don’t offer block booking on this
Please note that for your first session (only) you are required to pay in advance.
For all of the sessions, if you cancel on the day then we ask you to pay a cancellation fee of £20.
You can pay securely with your credit or debit card using the box immediately below. If you prefer to pay with PayPal, then you can do so by using the box further down the page. If you would like to speak to Alison before going ahead and making your booking please contact her by phone or email.
IMPORTANT: If this is the first time you have done Pilates with us, please can you fill out a very short Health Questionnaire before you attend class. (It only takes 2 mins). It is necessary for your safety, our planning and for our Insurance purposes.
