Mat Classes
Jump to a class:
Beginners | Gentle | Intermediate | Advanced
Trim and Toned | Traditional |
Pregnancy | Mums and Bubs
Beginners
Mat classes start with the 5 week Beginners Mat Course (these run throughout the year at our Stirling, Parkside and Littlehampton Studios). If the Beginners Course times are not suitable clients are able to attend 4 x 1:1 sessions (30 mins) or 3 x 2:1 sessions (60 mins) with one of our physiotherapists. On completion, clients can choose from Gentle, Intermediate, Advanced, Trim and Toned or Traditional classes which run regularly throughout the week.
Click here for current Beginners Course Info Sheet
We recommend that clients wishing to join the Beginners Course should be of reasonable health with no acute injuries. If you are interested in Mat classes but have a specific injury, we strongly suggest you attend a physiotherapy assessment and 3 x 1:1 sessions (30 mins). After this, you may attend Gentle Mat classes (approximately 6) and then try out our Intermediate Mat classes.
Gentle
This class is suitable for clients who have completed Beginner’s Course or attended Pilates 1:1’s; suitable for Pre and Postnatal (all Pre/Postnatal clients must have had an individual assessment and a minimum of 3 x 1:1’s); also appropriate for those with injuries wanting to work at a more gentle basic pace.
Intermediate
This class is suitable for those who want to progress from the Gentle or Beginners Course who feel they have a good understanding of basic Pilates principles; small equipment is sometimes used and includes Magic Circle, Foam Roller, hand weights, ChiBall, Fit Ball and Theraband which all assist and challenge exercises further. Early Intermediate Mat is a transitional class, to bridge Gentle and Intermediate. Late Intermediate Mat is a more challenging Intermediate class.
Advanced
This class is for clients who wish to work at a high level of Pilates difficulty. Clients need a minimum of 3 months regular experience at an Intermediate level and should have no acute injuries.
Trim and Toned
This class focuses on toning the buttocks, flattening the abdominals and trimming up the legs. Aimed at a late Intermediate level, it is a challenging class, leaving you feeling strong, toned and trim.
Traditional
This class focuses on Joseph Pilates’ original 34 Mat exercises sequence; it is an Advanced level class and each week focuses on refining a specific section of the sequence; the last class of the month is the full sequence.
Pregnancy
Pre/Post natal
A Physiotherapy/Pilates assessment and 3 x 30 minute 1:1's (all claimable with most (all claimable with most Private Health funds) are essential before joining any of our Pregnancy classes. Exercises in this class focus on strengthening the body to assist with the postural changes associated with pregnancy as well as the demands of labour. Pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening as well as pregnancy education are a strong focus in the class.
The benefits of Pilates exercises during pregnancy include reduced fatigue, back and pelvic pain relief, fewer incontinence problems during and after pregnancy, and faster recovery after the birth.
Postnatal clients are advised to wait 3 weeks if they have had a natural birth and 6 weeks if they have had a Caesarian section before returning to class. We strongly recommend a 45 minute physiotherapy consultation before returning to class to assess rectus diastasis separation and teach some specific postnatal home exercises.
Early Pregnancy is an educational, strengthening class designed to prepare for the rigours of pregnancy and is suitable for up to 30 weeks pregnant. Late pregnancy is a relaxing stretching class designed to prepare for labour and is suitable from 30 weeks to term. Open pregnancy is a class for all pregnant (and postnatal) women.
Mums and Bubs
This class is suitable for postnatal mums (3-6weeks+ from delivery). Clients are invited to bring their new babies (up to 8 months) along and include them in the Pilates exercises. A fun and social class designed to encourage networking with other new mums and help regain pre-pregnancy shape. Aimed a transitory class, clients should feel comfortable to attend Intermediate Mat classes after 4-8 Mums and Bubs classes.
If clients are attending Pilates classes for the first time, they are required first to attend a Physiotherapy/Pilates assessment in addition to 3 x 30 min 1:1's (all claimable with most Private Health Funds).
Postnatal clients are advised to wait 3 weeks if they have had a natural birth and 6 weeks if they have had a Caesarian section before returning to class. We strongly recommend a 30 minute physiotherapy consultation before returning to class to assess rectus diastasis separation and teach some specific postnatal home exercises.