Jane Thomas Pilates

Jane Thomas Pilates

Questions, Questions, Questions

Jane Thomas Pilates

Questions, Questions, Questions

Pilates FAQs



What is Pilates?
Pilates is a uniquely precise and intelligent approach to exercise and body-conditioning, which gives you a leaner, suppler, more toned body and a calmer, more relaxed mind. It is a gentle, non-aerobic exercise method, which lengthens and strengthens the muscles, and improves posture, without stressing the joints or the heart.

Pilates takes its name from Joseph Pilates, who began to develop the programme around a hundred years ago. There is more information on Joseph Pilates and the history of the exercise format here.

Long used by dancers, gymnasts and other serious sports professionals while Joseph was alive, Pilates has since been taken to heart by the general public – with its popularity growing originally in the USA, but more recently — over the last 20 years — in the UK.

You can do Pilates with the Jane Thomas Pilates Team in group sessions in venues around the local area — commonly known as matwork classes — with our expert Pilates Coaches, or one-to-one with Jane herself in our dedicated Pilates Pod studio. One-to-one in our Pod, you have the choice of matwork or Reformer sessions.

Information about our group sessions around the area is found here.

There is more information on one-to-one sessions here, and Reformers here.

What does Pilates do that other types of exercise don't?
Pilates is often likened to Yoga by those who don’t know, possibly because a typical Pilates matwork class looks similar to a Yoga class — everyone is on a mat on the floor after all… But there the similarity ends.

Pilates is more dynamic ie, involves more movement Yoga, and it is also less aggressive, sweaty and high-impact than aerobics, jogging or gym-work, which — unlike Pilates — can all place potentially damaging strain on the joints and heart.

Whereas some other forms of exercise aim to build specific individual muscles, Pilates works as much to strengthen a wider range of muscles. Done correctly, you get a balanced body with Pilates, with better joint mobility and improved posture.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

  • a stronger, healthier back
  • a more toned, mobile and flexible body
  • a leaner, longer look
  • a flatter stomach
  • a better body shape
  • a better balance between strength and suppleness
  • better posture
  • a straighter spine
  • a taller gait
  • easier, fuller movement
  • better coordination
  • greater body awareness
  • injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • relief from stress
  • general fitness
  • a sense of calm and well-being

Who can benefit from Pilates?
Basically anyone from 18 and above. If you are a man or a woman in that age range, a matwork Pilates class can work wonders for everyone. It is great as a complementary exercise alongside other exercise formats, and many other sportsmen: golfers, footballers, rugby players, runners and so on use Pilates to improve their main-sport technique, and — particularly using the Reformer on a one-to-one basis — as an aid for rehab after injury, or to improve and extend their sporting careers (think David Beckham and Andy Murray)

In more general terms, anyone who suffers with back pain, spinal abnormalities, poor posture, neck or shoulder issues, joint pains, stiffness, injuries such as whiplash, RSI and so on will benefit from well-taught Pilates.

How do I start?
The best way to start is by looking here for group matwork classes around the local area, here for one-to-one sessions in our Studio, and here for online Pilates classes.

Then get in touch using the contact form here, and ask us how we can help you.

What should I wear?
Any comfortable, loose clothing, such as a T-shirt with leggings or tracksuit bottoms. Shoes of any form should not be worn while exercising, but do wear clean socks.

How much does it cost?
Our group matwork classes are £32.50 a month: one-to-one sessions of one hour length are £50 each: online classes are £15 a month.

How long is a session?
Face-to-face group classes and one-to-one sessions are 60 minutes. Online classes are 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes, depending on our online timetable.

How large are your classes?
Our average group class has around 12 participants. We don’t believe Pilates can be correctly taught in large classes. One-to-one sessions have… err, 1 participant.

How often should I come?
How long is a piece of string? Do Pilates as often as you can. Once or twice a week is common and what we suggest for most people. More is better for you.

Having said that, even if you just take just one session a week, you should try to do at least a few minutes of Pilates – at home or work – on a daily basis.

When can I expect to see results?
Joseph Pilates himself said that in ten sessions you will feel the difference; in 20 you will see the difference; and in 30 you will have a whole new body.

Basically, the more Pilates you do, the more you will see and feel the shape of your body begin to change.

How do I find you?
Please see our venues page here for more information on how to find our group matwork classes. See our one-to-one information page here for details of doing one-to-one sessions with us.

Am I the right age to do Pilates?
As Joseph Pilates himself said: if, at the age of 30, you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If, at 60, you are supple and strong, then you are young.

Older participants still might like to ask medical advice before taking up Pilates and to start more slowly. Many people, however, do Pilates into their eighties and nineties. A properly tailored Pilates programme is one of the best-known ways to ward off the infirmities of old age.

Is Pilates mainly for women?
No! Pilates, after all, was invented by a man, Joseph Pilates, originally for his own benefit – and was only later adapted for women.

Men are usually less flexible than women, so can often benefit more.

Is Pilates just another exercise fad?
No, not at all. It was invented a century ago and has had a devoted following since then. Joseph Pilates himself said that his method was 50 years ahead of his time.

Can I do Pilates when I am pregnant?
You must check with your doctor before doing any kind of exercise during pregnancy, but yes — Pilates can be particularly suitable for pregnant women, since it is a low-impact form of exercise that strengthens the back, stomach and pelvic floor muscles. And, after all, many women first discover Pilates and become participants with us either when they are pregnant or have just given birth.

But it does need to be taught by a qualified Pilates Coach. Also, you will need to do Pilates in a modified or gentler way while pregnant, which your Pilates Coach will help with in class, and to make sure you stop the moment that you feel any discomfort.


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