FAQ’s
The clothes you wear for Pilates need to be comfortable. Wear soft, stretchy fabrics and avoid zips and pockets. Accessories such as jewellery and watches are best removed for comfort and safety. Tie long hair back and have bare feet or socks – no shoes required! Learn more…
There are lots of amazing Pilates instructors in London. These range from fitness to rehabilitation so it depends on your needs. The best thing you can do is look at the instructors training to see the level of expertise. As there is no governing body in Pilates setting a baseline standard, qualifications can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 years. Try to find someone who has a good standard of training. However, it also comes down to personality so you may have to try a few different studios.
The cost of Pilates varies a great deal depending on what type of Pilates you are doing. Group mat classes online start at around £5. In person mat classes range from £10 – £20. Group Reformer classes range from £22 – £35. One-to-one classes range from £50 online to between £70 – 220 in person and you should generally expect to pay more for equipment-based Pilates. Learn more…
Try and find something which is close to either your work or home. The more convenient it is the more likely it is that you will go regularly. Try not to travel too far as this means that it is more likely you will stop before you see the benefits
At Complete Pilates we offer several different membership options. We have memberships which offer 4 sessions a month, 8 sessions a month, 12 sessions a month. Memberships have an initial 6 month period. Membership can be cancelled after this period. We require 1 months notice to cancel a membership.
At Complete Pilates we do not offer membership postponements. However, if you have become ill, pregnant or injured, please give us a call and we can organise a membership suspension on an individual basis.
During your Complete Pilates membership term, if you become pregnant or injured, we can suspend your membership for the time that you need. Please get in touch with us via info@complete-pilates.co.uk
At Complete Pilates we close our studios for a short period of time over Christmas. There will be a mass suspension of everyone’s memberships, you will be unable to use your sessions. These sessions will be rolled on to the following month. We will let you know well in advance as this will change your membership payment date.
At Complete Pilates you cannot roll over your sessions. The sessions you are entitled to, must be used within the month period.
If you cannot book in any sessions, it’s likely you have used up all of your session for the month. You can add on additional session to Complete Pilates membership by contacting us directly at info@complete-pilates.co.uk
You can sign up to your Complete Pilates membership via our app or by contacting us directly at info@complete-pilates.co.uk
At Complete Pilates you cannot share your membership, they are for your use only.
At Complete Pilates you can cancel your membership after your initial 6-month period. We will require 1 months notice, and we will be able to get that sorted for you.
At Complete Pilates you can have an online 1:1 session in replacement to your studio session if you would like to swap. Please contact us in advance, so we are able send you the appropriate link.
At Complete Pilates you can pay for someone else’s membership. We will require their contact details, please give us a call or contact us via email to organise for you.
This depends on the reason for your back pain. If you speak to most spinal surgeons they will suggest one or the other. Generally, if something isn’t hurting your back or causing your pain that is a good place to start. If you have been doing group classes try some 1:1s to make sure you are moving correctly. Otherwise, if you are unsure then go and see a Physiotherapist who will give you a full assessment and can point you in the right direction.
Is Pilates resistance training and does it make you stronger? Pilates can involve the use of resistance – such as resistance bands and weights on the mat and springs on the machines. However, in order to get stronger, you need to use a significant amount of resistance – enough to fatigue your muscles. Pilates will improve your abdominal strength and is a great way to train the movements you need for strength training your arms and legs but for true strength gains you need heavy weights in the gym. Learn more about this…
Pilates on its own is unlikely to help you lose weight. However, there are many benefits to doing Pilates so it can be a valuable part of an overall weight loss journey. Pilates is a great place to start exercise if you are starting from scratch as it is a low intensity activity. Pilates helps to build abdominal strength and improve your body’s movement patterns. Do remember, though exercise for weight loss will be most effective if you are also following an appropriate weight loss diet. Learn more…
As you get further along your pregnancy then it is recommended that you do not do heavily loaded abs exercises, including a plank. These can increase the risk of getting an abdominal separation (diastasis). There are lots of other exercises you can do safely and if you are lifting weights then your abs will be working anyway!
Yes if it is done correctly with someone who understands what is happening. If you have sciatica and have had it for a while then you should seek medical attention prior to a pilates appointment. This can be with your GP or a Chartered Physiotherapist. They will be able to assess you properly and determine why you are getting sciatic referral. If they think it necessary then they will also refer you on to a specialist. Remember that nerve pain can feel better when it is moved but can then get worse afterwards so it is really important to understand what is happening and why you are getting the pain.
Unfortunately yes, but so can anything. The important thing is to know why you are getting the pain and if there is a structural reason for it or if it is just the way that you are moving or sitting. If you are in a class and getting the pain, talk to your instructor and potentially try some 1:1 sessions to help you with your form.
Complete Pilates is a great place for you to come if you are suffering from an injury. We have instructors who are qualified Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists and Osteopaths who will assess you and lead your programmes to ensure that you are progressing as quickly as possible. We are part of Complete-Physio which give us options for clinical physiotherapy, osteopathy and soft tissue massage if we think you require extra assistance. Please ensure that you make us aware of any injury by contacting us and we will place you with the best qualified instructor to ensure that you progress at a quick pace.
The most important thing is to understand what the problem is. Getting an accurate diagnosis will make sure that you do not aggravate the problem or turn it into a long term issue. Ideally, consult your GP who is likely to refer you to a Physiotherapist or Specialist. You can get an ultrasound scan and may be directed to an MRI depending on the problem. Avoid impact exercises such as HIIT classes or running as this may aggravate it. Try using a bike with a slightly higher seat as this will keep the knee moving. Once you have consulted a clinician they will be able to direct you which exercises to do and to avoid. Just remember that exercises should not make it worse.
There are lots of amazing Pilates instructors in London. These range from fitness to rehabilitation so it depends on your needs. The best thing you can do is look at the instructors training to see the level of expertise. As there is no governing body in Pilates setting a baseline standard, qualifications can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 years. Try to find someone who has a good standard of training. However, it also comes down to personality so you may have to try a few different studios.
Yes. Exercise has been shown to help reduce symptoms such as chemo brain and choices such as equipment Pilates can be modified to suit you on any given day. That said, it’s always best to speak to us, your doctor, or someone else involved in your care before taking on any new exercise programme.
We offer a NEXT steps programme which is designed for cancer survivors of all levels. There are up to 10 people in this class and it can be done online or in person.
We also have on demand options for those undergoing treatment. However, please ensure that you contact us before you start so you get your online 1:1 first. This is included in the cost of the course.
The important thing is to be realistic with your starting point. If you are significantly struggling you may want to invest in 1:1s so that you get the most out of your sessions. Talk to us as we may also be able to offer 30 minute appointments.
Simply put yes. However, we do recommend passing on your oncologists or doctors details so that we can talk with them. It is also important to be honest about any current limitations, surgeries and treatment that you may still be undergoing. This is so that we can ensure to modify any exercise to fit you. Pilates, particularly equipment based Pilates, is a great low-impact exercise to choose. The springs are assistive so can help you move and will enable you to do more whilst controlling your movements. Think hydrotherapy without the heat and the pool!