How Pilates Can Improve Your Lifestyle in Bristol
Living in a big city such as Bristol can take its toll on our health and wellness. Pollution, commuting, busy work and social lives and
Pilates Bristol
Here at FeelGood Fitness we offer a wide range of options to suit all needs, taught in our friendly and welcoming Bristol studio. Everything from beginners to improvers, mixed-ability, pregnancy and post natal, plus sessions designed specifically to strengthen and tone. Classes can be purchased as packages or monthly subscriptions. For more details, including booking, please go to the Book Now page.
Pilates Classes in Bristol
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise and non-stressful to the body. By using controlled movements, the body can develop strength, flexibility and tone which is why it can be very beneficial to those with injuries, whilst providing even the fittest with a challenge.
Mat Pilates
Matwork is the most common type of class we offer at Feel Good Fitness. This is where you will work primarily on the mats with some assistance from small props such as bands and balls. you will be encouraged to work at your own personal ability level and provide adaptions will be provided where needed. Sian doesn’t believe in excluding people if they have certain needs – her focus is on including everyone with tailored modifications so they can get the best out of sessions. If you are a beginner, an initial one to one session may be advised to help go through any modifications needed.
Equipment Pilates
Our Bristol Pilates studio also hosts a reformer, full trapeze table/Cadillac, Wunda Chair and spine corrector. We offer equipment circuit sessions to really focus on how to connect to your body and the movements, giving you the knowledge and precision to transfer to mat – or just for the fun of using the equipment!
"Sian is a fantastic Pilates instructor, she adapts every class to the needs of the group and is incredibly knowledgeable. Sian has taught me a lot about my body and technique. As well as being a challenge, the classes are always good fun too."
If you’re new to Pilates, you may like to try our special offer introductory packages.
1:1 Private Pilates Sessions
You can book a single session or purchase a block of 3, 6 or 10 sessions. The bigger the block, the greater the discount! Please go to the Buy & Book Private Sessions page for more information.
During your private Pilates sessions you will be guided through movements and exercises that can help you achieve your goals. These sessions are tailored to each individual to ensure safe, correct and effective results. Perfect for beginners, those with injuries or those who want to be challenged beyond the restrictions of a general class.
During the first private pilates session we will go over your medical and exercise history, talk about any injuries or concerns you may have. We will then take you to either the mat or the equipment to help construct a plan for you. At the end of a session you can expect to feel lengthened and stretched but challenged at the same time.
The equipment used may be the reformer, cadillac, wunda chair and small props but may include all or none, depending on you. You may be sent home with some simple exercises or stretches to help support your sessions, but we don’t believe in rigid, long home plans. Instead expect short and easy things to fit in with your every day life and activities.
"Sian is an extremely knowledgeable, inspiring and motivational trainer. She has helped me gain strength and confidence following an ongoing injury and has also provided me with better sports therapy treatments then any physio or chiropractor has previously. She is hands down the best personal trainer I have ever had."
Booking Private Sessions
You can book a single session or purchase a block of 3, 6 or 10 sessions. The bigger the block, the greater the discount! Booking details and prices can be accessed from the Buy & Book Private Sessions page.
Corporate Pilates Classes and Events
These are available on request. Please contact us for more information.
Our Bristol Pilates Studio
Our Address:
The Park Centre
Daventry Road
Knowle
Bristol
BS14 9HG
Which Class is Right for Me?
Levels
We have a range of different levels to suit different abilities and experiences, with introductory packages available so you can find the right class for you. If you are a complete novice then a beginners or fundamentals class is best. We also offer 6-week foundation Pilates if you are a beginner and want to learn the fundamentals of pilates.
For people with slightly more experience, we offer both mixed ability beginners and improvers classes, where you can expect a range of abilities and levels of the movements. Everything from the very basics of breathing to some of the more challenging movements.
If you’re after a faster-paced, more challenging class, why not go for Intermediate level?
If you’re nervous about joining a group, or for more complex needs, then private sessions should always be the first point of call. This allows the teacher to have time to get to know your body, and for you to get to know the movements and what you need to do in order to get the best of them. The same is true for certain injuries – working at slower level can be safer and more effective, so you can get to know your body before joining a class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pilates a form of exercise?
| Yes! It is a gentle form of mind-body exercise. It is low impact and suitable for most people. |
Can you build muscle mass doing reformer pilates?
| In short yes! To build muscle mass, the weight of the springs can be increased to add more resistance to the movements. |
What is Pilates and what are its benefits?
| Pilates is an exercise method designed to strengthen and stabilise the body from the inside out. This helps us to be stronger in our centre and small muscles, so helping our bigger muscles to work more effectively. Positive outcomes can include decrease in back pain, strength, flexibility, posture, co-ordination and balance. |
How are yoga and pilates similar and different?
| Joseph Pilates took inspiration from Yoga and so there are a few movements that look similar. However, there are different purposes behind them so it’s important not to confuse them! |
What equipment do I need for Pilates?
| A mat and your own body and the only essentials. Small props such as cushions, bands and balls can help to assist in the movement and give you better feedback. |
What's the difference between Classical, Modern and Fitness Pilates?
This is a very touchy subject among professionals! All are qualified but with a slightly different belief and style.
Let’s start with classical Pilates. This is branded as ‘true’ or ‘pure’ pilates by some. Teachers tend to stick closely to the sequence and teachings of Joseph Pilates, who founded pilates in the early 20th century. The movements are taught in the original sequence, aiming to be preformed in the traditional form. The theory being the method is being taught how Joseph wanted it taught. Classical can be quite intense due to its nature. Modifications can be made, but generally sticks quite close to the original movements.
Modern or contemporary uses the classical teachings but there tends to be more variation and adaptions. The sequence can be different each time and more creativity can be used in classes. It also allows more use of props or other types of stretching or exercise to the class.
Fitness is based on the pilates movements but less of the focus on breath and precision to the movements. The focus is generally more on strength and you are more likely to see the introduction of planks and sit ups. All three have their place and give great results.
Latest Pilates Classes Posts
Why Bristol Residents Love Pilates: A Local Perspective
Bristol is full of Pilates loving people! It is host to so many different studios and classes, you will be spoilt for choice! From classes
Pilates Classes for Beginners in Bristol: What to Expect
If you happen to be in Bristol and are new to Pilates then these are the things you can expect from our little studio in
