Pilates 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.

During classes 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 from classes if they have certain needs but an initial one-to-one session may be advised to help you prepare for the class and to go through any modifications needed.

The studio also hosts a reformer, full trapeze table/Cadillac, Wunda Chair and spine corrector, ensuring you can get the very best from your sessions of Pilates. These are a great way to really focus on how to connect to your body and the movements, giving you the knowledge and precision to transfer to mat Pilates classes.

"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.

Pilates Classes

Classes can be purchased as packages or monthly subscriptions. For more details, including booking, please go to the Book Now page.

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.

Corporate Classes and Events

These are available on request. Please contact us for more information.

Which Pilates Class is Right for Me?

Whether you’ve just moved to Bristol, or have been here for a while and want to start Pilates, do you know where to start? It can be a minefield of different levels, types and styles of classes. Sometimes it’s just a little overwhelming to know  what you need and what you’re signing up for. 

Here at FeelGood Fitness we offer a wide range of Pilates classes in our Bristol studio. Everything from fundamentals up to intermediates, weighted to post natal.

Levels

If you are a complete novice then a beginners or fundamentals class is best. We offer 6-week foundation pilates classes for beginners to learn the fundamentals of pilates and introductory packages.

For people with slightly more experience, we offer mixed ability beginners and improvers classes, as well as improvers classes for a bit more of a challenge.

Our Mixed Ability classes are just that. 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. Something for everyone.

For a faster-paced, more challenging class, why not go for Intermediate level?

If you’re nervous about joining a class, 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.

Types

Mat pilates is the most common type of class, This is where you will work primarily on the mats with some assistance from small props such as bands and balls. Equipment on the other hand is usually either on the reformer on its own or alongside the other pieces such as arc, spine corrector, trapeze table, tower, wunda chair and ladder barrel. On the equipment you will be working against springs and pullies. These allow you to really get a feel for the movements, allowing time and support to perform them correctly. The springs can also add extra resistance making it harder, or easier.

As well as mat pilates, we also offer specific postnatal and pregnancy classes.

Have a think about what it is you want to achieve. Do you want bigger classes or smaller more intimate classes? Are you happy with just the mat or does the equipment sound more like you? Explore our timetable to see what’s on offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Pilates is a gentle form of mind-body exercise. It is low impact and suitable for most people.
In short yes! To build muscle mass, the weight of the springs can be increased to add more resistance to the movements. 
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.
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!
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.

This is a very touchy subject amongst the Pilates 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 is still Pilates and 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.

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