What should I wear to pilates?

Loose, comfortable clothing or gym clothes such as leggings, tracksuit bottoms or shorts with removable layers.

Sweatshirts or zipped hoodies over  T-shirts or vests work best. As the windows will remain open for ventilation, you may want to wear some long sleeves or trousers in cooler weather. You must wear non slip socks.

Non-slip socks, including organic options, are available here.

What equipment do I need?

All equipment is provided for mat and Reformer Studio classes. However, feel free to bring your own along if you prefer.

If joining online, as essentials, you need your own mat (non slip) and a pilates head pad or cushion or towel for your head.

For online or home practice, the following are optional: foam roller, prickly/massage balls, over-ball/soft pilates ball, resistance band, magic circle, Swiss ball, pinky ball, hedgehog

.Weights will be provided for in-studio sessions. At home you can start initially with water bottles filled with water or small cans of food. The weights we typically use are 0.5kg,1 kg, 1.5 kg  progressing to a maximum of 3 kg. If in doubt, start low.

Many of the items including weighted balls, bands,  jute eco mats, head pads and covers can be bought from this supplier which has free postage and quick delivery.

Some customers prefer the memory foam rollers from Physical Company :

Club Core Foam Rollers - Buy Online at Physical Company

There are other suppliers of these items if you prefer.

You should bring your own water in a water bottle to class.

Do you have changing facilities/toilets?

There are no changing facilities available but as per our covid policy, we do have space to store shoes, coats and handbags and a toilet is available.

What should I do if I’m running late?

It’s usually possible to join in-studio classes after the start time if you are running a few minutes late, this sometimes happens. Try and slip in quietly and the teacher will let you know which exercises to start with.

For live-streamed zoom classes, please be aware that the teacher will move away from the screen to start teaching at the start of the class, so it may take a while to find an appropriate moment to let you into the zoom if you are late.

Can I eat before class?

We recommend 2 hours between a main meal and attending class as your digestion will be adversely affected. Its fine to eat light food such as a  banana, yoghurt or light soup.

I have a health condition. Can I do pilates?

If you have a health issue, pilates is often the exercise of choice and oftentimes, you will be directed towards pilates by a health professional because of your condition or injury.

The movements are mindful, controlled and progressive and can be adapted to suit many injuries or long term issues. However, first consult with your doctor or health professional and check that its right for you to start pilates at this time. A letter from your health professional may be required for certain conditions.

Can I do pilates when pregnant and how long should I wait before starting pilates after giving birth?

If you have never done pilates before, the recommendation is to avoid starting pilates in the first trimester as your body is not adapted to pilates practise. If you have been attending pilates regularly for some time, it’s usually fine to continue with your doctor’s consent, as all pregnancies are different.

Some exercises are modified and some are avoided during pregnancy,  so please contact Willow Pilates in advance, so that we can plan your programme and chat to you.

We run some  pregnancy classes which you might be interested in joining.

Please check with your doctor and obtain a note before you enrol in a class.

6 weeks post birth is the recommended timeframe  before attending pilates classes after giving birth. Please check with your doctor or midwife if its ok to start or resume pilates at this time.

How do I find the Willow Pilates studio?

Willow Pilates mat studio is in Whitchurch-On-Thames, RG8.

You can walk from Pangbourne in 10-15 minutes and there is a train station there.

Full directions are given when you book a class. Parking is available but please avoid blocking other cars in or parking on the neighbour’s drive (which adjoins Willow Pilates drive).

Do you have car parking or bicycle storage?

There is space for cars for all participants to park at the studio in Whitchurch. Please be aware that there is a semi-detached drive and not to park on the side which belongs to Tall Beeches’ neighbour. Please take care not to block anyone in. There is usually space on the road too if necessary.

You are welcome to leave your bicycle in the garden at your own risk as long as it is safely propped up and is not blocking the pathways.