REFORMER AND MAT PILATES
overview
Alison Pilates: The Reformer Journey from Foundation to Mastery
At Alison Pilates, we guide everyone through a structured progression on the Reformer, ensuring that each level builds upon the last. The Pilates Reformer springs, carriage, straps, and footbar offer support at the beginner level, challenge at the intermediate level, and demand complete mastery at the advanced level.
The class schedule includes a variety of classes, which are designed to accommodate different fitness levels and goals.
Reformer Classes
Beginner Class: This class is for those new to Reformer and focuses on introducing you to the Reformer.
Reformer Class: At this level, the Reformer SUPPORTS you, providing guidance and assistance in all your exercises.
Intermediate Class: The Heart of the Work. At this level, the Reformer begins to CHALLENGE you while reinforcing foundational principles.
Advance Class: The focus intensifies on the principles of breath and flow, aligning with Joseph Pilates' philosophy. It is for those with a solid grasp of exercises and their sequences, practitioners can transition smoothly between movements, minimizing extraneous actions. This continuous flow challenges stamina and embodies the dynamic nature of advanced Pilates.
Barre Pilates using the Reformer. This class combines Pilates and Ballet for a full-body workout.
1:1 Class: An hour personalised class using a variety of Pilates equipment.
1:2 Class: The same as a 1:1 class but training with a friend.
Post-Natal Class: This Reformer class supports new mums.
Private Reformer Class booking: Classes of friends training together.
Pilates for Older Adults - a supportive class that improves balance and strength for those 70+.
I was one of the lucky ones to have a workout on Alison’s reformer Pilates bed. I can highly recommend to you all have a go... Alison is very knowledgeable in her teaching making sure every posture is correct that I was doing... By doing classes with Alison I now know how to do Pilates correctly and it really makes a great difference. Thank you Alison.
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reformer and mat classes
Reformer Pilates
beginner Classes
If you’re new to the Reformer, this class is for you. I cover the basics of using the Reformer safely while performing exercises that improve core strength, flexibility, and muscle tone. Emphasis is placed on proper form and controlled movements. I want everyone to feel highly confident in using the full extent of the reformer.
Intermediate Reformer Pilates: The Heart of the Work
Reformer Pilates: Laying the Foundations
At this level, the Reformer SUPPORTS you, providing guidance and assistance.
The Reformer offers feedback through the springs, footbar, carriage, and straps, helping beginners feel proper movement patterns. While the Mat can be more challenging due to its lack of support, the Reformer allows for better alignment and proprioception.
Key Pilates Principles: Centering & Concentration
✔ Centering – All movements originate from the powerhouse (core). Before moving, focus on activating your core, checking your alignment, and initiating from the correct muscles. The Reformer provides feedback to reinforce this connection.
✔ Concentration – Bring your focus to the Reformer. Pay attention to posture, alignment, and muscle activation as you execute each exercise with precision.
At this level, the Reformer begins to CHALLENGE you while reinforcing foundational principles.
The springs, straps, and carriage now provide resistance rather than assistance, demanding greater stability, precision, and control.
Key Pilates Principles: Control & Precision
✔ Control – Every movement must be deliberate. Do not let the springs pull you—instead, resist them. The slower and more controlled your movement, the greater the benefit.
✔ Precision – Pilates is about quality over quantity. It is better to do fewer repetitions correctly than many with poor form. If an exercise causes discomfort, stop—Pilates should challenge, not strain.
Advanced & Super Advanced Reformer Pilates: Mastery of Breath & Flow
At this level, the Reformer and exercises push you to your limits—you are challenged to DEFEAT and DEFY what you once thought possible. The Reformer no longer assists you—it resists you, forcing complete control, stability, and power.
Key Pilates Principles: Breath & Flow
✔ Breath – At this level, breath drives movement. Inhale to prepare, exhale fully to execute. The breath fuels power, endurance, and flow.
✔ Flow – The workout is a continuous sequence of movement. There are no stops, breaks, or excessive repetitions—only seamless transitions from one exercise to the next.
At this level, the Reformer is no longer a tool - it is a challenge that tests your control, breath, and precision. Pilates becomes an artistic expression of movement rather than a series of exercises.
mat Pilates
beginner
This class is perfect for those new to Pilates. I focus on introducing the foundational principles of Pilates, including core strength, flexibility, and proper alignment. Each session begins with a gentle warm-up, followed by fundamental exercises and concludes with a relaxing cool-down. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation and develop a love for Pilates.
intermediate
This class is designed for those who have been doing Pilates for a long time and feel super strong. In these sessions we focus on technic and more through the full range of Pilate exercises – at pace – but with total control. It incorporates advanced exercises and sequences that require greater strength, precision, and endurance. I push the limits to refine your technique and achieve your fitness goals. Each session is dynamic and varied to keep you engaged and progressing.
advanced
Been attending Pilates for a while and want to push yourself – this class is for you. It combines the basic with some intermediate and even touches on some advanced exercises. Technic is important to me – the greater our technic the great ability to have to move our bodies correctly whether in a class or in very day to day activities. Those coming to this class will experience a focus on enhancing strength, balance, and coordination. I will guide you through each exercise, ensuring you perform them with precision and control.
WUNDA CHAIR, LADDER BARREL & PILATES BARRE
Pilates Wunda Chair & ladder barrel
The Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel are key equipment in my classes. It’s designed to improve flexibility, strength, and spinal mobility. The curved surface of the Barrel supports the back and encourages proper alignment, making it ideal for stretching and strengthening exercises. The Ladder rungs provide additional support and versatility, allowing you to perform a variety of exercises that target the core, back, and lower body. The Ladder Barrel is excellent for enhancing posture and relieving tension in the spine, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Pilates barre
Have you every wondered how people stand high on their foot – well if you have this class is for you. I combine the principles of Pilates with ballet-inspired movements for a full-body workout that enhances flexibility, strength, and balance. I use the full studio for these sessions. Mat, reformer and most importantly the wall! We will do exercises, and dynamic stretches. It’s a fun and engaging way to build long, lean muscles.
Personalised classes and small groups
In addition to regular classes on the schedule, I also offer:
1:1 classes
1:2 classes
Smaller group classes for 3 to 6 people. For instance train with friends.
The power of working in small groups allows you to focus on developing specific skills and receiving more individualized attention. These sessions are perfect for those looking to address specific goals, recover from injuries, or enjoy a more intimate and customized Pilates experience.
PILATES THERAPY
A Pilates Therapist thoroughly understands the Pilates Method and is qualified to use screening techniques, manual therapy, and corrective exercises to help you achieve your movement goals. This will help you get the most out of your Pilates practice and improve posture, increase flexibility, balance, and control.
If you want a class with our Pilates Therapist, please send me an email.
SPECIALISED classes
We offer a full range of focussed classes ranging from Pilates for runners, pre- and pos-natal, pilates for older people and even pilates for motorbiking.
MEET Alison
I can highly recommend Alison classes I go Saturday morning Five Rivers Alison is a very knowledgeable and dedicated to teaching her class. My core much stronger now.
Thanks Alison 😊
— 65 year old female
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