Classes are for anyone over the age of 18 who wants to better understand the basics of pilates for a safe and effective class, has had an injury and completed physiotherapy, is waiting for surgery or is recovering from surgery, or has experienced pain from a musculoskeletal disorder (back pain etc). It is also for those who are healthy and fit who want to stay this way into old age. By improving posture, core stability, whole body strength, balance and mobility in the right way, you can rebuild strength from within to improve movement and performance of the activities you love doing.

The LIVE online classes are mat based on the floor so you will need to get down and up from the floor. If this is a problem for you, you can book a 1:1 assessment with Vanessa in person or online. A few 1:1 sessions may help you strengthen your legs and improve your flexibility enough to be able to do this. If not, she can direct you to the seated and standing videos in the Rehab to Fitness Programme.

Your medical team will advise you on that. Sometimes exercise is encouraged a few days after an operation, other times it is a few weeks.

No, make sure your physiotherapist has signed you off for pilates before joining a class. Your body has to heal in a specific way with the right supervision and in-person, hands-on treatment.

Monday class: beginner level. These exercises are pilates rehabilitation for those with back/hip/knee/shoulder/neck stiffness or weakness, for those new to pilates or rusty. They are based on the pilates foundations (alignment, breath work & core activation) with mobility, balance and strength exercises for a whole-body work out. Friday class: intermediate level. These exercises are not suitable for anyone with a condition (low back pain, osteoporosis with history of fractures, scoliosis, hyper flexibility etc). It is a challenging class that moves at a faster pace. It requires strong pilates foundations (posture, breathing & core activation).

To take part in the online LIVE class you will need a computer or some other device which has a camera. I need to see you and you need to see me. It will also need a speaker so that you can hear me and talk to me. Practise setting things up so that you can position your camera where I can see you in standing and also on your mat/the floor. You’ll need a strong wi-fi signal so that the class runs smoothly. You may be able to ‘connect’ your device to your TV using a HDMI cable or iphone so that you can see the class on a bigger screen. You don’t need shoes or trainers. Most people prefer to do the class in bare feet or socks. There are a few pieces of equipment here that you may like to get. You can do the classes without any of these items or use alternatives. Exercise mat – or just do the class on a carpet or rug Head cushions – small/large or folded towels or cushions Resistance band – scarf or pair of tights 0.5kg Weights - or x 2 cans/small water bottles filled · Prickle balls x 2 – or x 2 tennis balls

Classes are capped at 12 participants so I can see everyone and check you are doing the exercises correctly. I prefer cameras remain on so I can see you to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly. You don’t have to speak to anyone in the class. I do chat briefly before and after the class.

Yes. The whole point of this website is to provide you with the skills, knowledge and self- awareness to modify and adapt your practice and movement patterns, so that you're exercising in a way where you feel strong and safe. These classes are about rehabilitation and education.