Pilates

PILATES 

Pilates is very popular and highly beneficial with people of all ages and levels of fitness and flexibility, from people who have never embarked upon any form of exercise before to those who train everyday! It is a fantastic way to return to exercise, maintain and improve fitness, lose weight, build strength, and increase flexibility. The slow controlled, flowing movements primarily strengthen the core (abdominals) muscles, realign the body, and aid towards postural correction.


The Better Body Club believes in progression through exercise and so offers a full range of levels from Beginner to Advanced for both men & women.

BEGINNERS 

Tuesday 10.30am Denmead, Thursday 9.15am, Abshot & Tuesday 10.30am Lee Tennis Club

The beginner classes will introduce you to the main principles of Pilates, such as concentration, breathing, control, precision and flow of movement and centering, building awareness of your own body’s strengths and weaknesses.

In these classes, you will be introduced to a range of basic Pilates exercises which will encourage increased strength and flexibility in the body however the main focus will be on learning and maintaining the correct technique and posture alignment so that as you progress on to improvers and then advanced levels to ensure that you get the most out of your session.

INTERMEDIATES

Tuesday 9.15am Denmead

Intermediate sessions are designed for those who have some knowledge of Pilates and have mastered the basic principles.

In these classes you will be introduced to additional levels on familiar exercises and also to some new moves to improve strength and muscle tone. The class will have a slightly faster pace incorporating a sequence of moves before releasing those muscles with a stretch.

MIXED ABILITY

Throughout the week - see all venues

A welcoming class suitable for both beginners and intermediate levels.

Enjoy a balanced blend of strength, flexibility, and core stability exercises designed to help you move better and feel stronger. Occasionally, we’ll use small weights and Pilates balls to add variety and challenge — but always with options to suit every ability.

Perfect for anyone looking to improve posture, tone muscles, and build body awareness in a friendly, supportive setting.

FLOW 

Friday 8.30am Victory Hall, Warsash

This class is ideal for members who have been attending classes for a while and wish to push the boundaries between Pilates and general fitness classes.

With dynamic tri-plane exercise sequences designed to test and improve your balance and all over body strength and fitness. Each sequence is explained and practiced and built onto the next sequence, so by the end of the class, a full flowing routine of movements is achieved.

FOR STRENGTH

Thursday 8.25am Victory Hall, Warsash

The class starts with a tai chi style warm-up (good for strength and balance) and then moves onto some stretching and general mobilisation.

This is followed by a weights section or exercises with resistance bands and then some circuit-style fitness and Pilates exercises.

CHAIR

Wednesday 9.45am Victory Hall, Warsash

Ideal for the older adult or people with reduced mobility. This class is good for people recovering from an injury or operation, before they return to their normal exercise routine. We have designed it using a chair rather than a mat. With a gentle Tai Chi style warm-up, the class moves on to stretches and mobility for all the major joints and works on balance and strength, finishing with relaxation. Stretchy bands and soft balls are used during the class. The aim is for a fun class where you will gently stretch and get moving, plus a chance to meet new people.

OVER 50s

Thursday 9.35am Victory Hall, Warsash

The class starts with 10 minutes of gentle Qichong breathing and tai chi style warm up.

This is followed by Pilates and includes the occasional use of a Pilates ball and exercise bands to help stabilise and focus on the exercises.

It is a gentle and relaxing class and taught by Martine.

BEGINNERS/REHAB

Tuesdays 10.30am Denmead Community Centre

The Pilates Beginners/Rehab class is meticulously crafted to introduce individuals to the fundamental principles of Pilates while catering to those with joint or mobility concerns. This class emphasizes gentle movements, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises, providing a supportive environment for rehabilitation and fostering a solid understanding of Pilates principles for beginners.

This class is taught by LIsa.

FOR MEN

Mondays 7.00pm Victory Hall, Warsash 

Designed specifically for men, this class focuses on building core strength, improving mobility, and enhancing flexibility. Ideal for golfers, cyclists, and sailors, it targets key muscle groups to boost performance and prevent injury. Expect a combination of strength work and dynamic mobility exercises, with special attention to stretching the back and shoulders—areas that are often particularly tight in men. This class is taught by Lisa.