Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement. For the average person, this helps them maintain the ability to get on and off the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, stand up from a chair, sit comfortably at a desk, or vacuum and rake without pain. For athletes, it promotes more efficient movement, therefore preventing injury and improving performance.

Joseph Pilates himself said that in 10 sessions you will feel your results, in 20 sessions you will see them and in 30 you will have a whole new body! If you start practicing pilates a few times each week, (that could be two classes at LYC and one 20 minute practise at home) then typically after the first 30 days or one month, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your posture, balance, and flexibility. You should start having more energy, and you may notice your muscles look a little leaner and more toned. Unsurprisingly effort=outcome so it depends on how frequently you are doing pilates, how much effort you put in and of course your expectation. Mental changes will be felt even sooner, with most people feeling more energised, positive and happier after each Pilates session.

This depends on your reasons for attending and your physical goals of course. If you choose to attend a class fortnightly or once a week just for enjoyment that is completely fine and up to you! However, you might not see or feel a great deal of improvement if you are not also practising regularly at home as well. At LYC we recommend practising pilates at least twice a week, ideally 3 times to feel and see reasonable improvement. The consistency of twice weekly practice allows your body to become more familiar with movements and gradually build your strength and improve your flexibility without your muscles ‘forgetting'. This allows you to focus on improving and growing as opposed to always trying to ‘get it right.’ This doesn’t mean you have to attend three 1 hour long classes a week. It might mean 2 classes and a 20 minute practise at home.

Absolutely! Pilates was invented by a man and was used to help injured soldiers rehabilitate during WW1. LYC studio has an urban masculine atmosphere, and there are no gender-specific exercises so it is definitely suitable for men. We often have reluctant men dragged along by their partners in the classes who find it very beneficial and end up coming weekly! So please do not be shy about coming along. Pilates is popular amongst many male and female athletes. Many football clubs insist on players taking up pilates to help them with their balance and suppleness, reducing risk of injury and extending their professional career. When asked about Pilates, David Beckham himself said: “I do an hour of Pilates a day. It is fantastic and fitness-wise I am the best I have been for a long time”.

In combination with a healthy lifestyle, eating well and staying active, yes. Pilates may not be as effective for weight loss as other cardio exercises, such as running or boxing, as it is relatively low intensity. However it does burn calories and tones your muscles. Practising Pilates twice a week also keeps you mentally in gear for staying on track of your goals, if that is to lose weight, tone up or stay motivated.

Pilates is a low impact body conditioning exercise which helps to improve general fitness and overall wellbeing. Pilates concentrates on strengthening the body (particularly the core) while improving postural alignment, balance, mobility and flexibility. At LYC we focus on the mind-body connection. While doing the various exercises your mind needs to be constantly aware of your breathing and the way your body moves, practising principles such as control, concentration, flowing movement and stamina

The ‘core’ refers to the centre of the body. It is a group of muscles that stabilise and control the spine and pelvis. It includes muscles in the hips, back, pelvis, buttocks, abdominals and around the diaphragm.

Not at all, everyone is welcome! Our classes are tailored so that each exercise has layers. Each can be modified depending on your ability. We also provide small equipment such as rolled up towels under the neck or back to make you feel more comfortable. If you are new to Pilates then take the class at your own pace. Take breaks whenever you need to and listen to your body. We have SO many beginners join classes who absolutely love it. They are becoming stronger, more flexible and more confident in their abilities week by week. If you are totally new to exercising in general then we would definitely recommend an initial consultation and 1:1 taster with an instructor so we can go through the basics and the principles of pilates before attending a group class. Any questions at all, please drop me a message.

Pilates can hugely benefit those with back pain, stiffness poor posture and minor injuries. Before attending any class or session we require you to complete a thorough health screening questionnaire. If there are any serious concerns from this, we would ask you to consult your GP before attending and where necessary written consent. Pilates can help with certain injuries over time by improving posture, strengthening stretching and mobilising muscles and helping the body work more efficiently and therefore reducing the likelihood of injuries re-occuring. We aim to give guidance during the exercises however the instructions given in these classes are not intended as a substitute for medical consultation. I do not offer special rehabilitation pilates- but can suggest other brilliant specialists in this area.

Pilates is suitable for all ages but for insurance reasons we do not take clients under the age of 18. There is no upper age limit. Some of our older clients are still attending sessions because Pilates is gentle and low-impact exercise and we are able to adjust classes to focus on balance, posture, co-ordination and breathing with older clients in order to maintain mobility. If you have concerns around this area then we recommend booking an initial 1:1 consultation to build your confidence before coming to a class. If you want to compete for the title of ‘most mature’ client at LYC then you need to be in your 80s..!

Please attend the specialist pre and post-natal classes if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. For your own health and safety if you are pregnant please do not book ALIGN, MIND, SCULPT or RnBREATHE. If you have any questions or require 1:1 support, please feel free to message me

At LYC there are no expectations of you! You are there for yourself . Instructors are there to guide, support and motivate you towards your goals. It’s rare that a super strong, super fit participant arrives in class. It would be a bit like waiting until you’re better to visit the doctor. You are coming to get stronger, fitter and to feel more confident. It doesn’t really matter where you start, it’s how you progress. And actually, beginners progress quicker than anyone else because of the adaptations your body will have to make.

No, please book in advance as we are a small studio. Click here to see weekly availability

Classes are 60 minutes allowing sufficient time to warm up and to stretch afterwards. 1:1 sessions can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on your needs.

Assuming you’ve completed payment and your pre exercise questionnaire online, then all you need to bring is yourself. We also recommend a bottle of water and if you have a mat, bring one. We do have a few spares in the studio so don’t worry at all if you don’t have one. However, I do recommend you consider getting your own if you decide to make Pilates a regular part of your life, more so you can practise at home and find a mat that feels right for you! We recommend at least 6mm thickness to provide enough support.

No. All classes at LYC are mat based exercises. However, we do often use small equipment to aid your comfort. Eg. pilates rings, balls, bands and cushions.

Classes start from £10 per person but please see our pricing page for more info and discounts 1:1 sessions cost from £35 per session for block booking, we also offer one-offs and 2:1 (duet) discounts to bring a friend! Please see our pricing page for more info.

Please check out our 'classes' page on the website to find out more about the style and content of each class. There are descriptions and videos to help you feel the pace and energy of each class. If you are still unsure or would prefer a 1:1 please feel free to drop me a message via email (found on contact page).

Just wear something that you feel comfortable in and can move in. Ideally leggings and a close fitting top because this makes it easier for me (and therefore for you) to see the shapes you are making with your body. I’m looking for subtle stuff that is hard to see through baggy clothes. Either bare feet or you may want socks, if you are prone to cold feet. Also I’d always suggest bring a jumper or cover up in case you do get cold as we head into the winter months or sometimes to give you a little padding if you have bony hips or pelvis. Also just be mindful that jewellery/buttons/tops with tie knots can be uncomfortable pressing into the mat in some exercises.