Find out more about our Star rating system for our classes...
An Introduction to the Pilates' Technique and Mat Work...
Group Mat Work Classes
The 2 most frequently asked questions by newcomers are:
‘Will Pilates benefit me?’ and ‘Will it be suitable for me?’
The answer to both questions is ‘Yes’.
Pilates benefits everyone irrespective of age, injury or physical ability and is especially relevant these days as sedentary lifestyles and the work environment are causing more health issues than ever before. Postures are deteriorating and as a result more people are visiting chiropractors with aches and pains and are being advised to find Pilates’ classes. However, many people who start Pilates soon give up as it isn't what they expected or had in mind.
Before joining a class, I advise newcomers who are unfamiliar with the Pilates’ technique to attend an introductory session: Either a Group Introduction Class or a One to One Introduction To The Pilates’ Technique and Mat Work Exercises. This provides them with a taster session and enables me to advise the most appropriate class to join as I am able to observe posture and any issues that may hinder performance of an exercise. Whilst the introduction session is advisable, it isn’t obligatory.
CLASS INFORMATION
There are 10 classes per week held at The Carpenter’s Arms Community Centre all year round starting in September and ending in August with short breaks (1-2 weeks) over Christmas, Easter, at the end of August. There is a high demand for class places and in order to keep administration to a minimum there is a strict system of allocating class places fairly and consistently which is adhered to at all times.
There are up to 20 places available per class. Of the 20 available places per class, 15 are set aside for those who wish to attend classes regularly and have a guaranteed place in a specific class each week. For this they are expected to pay for 8 weeks at a time (8 week courses) by a deadline date and are offered the opportunity to attend alternative classes to make up absences, transfer to other classes (subject to availability) and retain their class place for one 8 week course once per year. Once these 15 places have been allocated the class is full.
The remaining 5 places are used as spare places for regular class members who wish to make up absences or for those who pay on a weekly basis. Paying weekly is a more expensive option and there is no opportunity to pre-book a place.
Every Pilates’ exercise is star-rated 1-5 (with 5 being the hardest) to enable all posture types, ages and abilities to perform the same exercise safely and effectively, creating a style of exercising that excludes no-one. Whilst this may sound ideal, in practice it relies on the capability of each individual class member to lean on their own understanding and learn how to perform the exercise in a way that is appropriate for their own individual needs. This demands regular and frequent attendance in order to learn the exercise levels.
I apply a star-rating (1-5) to each of the 10 classes to indicate the level of exercise intensity for each class. This enables anyone with limited Pilates’ understanding and knowledge to start learning the technique at an appropriate level for their ability that is both safe and effective. Regular class members who have sufficient understanding of the exercises may attend a class with a higher star rating as they will be able to modify the more challenging exercises if necessary. The classes with the lower star rating offer an ideal opportunity to review basic aspects of the technique and are extremely beneficial for improving technique skills. Please click on the side heading for further detailed information about each specific class intensity level.
Usually there are 2 teachers on hand at the evening classes. This facilitates weekly class administration without disrupting a class and also provides team-teaching opportunities that benefits the class members. Whilst one teacher teaches the class as a whole, the other teacher is available to provide specific instruction to address individual issues within the group.
All class members are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything they are unsure of. Anyone who would like to review aspects of the technique in more detail may book a one to one Pilates' Technique Review lesson.
Class Days |
Times |
Intensity Levels |
Tuesday |
1pm |
 |
Tuesday |
2pm |
|
Tuesday |
6.30pm |
|
Tuesday |
7.30pm |
|
Tuesday |
8.30pm |
|
Thursday |
1pm |
|
Thursday |
2pm |
|
Thursday |
6.30pm |
|
Thursday |
7.30pm |
|
Thursday |
8.30pm |
|
PRICES
8 week course: £48 or £32 for over 60s attending a day time class.
Attend and pay on a weekly basis: £10 per class.
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Absences cannot be used in lieu of payment.
PAYMENT METHODS
Cash: (correct amount in an envelope clearly marked with your name)
Cheque payable to: B Francis or BJF Coaching Me
Online banking
Account Name: BJF Coaching Me
Sorting Code: 20 84 13 Account Number: 83836924
Payment Reference: Your name.
Ensure payment is made in time to meet payment deadline dates.
CLOTHING
Wear snug fitting, comfortable fitness or leisure clothing that does not restrict movement and aids observation of joint alignment. Men are advised to wear tight fitting shorts such as cycling shorts. Exercises are usually performed bare-foot but socks that have a non-slip sole may be worn, ideally specific Pilates’ socks that do not restrict toes.
CLASS VENUE
The Carpenter’s Arms Community Centre, 13a Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5UY is situated next to Boldmere post office. There is limited car parking space at the venue and other groups may be using the car park. The main doors will be locked 10 minutes after the start of a lesson for security reasons, so please allow sufficient time for car parking.
COURSE DATES |
| The last Thursday of each course is the payment deadline date for the following course. |
Tuesdays 6 September – 25 October 2011 |
Tuesdays 1 November – 20 December 2011 |
CONSIDERING JOINING A CLASS?
I prefer enquiries on an individual basis rather than on behalf of friends or family as this can cause confusion and usually delays the allocation of class places. We cannot accommodate newcomers who arrive at a class unexpectedly. If anyone does arrive unexpectedly to join a class, they may observe the class if they wish to know more about the technique.
If you would like to receive the relevant information regarding booking an introductory session or joining a class, please contact me and let me have a contact address. I will post the relevant information or email it to you.