What is Pilates
Pilates is a sophisticated method of exercise designed to enhance body awareness, movement, and fitness through a blend of mobility, strength, balance, breathing, and coordination training. At Richmond Physiotherapy, our clinical Pilates sessions are physiotherapist-led, ensuring they are tailored specifically to your personal needs and goals. Whether you are navigating post-operative rehabilitation, seeking ante or postnatal support, or aiming to improve athletic performance, our sessions provide a logical and detailed pathway to physical excellence. Based at Lawton Gate House, we deliver high-authority instruction that bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and functional fitness.
Clinical Pilates vs Generic Fitness Pilates
Feature
High-Street Fitness Pilates
Richmond Clinical Pilates
Instructor
Fitness Instructor
APPI-Trained Physiotherapist and 2 other experienced pilates instructors
Class Size
Often large (15+)
Small groups (Maximum 6)
Assessment
None required
Mandatory clinical movement screen
Rehabilitation
Generic exercises
Specific injury-led modifications
Focus
General workout
Postural control and functional movement
Mat Pilates Classes
Our mat Pilates classes incorporate all the essential elements of Pilates to strengthen and challenge your body. Each session lasts 60 minutes and is led by APPI-trained physiotherapists who ensure exercises are tailored to your individual needs and abilities. Our classes are taught in a fun yet effective way to challenge your body and improve muscle imbalances, postural control, and functional movement. With a maximum of six participants per class, you will benefit from focused instruction and personalised attention.
Reformer Pilates Sessions
We offer 1:1 reformer Pilates sessions, each lasting 60 minutes and delivered by APPI-certified physiotherapists. These sessions are ideal for those recovering from injury or seeking to build strength and confidence in their movement. Reformer sessions are scheduled to suit both the physiotherapists and patient’s diaries, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
Preparing for Your Session
- Please wear light, non-bulky clothing that allows easy movement. Pilates socks, which help reduce slipping, are recommended.
- Bring a water bottle and towel to each session.
- Any relevant medical documentation, such as hospital letters or scan results, and a list of current medications if applicable.
- Let us know beforehand if you are uncomfortable with certain positions or movements.
Our Pilates Specialists
Our Pilates service is delivered by a highly qualified team of clinicians and instructors, bringing a broad range of expertise in rehabilitation, movement, and performance.
Our team includes specialists in areas such as women’s health, kinesiology, and clinical Pilates, allowing us to support a wide variety of needs from injury recovery to strength and conditioning. Working closely with our physiotherapy team, they provide a seamless transition from treatment to movement-based rehabilitation.
We also offer a return-to-sport Pilates class, led by Alice Casagni, designed to support strength, control, and confidence as you progress back to full activity.
Our Richmond Clinic
Richmond Physiotherapy is located at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill St, Richmond, TW9 1SX. Our studio is a central hub for clinical Pilates for residents in Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, and Putney. Being situated just moments from Richmond Station, our facility is exceptionally convenient for those travelling from Kingston, Barnes, or Isleworth. Whether you are looking for a prenatal class after a stroll in Richmond Park or seeking a 1:1 reformer session near St Margarets or Brentford, our Hill Street centre is perfectly positioned to help you feel fitter and energised.
FAQs
Do I need a 1:1 session before joining a class?
We highly recommend an initial 1:1 assessment. This allows our physiotherapist to discuss your lifestyle, goals, and assess your movement to ensure you are placed in the correct class level and can benefit fully from each session.
What is the difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates?
Mat Pilates uses your body weight and small equipment for resistance on a floor mat. Reformer Pilates uses a specialised machine with springs and pulleys to provide either support or extra challenge, making it excellent for specific rehabilitation.
What should I wear to my Pilates session?
Please wear light, non-bulky clothing that allows for easy movement. We recommend Pilates socks (with grip on the bottom) to help reduce slipping during exercises.
Are the classes suitable if I am pregnant?
Yes, we offer specific ante and postnatal sessions aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor and trunk. Our physiotherapists are trained to adapt exercises safely for every stage of your pregnancy.
How many people are in each mat class?
To ensure personalised attention and focused instruction, we limit our mat classes to a maximum of six participants.
Can Pilates help my running performance?
Absolutely. Our “Strength for Sport” approach focuses on muscle endurance, single-leg stability, and coordination, which are vital for efficient running mechanics and injury prevention.
Glossary of Terms
- APPI: Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute; the leading clinical Pilates training provider for healthcare professionals.
- Core Stability: The coordinated effort of deep abdominal, spinal, and pelvic floor muscles to support the trunk.
- Reformer: A specialised piece of Pilates equipment that uses spring-loaded resistance.
- Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Discomfort in the joints of the pelvis, common during pregnancy.
