Welcome to The Pilates Studio | New Forest
Welcome to The Pilates Studio New Forest, where I offer mat work classes from beginner through to advanced level, in a custom designed Pilates Studio, which is nestled in the tranquil setting of the New Forest.
I also offer one to one sessions, which are tailored to suit your needs and can be held in the comfort of your own home or in the Studio.
Pilates was originally called Contrology and developed at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a unique sequence of exercises created by Joseph Pilates, designed to help you achieve a balance of body and mind. Pilates offers a wealth of long-term fitness, health and well-being benefits.
I also offer one to one sessions, which are tailored to suit your needs and can be held in the comfort of your own home or in the Studio.
Pilates was originally called Contrology and developed at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a unique sequence of exercises created by Joseph Pilates, designed to help you achieve a balance of body and mind. Pilates offers a wealth of long-term fitness, health and well-being benefits.
About me
My name is Louisa and I have practiced Pilates for the past 13 years and been teaching for 4 years.
I was originally recommended to try a class after surgery by my back consultant. after just a few classes I saw and such profound changes, that I have never looked back. I truly believe the benefits to Pilates are endless for your mind, body and spirit.
I teach clients of all levels, from beginner to advanced.
I teach my classes just a five minutre drive from the centre of Hythe, in a beautiful custom built Pilates studio, I offer Pilates Mat classes, Barre Pilates and 1:1 tuition.
I am a fully qualified Level 3 Pilates Instructor, trained under Joanne Cobbe, of JPilates Training School. I am qualified in Mat, Reformer and Barre Pilates.
"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body" - Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates
The Pilates method was originally developed and named Contrology by founder Joseph H. Pilates, at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Pilates encourages mind and body coordination and strengthening the postural muscles. However, it goes beyond this by working muscles that you didn’t even know that you had!
If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control over the whole body. The emphasis is on alignment, breathing, developing a strong “powerhouse” (your abdomen, lower back and pelvis) along with improving posture, balance and coordination. Also, with regular Pilates sessions the benefits will include a toned and lean body. It increases body awareness, creates strength, endurance and flexibility, resulting in a sense of relaxation and well-being.
The beauty of the Pilates system, is that it can be adapted to suit from beginner to advanced level, making is suitable for all ages and abilities.
I teach many people, some who have practiced Pilates for years and for them it is a real passion. Also I have lots of Mums that drop their children to school and come straight to my 9.30 class. It doesn’t take long for the results of coming to Pilates classes to start showing! My clients leave with their bodies feeling great from their workout, but also very happy and relaxed.
Pilates not only compliments your everyday life, whether you are a keen walker or gardener. But it has so many excellent benefits, that it can compliment your other sporting activities. Working on posture, balance, alignment, stabilisation, mobilisation and flexibility, Pilates goes hand in hand with running, cycling, swimming, horse-riding, golf, tennis and many other activities.
Pilates encourages mind and body coordination and strengthening the postural muscles. However, it goes beyond this by working muscles that you didn’t even know that you had!
If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control over the whole body. The emphasis is on alignment, breathing, developing a strong “powerhouse” (your abdomen, lower back and pelvis) along with improving posture, balance and coordination. Also, with regular Pilates sessions the benefits will include a toned and lean body. It increases body awareness, creates strength, endurance and flexibility, resulting in a sense of relaxation and well-being.
The beauty of the Pilates system, is that it can be adapted to suit from beginner to advanced level, making is suitable for all ages and abilities.
I teach many people, some who have practiced Pilates for years and for them it is a real passion. Also I have lots of Mums that drop their children to school and come straight to my 9.30 class. It doesn’t take long for the results of coming to Pilates classes to start showing! My clients leave with their bodies feeling great from their workout, but also very happy and relaxed.
Pilates not only compliments your everyday life, whether you are a keen walker or gardener. But it has so many excellent benefits, that it can compliment your other sporting activities. Working on posture, balance, alignment, stabilisation, mobilisation and flexibility, Pilates goes hand in hand with running, cycling, swimming, horse-riding, golf, tennis and many other activities.
Principles of Pilates
The Principles of Pilates are important and always the same, no matter who you talk to. The six principles are breathing, centring, concentration, control, precision and flow. With the integration of the principles you will master the moves with grace and fluidity.
Breathing
In general people new to Pilates breath shallowly, only allowing air into the upper part of their lungs.
Joseph Pilates emphasised deep, full breaths, filling your lungs and letting your ribcage expand. Breathing correctly can promote awareness and attention, enhance natural movement and can calm the mind. Coordinating your breath with the movements, helps to connect your mind with the body.
Joseph Pilates emphasised deep, full breaths, filling your lungs and letting your ribcage expand. Breathing correctly can promote awareness and attention, enhance natural movement and can calm the mind. Coordinating your breath with the movements, helps to connect your mind with the body.
Centring
Your centre is your “Powerhouse”, which consists of your abdomen, lower back and pelvis. In Pilates, all moves originate from your Powerhouse, outwards to your limbs and upper torso. With continuous practice of Pilates, you will end up with a strong back and improved posture!
Concentration
Concentration is an essential element when connecting your mind and body. Concentrating on alignment will aid correct muscle recruitment and allow a balanced, smooth and more precise movement. This will result in a greater awareness of your body and how it moves in every day life. This powerful mind-body connection is the heart of Pilates
Control
Muscular control is the foundation of Pilates. Control refers to the quality of the movement performed and is only improved through practice. Sloppy movements can lead to injury and therefore defeat the purpose of the exercise. By working on balance and control, Pilates teaches the body and person to work more efficiently.
Precision
Pilates focuses on perfect and precise movement. Every movement has a purpose and when it is performed with precision, one move is worth more than several half-hearted ones.
Flow
Flow is often called ‘fluidity’ and it refers to the grace and ease Pilates exercises should be performed. There are no rigid or static moves in Pilates, instead the movement is dynamic and smooth.
Testimonials
Carol Pepperell
I have known Louisa for about 6 or 7 years. She's always been passionate about being and keeping fit. As a skilled Pilates instructor she brings that passion to her classes. She will work you hard but above all she will ensure that you have fun doing it. Good luck Louisa
Alison Barber
I was suffering with back pain and went to see a physiotherapist. As I was a cyclist she suggested Pilates as a good exercise combination. Lou’s class has made a huge difference already. I now know how to protect my back.
Jane Fisher
I am fairly new to Pilates but I am feeling the benefits already. Both my flexibility and muscle tone have improved. Louisa’s classes are relaxed and friendly and she is great at ensuring you understand the moves and are performing them correctly and her enthusiasm for Pilates is infectious!.
Louise Ragetti-Cross
Louisa's enthusiasm and passion for Pilates is infectious! I had never tried Pilates before but I was keen to give it a go. I'm always looking for fun ways to improve my fitness and work on my core in particular. Louisa's sessions are structured, factual and highly motivating. Her instructions are clear and she always reinforces with demonstrations. As a visual learner this is really important for me. Louisa is an excellent role model, and an inspiration for us all. I have already learnt so much, after just two sessions and I have been practicing some of the exercises at home. I can't believe how strong I'm feeling already! Louisa is able to adapt the exercises for everyone and I leave feeling exhilarated.
Anne Herbert
As a 54 year old lady who has NEVER exercised, I booked private sessions with Louisa. I highly recommend Pilates to everyone, any age, and any fitness level. Pilates has strengthened and toned my entire body. My posture is better, my core is stronger and I have flexibility that I didn't think was possible. My advice to anyone considering Pilates is try it! Find the time! After years of back and neck pain, and three surgeries to correct these problems, I was never pain free until I took up Pilates. I no longer require any medication, have no back or neck pain. Pilates has transformed me physically and more so by taking up Pilates I am fitter than I have ever been. Louisa runs Dynamic private sessions. She is passionate, fun but professionally inspiring. Her tailored private sessions were set out to suit my needs. She also built up my confidence and all the negativity I had was channeled to a more positive approach to Pilates. Louisa is supportive and her praise to each small achievement helped to push me further than I ever thought capable. I have enjoyed my private sessions so much with Louisa that I now have the confidence to join larger classes. My body is now toned, my posture is fantastic and most of all, I am finally pain free.
Liz Bridle
Being a complete novice I was initially apprehensive about Pilates, but straight away Louisa me feel extremely welcome and comfortable. Although I'm not usually one for formal classes I can see myself getting hooked on Pilates, after just two session with Louisa I already feel stronger......and a lot less sore the day after!!!