Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent

Before joining a class, all attendees must have an initial one to one appointment. The purpose of this meeting is to check you are suitable for a class and that you can successfully achieve the correct starting positions. Unlike many classes, this saves you from wasting time attending a class you can not complete, or worse still, leaving in pain. Also, you will be reassured that you are doing things correctly.  

Class numbers are limited in Hilary's Pilates classes to enable proper supervision of the class and to ensure people are exercising and moving correctly.  They are open to both men and women. Classes are for mixed ability, with the instructor demonstrating both progressed and regressed levels of each exercise so you can work within your own limits.  

The classes are run by a Chartered Physiotherapist, and your movements may be gently corrected at appropriate times.  The instructor will never ask you to do a movement or exercise with which you are not comfortable.  

Classes run just under an hour, which includes a warm up, cool down and relaxation section.  Classes are booked in 6 weekly blocks.  

A "drop in" class in not currently available.

• Initial one to one appointment, postural assessment and movement analysis ensures you are ready for your class and know the correct technique
• Management of musculoskeletal injuries and men’s and women’s health conditions 
• Treatment of conditions such as back pain, obstetric and gynaecological problems, supporting ladies through pregnancy and management of post surgical conditions in men and women 

With the advent of more and more research into back pain, abdominal surgery and also women's and men's health conditions, greater emphasis has been placed on the importance of both maintaining, and also strengthening core muscles to help prevent and recover from a variety of health events. Pilates has been shown to be a great help to achieve this, particularly when taught by a qualified instructor.

Pilates is a form of exercise based on the principles developed by Joseph Pilates.  It is focused on movements integrating the body with the mind.

Hilary's classes are geared towards men and women. As long as you have been initially assessed, are not in significant pain or recovering from a very recent health event or injury, and have the time to commit at least once a week, then Pilates is for you. You don't have to be a regular exerciser or have learnt Pilates in the past to start classes with Hilary and she welcomes all.