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Pilates FAQs

Why Choose Belfast Pilates?

All of our Pilates instructors are Chartered Physiotherapists (or health professionals) who have completed specialist Pilates training with the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute). The APPI method adapts classical Pilates into movements that are safe, achievable, and highly effective, which is why it is trusted worldwide in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

What truly sets us apart is our strong clinical foundation. Every exercise is broken down into clear, progressive stages, allowing movements to be adapted for different bodies, abilities, and conditions. Our instructors teach with confidence, knowing exactly how and why each exercise benefits you.

We provide comprehensive, participant-centred care throughout every stage of rehabilitation and recovery. From hands-on assessment and treatment in our physiotherapy clinic to ongoing support within our classes, we ensure continuity of care at every step. Where possible, your treating physiotherapist will continue to work with you in class settings. If not, a detailed clinical handover is provided to your instructor, allowing them to closely monitor your progress and support your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pilates suitable for all age groups and genders?

Yes — Pilates can benefit people of all ages, from children and teenagers through to older adults, for both men and women, when exercises are appropriately adapted by a fully trained APPI instructor. As Chartered Physiotherapists, we are ideally placed to design programmes tailored to each individual’s age, ability, and goals.

Most participants are able to attend our regular classes, including many teenagers. Younger participants may attend independently or, in some cases, alongside a parent or guardian.

We also offer our Mature Movers class, designed specifically for those who may find getting on and off the floor more challenging. These sessions focus on chair-based exercises, safe techniques for transitioning to and from the floor using chair support, and carefully graded exercises tailored to each individual’s abilities and confidence level.

Why choose a Chartered Physiotherapist as your Pilates instructor?

Physiotherapists are trained as human movement specialists and analysts. With the addition of APPI Pilates training, we can offer bespoke rehabilitation based Pilates programmes tailored to each individual. All clients are assessed prior to joining classes, enabling exercises to be adapted to suit specific needs and conditions. This provides reassurance and confidence, knowing that if any discomfort arises during class, you are in safe, expert hands.

Can I participate if pregnant?

Yes — if you are pregnant, we recommend discreetly informing your instructor during the early stages of pregnancy so that any necessary exercise modifications can be made safely and sensitively.

If you were already participating in Pilates prior to conception, it is generally advisable to continue exercising with appropriate care and guidance throughout your pregnancy. For those who are new to Pilates and would like to stay active during pregnancy, we offer a dedicated antenatal Pilates class led by our Women’s Health Specialist Physiotherapist.

For availability and further details, please contact natasha@belfastpilates.co.uk

Participants who continue attending their regular Pilates classes during pregnancy can often do so safely, with suitable modifications, throughout the full 40 weeks where there are no complications. However, if classes become too physically demanding, fatigue increases, or any pregnancy-related complications arise, transitioning to the antenatal class may be recommended.

I’ve recently had a baby — will Pilates benefit me and when can I start?

Yes. Provided the birth was uncomplicated and there are no underlying medical issues, most women can begin Pilates 6 weeks post partum. Following a C section, we recommend waiting 10 weeks, assuming recovery has gone well. Pilates helps rebuild strength, posture, and confidence after pregnancy. It is particularly effective for strengthening the abdominals and pelvic floor, supporting recovery, improving muscle tone, and reducing the risk of incontinence now and in the future.

How do I register for classes?

At Belfast Pilates, many of our classes are fully booked due to demand. However, we regularly add new classes and operate waiting lists for specific sessions where required.

To join a class, you will first need to register through our TeamUp platform, which can be accessed via our website or through the Linktree on our Instagram page. Class administration is overseen by Natasha Scott, who is happy to assist with any questions regarding bookings, availability, or class suitability.

Once registered, please contact Natasha on natasha@belfastpilates.co.uk to ensure you are placed in the most appropriate class or added to the correct waiting list.

Classes are delivered in 6-week blocks, with each session lasting 1 hour. Payment is made in advance for the full block. If you are unable to attend a class, a recording of the session will be made available. We also offer a class swap system, providing flexibility where at least 24 hours’ notice is given.

How do I make a class swap?

You can make a swap from your goteamup.com log in.

Simply remove yourself from the class in your ATTENDANCES that you are unable to make. Browse the SCHEDULE day by day for a suitable class day , time, level for you to attend in its place. Select the class and choose to join it using the MEMBERSHIP that you have subscribed to. There is no need to pay anything extra when selecting a class in place of a paid up class you can no longer attend. You can see the schedule always 3 weeks ahead and this updates week to week. There is a swap tutorial pinned to the top of our instagram page.

Where can i see billing schedules or alter payment card details for my TEAMUP membership?

If you log in to goteamup.com you can see all your financial information on payment schedules and edit the cards attached to your account. It is not possible to alter your payment details on the Teamup mobile app (IOS or Android). Only by logging into your account at goteamup.com

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