• Full range of Pilates Equipment
• Pilates for Pregnancy
• Pilates for post operative rehabilitation
• Stretching and dynamic core work for men
• 1-1 or very small groups for maximum progress
• Challenging work for athletes, gymnasts, dancers
• Pilates for all to improve your sense of wellbeing
• Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness

Pilates with a difference

The Enlightened Body Pilates studio offers individual and small group classes for both men and women using the full range of Pilates Equipment, perfect for both remedial work and a high challenge full bodied workout.
Joseph Pilates devised his method using this equipment of his own design and it was not until later that he developed the Pilates Matwork for his clients to practise anywhere. Come and see what the equipment can do for you to either support or give greater challenge to your practice.
Whatever your starting point, Pilates can improve your strength, flexibility, mobility, health and sense of well-being.

Matwork

Joseph Pilates devised his series of 34 Matwork exercises as Pilates to practise anywhere. Traditionally it's just you and the mat, no extras. But whilst you're learning how to negotiate your way towards Saws, Swans, Seals and Scissors, I'll give you a little extra help where you need it with small balls or stretch bands. My small classes really are small: with a maximum of 6 clients grouped by level and goals, you will all receive plenty of personal attention and hands-on guidance at the pace that is right for you.

To benefit from a Matwork class, you need to be mobile enough to get up and down from the mat, and to sit with a well aligned spine (although I'll often give you a block to sit on to help). Because it's just you and the mat, you are working with the resistance of gravity and organising the co-ordination of your body with no other framework to hold on to.

Core Fitness Roller

This is a really exciting new piece of kit. Developed in the US by Darya Bronston, the Core Fitness Roller, or ‘CFR' is a portable and incredibly versatile piece of equipment that lends itself beautifully to the Pilates repertoire.

The variable resistance of the pulleys and straps is reminiscent of the Pilates Reformer, and the CFR roll itself offers a range of balance challenges and muscle release techniques. Best of all, you can sling it over your shoulder once you're done... that would be some feat with a Reformer!

These are challenging classes for small groups of clients who are already proficient in the basics of Matwork or Equipment and can confidently lie on the roller. And if you just can't get enough, you could even buy your own CFR to use at home!

Pregnancy Pilates

Pilates is fast becoming the exercise of choice both during and after pregnancy. Gentle exercise with clear goals will set you up for the physical changes to come, and give you the best chance of staying fully mobile and pain-free throughout your pregnancy.

It is recommended that you wait until after your 12 week scan to begin a new exercise form in pregnancy and to gain approval from a health professional. So if you want to begin Pilates and you are already pregnant, I will welcome you to a specialised group class or individually tailored equipment session from around 13 weeks.

The benefits of Pilates in pregnancy are numerous, from increasing your energy levels to reducing the risk of back pain in later months, helping you adapt your posture to the demands of carrying your baby, and helping you to prepare for whatever type of birth you hope for.
After your baby is born, you can return to Pilates once you have had your postnatal check at 6-8 weeks. If you have had a caesarean section, then you are advised to wait for 8-10 weeks. Either way, this is an exciting time - you might feel like you've given birth to your tummy muscles as well as your baby, but you are in the privileged position of having a blank canvas to work on. Work well now and you could build up to a depth of strength or a range of movement that you never had before - honestly!

I am a member of the Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Instructors, and have completed a Pilates Foundation specialist certification in working with both pre and post natal women taught by master teacher Rachel Rafiefar. I am also a proud Mummy myself.

Find Us

Woodhayes is situated 1.5 miles north east of Honiton, just off the Dunkeswell road. After the narrow bridge take the first turning on the right, then Woodhayes' drive is the first on the left.