PHYSIOTHERAPY
The ‘why’, the ‘how’ and great reasons to do it….
Pilates for strokes and Parkinsons
Pilates is fantastic for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) and dementia, as well as people effected by strokes and TIA’s (Mini Strokes). It improves balance, coordination, walking, strength and flexibility therefore prolonging independence and improving quality of life.
Pilates for Children
Joseph Pilates called the ages of 8 to 14 The Golden Years. These are the years of fast skeletal development and the time when good posture and a strong core is vital. Unfortunately Children these days spend a lot of time sitting watching television, on computers, iPads and gaming. Leading to postural and spinal problems for life. Pilates is a non-weight bearing form of exercise which works the mind and body. It strengthens the core and improves flexibility.
FAQs
-
Haslemere Pilates is a bespoke, clinically led Pilates studio located in Haslemere, founded by chartered physiotherapist Karol Haus. Born from clinical expertise and designed for individual care, we close the gap between generic fitness classes and genuine, movement-based rehabilitation by combining high-level anatomical knowledge with tailored instruction in a refined studio environment.
-
After years of working closely with patients as a physiotherapist, our founder Karol realised that standard Pilates often missed the mark on individuality. At Haslemere Pilates, every movement is intentional, fully tailored, and clinically informed to help you move better, recover faster, and build strength safely. With small class sizes, personalised attention, free parking, and a convenient location near Haslemere trainstation, we offer an unparalleled movement experience.
-
We keep our class sizes strictly small to ensure every client receives direct hands-on guidance, technique corrections, and tailored exercise modifications from our clinical instructors.
-
Haslemere Pilates is situated in Haslemere, conveniently located just moments from Haslemere Train Station. We are easily accessible for local residents across Haslemere, Liphook, Hindhead, and commuters travelling along the main rail line or A3.
-
Yes. Dedicated parking is available directly at the studio, making your visits easy and stress-free.
-
Our refined, boutique studio features premium studio equipment (including classical Reformers, Towers, Jumpboards, and specialised props), changing space, clean water points, and a calm, quiet atmosphere engineered for focused movement and rehabilitation.
Pilates Equipment & Class Types
-
Mat Pilates uses your own body weight against gravity (supplemented by small props like bands and rings) to build foundational core stability and control.
Reformer Pilates uses a specialised apparatus featuring springs, straps, and a sliding carriage to provide adjustable resistance, accommodating both gentle joint rehabilitation and high-resistance athletic conditioning.
-
A Tower (often called a Half-Cadillac or Wall Unit) is a vertical steel frame attached to or positioned behind a Reformer. It features a system of high and low spring attachments, push-through bars, and roll-back bars. Unlike the sliding carriage of a Reformer, the Tower provides a stable, fixed platform. The individual leg and arm springs challenge your balance, isolate single-joint movements, and reveal muscular imbalances between the left and right sides of your body. Tower exercises are exceptional for spinal articulation, deep core strengthening, and targeted rehabilitation.
-
A Jumpboard is a padded, vertical wooden plate attached to the front footbar end of the Reformer. During a Jumpboard class, you lie on your back or side on the sliding carriage and push off the board, creating a low-impact aerobic jumping workout.
Jumpboard training offers several unique benefits:
Low-Impact Cardio: Delivers a heart-pumping cardiovascular workout without any heavy impact on your ankles, knees, hips, or spine.
Bone Density & Power: Builds lower-body dynamic power and stimulates bone strengthening in a safe, horizontal position.
Core Stability Under Speed: Challenges your deep core and pelvic floor to stabilise as the carriage moves at higher speeds.
Pilates Fundamentals & Benefits
-
Pilates builds functional core strength, improves postural alignment, enhances mobility, and prevents injury. By learning to move intentionally, you reduce stress on your joints, relieve muscle tension, and build a resilient body for daily life and sport.
-
Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by German trainer Joseph Pilates, who originally called the method "Contrology." Created to rehabilitate injured soldiers and later adopted by elite dancers, it focuses on using the mind to control core stabilization and muscular control.
-
The core principles of Pilates are:
Centering (engaging the deep core or "powerhouse")
Control (deliberate movement without momentum)
Concentration (full mental focus on execution)
Precision (exact anatomical alignment)
Breath (targeted breathing to fuel muscle function)
Flow (smooth, continuous movement)
-
Absolutely. The breathwork and deep focus required in Pilates trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and relieving stress. Clients routinely leave feeling mentally calm, centered, and physically refreshed.
-
While both emphasise breath and mind-body awareness, Pilates focuses primarily on core stability, spinal alignment, and dynamic strength through precise movement patterns (often using resistance equipment like Reformers). Yoga tends to focus more on static postures, flexibility, and spiritual meditation.
-
Not at all. You do not need to be flexible to start Pilates—building safe, balanced flexibility is one of the primary results of practicing it.
-
In the words of Joseph 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." Most clients report feeling improved posture and reduced joint tension after their very first session.
-
While Pilates builds lean muscle tissue—which boosts your baseline metabolism—it is primarily designed for biomechanics, strength, and structural health. Combined with balanced nutrition and cardiovascular activity (or high-energy classes like Jumpboard Reformer), it forms an essential foundation for sustainable weight loss and tone.
Classes, Suitability & Preparation
-
Everyone. Our clients range from young athletes and busy professionals to pregnant mothers, post-surgical patients, and active seniors.
-
You are never too old or too young to learn proper body mechanics. Because our teaching is clinically informed and tailored, exercises are safely scaled to match any age group or mobility level.
-
Yes. Thanks to our small class sizes and clinical oversight, our instructors can adapt exercises to beginners within any general class. However, if you are completely new to movement or managing pain, we strongly recommend starting with an introductory 1:1 session.
-
If you have prior experience, our intermediate/advanced Reformer, Tower, or Jumpboard classes offer dynamic resistance and deeper functional movement work. Contact our team to match your goals with the ideal group or private session.
-
Yes. Because Haslemere Pilates was founded by a physiotherapist, injury rehabilitation is our specialty. We adapt every exercise around your injury to keep you moving safely without risking further tissue damage.
-
Yes. Prenatal and postnatal Pilates are exceptionally effective for supporting pelvic floor function, managing lower back pressure, and preparing your body for birth. Please inform your instructor so we can apply safe prenatal modifications.
-
Yes. Individual care is at the heart of our mission. Whether you are managing chronic neurological conditions, osteoporosis, severe joint degeneration, or recovery from illness, our physiotherapist-led team adapts exercises to keep movement safe and comfortable.
Your Visit & Studio Logistics
-
Clothing: Wear comfortable, flexible activewear that allows us to observe your movement alignment (avoid zips or buttons that could scratch the studio equipment).
Footwear: Grip socks are required for hygiene and traction on studio equipment.
To Bring: A water bottle. All mats and apparatus are provided and sanitised between sessions.
-
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled class time so you can park, change, and settle in without rushing.
-
Because class sizes are strictly capped to maintain individual care, all sessions must be booked in advance online or via our team. We cannot accommodate drop-ins without prior booking.
-
If a class is fully booked, you can join the online waitlist. If a spot opens up (e.g., due to a cancellation), the system will automatically notify you via email/SMS to offer you the place.
-
We operate a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made with more than 24 hours' notice can be rescheduled or credited back to your account. Late cancellations within 24 hours will be charged in full to protect our instructors' schedules and small class capacity.
-
Yes! You are welcome to book a friend into a group class or set up a private 1:2(duet) session for a tailored, shared experience.
-
For clients under 16 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must attend the initial consultation and remain on-site during the session.
-
For optimal results, we recommend 2 to 3 sessions per week. However, even once a week combined with home awareness yields noticeable improvements in posture and movement quality.
-
Progress is measured through functional improvements—such as increased range of motion, reduction in daily pain, better posture, and greater control over complex exercises. Our instructors keep clinical notes and perform periodic movement check-ins to monitor your development.
-
We accept all major credit/debit cards via our secure online booking portal, as well as class package passes and recurring monthly membership options.