PILATES FAQs
Location, class times and practicalities
Q - Where are your classes held?
A – Classes are held at Saint Benedict School, Duffield Road, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1JD.
Q - What days and times are your classes?
A – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings – all 6:15-7:15pm
Q - What type of Pilates do you teach?
A – My classes are Mat Pilates. Whilst I am a classically trained Pilates teacher, my Pilates classes are a mix of classical and contemporary Pilates. This means that we don’t rigidly stick to the original 34 exercises designed by Joseph Pilates – we get the best of both worlds adding in modern small equipment and techniques as modern movement science has advanced.
Q – How long are your Pilates classes?
A – Classes are 60 mins long. We tend to do a few minutes breathing and warming up, 45-50 minutes of Pilates exercises and then 5-10 minutes of stretching and relaxation to finish.
Q - What do I need to bring to a class?
A – You will need to bring an exercise mat, and water. If you don’t already have a mat, I recommend you get a mat that is as thick as possible (you can just search for 15mm Pilates mat online and they are mostly very similar options/ prices). I provide you with a Pilates ball (I give this to you to take home and use, and you return this if you decide not to carry on for the next block). Other than for the beginners course, I ask you to get yourself a Pilates ring. I provide other equipment such as resistance bands etc.
Experience levels and injuries/ health conditions
Q – Do I need to have done Pilates before?
A – No, I provide a basic option for an exercise, and then give options for those that are ready to make the exercise more challenging – which allows people of multiple experience and ability levels to participate in the same class.
Q – I’m worried I won’t be able to do the exercises as I am fairly out of shape and haven’t exercised for some time – will this still be suitable for me?
A – Yes absolutely. As I offer lots of different options, and I encourage you to listen to your body and do what is right for you – that might mean doing less repetitions, and/ or reducing the range of motion, taking more breaks - or all of the above. As long as you leave feeling better than when you arrived, I don’t mind what you do during the session!
Q – I have an injury/ health condition – will your classes be suitable for me?
A – I have a health questionnaire that you complete before attending a class to check for any health conditions/ injuries that mean Pilates is unsuitable for you. However, there are a lot of conditions that you can still practice Pilates with – and in fact Pilates is often recommended (and was developed to) help people recover from injuries. Joseph Pilates originally called his method Contrology, and called it “returning to life through Contrology”. I have a lot of experience in working with clients with all manner of health conditions and injuries, and am used to alternatives that work for you.
If you have any concerns about this, drop me an email to discuss.
Q – Can Pilates help with lower back pain?
A – Yes, if your niggly lower back issues are caused by poor posture and muscle imbalances then Pilates will absolutely help. Pilates helps to strengthen the weak muscles and lengthen the shortened and tight muscles to bring your body into a more correct posture/ alignment.
Q – Can you recommend other health professionals for my injury/ health problem?
A – Yes I can. Many of the core Pilates exercises we do are often recommended by Physiotherapists/ other heath professionals as part of your rehabilitation plan, but if you are not seeing any improvement then I do have a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor that I have personally used that I can refer you to. Sometimes we need to be physically adjusted back into alignment.
Pricing and the block booking system
Q – How does your block booking system work?
A – I work in “blocks” of classes, usually around 10 weeks long – the dates are set dates (for example 2ndJan to 13th March 2025). You pay for the block of classes upfront.
Q – Can I try a class without committing to the whole block of classes?
A – Yes, you can come and try a class and pay cash before deciding whether to commit to the rest of the block of classes.
Q – How much do classes cost?
A – Classes cost the equivalent of £10 per class, so if the block of classes is 10 weeks long, then the block would cost £100.
Q – Can I do a Pay As You Go option?
A – No, after your first class to decide if it is for you, I don’t offer a pay as you go option.
Q – Why don’t you offer Pay As You Go?
A – I want to work with the same clients on a regular and long term basis. It allows me to understand any health challenges/ restrictions people have and I can plan classes knowing what everyone is capable of. With Pay As You Go it is a different set of clients each class which means trying to help people progress is like a stab in the dark! It also helps to provide you with the motivation to keep coming and therefore you will see and feel the benefits that Pilates brings if you commit to a regular practice. It is also nicer for everyone involved as we get to know each other and build a community.
Q – What happens when I can’t make a class?
A – You are able to make that class up on another day/ week (I’m not precious about when it is) - if you’ve paid me for 10 classes, I want you to do 10 classes! I also record one class a week and send that out to everyone so that you can do the class from home following the video as many times as you like. The videos are available for a few weeks.
Q – As I haven’t been able to make it to class, can I have a refund?
A – No, I do not provide refunds as I am very flexible with allowing you to catch classes up without time restrictions and also providing the videos which I don’t know any other instructors that do that. The pricing per class is worked out assuming you will only make 7 or 8 of a 10 week block as life sometimes gets in the way and you can’t fit in catching them up another time. If I were to charge on a class by class basis, my pricing would be £13 per class so £13 x 7 or 8 classes works out at roughly the same as you are paying for the 10 week block anyway.
Q – How do I book on to try a class?
A – Email me on louise@wellness-with-lou.com
Sound bath FAQs
What is a sound bath and what are the benefits
Q – What is a Sound Bath?
A – A sound bath is a form of meditation using instruments such as Gongs, Singing bowls, drums, chimes and many other smaller instruments. You lie down and get comfy whilst I take you on a sound journey!
Q – What are the benefits of a Sound Bath?
A – One of the biggest benefits of a Sound Bath, is that you get lots of benefits without putting in any effort whatsoever!
Whilst many people enjoy the sound of the instruments, the benefits actually come from the vibrations felt in the body. Here are the most frequent benefits experienced by attending a sound bath -
1. Stress Reduction and anxiety relief: The resonant frequencies produced by the instruments are thought to interact directly with our body's energy centres, which might help dissipate the buildup of stress and anxiety by shifting the nervous system from the fight-or-flight response to a state of rest.
2. Improved sleep quality: Sound bath meditation may help with insomnia and sleep disturbances, as the soothing sound waves can promote deep relaxation, making it easier for the body to transition into sleep. Many find that regular sound baths help regulate sleep patterns, reducing sleep-related issues.
3. Enhanced mental clarity, focus and creativity: A sound bath may help clear away the clutter of incessant thoughts and worries, helping concentration and focus.
4. Deepened meditation and spiritual insight: The vibrations of sound baths are thought to help you connect with your subconscious mind, allowing inner exploration and self-discovery. Sometimes people experience profound insights or epiphanies during a sound bath.
5. Physical healing and pain relief: Sound bath meditation is thought to stimulate circulation, enhance immune response, and may promote the healing of tissues and cells. People with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, often note a reduction in symptoms.
6. Emotional release and healing: Sound baths can create a safe space for emotional exploration and release. Because they’re thought to release emotions, powerful sound waves may help people heal past traumas or deal with grief.
Location, practicalities and contraindications
Q – Where are your Sound Baths held?
A – I use Repton Village Hall for my Sound baths as it is such a great venue – it’s big, bright, airy, clean and there is plenty of parking. The environment for a Sound Bath makes a huge difference to the overall experience. We occasionally get the local peacocks joining in with the Sound Bath which is a lovely free natural element!
Q – What do I need to bring with me to the Sound Bath?
A – Bring anything that will help you to be super comfortable lying on the floor for an hour – exercise mat, cushions, eye masks, reclining garden chairs, extra socks, a blanket. Usually the more you bring, the comfier you will be – and being able to relax will help you get the most out of the experience.
Q – Is there anyone that a Sound Bath isn’t suitable for?
A – If you have a pacemaker, epilepsy or metal in an organ (such as heart stents), then unfortunately a Sound Bath is not suitable for you.
If you are pregnant, have a recent fracture, tinnitus or other hearing conditions, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, then contact me to discuss this before booking on.
booking and aftercare
Q – How do I book on to one of your Sound Baths?
You can see the dates for Sound Baths, and book on HERE.
Q – What is the recommended aftercare for a Sound Bath?
A – A sound bath is a little like a “Hands-Off” Massage and the vibrations felt in the tissues have a similar effect to a massage. Therefore, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to aid in the detox stage. Also, rest, and eat light, nutritious foods to support the body's release and integration process. Allow yourself time to process any emotions or physical sensations, as these are normal responses to the deep relaxation. Gentle movement, such as a nature walk, and avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours are also recommended.