Your Pilates Journey
Discover the transformative power of Pilates and embark on a journey to a healthier you.
About Pilates
At Pilates with Elena, we believe in the power of movement to transform lives. Our instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Pilates is a mindful movement practice that connects the body and mind through a series of controlled, precise movements designed to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, posture and overall wellbeing. Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the method was originally called Contrology, reflecting the importance of control, concentration and mindful movement. Pilates developed the method while in a wartime civilian internment camp, creating exercise routines to help fellow detainees maintain their physical health by focusing on improving posture, flexibility, muscle strength and body awareness. Over time, Pilates has evolved into a safe, versatile practice suitable for people of all ages and abilities, from beginners to elite athletes.
Pilates is recognised as an effective way to build core strength, improve alignment, joint mobility, flexibility and balance. Regular Pilates practice supports everyday movement as well as other physical activities. By promoting good posture and body awareness, Pilates can positively transform the way you look, feel and move.
What to expect at a Pilates class
Classes follow a structured flow: a gentle warm-up, a core and full-body focused main phase, and a cool-down and stretch at the end.
Guided Instruction: Clear demonstrations and guidance help you feel confident and supported throughout every session.
Layered Exercise Options: Movements are taught with progressions and modifications, allowing you to work at the level that feels right for you.
Mindful Movement: Each class encourages concentration and control, helping you connect with your body and move with intention.
Core Engagement and Full-Body Conditioning: You’ll strengthen, mobilise, and stabilise the body through carefully structured sequences designed for effective progression, while targeted stretching enhances flexibility and overall ease of movement.
Tips for Pilates Participants
Listen to Your Body: Challenge yourself, but stay within your comfort zone, and feel free to pause or modify as needed.
Prioritise Technique: Focus on form over intensity as your strength and control will naturally improve over time.
Communicate with your Instructor: Let your instructor know your goals or any limitations so they can help tailor the class to suit your needs as much as possible.
About the class
Our Pilates classes take place in a relaxed and friendly environment at Victoria Centre, Stafford Road, Sheffield S2 2SE. When you enter the building, turn left through the door and go upstairs to find us in the Upper Gallery Room.
Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 14 participants, to ensure everyone receives individual attention.
Pilates sessions are suitable for mixed abilities, with exercises adapted to meet the needs of each individual participant.
All classes are 45 minutes long and cost £8 per session. Due to limited availability, a deposit (£3) or full payment (as selected) is required at the time of booking to secure your place. The remaining balance must be paid at the venue by cash or bank transfer.
Before booking your Pilates session
If you have a medical condition or injury, please obtain clearance from a healthcare professional before attending any Pilates session.
All clients must complete a health screening form (PAR-Q) and provide informed consent before attending. If your details have changed or you haven’t already filled out the form in the past 12 months, please inform the instructor before the class starts for personalized guidance.
All classes must be booked in advance through our website. You can book your classes up to 14 days in advance. Bookings open daily, so check back often to reserve your place.
Bookings without the required payment will be automatically cancelled. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance to receive studio credit and avoid forfeiture of payment made. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours' notice will result in forfeiture of all payments made, and any remaining balance for the session will remain due and payable.
Get Ready for Your Pilates Session
Arrive 10 minutes before session to get ready and complete the PAR-Q and informed consent form (if not already completed in the past 12 months). If there have been any changes to your health, including injuries, medical conditions, pregnancy, or any other concerns, you must inform the instructor prior to participating in the session.
A strict 5-minute late policy applies – arriving after this time will prevent you from joining the class.
Equipment: Bring your own mat if possible. If not, you must bring a large towel to cover the provided mat. Wear comfortable clothing that allows full movement. Barefoot participation or non-slip socks are recommended. If you have a verruca, athlete’s foot, or any similar foot condition, you must wear socks in the studio.
Hydration: Bring water to stay hydrated throughout the session.
Safety: Listen to your body and exercise safely. Modify exercises as needed and take breaks or stop immediately if you feel any pain, dizziness, or discomfort. Your wellbeing is the priority, always stop if something does not feel right and seek medical advice if needed.
"Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit"
- Joseph Pilates
The Benefits of Pilates
Core Strength and Stability
Develop a stronger, more supportive core to improve posture and protect your spine.
Improved Posture and Alignment
Regular practice promotes better body alignment, which reduces strain on muscles and joints.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection
The focus on concentration, breathing, and precise movement improves mental health, reduces stress, and increases body awareness.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
By addressing muscle imbalances and promoting balanced strength, it helps prevent injuries and supports the rehabilitation of joint or spinal issues.
Improved Functional Strength
It enhances daily movement quality, making tasks like lifting or bending easier.
Rebuilding Physical Confidence
As strength, mobility and control improve, you'll notice positive changes in how you look, feel, and move.
Increased Flexibility and Mobility
Pilates helps lengthen and stretch muscles, increasing the range of motion in joints therefore enhances both your capacity to stretch (flexibility) and your ability to move freely (mobility).
Balance and Body Awareness
Improve coordination and the ability of muscles, joints, and the nervous system to work together to maintain stability. By training proprioception you can develop more precise movements in daily activities, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.