PCS PILATES
Pilates Provided by a Qualified Physiotherapist - Rachael Whitehouse
***All pilates classes will continue to be provided virtually via Zoom***
A BIT ABOUT ME
Chartered Physiotherapist and Certified Pilates Instructor
I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2006 and gained experience in a number of large teaching hospitals in London. I then found pilates as an adjunct to helping my clients and so I completed my training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI). I worked for their Wimbledon branch before relocating to Bath in 2019 where I now work at a private clinic and also offer domiciliary physiotherapy and pilates.
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Physiotherapy wise, I specialise in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, whether that be from a sporting background, or working on people's strength and mobility for everyday activities. I use my broad range of experience to provide a holistic assessment, and enjoy working with each client to provide an individual and meaningful plan to help them get back to what they want to be able to do.
I love the APPI pilates method because it modifies each exercise in order to ensure there is a correct level for everyone, and therefore anyone and everyone can benefit. I have additional training in ante- and post-natal pilates, as well as pilates for scoliosis, hyper mobility and osteoporosis.
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HCPC and CSP registered
PILATES FAQS
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a mind-body conditioning exercise that works to provide balance to the muscle systems. It aims to strengthen the body’s core stability (specifically around the lumbo-pelvic region) so it can work efficiently and effectively. Pilates also aims to improve posture, balance and flexibility. The way I teach Pilates is to ensure all the muscles in our bodies are able to work as a team.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR INSTRUCTOR?
As a qualified physiotherapist I have an in-depth knowledge of injury and rehabilitation.  If you have any niggles then I am able to modify any exercise to ensure it is right for you.  And if you decide you want that niggle sorted out, then please feel free to see me in my capacity as a physiotherapist!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PILATES?
Improved posture, flexibility and strength
Improve over all muscle balance
Offers a full body workout
Increased body awareness
Reducing the risk of injury due to improving the stability and alignment of the body
Strengthens the body’s core stability
Encourages efficient and effective movement
Improves balance and co-ordination
Reduces stress by allowing the body to exercise, and using breathing control throughout the exercises
DO YOU NEED ANY EQUIPMENT?
The most important thing is to wear clothing you can move in and have somewhere to lie down comfortably.  If you have a yoga/pilates mat then that's an added bonus but not a necessity.  Sometimes I may incorporate small equipment such as therabands or weights.  If you don't have gym weights then you can easily use cans of beans (or whatever is in your cupboards!) or bottles of water.  Therabands can be purchased on Amazon or via www.appihealthgroup.com if you want them, but again they are not a necessity and all classes can be completed equipment free.
WHO CAN DO PILATES?
Anyone!
Pilates offers a safe method of exercising whatever your ability and age. It is a form of low impact exercise and can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, please consult your GP to ensure there are no concerns over you commencing Pilates sessions.
WHAT CAN PILATES HELP WITH?
Musculoskeletal pain or injury in any part of the body
Postural problems such as scoliosis or general postural issues due to desk based employment
Neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, parkinson disease
Pre or post surgery as a form of rehabilitation
Ante and post natal
As an adjunct to sport specific training
To keep anyone active, healthy and strong
SERVICES
CLASS SCHEDULE
THURSDAY 07:15 - 08:00
MORNING CLASSES
Start your day with a Pilates class to wake up your body.  Classes are all level so anyone can join in.  The first Thursday of every month is more focussed on stretch and mobility
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
I love Rachael's classes. I have been doing Pilates for a few years but have found that her physio knowledge, combined with Pilates routines brings an extra dimension to her classes and they are really focussed on strength and flexibility and are suitable for all levels. She explains everything really clearly and the pace is good. It has hugely improved my shoulder injury and I have noticed a big difference in my body since working with Rachael. I highly recommend her classes well worth it. Thank you.
Sarah
Fantastic! I have just had my first Pilates session with Rachel in an online class. It was challenging and great fun. Rachel explained every exercise well and squeezed lots into the session. I was very impressed and will definitely be coming back for more.
Toby
Rachel’s pilates class was exactly what I was looking for during this time. It’s an excellent class, very clearly explained and demonstrated and accommodates all levels very well. Would be suitable for those new to pilates but equally, as someone who has done Pilates for some time, the high level options still mean I find the class challenging and effective. It’s a great 45 minutes and I look forward to it each week. I’m hoping Rachel will continue doing the online classes for those that don’t live local even when studios re-open.
Ali
Rachael was brilliant! I have Scoliosis so Pilates is always great for me anyway, but I really liked the way Rachael broke down the poses and advised everyone to build up into the more advanced positions no matter what level they were at. Thank you Rachael!
Natalie
Excellent class and a great teacher. Rachel was very motivating and explained all clearly. Thank you very much!
Katarzyna
Top start to the day. Felt inspired to push through the bits that I found hard but confident that I was doing all exercises right thanks to great instruction. Really fantastic class.
Ruth
Brilliant class! Really enjoyed it and feel like I've had a good stretch. Rachael is great at explaining each exercise and she provided lots of tips on how to improve the strength in my hips, glutes and legs. Thank you!
Laura
PCS Pilates classes are AMAZING! I felt so good (& strong) after my first one. Rachael talked through each move in detail and gave different levels of difficulty, which was great. Can’t wait for my next class
Nikki
Wonderful workout! My body feels so much more comfortable after that class. Rachel's instructions were very clear and there was so many options for levels given that there was always a suitable one I could do.
Juliana
ADD A REVIEW
Please feel free to leave a review so I can ensure I keep to the highest standards and make improvements where needed
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read prior to attending your first class
The Pilates exercise class is aimed at all levels and as such each exercise will start at a low level and gradually advance. Due to the nature of practicing via a live stream, it is up to the individual to assess the safety of their practice and to never exceed their physical limitations. The participant understands and agrees that the therapist/instructor or the participant can stop the exercise session at any time if they experience any symptoms of fatigue or discomfort or are at risk of injury.
The participant understands that there is a risk associated with undertaking any exercise program, they include abnormal blood pressure, fainting, irregular or fast or slow heart rhythm, and in rare circumstances heart attack, stroke or death. The participant understands that (a) whilst every care will be taken it is impossible to predict the body’s exact response to exercise, and (b) every effort will be made to minimise these risks by evaluation of preliminary information relating to the questionnaire (PAR-Q), and by observing fitness and technique during exercise. If you have any concerns then please consult with your GP prior to starting the classes.
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Individuals must confirm that if they are post-natal, that they are 6 weeks or more post-natal, and have had medical clearance to exercise.
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If the participant has any injuries that they wish the instructor to be aware of, then they must inform the instructor. The participant understands that if there are any changes to their health or ability to participate in exercise they must inform the Pilates instructor.
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Due to the class being live streamed, it is up to the individual as to whether they keep their camera on or not. All participants must mute their audio link to reduce background noise, but can unmute themselves if they need to speak to the instructor at any point.
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Please note cancellations must be made with a minimum of 12 hours notice or full payment will be charged.