Why You Need To Try Pilates (& Where To Find Classes In Guernsey)

If you’re looking to refresh your fitness routine or simply try something new, Pilates is well worth considering. Loved by beginners and athletes alike, it ticks so many boxes when it comes to movement, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

This low-impact workout focuses on controlled movements that strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and enhance body awareness. It’s not about big, flashy moves -  Pilates is precise, intentional, and surprisingly powerful. And don’t be fooled by how straightforward it may look: it takes practice and control to get the techniques right, and you’ll feel the burn when it counts.

 

 

So, What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a low impact, full-body workout designed to build strength, improve posture, and increase flexibility through slow, controlled movement. It’s all about quality over quantity, engaging the mind and body together.

The individual moves may look relatively straightforward, but it takes precision, control and practice to get the techniques just right, and it also takes time to build up stamina, so don't be surprised when it starts to burn! 

 

Who Can Do Pilates?

The beauty of Pilates is that it’s suitable for almost everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to exercise, or already training at a high level, classes can be adapted to your level. As you progress, you can increase intensity and try more advanced moves.

It’s also adaptable across ages and stages of life, from building foundational strength in your twenties to supporting mobility and balance later on. That said, if you have existing health concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk them through with your instructor or speak to your GP before you take a class.

 

What Are The Benefits of Pilates?

Where to begin? Pilates is one of those practices that seems to help with almost everything. Physically, it can improve posture, flexibility, mobility, strength, balance, and endurance. It’s also widely used in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, helping to ease musculoskeletal pain and support recovery.

And then there are the mental health benefits. Like many forms of mindful movement, Pilates offers a chance to step away from daily stress, focus on your breath, and leave class feeling calmer, stronger, and more energised.

 

 

7 Places to Try Pilates in Guernsey

Are you ready to give it a go? The good news is there are now plenty of Pilates classes in Guernsey to choose from. Here are some of the options available locally.

 

1.  Pilates Core Club

María José (Joey) Freema is a BASI qualified Pilates instructor who founded Pilates Core Club after discovering the practice herself on medical advice. Following a diagnosis of neck dystonia, a neurological condition related to Parkinson’s, she turned to Pilates to support her recovery - and never looked back. Joey went on to become the resident instructor at the five-star Lanesborough Hotel in London before relocating to Guernsey. Today, she offers a flexible schedule of in-person and online classes, with a special passion for working with clients managing injuries, as well as supporting women through pre- and postnatal stages.

 

2.  Forme Pilates

Forme brings a boutique approach to Pilates in Guernsey, offering small group classes and one-to-one sessions in a calm, stylish setting. Classes combine classical Pilates principles with modern techniques, helping clients build strength, balance, and flexibility in a supportive environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your practice, Forme’s carefully designed sessions focus on alignment, breath, and mindful movement.

 

3.  Performance Pilates

Performance Pilates offers both mat classes and equipment-based sessions. Group mat classes are held at The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, while the private studio at Beau Sejour provides apparatus sessions for solos, duets, trios and quartets. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic group class or a more personalised programme, Performance Pilates combines expert instruction with a supportive environment.

 

4.  All About Yoga Mat Pilates

Alongside its well-loved yoga programme, All About Yoga also offers Pilates for Core Strength. These classes are designed to complement yoga practice or stand alone as a strength-focused workout, building stability, mobility, and endurance. Expect a blend of mindful movement and muscle activation that helps you feel more grounded, supported, and energised.

 

5.  Sinead Pilates

Sinead is a classically trained Pilates instructor who recently brought her teaching to Guernsey after completing over 600 hours of training with Exhale Pilates in London. She offers small group and one-to-one sessions, focusing on precision, alignment, and building strength through mindful movement. Her approach is supportive and accessible, making her classes a great option whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to refine your technique.

 

6.  POP Pilates

For those looking for a more upbeat take on Pilates, POP Pilates combines traditional moves with music for a fun, energetic class that still challenges strength and flexibility. Inspired by the global fitness trend, POP Pilates in Guernsey is all about enjoying movement, improving fitness, and building confidence in a welcoming group environment.

 

7.  Beau Sejour Pilates Classes

Beau Sejour, Guernsey’s main leisure centre, offers accessible mat-based Pilates classes designed to strengthen the core and support overall stability. These sessions are a great choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, community-focused option in a familiar setting. With an emphasis on posture, control, and core strength, Beau Sejour’s Pilates classes are suitable for a wide range of abilities and provide an affordable, flexible way to add Pilates into your weekly routine.

 

Have we missed your favourite class? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.