As an absolute beginner with no preconceptions, I was struck by the calm strength seemingly inherent in the Pilates approach; as a system it is both gently rigorous and rigorously gentle in its effect on mind and body. As one goes through the pattern of movements and exercises one begins to feel the body relating to itself: almost as if it were talking to its constituent parts; as if the muscular and skeletal systems were slowly being brought into harmonious alignment with each other. The overall effect is a unifying one of deep, very pleasant, calm exertion without the stress attendant on so many other mere 'work-out' methods. Highly recommended.
James Murphy, Petersfield
Thank you for helping me to help myself and keep mind and body together!
Mrs LM, Petersfield

Listen

A sample from my latest Pilates audio recording, for home practise.

Watch

A series of movements specially selected to help you to relax.

Take your time to get to know the movements and let your body be your guide as to how many of each movement to do. Please note that not all exercises are suitable for everybody. Listen to your body, and enjoy!

Gentle Pilates for Relaxation

Read

Exercises for improving balance and posture.

Register for my balance challenge for extra motivation. Time how long you can stand on one leg, and then the other. Then do these exercises six times a week for two weeks and then time your balancing again. Let me know how you get on!

Download

Personal Pilates

Personal Pilates (rather like Personal Training) is available to you. Whether in a 1:1, small group or class setting, I always tailor the sessions to the needs of the individual and we work as a partnership in your best interests. I am always keen to liaise with your medical professionals as appropriate.

In my private classes (in and around Petersfield, Hampshire, or online) I aim to foster small, friendly and cohesive groups within which you can experience "Personal Pilates" in a group setting. Sometimes clients team up with a friend or small group of friends and invite me to teach them Pilates on a regular basis.

Please contact me to discuss the options and to arrange an introductory session.

Classes

New members are very welcome!

All classes are by appointment. Please contact me to arrange a 1:1 and to discuss the class(es) that could meet your needs.

Existing clients can access in-person, hybrid and fully-interactive online group classes. If you are a new client and would like to join group sessions, please contact me for an initial tailored one-to-one.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9:35 - 10:50am
The Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield

11:30am - 12:45pm
Petersfield Methodist Church

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

11:30am - 12:30pm
Pilates for MS
Online Class

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

9:35 - 10:50am
The Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield

11:05am - 12:20pm
The Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield

new!
Active Dementia
First Wednesday of each month
2:30 - 3:30pm
Winton House, Petersfield

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

6:45 - 7:45pm
The Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield

9:40 - 10:55am
Petersfield Community Centre, Love Lane

11:10am - 12:20pm
Petersfield Community Centre, Love Lane

new!
2:00 - 3:00pm
Seated Pilates
Petersfield Community Centre, Love Lane

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

One-to-one sessions, by appointment

11:30am - 12:45pm
Steep Village Hall

Classes in Blue: Bookable as a course of sessions each half term

Online

Online 1:1 sessions and classes are conducted using Zoom. 1:1 sessions can also use Skype, on request.

Zoom is downloaded to your device on-demand. If you have not used it before, please join the class ten minutes in advance to allow time for the download and install. No registered account is required for using Zoom. Their privacy policy can be found here.

Dear friends, take the plunge and join the on line classes. The technology is easy, the sessions are as good as in the studio, no parking problems and you can do it in your pyjamas! I hope to see you soon on line. Keep healthy
Carla
Beth, I have found the online classes that you have put together using Zoom to be extremely helpful. Not having used Zoom before the technology was easy to download. The screens have been clear and allowed a two way conversation regarding the exercises. The technology has also allowed you to give some personal feedback during the exercises. Not quite the same as a normal class but a good alternative in these trying times.
Sue
Since my retirement your Pilates group classes have been a great aid to my fitness and mental health, and I have also made some good friends. Having completed some of your new online classes, I feel they add to combating The Corona Virus Blues. Keep up the good work. Many Thanks.
Tim
An array of classes with Beth this week has really helped to give my week some routine (and normality). I'd recommend anyone to give them a go as it's just like being in a class, but in the comfort of your own home and if you don't have all the equipment to hand Beth has great alternatives.

I was slightly apprehensive about joining the online classes, but after a few goes it seems very easy now. Beth is very clear in her instructions and she can see everyone on her screen so can guide you to make any little adjustments. You can see and hear her very clearly.

I was concerned that if I'd didn't keep up my practice my old injury would flare up so being able to connect with Beth and other group members regularly is a great positive for me at this time.

Lisa
Both Roger and I found the exercises easy to follow and enjoyable. The IT seemed to be working well with no freezing or interruptions.
Helen

Testimonials

I'm not sure how I'd manage without Beth's Pilates classes. Beth is a very intuitive & sensitive teacher. I always feel uplifted after a class. Pilates & Beth are good for the soul.
Ali
I am able to feel, and see, the progress I've made over recent months - balance is great and I am amazed that I can do some of the harder exercises much more easily now. I even realise that I do have some pretty good tummy muscles! I feel that my whole core strength has improved so much, I'm walking 'taller' and have absolutely no back pain - woo hoo!
Mrs KB, psychotherapist, Petersfield
After the class I went to work, and then drove to North Yorkshire, 5.5 hours on my own. I stepped out of the car like a spring chicken! An hours Pilates before long journeys will have to be timetabled in future.
Mrs. H.P., Petersfield,
Self-Employed Care Worker
I've played football, tennis, squash, cricket, table tennis during my school and adult life and came to associate physical training with sweat, pain and being shouted at. When I first came across Pilates. it sounded frankly wet: music and movement; 'Be a tree' and I stayed well clear. However, my wife swore by it and it clearly did her some good. I am still playing tennis and table tennis but there is nothing in my week on flexibility so I gave it a go. It's been an excellent decision. No shouting (No music - that's worth coming for alone!!), no sweat. no pain. But the following morning, I still have the muscle aches that tell me they have been worked. But my muscles have been mugged by gentleness and quiet. I recommend it.
Mr P.C., retired consultant, Petersfield
I do my exercises every morning and the pain in my back is completely gone. I can't thank you enough.
Mrs. J. H., Retired Teacher, Petersfield
Beth has a distinctive teaching style that is very calming and clear. She helps me discover and move muscles that I have never consciously used even in 20 years training in team sports.
I come out of Beth's classes feeling relaxed, straighter and stronger.
Mrs. M.B, Petersfield, University Lecturer
I always look forward to my weekly Pilates with Beth and miss it if I am not able to attend a session. I am part of a small group, the atmosphere is peaceful and friendly and we all get individual attention. My range of movement has increased, my knees no longer ache. Increasing my core strength has enabled me to enjoy other activities so much more.
Mrs A.S., Petersfield, Community Leader
I have been doing some of the exercises every evening, and before and after I cycle or go to the gym. I am astonished with how much better I feel now in the mornings – I used to feel as stiff as a board but now I leap out of bed!
Mr. S.P., Corporate Manager, Petersfield
I fully recommend Beth as a passionate and excellent teacher in Pilates. She imparts her knowledge and expertise in a gentle, meaningful and creative manner. Beth has encouraged and helped me to improve and develop my range of movement and is sensitive to my physical needs. Her teaching methods and demonstrations are accompanied with helpful visualisation and she brings new ideas into her teaching. I continue to find her classes very beneficial.
Ms. R.M., Petersfield, Pastoral Leader
I came out of the class feeling stretched and worked out from tip-to-toe
Mr A.B, Petersfield,
Builder & company owner
I have really appreciated doing Pilates, I have noticed that I no longer feel as tight and knotted across my shoulders as I used to, and definitely notice when I miss a week. My job can be stressful and Pilates has really helped with this.
I have gained a lot more confidence in trying new exercises as time has gone on. I have also lost some weight and this has helped as well.
Mrs. J.S. Health Professional
The exercises that Beth gave me were simple and quick, and, as part of my practice routine, led to immediate alleviation of painful shoulder symptoms. It is a relief to be pain-free.
Mr. P.F, Alresford, professional drummer
Pilates has really helped me think about my deportment and how my body's movement mechanics are working in every day life. Walking the dog has taken on new meaning! I am feeling more flexible and younger.Beth has a very peaceful and calm teaching style that makes our sessions a really relaxing exercise experience.
Mrs. H.P., Petersfield,
Self-Employed Care Worker
After the Pilates you did with my mother, I was so happy to see her posture so upright and relaxed – better than I have seen her looking since she started having osteoporotic fractures several years ago. Thank you so much.
Mrs. C.F., Bramdene
It has been lovely doing your classes - very different to the Pilates I was doing before but much more effective.
Mrs L, Petersfield

Biography

I love to help people live life to the full through intelligent movement, whatever their age, fitness level or special needs. In consultation with medical professionals where appropriate, I aim to help you discover your own Pilates-based movement for optimum vitality.

I am a graduate of Cambridge University, former dancer, sportswoman and corporate professional. Pilates helped me overcome pain and injury, and after eight years personal self-mastery in the movement I qualified as a teacher with world-renowned Polestar Pilates.

My specialist training and research interests include working with people with spinal pain, neurological conditions and osteoporosis. I have written on healthcare topics for international peer-reviewed publications including Pain News, The Journal of Biomolecular Screening, and the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

I am honoured to have been sponsored by the MS Society in training as a specialist Pilates teacher for people with Multiple Sclerosis. As an associate member of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and professional member of the Royal Osteoporosis Society I aim to bring research-based best practice to all my clients. My particular focus on relaxation, posture and pain-free living helps people improve their quality of life for both work and leisure.

Life stage changes often require holistic support and rehabilitation. I hold a Level 3 award in supporting ante- and post-natal clients with exercise and nutrition. I am accredited in menopause awareness for Pilates teachers with Polestar Pilates. I am accredited in youth mental health awareness with Mental Health First Aid England.

My teaching style is gentle, approachable and inclusive, underpinned by research-based clinical reasoning. I believe that the best support for health and wellbeing should be accessible to all. My work includes workshops for all ages and fitness levels, including exercise professionals, for example: Stretching for Strength; Exercise for Bone Health; Wrists & Hands and Understanding your Abdominals. I am a Dementia Friend and an active member of the Petersfield community, volunteering to help lead the Petersfield First Friday business network and Petersfield Society.

Pilates for Neurological Conditions

The origins of Pilates are in rehabilitation. An inherently adaptable approach to movement re-education, Pilates is based on principles including breathing, alignment and posture for efficient, functional movement. Even in the case of neurological damage, such as in MS, Parkinson's, stroke and other brain and spinal cord injury, the nervous system is capable of change (neuroplasticity).

Pilates-based exercise programmes, rooted in neurorehabilitation and neuroplasticity research, have brought physical and emotional benefit to people affected by neurological conditions. My friend and client, Margaret Boyd-Wallis, who is affected by Parkinson's, has written a booklet about her experiences. Please contact me for a copy of Reaching for the Lily Leaf.

Pilates for MS

In partnership with the MS Society, since 2013 I have offered one-to-ones and classes especially for people affected by the condition. Whatever movement the client has – whether walking or not – we will work together to maintain and possibly improve it in a gently effective way. Regular Pilates-based movement can help people with MS to:

  • Walk better – through improved balance, core strength, and range of movement and strength in the legs, hips and shoulders
  • Carry out day-to-day tasks more readily such as getting up from a chair, using stairs – through greater body awareness, balance and strength
  • Feel more confident about themselves and their bodies – through greater self-awareness and personal strategies for movement

Comments from members of the MS Society in Chichester and Bognor who took part in a 10-week study of my Pilates programmes for MS:

Beth listens to how we are on the day and works with us. Pilates will help you to walk better and to stand better. I recommend it.
Pilates makes me think about the side of my body that I try to ignore. Afterwards that side feels more connected.
Now I know how to keep myself going. When faced with a challenge I think about some of the things we do in Pilates.
When I came into the class today I felt like death, now I feel back to life.

I am accredited by world-leading Pilates educator Mariska Breland – who has MS herself – as a specialist Pilates teacher for people with MS. I partner with the MS Society locally and nationally to enable people with MS to be active (including creating the MS Active Together Pilates video recordings available on You Tube). I led Pilates-based movement workshops at Living Well With MS Conferences around the UK in 2017 and 2018; at MS Life 2016, Europe's largest MS-family conference, and co-led the Pilates workshop at MS Life 2014.

Day 1 at MS Life 2016
Pilates for MS

Balance exercises appropriate to the individual build confidence

Improving posture and strength can be done
with exercises integrated into daily life

Carefully selected challenges for different
levels of fitness and co-ordination

Please contact me to find out more about my research and to work with me. A seated and standing based class for people with neurological conditions takes place on Tuesday mornings online. Please contact me for one-to-one sessions and to establish other groups and see my Facebook timeline for special events.