Pilates equipment
Pilates was first created using the apparatus, it was then translated to the mat to make it more accessible. When you hear about famous people using Pilates to create their physique’s it is the studio equipment classes they are referring too.
The Cadillac, Tower, Wunda Chair, Barrel, Reformer and Spine Corrector. Joseph designed the apparatus to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment and increased core strength, therefore challenges you in ways the matwork can not.
The feedback and support allows you to activate the correct muscles and can support you in taking your practice back to the mat.
Only available in our private and duet sessions.
Ultimate Tower pilates
Ultimate Tower classes combine the fluidity of the Pilates matwork with the spring resistance like the Pilates Reformer, utilising other pieces of the small equipment such as the spine corrector, fitness balls and the wonderful gliders.
The Towers are based on the traditional Cadillac designed by Joseph Pilates an extremely versatile piece of studio equipment which allows you to do the same repertoire you would do on the Pilates Reformers with added extras that you will feel working.
Tower classes are an excellent introduction to the use of Pilates equipment. The resistance from the springs help you to develop powerful, supple muscles that will be stretched while building strength and stability from the centre.
The Tower classes are particularly effective at working different areas of the body in isolation, allowing you to develop strength in both the deep stabilising muscles of the body as well as the global muscles in your arms and legs.
MOTR
Move over Reformer and make room for the new MOTR
Combines the comfort of a foam roller with the challenge of three weight level resistances, giving you a challenging and incredibly diverse workout tool. Exercise categories include cardio, balance, functional training, mind-body, agility, strength training and more.
MOTR’s unique and innovative design allows you to work out in eight different body positions, and quickly switch resistance while targeting different areas. It is an excellent group exercise or personal training option.
It would be easier to describe what you CAN’T do with a MOTR!
Mat Classes
We only have a maximum of 8 people to a class. We use all the of the small equipment that is related to Pilates and we have a wide range of classes so you will be able to find the perfect class to suit your goals.
Pilates is a technique and not just a set of exercises, that why we highly advise you start with a beginners course regardless of your fitness levels or 3 to 5 private sessions. By doing this you will benefit from all that Pilates can do for you.
Request your free postural assessment and consultation and let us help you choose the right class for you.
Barre
Barre High-energy and dynamic, integrates elements of Pilates, dance, cardio and strength training. Barre is designed to emphasise the correct biomechanics of movement combined with the power of music to increase strength, flexibility, stamina and dynamic stability. No dance experience required!
Why our Barre classes are different to the standard Barre classes you have been too – We use the Pilates Towers as our Barre so we have the added bonus of adding spring resistance to our workout, we also have a full studio of additional props to step up the challenge.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga defies gravity and allows you to perform various yoga poses that may be difficult to do on the ground, but easier in mid-air.
Suspension in the air releases tension on the bones and muscles, increasing flexibility and deepening your practice. Suspended yoga strengthens core muscles and increases spinal and shoulder flexibility.
Another key benefit of doing aerial yoga is that it gets your adrenaline going while going against gravity. It also releases “happy” hormones like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, which boost your mood and help you feel more energetic.
With less strain on your back while doing the exercises, it eases tension in the spinal cord and hip joint, helping you feel better.
Aerial yoga improves the circulation of blood, thus combating ageing and its symptoms. Aerial yoga also helps detoxify the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which lowers the onset of various cardiovascular issues.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative/Detox Yoga
This practice is designed to restore the nervous system and help release deeply held tensions from the body and mind.
While gently stretching and strengthening the body, we also include many rotation exercises to massage the organs and detox your system.
This class is appropriate for students of all levels.
Rocket Yoga
This is a strong practise, taking its roots from Ashtanga.
It is a playful, dynamic sequence that’s guaranteed to make you sweat. getting its name Rocket because ‘it gets you there faster’ It’s a moving meditation, a series of postures linked by strong breath, incorporating the basic poses as well as throwing in some fun and challenging extras!
Perfect for the traditionalist yogi with a rebellious streak – from complete beginners to Rocket old-timers. Come to strengthen the body, increase flexibility and, ultimately, bring some stillness to the mind.
Turn up, play hard, let go.
Yoga for athlete’s and sports enthusiasts
We have a uniquely trained Yoga for sports specialists, that can work with you on a 1:1 basis to help release your limitations, improve your performance and provide you with a longevity within your sport/passion preventing injuries.
We also offer specialist Yoga classes, such as Boxing Yoga, Yoga for runners and Golfers.
These classes tend to be a strong practice, holding poses for longer to gain a deeper specific connectivity.
MEET OUR PILATES TEACHERS
Passionate about creating a healthier, happier body for you to live in. Using a range of techniques to suit your personal requirements.
Working with Tori you will discover muscles you didn’t know you had, tone and define muscles you haven’t been able to see results with before, release tense muscles providing more length and flexibility and moreover learn what your body is truly capable of. Tori specialises in rehabilitation, back, neck and shoulder pain, pre & post natal, sports specific training & desk bound workers.
Tori’s passion is to explore and develop the abilities of clients, sharing knowledge and experience to create a healthier happier body for you to live in. Her years of teaching Pilates, studying different techniques and understanding anatomical movements, transpires in her ability to create innovative, effective and efficient exercises suited to the individuals needs.
Tori created A Balanced Life, to provide the benefits of holistic exercise to more people, her aim was to provide the best trained partitioners to clients matching their personalities and needs.
An inspiring, supportive result driven Pilates, Barre & Zen*Ga teacher
I am a 36 year old mum of 3. Having previously worked in the City and practiced Pilates for over ten years, I decided to leave the City and undertake two years of rigorous STOTT Pilates Instructor Training at the YMCA Fit in London.
I am aware of the pressures put on the body through pregnancy and have got myself, and others, back into shape after having children. I have always been a long distance runner (recreationally, with clubs and marathons for charity), and found that Pilates really improved my running style as my core was more stable and I could run more efficiently.
I noticed other benefits too – a flatter and more sleek midsection, and a more sculpted and toned body overall. My posture was visibly better too – I actually looked taller! I have used STOTT Pilates for my own personal rehabilitation following major surgery and serious running-induced injuries, and truly believe that Pilates can give you that longer, leaner body without adding bulk.
MEET OUR YOGA TEACHERS
Couldn’t be more suited to teach Yoga, supportive, challenging, sensitive and calm.
Toni discovered yoga 7 years ago trying to find a way to heal naturally several injuries. Her personal experience was the very best proof that yoga is a powerful tool when you want to affect both body and mind in positive way.
She had completed her Teacher Training course in Hatha yoga at the beginning of 2011 in Himalayan Yoga school Rishikesh Yog Peeth. Since than she’s been teaching different classes of yoga as Detox yoga, Power yoga and restorative classes always based on the needs of her students.
Her passion of yoga therapy brought her to Aerial yoga.
A phenomenal warmth and likability, the kids just warm to her and they grow to love the Yoga practice.
Tess has a wonderfully warm personality that the kids love and respect.
During the day she works at a school and she is passionate about nurturing children into adults, however her passion outside work has always been Yoga, so naturally she has now combined the two.
During the day she works at a school and she is passionate about nurturing children into adults, however her passion outside work has always been Yoga, so naturally she has now combined the two.
ABL is very lucky to have such a wonderful teacher inspiring the next generation through thoughtful movement building confidence from within. She teaches them the importance of working together to support each other and how to breathe and let go. The room is always filled with so much positive loving energy at the end of her class.
A true Yogi, with a beautiful soul and a peaceful energy
I’ve been practising yoga on and off for 15 years – Ashtanga to start with and Rocket in the last 3 years. From the very beginning, the feeling of contentment I got at the end of a practise meant I was hooked pretty quickly. And, of course, improvements in strength and flexibility were an added bonus which helped keep me coming back to the mat.
Yoga has always been my happy place, the place where I work through life’s challenges. For me being a teacher is about giving other people the opportunity to have the same experience – all the answers are there if you’re willing to let go and listen.
My teaching style is dynamic and playful and aimed at making sure you leave your mat feeling better than when you arrived.My gratitude goes to my teachers Dulce Aguilar and Jamie Clarke of the Yoga People as well as all my other teachers on and off the mat.
Did you say Pilates is for men too? YES
But aren’t the classes always full of women? Not at ABL we encourage men to put us to the test and be challenged. Pilates was designed by a man, originally for men. Joseph Pilates developed the technique in the early 1920’s he was a boxer and gymnast and created the method to train athletes and recovering soldiers. These are some of the men that attend our classes, city professionals, keen runners, cyclists, footballer’s and golfers. We work with a lot of male clients that come to us with injuries and then stay with us for maintenance and performance of their bodies.