
Pilates is our time to listen to our bodies and to focus on functional movement. It can help retrain the good alignment, strength, and flexibility needed move through our day safely, strongly and with confidence.
We hope you will find answers to your questions here but if not, or if you prefer a chat, just contact Sharon.
We care about you – please read!
Before starting exercise, it makes sense to check with your health care professional and to let us have information you feel we need to help you work safely and productively.
To help with this, we ask you to complete this registration form before attending your first session. note: Dorchester classes are held up a short flight of stairs.
Not all vulnerabilities are visible. Please be considerate of others, do not attend if you are unwell, and never exercise into pain or discomfort.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to strengthen the body evenly, with a particular focus on core strength to enhance overall function, balance and well-being.
Origins of Pilates
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness enthusiast, during his internment in the UK during World War I. With a background in gymnastics, boxing, circus performing, and having had a range of illnesses as a child, he was an early and passionate believer in links between mental and physical health.
Taking inspiration from the movement of animals – cats in particular – and knowing that many around him were confined to bed, he created a methodical system of exercise and rehabilitation that didn’t need much equipment.
Evolution and Modern Adaptation
In 2000, Glenn and Elisa Withers, physiotherapists and founders of the Australian Institute of Physiotherapy and Pilates (APPI), received funding to research and refine Joseph Pilates’ original 34 mat-based exercises. Their goal: to build on Joe’s early work to make Pilates accessible to everyone through ‘motor relearning’ by breaking down complex movements into achievable and progressive parts.
Our Approach at West Dorset Pilates
At West Dorset Pilates, we specialise in mat work, incorporating small equipment to add variety, resistance, assistance, and fun. Strongly rooted in APPI principles, this is enhanced by Sharon’s gymnastics coaching experience and deep understanding of how bodies develop and change over time.
Our programmes are designed to suit all levels and are offered in one-on-one and group sessions.
Professional Guidance and Health Benefits
Pilates should always be practiced under the guidance of a qualified and experienced instructor. It is often recommended by healthcare professionals, including the NHS, as part of a lifelong well-being programme.
Whether you are a complete beginner, experienced athlete or simply looking to try something new, the first thing you can expect is a warm and supportive welcome!
We all know that we are living longer but not always better.
Sedentary lifestyles, stress, age, injury, illness, and life in general can all lead to reduced balance, strength and an increased risk of fall-related injury – and it can happen gradually, almost unseen.
As a lifestyle choice, regular Pilates sessions may help to improve balance, bone health, and cognition. This may reduce fall risk, widen social circles and most definitely increase laughter lines!
Starting anything for the first time, joining a new group, or working with a new instructor can be daunting and it is often that first step that is the hardest to take.
The simple truth is that it makes no difference where or when you start, only that you do.
We hope you will join us – you never know where it may lead!
Group and master classes are held at the Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre and at Wyke Regis Women’s Institute Hall unless otherwise stated.
The venue for one-to-one sessions is agreed individually.
We recommend you bring your own exercise mat, a small head cushion or folded towel, socks for work on the balance pads, a drink, and a big smile.
Clothing should comfortable. You are likely to be standing, sitting and lying on your back, side, and front. Socks are useful for work on the balance pads and an extra layer is helpful as you warm up/cool down.
Important: Before starting any exercise programme, it makes sense to consult your health care professional and to make the instructor aware of anything you feel they should know to ensure your session is safe and productive..
To help with this, we ask you complete a registration form prior to your first session.
Fees from September 2024
All first-timers are welcomed with a complimentary session on the house!
Group sessions are blocked-booked by the term or half-term and payable in advance.
You can find our full Fee Schedule details here, including information about 1:1 sessions and keeping your place should you be away for a block of time.
Contact Sharon if you would like to know more.
We believe that the benefits of any exercise come with consistent effort and a bit of regular ‘me time’. We do not accept walk-ins or pay-as-you-go.
The great news is that because there are several progressions within each exercise, everyone can feel part of the group whilst working at the level best suited to individual needs. This means that all levels are most welcome in all our standard classes! The use of small equipment to add assistance or resistance means that you move at your own pace within a supportive environment.
Class sizes are kept small to insure individual attention. All sessions incorporate weightbearing and balance positions in standing, side, prone, supine, four-point kneeling, with individual adaptations as needed to help everyone work safely and progressively.
A typical session will include a warmup, cool down, strength, flexibility, 3D focus (using Pilates principles in more functional upright positions), cognitive stimulation, and fun.
So, whether you are recovering from injury, find it difficult to work on the floor, want to improve/challenge balance, increase your standing weight bearing activity, or scaffold your current fitness programme, we have something for you!
One-to-one introductions are available and advised for anyone who feels they may benefit from an individual session to enable them to get the most from their group session.
Please read: We care about you! Before starting any exercise programme, it makes sense to consult your health care professional and to make the instructor aware of anything you feel they should know to ensure your session is safe and productive . To help with this, we ask you complete a registration form prior to attending your first session.
These sessions are available as a one-off or bundle, and can be purchased as very lovely gift for yourself or a friend.
You can find full details here
Sunday Shorts anchor around one theme. Would this interest you?
From time to time we take a deep dive into a specific are of focus. These sessions are usually held as a one-off or short course on a Sunday.
They are ideal if you want to give yourself a bit of additional focus, or try something a bit different.
more about Sunday Shorts
Sunflower Sundowner is our annual charity event. It’s all for a good cause and a perfect way to end a summer’s day – what’s not to like!
Sharon Morgan is an experienced APPI Pilates instructor, British Gymnastics coach, CIMSPA member, massage therapist, and outdoor learning educator. She believes in retraining and strengthening movement over time, bigging up the little steps, laughing lots – and enjoying the journey.
Our aim is to make our classes available to as many as possible, to ensure everyone has the best possible experience and progresses safely, to give priority to our existing students, and to keep our fees and class sizes low.
You can find full details of our Make up Policy here.