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. There's no surprise that it's hitting massive mainstream popularity right now - and Guernsey is no different. With classes and instructors popping up everywhere across the island offering both mat classes and reformer sessions, we felt it only right to round up Guernsey's pilates offering so you can find out where to go to try it out.

 

 

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 - some may say easy, but it takes precision, control and practice to get the techniques just right, and it also takes time to build up your strength and stamina, so don't be surprised when it starts to burn!

There are two main types of Pilates - mat pilates and reformer pilates. Both are available in Guernsey. Mat pilates is just as it says on the tin - pilates performed on a mat, much like a yoga class but with more repeated, controlled movements and less flow than in yoga. Props can also be introduced to modify intensity. A reformer is a pilates machine and whilst some may be quite intimidated by the look of the machine itself (us included!), it actually is designed to help you do pilates - so can often be easier than a mat class. There are also two main styles of pilates - classical (as Joseph Pilates himself designed it to be) and contemporary pilates, which is an updated workout. You can also get pre and post-natal modifications and training, as with other classes.

 

"After 10 Pilates sessions, you start to feel a difference. After 20 sessions, you start to see a difference. And after 30 sessions, you have a whole new body." - Joseph Pilates

 

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, pregnant or postpartum, 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. We find that you are so focused on the breath & body coordination that your mind won't be capable of doing anything else!

 

 

Where To Find Pilates Classes in Guernsey

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

 

1.  Pilates Core Club

María José (Joey) Freeman 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. Find her at Cobo Community centre or in her home studio.

 

2.  Forme Pilates

Newly opened Forme brings a boutique approach to Pilates in Guernsey, offering small group classes and private 1:1 and 2:1 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. Pre- and post-natal also available. The boutique studio is tucked into St Andrew's Community Centre near Avril Earl and owner Lydia, who trained and taight in London before moving home to Guernsey, also offers group mat classes across the island at places like Anytime Fitness, the OGH & Avril Earl. Keep an eye on her website & social for times.

 

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

There is a growing pilates offering at the All About Yoga studio in town, currently split between two experience teachers, Georgina & Craig. Suitable for all levels, Mat Pilates with Georgina is more than just a workout, it’s a practice of control, breath, precision and flow. There are several class times throughout the week. You can also find more specific class options with Craig - Pilates for Beginners for those who want to learn the basics and Pilates for Core Strength, which is ideal if you are looking for specific results to better strengthen the core.

 

5. Sola Movement

Led by PT Isobel Moloney, Sola Movement offers mat Pilates classes at Styx, as well as pre- and post-natal sessions. Her small group and one-to-one classes take a gentle, supportive approach, designed to build strength, confidence, and movement awareness. Combining her personal training expertise with her Pilates credentials, Isobel is passionate about helping women feel stronger and more confident through movement.

 

6.  Pilates with Sinead

Sinead Wheadon (previously Barretribe Guernsey) is a classically trained Pilates instructor who teaches at Performance Pilates' studio at Beau Sejour and offers group sessions with a view upstairs at The Bathing Pools. She offers small group and one-to-one sessions, focusing on precision, alignment, and building strength through mindful movement. Having practiced pilates since the 90s, her approach is supportive and accessible, making her classes a great option whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to refine your technique.

 

7.  POP Pilates

For those looking for a more upbeat take on Pilates, POP Pilates combines classic moves with pop music for a 'dance' feel. It's a fun, energetic class that still challenges strength and flexibility with each song focusing on a different body part. It may sound intense but beginner and intermediate levels are catered for with modifications where required. Classes are at Cobo Community Centre & St Pierre Park with a reformer offering coming soon.

 

8.  Beau Sejour Pilates 

Beau Sejour offers 45min and 60min mat-based Pilates classes with an emphasis on core strength to support and stabilise the body as part of their weekly offering. These sessions are a great choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, community-focused option in a familiar setting.

 

9.  Fitness Pilates at Kings

Kings also offer weekly pilates classes as a part of their class workout offering. Fitness Pilates provides a full-body workout designed to work the muscles and to gently lengthen them. The result is a body that is properly aligned and at less risk of injury. Fitness Pilates will help you to tone little-used muscles groups in the abdomen, torso, upper and lower back, while incorporating a slow breathing technique to energise the body. Classes are on a Saturday morning.

 

10. Pilates Guernsey with Juliet Ozanne

Pilates Guernsey offers group classes most days of the week across the island, in places such as the KGV, St Saviours Community Centre & the =Dance Academy. Keep an eye on her Facebook page for more info.

 

11. Guernsey Pilates

Guernsey Pilates is a private studio in Fort George with Faye who teaches a variety of small group or private sessions on the reformer. She takes a holistic approach to Pilates, combining physical and mental wellbeing. Classes are designed to help you not only build strength and flexibility, but also reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life. Pre- and postnatal also available.

 

12. HAY Yoga

Hot Yoga teacher Vanessa recently expanded her offering to teach reformer pilates in her HAY Fennel Cottage studio at Vazon.Improve mobility, focus your mind, and leave feeling lighter. Reformer Pilates brings control, clarity, and calm to your day.

 

We're constantly updating this list. Have we missed your favourite class? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.