Pilates classes in Bishopston and Horfield, Bristol

strength. movement. relaxation.

About Us

Meet Your Instructor: Vicky Woodington

Vicky’s journey with Pilates began over 15 years ago when she was first introduced to it by a close friend.

About Pilates Active

Pilates Instructor Vicky Woodington

Pilates for all ages and fitness levels

Whole-Body Wellness: Why Pilates?

01

Strength

The slow, controlled, flowing movements primarily strengthen the core muscles that stabilize the spine.

02

Movement

Bringing awareness to how your body moves and improving the movement of all your joints, has multiple health benefits.

03

Relaxation

Pilates brings mind and body together, focusing strongly on total concentration, balance, precision and breathing.

take a look at the Booking Calendar

Find a Class, Whatever Your Age or Fitness Level

From our Pilates Community

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Today I held my first coffee and cake morning with

Today I held my first coffee and cake morning with my 60+ clients straight after the class. It was great! I baked a cake and we sat and had a chat. It is something that I have been wanting to do for YEARS! I finally I did it…and we will continue. Thanks to all of you that came.

Up to my usual holiday tricks! The València sign

Up to my usual holiday tricks! The València sign one was my scariest yet. Not my greatest form but it was a bit high. 🫣fun times had in Valencia with @elliepaige2008

Happy Easter 🐰🐣! It felt great to do an onli

Happy Easter 🐰🐣! It felt great to do an online Easter session with some of my lovely clients this morning. I am also doing my 3 Monday evening classes tomorrow if anyone is interested, a few spaces left in the 17:15 and 19:15 classes. Free trial available for new customers :) Just get in touch! Hope to see you there. Vicky x

Last Wednesday I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Ed

Last Wednesday I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands at the Hippodrome. It was great! If you aren’t familiar with Matthew Bourne he takes traditional ballets/stories/performances and puts a modern twist on them. I had to study his Swan Lake interpretation for my dance GCSE. As a 15/16 year old I did not appreciate it. Turns out as a 40 year old, Pilates instructor…I do!

I loved seeing how the dancers moved around the stage and elegantly lifted one another etc. . I pretty much thought all the way through..ohh I wonder if I could do that move 😂🤣 Great stage production and interpretation of the film. Go and see it if you can!

#youthiswastedontheyoung #ballet #bristolhippodrome #edwardscissorhands

Try this little combination of side exercises. E

Try this little combination of side exercises.

Elevated oyster is targeting your glutes to help with lower back pain and hip stability.
If you find it hard being propped up on your arm, place your torso on the floor for support. Here I suggest 15 reps but listen to your body, just make sure you do the same amount on each side.

The side crunch is strengthening the obliques which will help prevent injury, especially with rotational movement. If you find it too hard bringing both the knees up just do the top knee, when you become stronger, introduce both. Remember to do both sides!

This is a short snippet from an online class I taught. If you like it, come and join me. Get in touch for a free trial!

MONDAY MOTIVATION I listened to a great podcast t

MONDAY MOTIVATION

I listened to a great podcast today about how doing less intense workouts is much better for your progress than going really high intensity. Our bodies need recovery, deal well less stress and just the act of doing small bits more often is better than doing nothing. This is what I hope my classes do for people; provide a good balance of working hard but in a way that you can walk out feeling as though you keen to come back for more! I want my classes to be a highlight of your week, not a punishment. Give me a ❤ in the comments if you agree.

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY Need a reason to attend my P

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY

Need a reason to attend my Pilates class? Check out what my clients think!

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY Pilates has great relaxation b

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Pilates has great relaxation benefits due to the focus on breathwork. Here are some benefits of taking long controlled breaths:

🧘‍♂️Stress reduction: Deep breathing activates the body's relaxation response, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
🔎Improved focus and concentration: Deep breathing can increase oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity and improving focus and concentration.
🤸‍♂️Increased energy levels: Deep breaths can increase oxygen intake, providing a boost of energy and revitalizing the body.
🤕Enhanced immune system: Deep breathing stimulates the lymphatic system, supporting the elimination of toxins and boosting the immune system.
🛏Better sleep quality: Deep breathing exercises before bedtime can help relax the body and mind, promoting better sleep quality.

So pause and take a few deep breaths...you've got nothing to lose!

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY The Shoulder Bridge Targets: g

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY

The Shoulder Bridge
Targets: glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles while promoting spinal mobility.

🔊 Turn sound on to hear proper technique/explanation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Rounding the Shoulders:

Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears throughout the exercise.
Avoid hunching or rounding your shoulders forward, which can strain the neck and upper back.

Overarching the Lower Back:

Maintain a neutral spine position throughout the exercise.
Avoid excessive arching of the lower back, as it can lead to discomfort or injury.

Allowing the Knees to Splay:

Keep your knees aligned with your hips and pointing straight ahead.
Avoid letting your knees fall inward or splay outward, which can place stress on the knee joints.
Lifting Too High:

Aim for a bridge position where your body forms a straight line from knees to shoulders. Avoid lifting excessively high, as it can strain the lower back and compromise stability.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY It's almost the end of Januar

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

It's almost the end of January 🎉

I actually quite like January, the lack of immediate plans, but the promise of exciting things ahead. Not sure if I'm alone in that? Either way, I hope your January of 2024 has been a good one! I just thought I'd share this quote as it resonated with me.

Sometimes when your motivation is dwindling, just getting started is all you need. For example, if you don't fancy doing exercise today maybe just start by popping your trainers or your leggings on; or maybe book in to the class your considering; write down on a to do list: do some exercise. It may be all you need to get you moving today! If it doesn't do the trick there is always tomorrow. Hope to see you in class soon!

Vicky x

What is the core and how can strengthening it help

What is the core and how can strengthening it help you?

Core strength refers to the development and conditioning of the muscles in your abdomen, pelvis, lower back, and hips. Having a strong core provides numerous benefits for overall health, fitness, and daily activities. Here are some of the key benefits of core strength:

🚶‍♀️Improved posture: By strengthening the muscles that support your spine, you can reduce slouching and maintain a more aligned and upright posture.

🦩Enhanced stability and balance: Core strength is vital for stability and balance. Strong core muscles provide a solid foundation for movement in the upper and lower body.

🤕Injury prevention: A strong core can help prevent injuries, particularly those related to the back and spine. When your core muscles are weak, other muscles may compensate, leading to imbalances and increased stress on the spine.

🏌️‍♂️Increased athletic performance: Core strength is essential active individuals as it improves overall performance. A strong core enhances power transfer between the upper and lower body, enabling you to generate more force and perform movements more efficiently. It also assists in generating rotational power for sports like golf, tennis, and baseball.

🏋️‍♀️Enhanced functional fitness: Core strength is crucial for everyday activities and functional movements. Whether you're lifting heavy objects, bending down, reaching, or twisting, a strong core provides the foundation for these movements, allowing you to perform daily tasks with greater ease and reduced risk of injury.

🤸‍♂️Reduced back pain: Weak core muscles can contribute to lower back pain. Strengthening the core muscles helps stabilise the spine, alleviating stress on the back and reducing the likelihood of developing or exacerbating back pain.

😤Improved breathing and organ support: The muscles of the core, particularly the diaphragm, play a critical role in respiration. A strong core supports proper breathing mechanics, allowing for efficient oxygen intake.

🧘‍♂️NEW MONDAY CLASS 💪 Come and start

🧘‍♂️NEW MONDAY CLASS 💪

Come and start your week with some Pilates!

- Do you want to get stronger?
- Do want to try something new?
- Feel more relaxed and focussed?
- Improve your posture?

I have just started a new class on a Monday morning 9:45-10:40am
Horfield Methodist Church, BS7 8SN.

Comment 'yes' below to get a Free Trial or 25% off for returning customers.
Hope to see you soon!

New small equipment news 🎉 Introducing the Pil

New small equipment news 🎉

Introducing the Pilates ring!

Adding this in to my classes will be fun and challenging. Hope you enjoy it as much as I will enjoy planning for them!

P.S. I won’t be getting you to do what I am in the video, just having a bit of fun and perfecting my latest party trick 🤣

With my booking system I get a customer review fea

With my booking system I get a customer review feature. I get to see all the lovely comments people write, but others don’t. I thought I’d share a screenshot of some of them.

Thanks to everyone that takes the time to write reviews and it means a lot when you share them via Google as then everyone gets to see them! Have a good week, Vicky x

#reviews #smallbusiness #5stars

Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain ra

Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs. It can be caused by various factors, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or muscle imbalances. If you're dealing with sciatica, incorporating Pilates into your routine can be an effective way to alleviate pain, strengthen your core, and improve your overall flexibility. In this blog post, we'll explore how Pilates exercises can help manage sciatica and provide you with relief.

Pilates can be a beneficial complementary approach to managing sciatica.
Pilates and Sciatica Relief:

1. Core Strengthening:
Pilates focuses on developing a strong core, which includes the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and back muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help stabilize the spine and improve posture, reducing the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Exercises such as pelvic tilts, abdominal curls, and the Pilates bridge are particularly effective in targeting the core muscles.

2. Spinal Mobility and Flexibility:
Sciatica often results from a lack of spinal mobility or tight muscles that compress the sciatic nerve. Pilates exercises promote spinal mobility, lengthening tight muscles, and improving flexibility. Movements like the cat-cow stretch, spinal rotations, and the spine stretch forward can help release tension in the back and promote a healthy range of motion.

3. Posture Correction:
Poor posture can contribute to sciatic nerve compression. Pilates emphasizes proper alignment and postural awareness, helping you develop better posture habits.

4. Stretching and Lengthening:
Pilates focuses on lengthening the muscles and this can help relieve sciatic nerve tension.

If you feel that you are suffering with sciatica symptoms try finding a professional that can help and then come and try Pilates because we all know...prevention is better than cure!

I hope you are all having a lovely bank holiday Mo

I hope you are all having a lovely bank holiday Monday. Last of my holiday spam…

Week 3 🇫🇷

We are on our way home. Our last week was full of many activities, ranging from:

🏊🏻‍♂️swimming
🏋️‍♀️Aerobics
🧗‍♀️Zipwires
🧗‍♀️High ropes
🐴Pony riding
🏄‍♀️Wakeboarding
🎾Tennis
⚓️Pedlo
🛝Water slides
🎲Family games

We now feel like we need another holiday 🤣We all had a great week and I felt very grateful to join in with all the physically demanding activities and enjoy them - turns out wakeboarding is really hard work for the core!

Classes start back this Sunday online. Face-to-face starting on Monday. Can’t wait to see you all! #iamhome #classesstartingback
#bookyourfreetrialclass
#lesormes

Week 2 🇪🇸🇫🇷 This week has been yet an

Week 2 🇪🇸🇫🇷

This week has been yet another epic week of fun and sightseeing. Starting with a water park (not advisable in peak season) this was definitely my least favourite day!

Zaragoza - a beautiful Spainish city.
Biarritz - to visit a good friend. La Rochelle where we visited Ile de Rè and La Rochelle city centre. I can highly recommend all of these places. Each have offered different things. We cycled lots 🚲🚲 La Rochelle has a great cycle network and I tried out an electric bike…I may never go back!
Next we’re heading to Les Ormes to meet family for more adventures.

#france #spain #familyholiday #zaragoza #biarritz #larochelle #ilederé

Spain 🇪🇸 2023 We’ve done 1 week and have

Spain 🇪🇸 2023

We’ve done 1 week and have managed to do quite a lot! We have visited Madrid, Cuenca, Moraira, Xàbia and Dènia. It has been great (most of the time😜).

We have done a lot of swimming to cool off…we have swam in the sea, a river and swimming pools.

I’ve managed to do some pilates in random places. Remember you can do some and tag @pilatesactivebristol Hope to see some soon!

#familyholiday #pilates #madrid #cuencaspain #moraira #xàbia #dénia

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