Pilates Classes

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise similar to yoga, which concentrates on strengthening your core, helping to improve general fitness and overall well-being. Pilates concentrates on posture, balance, and flexibility, and can be an enjoyable exercise method that anyone can enjoy, or could be beneficial in injury prevention, and can be thought of as a medicine to complement all other exercise methods.  Paul has taught top athletes, ballet dancers, celebrities to construction workers, and the more complex your problem, the more he feels challenged to help fix you.

Pilates also focuses on the mind-body connection, as you move you will be encouraged to work mindfully with control, precision, and attention to detail. You are encouraged to come regularly to your class to improve muscle memory and create sound technique. As you start to familiarise yourself with the method, you start to forget the complexity of the movement sequences and move naturally with more flow and control.

Pilates can be modified to suit someone who wishes to work slowly and mindfully, to someone who wants a very challenging workout. It is suitable for absolute beginners and for people who may have done years of yoga or other exercise methods for some time. It is a very good idea to start with an initial consultation to get properly assessed, so you can be streamed into a class that is suitable for you.

The exercise method was created by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 20s, and he was an exercise enthusiast, who loved gymnastics, boxing, swimming, and yoga. At this time in New York, where he had his studio, was Moshe Feldenkrais and Frederic Alexander, who also created their own mindful bodywork, encouraging people to enjoy healthy movement patterns, with a view to avoiding injury and curing pain and discomfort. Today Pilates is everywhere, and the benefits are widely appreciated by a cross range of exercise enthusiasts all over the world. It is a shame that Joseph Pilates did not live to see his method become globally popular.

***Pilates may not be recommended if you have a serious health condition, it may be advisable to see your doctor or specialist first, if you have any concerns, or have a history of injury, it is recommended that you seek advice first before booking a class.***

Pilates Studio Equipment Sessions

Ocean Wave Pilates Studio - Hove UK

As a dancer from the age of 8, I fell in love with movement in all its different forms, and knew the advantages of working out regularly and creating a stretch routine that was suitable for me to avoid injury, stay in shape and feel better about myself. I can remember falling in love with the reformer from the very first time I used it, it seemed just like doing a ballet barre lying down. The ability to strengthen and align your muscles in such a smooth and controlled way was unlike anything I had tried before.

As I worked on completing my training with Alan Herdman, the Godfather of Pilates in the UK, I started to understand more and more how beneficial the practice of Pilates could be, and how the teaching was adaptable to both student and teacher. Pilates was able to benefit everyone from clients with a history of injuries to the top professional athlete. I loved seeing people improve and become pain free, and loved seeing clients slowly become as passionate about Pilates as I was. A studio session will guide you through a series of classical and contemporary pilates exercises that are suitable for you, and that will familiarise you with all our various pieces of pilates equipment, that are designed to improve strength, stamina, and alignment.

Paul and his hand-picked staff of trainers work with a large cross-section of clients at his dedicated equipment studio, Ocean Wave Pilates. His private client base includes professional dancers, school teachers, taxi drivers,  sports personalities and a handful of high-profile Hollywood celebrities. 

Paul on his own studio

“I had always dreamed of having my own studio. After travelling the world, performing and teaching, I set up the very first fully equipped Pilates studio in Brighton. Much like Pilates, Brighton did not discriminate and accepted everyone. As the studio became more and more popular, I built up a lovely rapport with my clients who still come to this day. I feel very privileged to have found such a lovely space in the heart of Hove, and I know that I, and my carefully selected team will work hard to ensure you receive a bespoke programme in our boutique studio where the experience is tailor made to suit you best.”

Pilates Flow with Paul

The main focus of these classes is on seamless mat routines, creating exercise sequences that are both fun and unique to Paul's style of movement.

 He concentrates on rhythmical flow and transitions between exercises, helping to produce smooth and enjoyable mat work routines. These sequences are evolved from the pilates classical method, but have a focus on contemporary movement current in the Pilates world today. Paul will draw ideas from his extensive repertoire over the years, creating a class that is fun enjoyable and suitable for anyone with a passion for movement

Starting October 21st 2024

Mondays 10 am

Hove Dance Centre

Brighton

BN41 1DH

email: oceanwavepilates@gmail.com