Vanessa is a fully certified teacher with Body Control Pilates; Europe’s largest Pilates organisation. Group lessons are held in Ringwood, Burley, the New Forest and surrounding areas (outside of any COVID-19 lockdown restrictions). Regular online classes, which are fully interactive, are also gaining rapid popularity - please get in touch for details. All classes (both online and face to face) are restricted to a maximum of 12 people to ensure personal attention. Private Pilates instruction is also availible for individual 1:1 lessons and for small groups of 2-5 people - we currently hold "Garden Pilates" sessions whilst the use of halls is restricted.

about me


 I have always loved to be active, working for many years in the Equine industry and also having my own horse . 
I also enjoy mountain biking, hill walking and occasional climbing with my partner Dave; the climbing is a bit scary though!

I find Pilates has enabled me to carry on with all my hobbies, particularly as I get older (now being in my young fifties).
It has taught me to understand my body and to focus my mind on how I move and go about my daily activities.
Pilates is a fabulous tool with which we can all benefit in any chosen sport, hobby or daily life to enjoy the fullest freedom of movement.

Pilates is a journey - come and join me on mine, it’ll be fun!


Best Ringwood Pilates Classes

about pilates

Joseph Pilates


Born in 1883, as a child he suffered from Rickets, Asthma and Rheumatic Fever, and he dedicated his life to improving his physical strength and was determined to overcome his fragility.

The Pilates Method, originally known as “Contrology” which reflects his belief in the importance of the mind’s control over the body is not just an exercise, it is a system of Physical and Mindful conditioning that can enhance your physical strength, flexibility and coordination. It also helps reduce stress, improve focus, and in turn creates a sense of well-being. 

It’s the mind itself which builds the body. The Pilates method teaches you to be in control of the body and not at its mercy…” Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates wanted Pilates to be used alongside our everyday life. Original footage shows him not only demo exercises and physical activity, but also advising on normal everyday activities, like sleep and washing - he desired total well-being for all.

Body Control Pilates


Body Control Pilates is renowned as a world-leading education provider for Pilates teaching.

Our education curriculum is internationally renowned and our membership body for Body Control Pilates teachers is the largest professional Pilates organisation outside the USA.

Body Control Pilates offers a comprehensive programme of exercises for both mat and machine work. They are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. We believe that many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method.

Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:

Relaxation

Concentration

Co-ordination

Centring

Alignment

Breathing

Stamina Flowing

Movements

By working on the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.

Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates literally teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.

The Body Control Pilates Method can work for everyone, regardless of fitness level! Exercises can be mat or machine-based, but matwork exercises have a great attraction in that they need no special equipment, and are particularly safe for those with back problems (and don't forget that 95% of the UK population has, or has had, backache). Its consistent success rate in solving such problems has brought it to the attention of osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and homeopathic doctors, many of whom have either set up Pilates studios as part of their practices or established a close working partnership with their local Body Control Pilates teachers.

To find out more about Body Control Pilates visit www.bodycontrolpilates.com

who is it for?

…everyone! 
Pilates benefits all, regardless of age or ability and is so adaptable!

Improves Posture

Pilates improves posture and is a perfect means of rehabilitation for back ache. Poor posture forms as a result of bad habits such as slouching at your desk and chair, which can eventually result in giving you backache, neck ache, headaches etc. The bad habits will result in asymmetrical muscle development, where some muscles become weaker than others. Pilates can help to strengthen those underdeveloped muscles and improve your posture. 

“…the mind , housed in a healthy body, possesses a glorious sense of power”
Joseph Pilates

Good Workout

Even though the main focus of Pilates is on developing core strength, it also plays a part in developing a full body workout. This is to ensure that no specific muscles are over or undeveloped. Pilates is a fantastic way to re-educate our bodies on how to move efficiently and create balance within our bodies. 





“Pilates really does help to connect mind and body”
Joseph Pilates

Sports Performance

Many sportsmen and women find that their bodies are misaligned due to the one-sided nature of some sports, for example tennis & golf. Pilates helps re-balance the body, develop muscular symmetry and align your posture. Sportsmen and women will find Pilates can help reduce the likelihood of injuries. Pilates is an incredibly effective cross training tool and makes any sport you love even better. 


“True flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed”
Joseph Pilates

pilates prices

Private Lessons

1:1
1 hour lesson @ £50

2:1
1 hour lesson @ £60

Classes

Classes have a maximum 10/12
people @ £10 per 1 hour class
over a 4-8 week course
(£40 - £80 per term)

Pay as you go
(when mat space available)
@ £12 per 1 hour class

Community Class

Free to all clients!
Every Saturday at 8.30am
30 minutes via Zoom
(subject to availability)

Payment

Payment can be made via:

bacs
cash

All courses are payable in advance to secure your mat space.

timetable

Mat Work Course Times

Burley Village Hall, Pound Lane, Burley BH24 4EB

Monday Classes:
9.00am Intermediate
10.15am Beginner/Improver


Scout Hall, 88 Eastfield Lane, Ringwood BH24 1UR

Monday Classes:
5.40pm Beginner/Improver
7.00pm Intermediate

Tuesday Classes:
9.10am Beginner/Improver
10.30am Intermediate

Wednesday Classes:
5.45pm Beginner/Improver
7.00pm Intermediate

Thursday Classes:
9.10am Intermediate
10:30am Beginner/Improver

testimonials

"Vanessa is a passionate Pilates teacher. Her classes are varied and thorough. Her instructions are very clear and due to small size classes- we each get personal attention. Vanessa brings new ideas and inspiration, as she continues to learn. I enjoy the addition of balance and osteoporosis prevention exercises, for example. I highly recommend her to my friends and clients. "

Sari Avis

Acupuncturist

"When I first started learning Pilates in 1997 it was with a Physiotherapist who had trained in Body Control Pilates and she told me to always try and find someone who had the same qualifications. I was delighted when Vanessa began her classes which are not only professional, varied and fun, but also informative with all the latest ideas and techniques."

Jackie Baldwin

"Just a note to say that I am so pleased that I joined your Pilates class. As a 60's something male I was slightly dubious to enter what seems to be mainly female orientated preserve. I have felt and moved far better than I have for some time! The classes are entertaining and sometimes hard work but your professional attitude helps us all achieve success and the atmosphere you create with all pupils is fantastic. I can't wait for next term!"

Nick Taylor

"I joined Vanessa’s new class at the start of the year. She has a lovely personality and is very enthusiastic, encouraging and patient. Her continuing professional development on Pilates training courses means she knows the latest techniques and thinking. The class sizes are small enough to allow individual attention to allow the all important fundamentals of correct alignment. I am still learning even after 20 years of classes and 1:1s which makes the sessions interesting and enjoyable and keeps my old back problem in check!"

Caroline Clark

"Vanessa is a great teacher of Pilates and is very caring and understanding of each person's individual needs. Her classes are enjoyable as well as beneficial and I would highly recommend them."

Rosemary Williams

testimonials
online classes

"I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed the online Pilates classes, one of the biggest benefits for my family is my partner David can join whereas normally he could not get to a class and as a man who does many miles in his car I think it has really benefitted him (I am always nagging him about his bad posture which has seemed a marked improvement). We find the Zoom platform really easy to use and you are still able to make sure we are doing all the moves correctly which makes sure we are getting the best out of the class. I have been really impressed with your setup and how your are managing the classes and your professionalism, long may it continue."

Sandra Palmer

"I had just started my quest to get stronger and more flexible when lockdown threatened to stop my pilates with Vanessa. However due to swift action and embracing technology, Vanessa facilitated Zoom pilates, ensuring there is a class for all abilities. Not only are the classes enjoyable, interactive and fun, but Vanessa is patient and understanding with some of us that are not used to technology! Vanessa still takes time to look at our positions, making sure we are corrected and supported. Thank you!"

Gemma Freeman 

"Having recently moved to the New Forest it has been great to join Vanessa for her brilliant Pilates classes. Vanessa is a very knowledgable, patient and fun teacher. She works to everyone's abilities, but also encourages and challenges to go that bit further. Vanessa is always introducing something new, so classes are varied and interesting. Vanessa's Zoom classes have been great and a convenient way, time wise, to do extra classes - I've noticed a real difference in my overall wellbeing and energy and will definitely keep up online and 'normal' classes ongoing."

Lorraine Malton

"I wanted to tell you how fantastic your classes have been over these last 6 weeks. I have enjoyed Tuesday evening, Thursday morning and Saturday mornings, internet permitting. Thank you so much for going the extra mile for your clients, your enthusiasm for Pilates and teaching is so encouraging. I have benefited SO much these last 6 weeks, my mobility is improving unbelievably. A Huge Thank You."

Angela Kendrick

"That was a brilliant class. It has worked wonders on my upper back! I realise this is a learning curve for us all and you are doing a great job! Now that I have connected my MacBook to the TV screen and I have sorted out the sound to come via my hitherto ‘mothballed’ Amazon Echo, I can see you and now hear you! It all adds up to feeling more relaxed. Just shows how important it is to persevere."

Caroline

"I have really enjoyed the on-line classes and found that more frequent classes instead of just weekly have helped improve my mobility. It has been easier to fit in more classes as it is less time consuming with no travel involved. It has provided structure and contact during this strange time although not the same social contact as in real classes and I would recommend it to anyone. "

Anna Hodgkins

"Vanessa's very personal teaching style makes on-line classes just as good as those in the flesh. If anything we have benefited from the ability to really concentrate on her instructions in the privacy of our own home. There are less distractions (apart from the dog wanting to sit on our mats!). I think that when you're a beginner or not so confident, its a great way to build your confidence up because no one else is really looking at you. You can also put your Zoom on mute allowing yourself to grunt, mutter or fail in private!! Its been a huge benefit during lockdown to also have the routine of Vanessa's classes. But going forward, even after lockdown, I would definitely want an on-line platform pilates class - its been great and Vanessa should be very proud of herself for turning the business into an on-line entity very quickly."

Anna Wallis

"Pilates with Vanessa is enjoyable to do but also hard work! It’s great that via Zoom we can get to know each other as a group and interact. I have been attending her classes for a couple of years now, my core feels stronger and my muscles are firmer, I am aware of my posture. It’s also very helpful if (for example) I want to lift something heavy – I stop and think first and make sure my core is engaged and I’m not using my back. Vanessa works with us on all parts of our body – sometimes it’s shoulders we concentrate on, in the next class it might be hips and thighs. All the time we are building our core strength. Zoom is simple to download, easy to use and free! To join the class you just click on the link, that’s it. If anyone has initial problems with getting their audio or video to work Vanessa can provide help and get it sorted quickly. The classes are excellent value and so much better than trying to follow a YouTube video. They are easy to access and Vanessa limits the class size so she can watch everyone and make sure they are moving correctly. I thoroughly recommend them!"

Pamela Berry

"I always did face to face classes and will carry on doing so, but going forward I will probably continue with the Saturday morning Zoom class in addition to one F2F class in the week as it’s nice to get up on a Saturday morning and do a bit of exercise without having to leave the house! Overall Zoom, as the only forum to continue Pilates with you, has been really beneficial. I would imagine that it would also work well for new mums who would struggle to leave the house with young children. Also those who are nervous of driving in the evenings over the darker winter months. "

Yasmin Gregory

"Just wanted to thank you for doing your classes on Zoom. A steep learning curve on the technology front to start with but now we're old hands at it all! The classes have been great fun, kept me moving and I'd be lost without them! "

Judy Bennett

"Having learnt a new skill in Zoom with Vanessa I have found the online classes very beneficial as not only are they keeping the unavailable physio treatments at bay but they continue to be informative with up to date techniques as well as fun. Thoroughly recommended.  "

Jackie Baldwin

what to wear?

Fitted top, leggings, tracksuit bottoms or similar with socks or bare feet.

Your teacher needs to see correct alignment and use of the body, so nothing too baggy.

terms & conditions

All clients are to complete an enrolment form prior to any lessons or classes so that we can assess your requirements and any medical limitations.

All courses are payable in advance to secure your mat space.

Cancellation of any private lessons requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notice else fees will still be due.

say hello!

...have a friendly chat ...come and join us!

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