WELCOME
Breathe Move Pilates offers small, friendly Pilates classes in central Hitchin and on Zoom. Founded by Caroline Bishop, a level 3 matwork qualified Pilates teacher, I aim to make classes welcoming to all. Pilates is accessible to adults of all ages and abilities. Take a look around and hopefully I'll see you at a class very soon!
ABOUT ME
After many years of working in a retail head office in the busy world of buying and merchandising and attending Pilates classes in my spare time, a change in my personal circumstances meant I needed to take time out.
My twin boys were born 3 months early with many challenges and during this time Pilates was a huge help to me both mentally and physically. When one of my sons started having regular Physiotherapy I realised how much of what we were working on in Physio aligned with what we were doing in Pilates. Not long afterwards I decided to take the plunge and retrain as a Pilates teacher.
I chose to train with Body Control Pilates who are leaders in Pilates teacher training and offer the most comprehensive course around.
As a Level 3 certified Body Control Pilates Matwork teacher I am excited to be able to help you on your journey to feeling better in your body and enjoy the many mental and physical benefits of Pilates.
I aim to make my classes warm and friendly and welcome all levels of experience.
I hope to see you there soon!
Caroline x
CLASSES
GROUP PILATES
I run group classes both in central Hitchin and on Zoom. I keep my classes small so I can give everyone the attention they need in a friendly environment where they can thrive.
I currently offer classes at three lovely venues - St Marks Church Hall and The Signing Rooms in Hitchin and in St Ippolyts Parish Hall (pictured).
PRIVATE SESSIONS / 1:1s
If you are brand new to Pilates it's a good idea to start with a private 1:1 session so you can get used to the exercises and they way we move in Pilates.
1:1 sessions are also valuable if you want to work on anything specific as we can tailor them to your individual goals. Please email me at breathemovepilates@gmail.com if this is something you would like to consider.
TIMETABLE
MONDAY
10 - 11am - Beginners /Mixed ability *3 SPACES*
St Ippolyts Parish Hall
TUESDAY
9:30 - 10:30am - Beginners / Mixed ability *FULLY BOOKED*
St Marks Church Hall, Hitchin
WEDNESDAY
6.45 - 7.45pm - Mixed ability *1 SPACE*
The Signing Rooms, Sun Street, Hitchin
8pm - 9pm - Mixed ability *1 SPACE*
The Signing Rooms, Sun Street, Hitchin
This class can also be joined via Zoom
If the class you would like to attend is full please email breathemovepilates@gmail.com to be added to the waiting list
Booking Options
MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships can be bought online and are an easy way to make sure your space in your chosen class is reserved as well as spreading the cost. Classes run term time only so memberships prices are for 40 weeks of the year (in line with Hertfordshire school term dates) but payments are averaged out over 12 months.
You can buy a membership online and cancel at any point by giving 4 weeks notice of cancellation.
BLOCK BOOKINGS
Any remaining spaces in class that have not been filled by members are made available on the website to be booked as a block of sessions. Perhaps you're new to Pilates or would like to see if you enjoy the classes without the longer term commitment of a membership. In that case block bookings are for you!
TRIAL SESSIONS
If you would like to come and try a class before committing to either a block of sessions or a membership you can book an initial trial session via the website. A trial class costs £12. Please email me at breathemovepilates@gmail.com before booking to make sure there is a space in the class you would like to trial.
LOCATIONS
Addresses
The Signing Rooms,
10a Sun Street, Hitchin
SG5 1AE
St Marks Church Hall
St Mark's Close, Hitchin
SG5 1UR
St Ippolyts Parish Hall
Waterdell Lane
St Ippolyts
Hitchin
SG4 7RB
Parking
Biggins Lane car park (behind Iceland / The Sun hotel) is just 2 minutes walk from the Signing Rooms.
As we are situated in central Hitchin there are also many other car parks within an easy walking distance.
For St Marks Church Hall there is parking on site. Turn into the Close and you will find ample parking by the hall.
St Ippolyts Parish Hall has it's own good sized parking. Disabled Parking is available at the front of the hall.
FAQ's
WHAT IS BODY CONTROL PILATES?
Body Control Pilates exercises are effective and medically approved. Based around the eight basic principles of Relaxation, Concentration, Co-Ordination, Centring, Alignment, Breathing, Stamina and Flowing Movements the exercises have been adapted from the classical exercises developed by Joseph Pilates.
Body Control Pilates works for everyone regardless of fitness level, teaching you to be in control of your body, handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES?
The main difference between Yoga and Pilates is that Yoga incorporates a lot of flexibility wheras Pilates focuses on stability, mobility and precision of movement.
Every teacher will be different and it's important to find the right one for you. I trained with Body Control Pilates, who are widely regarded as being world leading. Body Control aim to create optimal movement patterns thus improving alignment and mobility.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS
Please bring your own mat and head cushion (or a folded towel) with you. You may also need other bits of small equipment such as blocks and a resistance band but I always try to have some spares with me. It's also a good idea to bring a bottle of water.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Comfortable clothing that's not too loose fitting is best so I can see how your body is moving. To get the best out of Pilates I need to be able to help you with your alignment.
Most importantly of all is to make sure you're comfortable.
I HAVE NEVER DONE PILATES BEFORE, CAN I STILL COME TO CLASS?
Of course! All levels are welcome. Before you join I will ask you to fill out a form so I have an understanding of any medical history and make sure my classes are appropriate for you. Before starting a course I always advise booking a 1:1 session with me, especially if you're a complete beginner. Please contact me if you would like to do this.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Bookings and Payment
Bookings are run in blocks that coordinate with the Hertfordshire school term dates however I will also run a reduced number of sessions during the holidays for existing clients.
To secure your space, payment must be received in advance. The preferred method of payment is via the online booking system. Please contact me if you are having difficulties accessing the system or need to use an alternative payment method.
Priority booking will go to those buying a Membership plan. Memberships can be bought via the website and will take payment automatically each month to secure your space in your chosen class. As classes run term time only the cost of this is based on 40 weeks of the year and divided by 12 months. Any remaining spaces not taken up by members will be released to be booked in blocks via the website.
Missed Classes
I am not able to offer refunds for missed classes however if you are unable to attend class you can swap onto another one in the same week if there is space available or I can send you a recording of the Zoom class from the missed week.
Conditions
Before taking part in a Pilates class an enrolment form must be completed, this will be provided by Breath Move Pilates. Where medical approval is required this must be provided by a doctor.
Breathe Move Pilates reserves the right to cancel classes and will endeavour to give as much notice as possible should the event arise. If a class is cancelled an additional session or class credit will be provided.