Claire Sykes Pilates

19/08/2026

I’m curious… 💭

Would you be interested in having the option of a 2-hour (or longer) massage treatment?

I currently offer 30, 45, 60 and 90-minute sessions, but I’d love to know whether a little more time to truly slow down, unwind and receive would appeal to you.

Would you choose a longer treatment? Let me know in the comments 🤍

Your feedback would mean so much to me.

16/08/2026

The secret the Aeroplane? It isn’t the leg.

16/08/2026

The secret of Aeroplane? It isn’t the leg.

Aeroplane can look like a beautiful balance exercise, but there’s much more happening than simply lifting and lowering the leg.

The real challenge is keeping the standing side strong and stable while the moving leg reaches away, without losing the connection through the pelvis, spine and upper body.

And this is what I love about the classical Pilates system.

The same principles appear again and again, just in different forms.

You can see the foundations of Aeroplane in the Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair and Tower - developing control, stability, strength and the ability to move one part of the body while the rest stays connected.

That’s what makes classical Pilates a system, rather than just a collection of exercises.

The apparatus changes. The principles don’t.

The ball hiding my face wasn’t intentional… but probably for the best, you don’t need to see my concentration face! 😂

12/08/2026

The secret of the one leg circle isn’t the moving leg!

11/08/2026

The secret to your one leg circle isn’t the moving leg.

After the Hundred and Roll Up, we move into the One Leg Circle — and the order matters.

The Roll Up has challenged your abdominal control and spinal articulation. Now the One Leg Circle asks you to maintain that control while introducing movement at the hip.

The moving leg makes the circle, but the non-moving leg is working too. Keep the foot flexed and actively press the thigh into the mat, while your arms and upper body stay grounded.

All of this creates the stability needed for the moving leg to move freely without the pelvis rocking or twisting.

It looks simple. It definitely isn't!

**The more stable you are, the more freedom you have to move.** 🤍

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

The One Leg Circle

After the Hundred and Roll Up, we move into the One Leg Circle — and the order matters.

The Roll Up has challenged your abdominal control and spinal articulation. Now the One Leg Circle asks you to maintain that control while introducing movement at the hip.

The **moving leg** makes the circle, but the **non-moving leg is working too**. Keep the foot flexed and actively press the thigh into the mat, while your arms and upper body stay grounded.

All of this creates the stability needed for the moving leg to move freely without the pelvis rocking or twisting.

It looks simple. It definitely isn't!

**The more stable you are, the more freedom you have to move.** 🤍

04/08/2026

The One Leg Circle

After the Hundred and Roll Up, we move into the One Leg Circle and the order matters.

The Roll Up has challenged your abdominal control and spinal articulation. Now the One Leg Circle asks you to maintain that control while introducing movement at the hip.

The moving leg makes the circle, but the non-moving leg is working too. Keep the foot flexed and actively press the thigh into the mat, while your arms and upper body stay grounded.

All of this creates the stability needed for the moving leg to move freely without the pelvis rocking or twisting.

It looks simple. It definitely isn't!

The more stable you are, the more freedom you have to move.

02/08/2026

I'm not strong enough to do Pilates!

You don't start Pilates because you're strong.

You start Pilates to become stronger.

Strength in Pilates isn't about lifting the heaviest weights or pushing through pain. It's about building a body that supports you in everyday life.

It's carrying the shopping with ease.
It's getting up off the floor more comfortably.
It's improving your posture after a day at your desk.
It's feeling more confident in your own body.

Every exercise in my classes can be adapted, so whether you're completely new to Pilates or returning after a break, you can work at a level that's right for you.

You don't need to prove anything.

You just need to take the first step.

✨ Mat Pilates
📍 Stag Church, Herringthorpe
🗓 Mondays 7:15pm
🗓 Wednesdays 6:30pm
💷 £8 per class

If you've been thinking about starting, I'd love to welcome you to class.

Message me on Facebook or email [email protected] to find out more.

30/07/2026