Frequently Asked Questions

Before joining a group class we ask that you attend a 45 minute Initial Pilates Consultation with one of our teachers. Here you will fill out a short form advising us of your medical history and what your aims are. We will assess your posture and body movements to identify any vulnerable weakness that may need attention, or cause a physical problem and together devise a plan to work towards your goals. This is a private lesson where we also teach you the basic exercises and fundamentals of Pilates, and you get to see if you like us before you join! This private consultation is €69.

Following this, together we come up with a class time and level that suits your needs best. Our class numbers are small ensuring all our members’ needs are cared for, with attention to detail and correction being our priority.

If you would like to book in for this initial consultation to get you started, you can book here, or you can phone us on 01-2829837 and we can organise an appointment for you.

Our address is Suite 16, Parklands Office Park, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. You will find a Google map here.

If you are driving from Dublin, head southbound on the M11, keep right to continue on N11, take Exit 7 for Bray South/Greystones/Enniskerry. After the slip road take the 3rd exit onto Southern Cross Rd/R768 at the Topaz roundabout, at the next roundabout go straight through, continue on the Southern Cross Rd. for approx 1km, follow the signs for Killruddery House & Gardens, turn right into Killruddery (before the Wilton Hotel). Take the first slip road left and you will find Remedy on the right in the crescent shaped wooden building.

Please wear comfortable light active wear that you are free to move in. Layering clothes is a good idea. Socks are mandatory for hygiene reasons in all classes. Socks with grip underneath are compulsory in our Reformer classes for safety. We stock these at reception or you are welcome to purchase your own elsewhere. Also bring a refillable bottle of water (we have a water dispenser and cups also if you prefer).

No. Remedy provide all equipment for your use during class. We use Pilates mats that are much thicker than general Pilates and Yoga mats to provide more cushioning for the spine, wrists and knees. We also sell these in demand Pilates mats and other equipment, so you can practice what you learn in class, at home!

We currently offer bathrooms and changing facilities, but no shower facilities.

A big meal is not recommended before your Pilates class, something light at least an hour before is ideal. It is important to remember that everybody’s body is different and may respond to food differently also.

Mat Pilates can be a great starting point emphasising body awareness and becoming in tune with your body. It is low impact with a gentle pace where you get time to think and teach your body the fundamentals of Pilates. On the mat you will learn how to connect your brain signals to your muscles and joints for control, alignment and better body movement. During a Mat class your own body weight mainly creates the resistance for strength and flexibility. We may also use small props in our Mat classes. By attending a Mat class you can practice what you learn in class at home. All you need is some dedication and a mat!

When you exercise on the Reformer, your movements and the weight of your body are supported by a static or sliding carriage. The Reformers many attachments – bars, springs, straps and pulleys increase the range of modifications allowing exercise from a variety of positions, in all planes of movement. These attachments help to tailor the degree of difficulty to challenge rehabilitation, beginners, those interested in fitness, as  well as the sporting population. Working on the Reformer develops a high degree of precision and allows you to focus more, mastering your own particular needs and goals more quickly.

Unique to the Reformer is a special exercise feature called eccentric muscle contractions. This is when a muscle lengthens as it contracts or resists a force. Eccentric exercise can rapidly condition and build muscles without bulk and is commonly used to improve sporting performance and in injury rehabilitation.  As the popularity of Pilates increases, so too does the appeal and demand for Reformer classes.

All group classes are for 45 minutes, after this we allow 5 mins for class changeover and for cleaning of equipment and props used during the session.

Absolutely, at Remedy we pride ourselves on giving personal attention and movement correction in both private and group lessons.

Exercise is such a personal thing, depending on your fitness levels and personal goals.  We recommend a minimum of 2 classes per week to achieve results.

All of our classes include a warm up and a cool down for safety and to prevent injury.  If you are more than 5 minutes late to your class then you may join in at your own risk. If you are more than 10 minutes late you may be turned away to avoid disruption to other attendees and for your own safety.

Please get in touch with us by email hello@remedypilates.ie. Please provide us with 30 Days Notice if you are cancelling your monthly class membership. We have waiting lists and can offer your place to someone waiting. See our Terms and Conditions for Monthly Memberships. For all other appointments please note that we need 24 hours notice to cancel or a cancellation fee will apply. See our Studio Policies. Many thanks.

Yes, we have gift vouchers available to purchase from reception or via our website home page.

Yes, you have to be over the age of 16 years old to attend a Pilates class. If you are under 18 we need a note from a parent or guardian that you are able to attend.    There is no maximum age limitations and we welcome and encourage seniors to attend a suitable class.

As a gesture of goodwill, we offer our members the opportunity to catch-up on any unattended classes within a paid month. We understand we need to be flexible for busy lifestyles. However we do prefer members to stay in their booked class time whenever possible as we measure your progress and need to know if you are improving, or if you possibly need to move to a different class level. This can be difficult to measure if you are attending different class times that is not your original booked class time.

If you require a catch-up space please contact reception to see which classes may have availability. Catch-up places cannot be pre-booked – it is first come first served. On arrival you need to sign your name in the catch-up space on the sign in sheets, and understand if you are attending a class that is full, you are chancing that someone does not turn up to their booked class.

Once you are a Remedy member and have paid for your class place we allow you to carry catch-ups into a following paid month if necessary, but it is best to try and catch up in the same month to make sure you get the best from your exercise regime.

When you join Remedy Pilates it based on 12 months membership, however we give you the right not to proceed on the condition that you give Remedy at least one month (30 days) notice in writing. No quibble once we get notice, we need this notice as we have waiting lists and this will ensure someone needing a space gets to join.

Our pricing plan was created for members to attend on an ongoing basis to receive maximum benefits. We hold classes for 45 weeks of the year. We have a total of 7 weeks break during the year, on bank holidays and major holidays .(New Years, Christmas, February, Easter, June, August and October).

Our price plan is calculated based only on the 45 weeks we hold classes, the members’ payment does not include our yearly breaks – you are not paying for a class during these breaks. The 45 weeks of classes are divided into 12 monthly installments. Monthly payments remain the same during times of breaks. Please contact us if you have any questions or queries.

If you are currently attending a class at Remedy you can re-book your class place by paying the monthly fee. Class places must be paid for in full by the 28th of each month to guarantee your class place for the following month.

This is common practice in any Pilates or health studio to pre-pay before you take part. This guarantees you have your class place that suits you going forward. If you are not continuing we can offer the remaining spaces to new or current members if necessary.  If we don’t receive payment by the 28th for the following month we will not know if you are continuing and your name will therefore be taken off the list.

You can find our timetable here and our pricelist here.

The Man behind the Method: A fascinating story – please do read to become inspired!

The Pilates method was invented by Joseph Pilates (1883 - 1967), a German Physical Trainer to strengthen the weak and challenge the strong. He had a number of ailments growing up including asthma and the bone disease rickets. In order to battle these, he dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength.

By the age of 14 he was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts and became to believe that ”modern” lifestyle, bad posture and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health. He went on to become a gymnast, circus performer, boxer and self-defence trainer at Scotland Yard.

His father, a native of Greece, was a prize-winning gymnast, while his German born mother was a naturopath who believed in the principle of stimulating the body to heal itself without artificial drugs. We can see his most notable influencers were most likely his parents! I feel he was definitely before his time with his concept based on balancing body and mind to enhance health in every aspect of life.

Sadly, during WW1 Joseph became a prisoner of War. Here he taught fellow camp members his concepts developed over 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in Yoga, Zen, and ancient Greek and Roman physical regimes.

Camp leaders put him in charge of rehabilitating wounded soldiers and he soon learned that by attaching springs to hospital bed frames gave them the independence to exercise under his supervision. The help given by springs and handles, working with or against gravity, allowed those incapable of correct movement patterns to gain the mobility, strength and control needed over time. This spring/pulley theory later led to the Reformer we know today! I am still fascinated by this history.

Spring tension, straps to hold feet and hands, supports for back, neck and shoulders are as important now as they were then.  He also used steel from the inside of beer barrels for resistance which later became the Pilates ring of today!

Joseph engineered all the equipment, specifications, and tuning required to teach his method, and devised all the training techniques that ultimately became the Pilates regime. Once released from incarceration he was approached to train the German secret police.

Around 1926 he travelled to New York, and on meeting his wife Clara they set up their own Pilates school next to the New York school of Ballet. Here the professional dance community discovered that his conditioning techniques helped prevent injury and improve strength, while maintaining long, even balanced muscle tone. This sparked a vast following of his method and he continued to teach until he passed away at 87. What a real legend!

Unfortunately Pilates was never copy righted and the legacy he left was open for anyone to state that they were Pilates trained. Thankfully today the general population are giving Pilates the recognition it and Joseph Pilates deserves by attending a clinical studio or private practice where all staff have been trained to very high standards.

Referring to teacher training Joseph was quoted as saying “Remember, Rome was not built in a day”. I sincerely believe in this.  All our teachers and therapists have gone through rigorous training and attend continual professional development as an interest, as well as for work purposes and credibility.

Pilates is particularly beneficial form of exercise to develop spinal control, strength and correct movement patterns. Pilates is a widely used rehabilitation tool amongst Physiotherapists  to reduce pain and improve activities of daily living and function. We have considerable experience dealing with whiplash, disc and  nerve problems of the neck and spine, surgical rehabilitation and chronic pain conditions.

At Remedy we provide both Physiotherapy and Pilates under one roof and together have developed a clinical “Back Care” management programme. Prior to joining our classes, each client is seen for a Pre Class Consultation by one of our Pilates teachers and/or Physiotherapist so that we are fully aware of your needs and level of ability.

Class numbers are kept small to ensure close supervision. The exercises are slow, gentle and very controlled.  Attending our classes means that you will also be gaining the benefit of our clinical experience as we can explain just why some exercises and techniques are better and safer than others. Our teachers will modify all exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range, and monitor your improvements. You may embark on our Physio Pilates Programme.

Remember you do not have to suffer with back pain for the rest of your life, there is always something you can do to help you feel better. It can be very frustrating for us as exercise professionals to hear that someone has been told by the medical profession to ‘live with it’  or ‘accept it is part of your age’. We have many young and older clients who have been through this disheartening process, only to realise that when they meet with us that they can help their symptoms with the right exercise, taught by the right professionals.

You can’t reverse degeneration, as we are all degenerating the way grey hair and loose teeth get us, but you can help improve symptoms leading to a more enjoyable pro-active lifestyle.  Please do get in touch with any questions regarding a back issue.

In some respects, yes. Both emphasise deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection.

The difference is that, while Yoga often involves moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based to improve alignment. The goal with Pilates exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

Some people say Pilates is like Yoga without the spiritual dimension, i.e. more emphasis on the purely physical. At Remedy we are Yoga enthusiasts and often blend the best of both Yoga and Pilates into a sequence of stretching, breathing and relaxation to give you a workout that leaves you feeling invigorated, centred and confident while strengthening both body and mind.

I like to describe Pilates as exercising from the outside in. This is where we may point out that one shoulder is higher than the other causing misaligned posture and discomfort. We use mirrors in the studios working towards keeping posture balanced and symmetrical to improve function and reduce pain. I like to describe Yoga as working on the body from the inside out. You have to try achieve a deep meditative connection within yourself by using a specific breathing technique called Pranayama. This helps improve body awareness from within. The stamina required to perform the exercises transfers from physical endurance to mental stamina.

I think what Yoga and meditation is to the mind, Pilates is to the body! A combination of both is even better.

You can expect an increase in strength, flexibility, mobility, stability, balance, coordination, correct breathing pattern and body awareness, as well as a decrease in back pain or other general aches, pains and discomforts.

If Pilates is done regularly and consistently it can help to:

• Build core strength and stability
• Improve flexibility and joint mobility
• Improve posture, alignment and breathing
• Get better balance and co-ordination
• Prevent injury and heighten body awareness
• Relieve anxiety, stress and tension

This depends on the number and frequency of classes you attend. If you’re coming twice per week (our recommended minimum), we expect you’ll see results within 6 weeks. As Joseph Pilates said: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference. In 20 sessions you will see the difference. And in 30 sessions you will have a new body!”

Even doing one session a week will make you feel better, and perhaps give you a taste for doing Pilates more regular. The great feeling after a class will certainly give you a pep talk in wanting to continue with more.

I always advise it takes about 3 to 6 months for a body to make a dramatic physical change and have the stamina to keep good posture. We gather so many bad habits through the years, and these are not reversed overnight.  Think about how powerful the body and brain actually are, we need time to train our motor control or wiring system to make these good habits of no pain and better posture become the norm.

Pilates needs to be kept consistent or the body looses strength. The great thing is though once you learn the fundamentals your brain, body and wiring system never forget these so if you have had a break from Pilates routine for some reason, you may weaken and need strength but you never forget. It is a little like riding a bicycle!

We recommend doing it little and often, even thinking about your posture will have you standing and sitting taller. (As I suddenly sit up straight writing this!) Set yourself a goal to do a mini-session once or twice a week at home between classes; even just doing a few of the moves will reap benefits.  Write it in the diary or pin it up somewhere you will see it. Have a list of maybe 4 exercises and practice them. You can always add more or change this up anytime. If it is not measured it won’t get done, so having a plan to reach a goal, no matter how big or small is key.

One ladies plan that always inspires me is that she wanted to be able to climb a set of stairs, this lady is in her thirties but had serious health problems and lost all strength.  After hard work and serious commitment she could rival us teachers now at this stage! She is so grateful to be able to get to the top of the stairs. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t manage it all as planned. Give yourself praise for whatever you do and start again. The best change happens gradually.

Yes. Pilates may sound very ballerina like but Joseph Pilates, inventor of the Pilates method was a serious alpha male.  He trained military personnel and kept the German secret police fit. He also spent most of his life teaching in his underpants as he as he felt better with the air on his skin!

Pilates training is highly relevant for men’s fitness and strength from desk bound to builders, to rehabilitating an injury to sportsmen, it really does benefit all. It is commonly used to relieve back ache by improving posture, helping muscle imbalance and building core strength.

The exercises specifically target deeper postural muscles to help shoulder problems, back and abdominal strength, create flexibility in hips and hamstrings, as well as improving ankle and knee stability. All while developing a toned, fit appearance.

Top sportsmen all over the world like tennis pro Andy Murray are well versed in the benefits of Pilates, many for whom classes are compulsory to help prevent injury. The All Blacks have been doing Pilates since the Irish Rugby Team were in their youth. Now they, along with the Leinster Rugby team, as well as any sports person wanting to get a cut above the rest are Pilates fanatics.

All sports are very different on the court or field, but all participants have one desire in common; to prevent or recover from injury and increase efficient and effective movement to improve performance.  Pilates at Remedy can help put the power behind your swing, the speed in your sprint and the length in your hamstrings. It is just as useful for the general population as it is for an athlete wanting to improve performance.  It is a perfect exercise class for those that want to improve fitness and function or for those with injuries or physical limitations.

At Remedy we use body weight, medicine balls and other equipment, as well as a Pilates machines to strengthen and/or support and challenge your body in all planes of movement.

We welcome men in all of our classes. We also run a Men’s only class.

Yes. Pilates is one of the safest and actually in my opinion, the best form of exercise during pregnancy. Your body can feel weightless and rested after class while strengthening the pelvic girdle and back.  It helps to realign the pelvis and encourages less pelvic problems that can really affect mobility in pregnancy.

During a normal, healthy pregnancy, moderate exercise is recommended. Pilates movements can strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, prevent varicose veins, low back pain, maintain fitness levels and prepare the body for the physical demands of motherhood. It can help your balance as centre of gravity changes and to move with ease and even sleep better!

A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy and the moves must be adapted and modified as the pregnancy progresses. Excessive stretching must be avoided due to the hormones relaxing and oxytocin traveling around the whole body. All our teachers are proficient in keep you safe while exercising.

At Remedy we take you and your baby’s health very seriously and ask that you bring a letter with medical clearance from your medical provider to your first visit with us. Very exciting times ahead!

Yes, Pilates is particularly good for strengthening the pelvic floor and toning the abdominal muscles that are stretched during pregnancy. The hips and gluteal muscles in the backside also need to be strengthened to support the re-adjustments of the pelvic girdle.

How soon you can start depends on the birth you have had. We recommended about 6 weeks after the birth, and longer if you have had a Caesarian section or a complication. We will need a medical clearance letter from your health care provider before your begin or re-join Remedy.

Re-training the pelvic floor and tummy area should be done from the inside out – emphasis is on strengthening deep abdominal muscles. You can actually start to strengthen your pelvic floor and lower abdominals (as soon as you get your head around this amazing experience) from your hospital bed. I remember doing this myself as my baby slept and I drank tea!

It takes time to regain shape but arm and shoulder strength to physically pick up and carry your baby, and all the equipment like car seats, buggy’s etc. that comes with it should be a priority, along with pelvic and back function to prevent soreness. A baby and lack of sleep is enough to deal with, without having back and neck ache to worry about too. Your medical advisor in the hospital will advise you, and then you can book an appointment with us when you have medical clearance and you are ready.

You may have heard of Diastasis Recti or Abdominal Separation. This is common after pregnancy – if left untreated it can cause pelvic floor issues, back and postural pain, as well as a constant bulging tummy. At Remedy we have the experience to diagnose and are trained to treat this.

Pilates is not a weight-loss programme specifically, although it can be a positive addition to an overall weight loss plan. Weight loss occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories expended.

The most successful and healthy way to achieve weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with a strength training component, such as Pilates, and following a balanced diet. The more muscle composition your body has, the more your metabolism increases, as muscle burns more calories than fatty tissue does. Basically the more resistance training like Pilates you do, the more muscle and less fat you have!

Combining Pilates with aerobic exercise also offers additional benefits: greater mind-body connection, improved posture, flexibility and functionality.

Our Cardio Pilates class is a specific calorie burning exercise class with HIIT (high interval intensity training) methods to increase fitness, weight loss and toning. We use rebound type jump boards to give you a fun workout while working up a sweat and burning lots of calories! You also get to lie down while jumping which gives an amazing feeling of suspension while giving just the right amount of impact for bone strengthening. You need to have experience on our Reformer machines before joining our Cardio classes. Please do enquire!

Yes, possibly! Much of Pilates exercise requires you to look within, focus on your posture, and feel the subtle differences within your body. By strengthening the postural muscles, people have learned to maintain good posture thereby appearing taller.

We have a long term client that had osteopenia. On having her bone density bone scan 2 years apart her consultant was amazed to see she was 2 inches taller from her previous measurement! This is purely because she started with a rounded posture that was increasing her discomforts and not doing her bone health any favours. We devised an exercise plan where she focused on her posture becoming more upright, with the muscles stronger to keep her taller, and she managed to reverse her Osteopenia in the process!

Pilates is ideal to assist in recovering from a variety of injuries.  However it’s important that you have the appropriate approvals from your medical professionals/a Physiotherapist prior to commencing your Pilates training. Please get in touch with us to discuss your issue and we can recommend the next best step for you.

When your core is strong, posture improves, relieving stress on the joints and muscles. This is one of the reasons Pilates is often recommended for those recovering from injury. We may suggest Physiotherapy or Private lessons initially. We can modify the exercises as required, and challenge you within your ability. We can also offer you a tailored home exercise programme to help you progress.

Clinical Pilates can be a safe exercise for people recovering from breast cancer. We are certified to teach the Pink Ribbon Program for post-operative recovery. Your teacher can work with you on a tailored program, designed to reintroduce your body gradually to exercise both post surgically and during any adjuvant therapies. The goals are to restore posture and alignment, and minimize muscle soreness, tightness and weakness to help you comfortably through your daily activities again.

Pilates can help you to regain the range of movement you had pre-surgery by working the shoulder and chest with gentle movements and breathing exercises. The goal is to rebalance the muscles in the area and also to help improve your energy levels.

We have worked with many breast cancer patients to help them rebuild their confidence in moving well and regaining function post-surgery. Our studio is welcoming and open to all – especially those times when you’re not feeling your best. We believe movement is key and we’re here to help you move well. Just get yourself to our door and we’ll help you do the rest.

At Remedy we offer corporate classes at a discounted rate.

An effective Corporate Pilates programme provides a more energetic, productive and positive workplace. Muscular pain, particularly back pain, contributes to companies losing a lot in revenue due to employees on sick leave.

Bringing your staff to Remedy can benefit both employer and employee in many ways:

• Reduce ‘sick days’ for Company
• Reduce tension, stress and anxiety
• Boost energy, stamina and endurance
• Improve postural awareness & self-correction
• Reduce risk of injury
• Increase work efficiency and concentration level
• Tone, strengthen and increase flexibility
• Mood enhancing
• Team bonding
• Courses are typically 6 week cycles throughout the calendar year

For more information and discounted prices please contact us