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CHARLOTTE HUGHES

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About me

Hello I’m Charlotte Hughes, a Pilates instructor, Barre Concept teacher and mother of three boys. Sport and fitness has always been a big part of my life. I graduated 2001 as a PE teacher with a BSc in Sports Development. However it was my ongoing back pain and the constant referrals to my Osteopath and Physio that lead me down the path of becoming a Pilates instructor. 

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The knowledge I had gained in training as an instructor came into its own in 2008 after I had my first son and needed back surgery. My recovery was super quick. I didn’t need physio or rehab as my Pilates exercise restored me back to full movement. My body got stronger and stronger and I’ve never looked back. 

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After having my second son in 2012 I was looking for something that had the principles of Pilates but with more high intensity cardio element to it so I turned to Barre Concept and became a qualified Barre Concept teacher. 

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After my 3rd son in 2015 I trained in Reformer Pilates. This opened up my area of 1:1 training where I could incorporate my PE and anatomy background to work with people specifically with back pain and injuries to give them the required strength and body awareness to help them improve their movement.

My Approach

I believe our bodies are designed to move in as many ways as possible. I always add as much variety and movement into each of my classes. I aim to teach the fundamentals in Pilates with a strong focus on form and control.  Everyone’s body is different but there is such a variety of Pilates exercises and equipment it is suitable for everyone. I hope you will finish a class with me feeling length in your body, strength through your core and an awareness of your posture. 

The ultimate goal is for an increase in your flexibility and core strength which results in a sustainable reduction in joint and limb pain as you age.

  • Which type of Pilates class should I do?
    Reformer Pilates is a great place to start if you are a beginner or injured as the machine will help assist your body and help you to work for your center (core) Mat Pilates is the main goal, your body is performing a series of exercises against gravity.
  • Can Pilates help with back pain?
    Yes! Pilates works your deepest core muscles, your transverse abdominal, this muscle wraps around our center like a corset, they keep us strong and protect your back.
  • Will Pilates help me lose weight?
    To lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit. Pilates will tone and strengthen your muscles but it will not help you lose weight.
  • When will I see results with Pilates?
    Joseph Pilates recommend you do a minimum of 3 pilates workouts a week. If you kept to this routine you would see results in 8 weeks.
  • Who is Pilates suitable for?
    Pilates is one of the few exercises that is suitable for all ages, men and women. There is so much variety in Pilates you just need to find the right class for you.
  • Where do classes take place?
    My Monday evening classes are in the Quaker Meeting House, Dunmore Road, Waterford. Tuesday and Friday morning classes are in St Annes Tennis Club, John's Hill, Waterford. I teach private and semi-private classes in my home studio in Ballinakill, Waterford.
  • Whats the difference between Pilates and Barre?
    BarreConcept is a high-energy cardio workout inspired by elements of ballet and Pilates. Classical Pilates is a low-impact class where we focus on conditioning the body, building flexibility, lean muscle and strength.
  • What will Pilates do for my body?
    Pilates exercises main focus is to work from your power house, these muscles include your abdominals, back muscles, thighs. The aim is to strengthen your muscles so you can perform every day activities like walking and getting up and down from the floor with minimal effort and strain on your body. We focus on improving flexibility but also strengthen all our muscles
  • Are Pilates and Yoga similar?
    Pilates and Yoga are similar in that they are both low-impact forms of exercise. However, there are many different types of Yoga and while Pilates uses a variety of equipment (like the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Tower) all of the moves are based on using your power-house: your core.
  • What equipment do I need for Pilates classes?
    You will need a mat, a small pillow for your neck if it is more comfortable for you to lie on the floor with one light weights if you are attending a Barre or Pilates Sculpt class.
  • Can I do Pilates as a beginner?
    Pilates is suitable for all levels. All of my classes give you options depending on your level and ability. I advise beginners to sign up for in-person classes first to ensure their technique is correct.
  • Do you teach Pilates for seniors?
    Yes. My beginners class is perfect for seniors.
  • What should I wear for my Pilates or Barre class?
    Comfortable and well-fitted clothes will ensure you can perform the moves easily and I can see the alignment of your body to help you get the most out of the class. Shorts or leggings and a top that is not too loose are best. Barre classes are more of a cardio workout and so you will want to bear that in mind, knowing you're likely to get sweaty!
  • Is it worth doing Pilates at home?
    Yes! Joseph Pilates recommended doing Pilates 3 times per week to feel the improvement in your body. My on-demand classes are no more than 30 minutes long and so perfect to squeeze into a busy day at home.
  • Is Pilates safe during pregnancy?
    If you have been doing Pilates before becoming pregnant, it is suitable for you to continue on so long as your health care professional agrees. If you have never taken Pilates classes, pregnancy is not the time to start something new. Continue with the exercise that you have been doing and look at attending Pilates classes postpartum.
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