Frequently-asked questions

Who are your exercise classes for?
Typical reasons students attend my classes include:

• Wanting to stay fit and healthy from their 20s to their 80s!
• Building strength and flexibility to continue enjoying daily life, sports and hobbies.
• Rebuilding mobility, fitness and strength after injury or illness.

Can I just turn up?
No, you need to book in advance here. And if you can't book onto a class when you think you should be able to, it's either because the class is full or I'm not teaching on that day. 

Can I pay up-front for a range of exercise classes all at once?
Yes, via my booking system. 

What happens if I can't make a class after I've booked it?
You need to contact me by email to cancel your place. Please tell me which class you were going to attend, and what date you would like to transfer to. I ask for at least 24 hours' notice to do this, otherwise I'm unable to make the transfer. (Please note that I don't offer refunds.)

What should I wear? 
Wear footwear and comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement. My Pilates class is generally done in bare feet/socks and some people prefer to do the Circuits class barefoot too. 

I'm new to exercise classes. What do I need to bring? 
​Have some water so you can stay hydrated throughout your class. Please bring your own mat to Pilates classes and wear appropriate clothing, and footwear. 
If you'd like to talk through a class before you attend or the best way for you to exercise, please contact me. 

What if I want a short routine to do at home?
You can use my free on-demand exercise videos. I change them monthly to keep it fresh. 

I'd prefer 1:1 support... 
If you'd like individual support or perhaps more intensive training, I also offer 1:1 sessions, exercise therapy and tune-ups.

• What is a tune-up?

A tune-up is a one-off session for 45 minutes where you come to me with a specific request or a list of things you want to improve, and I suggest ways to help. It is more informal than Exercise Therapy, and there is no homework involved!

• What is exercise therapy?

It’s a simple, effective way of helping your body recover from injury and prevent it happening in the future. I give you a plan of physical activities designed and prescribed to help you as an individual (your homework). You work towards restoring normal musculoskeletal function or reducing pain above and below the site of injury. 

• How is exercise therapeutic?

The first objective of therapeutic exercise is to help the body reduce pain and inflammation. Once we achieve this, the exercise programme focuses on regaining range of motion and rebuilding muscle strength and endurance. It’s usually a slow and steady process and takes patience and understanding of your body’s needs. 

• What does it help?

So many things! A whole range of injuries including back pain, RSI, knee and hip pain, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, rotator cuff strain, syndromes, strains and overuse injuries.   

• Is it suitable for me?

Yes: your exercise programme aims to deliver the best possible outcomes and effective long-term solutions just for you. We start with a six-week programme, and extend this if necessary. If you're not sure whether a class will be right for you, or aren't sure which one to choose, just get in touch.

Contact me by email at [email protected] for more information.

I went to see Joanna about long-term physiological damage and had a very thorough, in-depth consultation and she surprised me with a holistic approach to my recovery, after focusing on just the physical for so long.

I am so very glad that I went to see Joanna and would recommend her to everyone. She is a very inspiring human!

Joanna is a reassuring balance of professional yet personable. With her qualifications, experience and expertise, she provided me with knowledge and insight that was not only helpful, but interesting and spot-on!