If you're new to yoga, Slow Flow, Yin, and Restorative are wonderful starting points.

Slow Flow is a gentler version of Vinyasa - postures are held a little longer and transitions are more accessible, making it easy to follow along and build confidence. Yin is a deeply nourishing class with long holds that release tension in the body's deeper tissues - great for anyone who wants something calming and meditative. Restorative is the most gentle option, where you'll be fully supported by props in passive poses designed for deep rest and nervous system recovery. Restorative runs on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month.

All three are explicitly beginner friendly, and our teachers offer modifications throughout. Not sure which to try first? Get in touch and we'll help.

We recommend starting with Mat Pilates Longevity if you're new to pilates. This class is thoughtfully paced and focuses on controlled, functional movement with a strong emphasis on alignment and technique - giving you the perfect foundation before progressing to something more dynamic.

Longevity is also ideal if you have osteoporosis, restricted joint mobility, osteoarthritis, or simply prefer a more supported environment. With a maximum of 12 people per class, you'll receive personalised attention throughout.

Both are forms of pilates rooted in the same principles - breath, centring, control, precision, and flow - but they use different equipment and create a different experience.

Mat pilates is performed on the floor using your own bodyweight, along with small props like resistance bands, light weights, and soft balls. It's highly accessible, requires no specialist equipment, and focuses on building core strength and control through precise, deliberate movement.

Reformer pilates uses a spring-loaded sliding machine called a reformer, which adds resistance and support to exercises. The machine allows for a greater range of movement and can make some exercises easier (the springs assist) or harder (the springs resist), depending on how they're set up. Reformer classes are typically more equipment-focused and studio-dependent.

At Gather, we specialise in mat pilates - and our classes use light weights, resistance bands, and Pilates balls to add variety and challenge. Many students find mat pilates builds a strong technical foundation that translates beautifully if they ever want to try reformer in the future.

Both practices build strength, flexibility, and body awareness — but they come from different traditions and have different emphases.

Yoga is an ancient practice that weaves together physical movement, breathwork, and meditation. At Gather, our yoga classes range from slow and restorative to more dynamic Vinyasa flows, but all share a focus on connecting breath with movement and cultivating inner awareness.

Mat pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the 20th century, is a structured exercise method built around core strength, posture, and precise, controlled movement. Our pilates classes use light weights, resistance bands, and soft balls to challenge strength and stability in a functional way.

Many of our students practise both — and find that yoga and pilates complement each other beautifully.

Most people notice improvements in flexibility, mood, and stress levels within 2–4 weeks of practising 2–3 times per week. For deeper physical changes — improved posture, greater range of motion, and increased strength — practising consistently 3–5 times per week over 2–3 months makes a significant difference.

Even once a week is worthwhile. Consistency matters more than frequency. Listen to your body, build gradually, and allow rest days for recovery.

Joseph Pilates famously said: "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body." Practising 2–3 times per week is ideal for most people.

Within the first month you can expect improved core strength and better posture. After 6–8 weeks of consistent practice, many students notice reduced back pain, improved balance, and a stronger, more toned midsection. Combining pilates with yoga once or twice a week creates a beautifully well-rounded movement practice.

Both can be highly effective, and combining the two often gives the best results.

Mat pilates directly targets the deep core muscles that support the spine, making it particularly helpful for lower back pain caused by weakness or poor posture. Our Mat Pilates Longevity class is especially well suited if you're managing an injury or joint condition.

Yoga addresses back pain through spinal mobility, releasing tight muscles like hip flexors and hamstrings that pull on the lower back, and through stress reduction — since tension held in the body often shows up as back pain.

Always let your teacher know about any back concerns before class so they can guide you with the right modifications.