Photographer: Melody Battentier @melodyshots
A supportive mat Pilates class connecting mind and body to build stability, mobility and ease through low-impact movement.
Restorative Pilates is a mat-based class designed to help you feel more at ease in your body. Grounded in the fundamental elements of Pilates, including breathing, concentration, alignment, stability, and mobility, the class blends classical foundations with contemporary approaches to support all bodies and a range of movement experiences. All exercises are low-impact and carefully sequenced, with clear guidance to support easeful, mindful movement rather than force or strain. Breath is used to support awareness and appropriate muscle engagement, helping to regulate effort and encourage smoother, more comfortable motion.
The class is open level and suitable for people new to Pilates as well as those with previous experience who are looking for a slower pace to deepen their awareness and understanding of the practice. Options and variations are offered throughout, allowing you to adapt movements to how your body feels on the day. This makes the class particularly supportive for people living with ongoing pain, sensitivity, or fluctuating capacity, without requiring prior experience or a specific level of fitness. Rather than aiming to push limits, Restorative Pilates prioritises quality of movement, choice, and sustainability. Strength is built gradually and thoughtfully, alongside improved mobility and coordination, helping to support everyday activities and long-term wellbeing.
This is a caring, inclusive space where you will be encouraged to move with intention, and leave feeling more connected, grounded, and at home in your body.
“Absolutely no idea what to expect from my first Pilates class and thankfully it was actually very easy to understand. Eloise was clear and offered lots of alternative postures for people (me) who couldn’t quite do some of the more advanced moves. She was very welcoming and I didn’t feel overwhelmed as I thought I would. The variety of moves we did allowed for the class to feel really dynamic and go by quickly. She was particularly good at communicating about breath and comfortablilty which I massively appreciated. Overall I left feeling proud of myself and appropriately tired from a full body work out. I would and will go to more of her classes in the future.”
Photographer: Melody Battentier @melodyshots
About Eloise:
Eloise is passionate about the transformative power of Pilates. Her approach is empathetic and understanding, informed by her experience of living with chronic pain; she has first-hand experience of the multifaceted benefits of Pilates, and in particular the deep mind-body connection the practice encourages. Emphasising the importance of mindful movement, Eloise's classes are more than just workouts; they are holistic experiences designed to challenge, educate, and uplift participants. Her intention is to create a welcoming space where individuals of all experience levels can explore and grow. Balancing challenge and fun, Eloise aims to foster a sense of well-being and strength in her students that extends beyond the mat.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding this session, please email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk
Venue: The Canvas at St Margaret’s House, 27 Old Ford Road — E2 9PJ
Access: If you have any access needs of which we should be aware, please let us know. Entry to The Canvas is step-free, but the toilet is not accessible. If you require access to an accessible toilet, please get in touch with us on 020 8980 2092 or email emily@stmargaretshouse.org.uk so we can arrange this for you.
Dates: Sundays
Time: 11am-12noon
Tickets:
Pay Less (covers some of our costs) – I am a student, unemployed, on benefits or financially stressed - £4
Standard (covers most of our costs) – I am employed, have some expendable income, and manage to meet my basic needs - £8
Pay More (covers all of our costs and supports our work) – I am employed or have enough savings to comfortably meet my basic needs - £12