Bird Pilates

Have you been told you should exercise more, but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Perhaps you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, managing arthritis, feeling stiff, or simply looking for a gentler way to move.

I’m excited to be launching a brand new Gentle Pilates class at Wheldrake Village Hall from Monday 7th September at 9:30am.

This class has been designed to offer plenty of flexibility and support, with options to:

✔ Remain standing
✔ Use a chair for support
✔ Work on the mat where appropriate

The focus is on improving:

✨ Strength
✨ Balance
✨ Mobility
✨ Posture
✨ Confidence in movement

Suitable for beginners, those returning to exercise, and anyone looking for a slower-paced approach to Pilates.

If you know someone who might benefit, please feel free to share this post ❤️

For more information, scan the QR code on the poster, visit www.birdpilates.com or send me a message.

Caroline 🐦
Bird Pilates

Keeping cool this afternoon… ☀️❄️

After this morning’s classes, it’s time to take my own advice and listen to my body too. 💙

Hot weather affects everyone differently, so don’t feel guilty if you need to slow down, rest more than usual or change your plans.

It’s especially important to take extra care if you take certain medications (such as some antidepressants), or if you have a condition that can make you less tolerant of the heat, such as POTS or orthostatic hypotension (OH) like I do.

Keep drinking plenty of fluids, stay as cool as you can, and be kind to yourself over the next couple of days. Your body is working harder than you might realise. 💦☀️

This morning’s Wheldrake class in the heatwave! ☀️🥵

A huge thank you to everyone who came along today. ❤️

We managed to keep the hall at a comfortable 22–23°C with the help of a few fans, adapted the class to suit the conditions, took things at a sensible pace, and made sure everyone had plenty of opportunities to rest and hydrate.

You all did brilliantly, listened to your bodies, and it was lovely to see everyone leaving with smiles on their faces. 😊

Thank you for trusting me and for making today’s class such a success despite the heat. I’m so grateful for such a wonderful group of people. 💙

Stay cool, keep hydrated, and I’ll see you all next class! ☀️💦

💙

🎉 A little professional milestone…

I’m really pleased to share that I’ve been awarded Senior Practitioner status (FCIMSPA) with

Senior Practitioner is Level 3 within CIMSPA’s five-level Professional Status framework and recognises qualifications, experience, ongoing CPD and commitment to professional standards.

Over the last few years I’ve invested heavily in developing my knowledge and skills, including:
✔️ Level 4 Advanced Pilates
✔️ Pre & Postnatal Pilates
✔️ Pilates for Older Adults
✔️ Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions
✔️ Exercise Referral
✔️ Ongoing Level 4 Sports Massage training

I’m passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-informed movement and exercise support, and it’s lovely to have that recognised professionally.

You can view my verified accreditation here:
https://accreditation.cimspa.co.uk/verify/3420070c825fae48a84db56c85a69e93dc0d7104b1c8616081a3f159254e9a29

Thank you to everyone who attends my classes and supports Bird Pilates. Your trust means the world. ❤️

✨ Exciting new chapter for Bird Pilates & Massage ✨

I’ve officially started my Level 4 Sports Massage Therapy qualification with  🎉

To help get myself back into the swing of hands-on treatment work again, I recently completed an Advanced Massage Course with them too — which has been a brilliant refresher after originally qualifying in Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy with York College all the way back in 2012! 🙈

I’m currently a Level 3 member of the Sports Massage Association (SMA), and progressing to Level 4 will allow me to work with and support a wider range of clients and conditions in a more advanced clinical setting.

And… keep an eye out 👀
Very soon I’ll also be offering Level 3 Sports Massage appointments alongside the lovely team while I complete my Level 4 qualification 💆‍♀️

Don’t worry — Pilates classes are absolutely continuing as normal 💜
I see this as an expansion of what I can offer, allowing me to support clients through movement, strength, recovery and rehabilitation in even more ways.

Exciting times ahead ✨

✨ I’ve officially passed my Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral! ✨

I’m really proud to have completed this qualification 🎉

This training has given me a deeper understanding of how medical conditions, lifestyle factors and individual needs can influence movement and exercise.

It will allow me to better support clients in a safe, informed and inclusive way within my Pilates classes 💜

This means I can:
✨ Better understand a wide range of medical conditions and how exercise can help
✨ Adapt and tailor exercises to suit individual needs
✨ Create safe, supportive and effective sessions
✨ Help clients move better, feel stronger and improve their wellbeing

Whether you’re managing an injury, a health condition, or simply want to move in a way that works for your body — my classes are adaptable, inclusive and designed with you in mind 🤍

Everyone is welcome. Every body is different. Every body belongs.

I’m passionate about continuing to learn and grow so I can support my clients in the very best way possible 💫

✨ Intermediate Pilates at KP Club ✨

A lovely session this morning with my Thursday intermediate group at The Box, KP Club 💙

Today we explored the Pilates Roll Over and Seal — two more advanced classical exercises that require a good foundation of core strength, control, mobility and body awareness. These ladies have all been practising Pilates consistently for 2+ years, and it was so lovely to see their hard work paying off as they gave both exercises a go so confidently 👏

One of the things I love most about Pilates is that progress happens over time. Consistency, patience and mindful movement really do build strength, confidence and trust in your body 🤍

Alongside improving strength and mobility, regular Pilates can support posture, balance, flexibility, stress management and overall wellbeing ✨

📍 Intermediate Pilates — Thursdays 10:30am at The Box Gym, KP Club
📲 Booking directly through the gym

I also run my own mixed ability Pilates classes in village halls around York, with layered teaching and adaptations to suit a wide range of abilities and experience levels 💙

✨ You don’t have to “go hard” every day to make progress.

Some days movement feels strong and energising.
Some days it’s simply about showing up.
And some days rest is exactly what your body needs.

I work with so many people who are navigating busy lives, stress, fatigue, injuries, health conditions, anxiety, hormonal changes or rebuilding confidence in movement again 💙

That’s why I’ll always believe consistency, compassion and sustainability matter more than extremes.

Movement should support your life — not punish you.

Keep going, your way 🤍

A reminder that movement doesn’t need to look extreme to be valuable 💙

I work with so many people who are juggling busy lives, stress, injuries, health conditions, fatigue, anxiety or simply trying to rebuild confidence in movement again.

For some people, Pilates is part of a bigger fitness routine.
For others, it’s the first movement that’s ever felt accessible, enjoyable and sustainable.

And honestly? That’s enough.

Because consistency, confidence and feeling better in your body matter too ✨

✨ Updated Elvington Class Time ✨

Just a little update that my Elvington Village Hall Pilates class will now run at the slightly earlier time of Thursdays at 6:30pm 😊

Thank you so much to everyone who’s given feedback — hopefully the earlier time works even better for lots of you 💙

If you’ve been thinking about trying Pilates, now is the perfect time to start! My classes are friendly, welcoming and suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced.

Classes are taught in layers, so you can work at your own level in a supportive, non-judgemental environment ✨

🧘‍♀️ 55 minute classes
📍 5 local venues around York
💷 £9 PAYG or £40 for a 5 class pass
🤍 Just bring a mat

Current timetable:

• Catton — Mondays 11:30am
• Wheldrake — Wednesdays 10:30am
• Stamford Bridge — Wednesdays 6:10pm
• Elvington — Thursdays 6:30pm
• Fulford — Saturdays 9:30am

Message me if you’d like to come along or want help choosing the best class for you 🤍