We’re thrilled to be featured in Marie Claire‘s article, “Classical Pilates is raved about worldwide as the most effective type of Pilates you can do – 8 exercises that instructors recommend.”
In the piece, our founder Amy Kellow shares her expert insight into the Classical method and the exercises she recommends for building strength, flexibility, and control.
She highlights the importance of staying true to Joseph Pilates’ original method—something that underpins everything we do at Everybody Pilates.
👉 Read the full article on Marie Claire
As part of the feature, Amy recommended six foundational mat exercises you can practise at home to build core strength, flexibility, and body control. Here’s a breakdown of each one and how she recommended them:
1. The Hundred
Why: Builds endurance, improves breath control, warms up the body
How:
Lie on your back, legs lifted to 45°, arms reaching forward
Lift head, neck, and shoulders off the mat
Pump arms up and down, inhale for 5 counts, exhale for 5
Reps: 100 counts
Frequency: 5x per week
2. Roll-Up
Why: Strengthens core, increases spinal mobility
How:
Lie flat with arms overhead
Inhale, lift arms and roll up slowly to reach your toes
Exhale, roll back down with control
Reps: 5–8
Frequency: 5x per week
3. Single-Leg Circles
Why: Improves hip mobility, strengthens stabilisers
How:
Lie on your back, one leg extended up, the other on the mat
Circle the lifted leg 5 times in each direction
Keep hips steady using your core
Reps: 5 each direction per leg
Frequency: 5x per week
4. Double-Leg Stretch
Why: Builds deep core strength, enhances coordination
How:
Start in a curled-up position, knees into chest
Extend arms and legs out long
Circle arms back in as knees return
Reps: 8–12
Frequency: 5x per week
5. Spine Stretch Forward
Why: Improves posture, stretches spine and hamstrings
How:
Sit tall, legs extended, arms forward
Exhale to reach forward, spine rounded
Inhale to return upright
Reps: 5–8
Frequency: 5x per week
6. The Teaser
Why: Builds advanced core control, improves balance
How:
Lie on your back, legs at 45°
Roll up to balance behind your sitting bones
Hold briefly, then roll down with control
Reps: 5
Frequency: 5x per week
Practising these regularly helps create a stronger, more connected body—just as Joseph Pilates intended. For guidance, progression, and expert support, we’re here to help.
From Southsea to the Spotlight
From our flagship studio in Southsea to our locations across the UK and Europe, our mission remains the same: to make expert Classical Pilates accessible and empowering for all.
Being featured in Marie Claire is a proud moment, but it reflects our community too—you, our clients—who show up and do the work, one rep at a time.
Curious to begin or deepen your practice? Join us in-studio or explore our teacher training programmes.
📍 Find your nearest Everybody Pilates studio or learn more at everybodypilates.co.uk
