What are the opening hours?

Monday 1pm - 1:30pm 7:30pm - 8:30pm Tuesday 1pm - 2pm 7:30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday 6:45am - 7:15am 1pm - 2pm Thursday 6:45am - 7:15am 8pm - 9pm Friday 11:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 3pm

VR Pilates

Live online Pilates classes and residential Pilates retreats delivered throughout year.

Pilates is an excellent way to improve the way you train as well as helping with back pain and mis-alignments within the body. It is a fantastic complementary form of training to all other exercise

I hope to be able to share news / events and updates with all my class members as well as inspire, motivate and help with any exercise tips on a regular basis.

25/01/2026

✨ This Week in Pilates ✨

This week we’ll build on last week’s class with a rhythmic, full-body mat workout designed to strengthen from head to toe. You can expect a dynamic blend of sculpting work, endurance, and pulse-driven intensity, all aimed at deep muscle activation, improved stamina, and that satisfying full-body burn we love. 🔥

For those who want an extra challenge:
💪 The first half of the class can be done with light hand weights
💥 In the second half, you can increase feedback and intensity by adding ankle weights if you have them

✨ And if you don’t have weights that's no problem at all you will still benefit and improve from this class, with options always given so you can work at a level that feels right for your body.

Strong, rhythmic, and energising, with plenty of choice built in. All levels, shapes, and abilities welcome. Let me know if you want to come along.

🌐 Online Classes
Monday – 7:30pm
Tuesday – 1pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday – 6:45am (30 mins)
Thursday – 6:45am (30 mins) & 8pm
Friday – 11:30am

📍 Face-to-Face Classes (Bassenthwaite Lake)
Monday – 6pm
Tuesday – 6pm
Wednesday – 6:15pm

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | on Unsplash

20/01/2026

Pilates was never meant to look one way.......Somewhere along the line, Pilates picked up an image problem. That you need the “right” body, the “right” outfit, or a certain level of strength just to begin.

But Pilates isn’t about looking a part. It’s about learning how to move your body better.

It can be strong or supportive. Gentle or challenging. Modified or progressed.

Pilates meets you where you are and grows with you. Exactly as you are.

If you’ve ever thought, “That’s not for me,” I want you to know: you were always welcome.

18/01/2026

✨ This Week in Pilates ✨

This week we’ll move through a dynamic mat-based workout that blends strength, endurance, and precision into one powerful, feel-good class. You can expect sequences that build power while staying true to the Pilates principles of control, breath, and mindful movement. The focus is on quality, connection, and purposeful flow, helping you to feel strong, capable, and centred in your body.

All levels welcome, with options always offered.

🌐 Online Classes - light hand weights needed:
Monday – 7:30pm
Tuesday – 1pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday – 6:45am (30 mins)
Thursday – 6:45am (30 mins) & 8pm
Friday – 11:30am

📍 Face-to-Face Classes (Bassenthwaite):
Monday – 6pm
Tuesday – 6pm
Wednesday – 6:15pm

Message me if you’d like to join or have any questions. I’d love to see you on the mat this week.

12/01/2026

🌿 A Little About Me 🌿

It’s been a while since I’ve shared this, so I thought it was time to properly say hello again.

I’ve been a qualified Level 3 Pilates instructor since 2009, and alongside Pilates I hold a degree in Science & Sports Science as well as one in Nutritional Therapy. Over the years I’ve taught a wide range of health and fitness classes, worked with many different bodies and abilities, and learned a huge amount along the way.

Everything I’ve studied, taught, and experienced finds its way into my Pilates classes. I currently teach around 10 hours of group classes each week, in addition to 1:1 Pilates sessions, and I still feel just as passionate about it now as I did when I first started.

What I love most about Pilates is how it makes me feel. By the end of a class I feel calm, centred, strong, and deeply aware of my body and what it’s capable of. I love that it works even the smallest muscles, encourages connection rather than force, and supports the body in such an intelligent way.

Most of all, I love that Pilates is for everyone. No matter your age, experience, or ability, there is always something to gain, something to explore, strengthen, or reconnect with.

My goal is simple: to pass that feeling on to as many people as possible.
Because life is for living well, not living in pain. 💚

Thank you to everyone who comes to class, supports my work, and moves with me each week. It truly means a lot.

11/01/2026

This Week in Pilates - Online and Face to Face Classes

This week we’ll enjoy an energising mat class designed to build strength, balance, and coordination through mindful, flowing movement. Using a favourite Pilates prop, the Overball for feedback and focus, we’ll move through a supportive flow that enhances mobility, body awareness, and connection from head to toe. You can expect a feel-good class that challenges you just enough while leaving you feeling strong, centred, and refreshed.

All levels and abilities are very welcome, options will always be given so you can move in a way that suits your body.

🌐 Online Classes:

Monday – 7:30pm
Tuesday – 1pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday – 6:45am (30 mins)
Thursday – 6:45am (30 mins) & 8pm
Friday – 11:30am

📍 Face-to-Face Classes - 7 spaces in each class (Bassenthwaite):

Monday – 6pm
Tuesday – 6pm
Wednesday – 6:15pm

💬 Let me know if you’d like to join or have any questions, I’d love to see you on the mat this week!

08/01/2026

Perimenopause, Pelvic Pain & Winter – Is There a Link? ❄️

If you’re in your 40s or early 50s and suddenly dealing with lower back pain, pelvic pain, or p***c symphysis discomfort, especially when scans “show nothing”, you’re not imagining it. During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen affects:

• Ligament strength
• Joint stability
• Muscle support around the pelvis and lower back

This can make the pelvic joints (including the p***c symphysis and SI joints) more vulnerable to pain, even without injury.... and yes… winter can make it worse. Cold weather increases muscle stiffness and reduces circulation, vitamin D tends to drop, movement often decreases, and pain sensitivity rises.

Common clues this pain may be hormonally influenced:
• Pain with stairs, rolling in bed, or single-leg movements
• A deep ache across the pelvis or lower back
• Symptoms that fluctuate month to month
• Pain that appeared “out of nowhere”

The key thing to know?
✨ Lack of scan findings does NOT mean lack of cause
✨ This doesn’t automatically mean degeneration or damage
✨ With the right support, this type of pain is often very manageable

Three things that often help:

🥗 Anti-inflammatory foods
Supporting inflammation through nutrition (think omega-3s, colourful vegetables, adequate protein, and stable blood sugar) can reduce pain sensitivity and support connective tissue health.

⚡Reducing overall stress load
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can worsen inflammation and pain perception. Supporting sleep, nervous system regulation, and rest is a crucial (and often missing) piece.

🧘‍♀️ Deep core & pelvic stability work
Targeted work for the deep core, glutes, and pelvic floor helps restore stability to the pelvis and lower back. Gentle, well-instructed Pilates can be particularly supportive here. If you’re looking for safe, guided movement, I run online and face to face Pilates classes designed to support pelvic and core stability, you’re very welcome to join.

If this resonates, you’re not alone — and there are supportive, holistic ways to address it. info@virginiarichardson.co.uk

06/01/2026

Tonight’s 7:30pm class will start 5 mins late as train home was delayed. See you soon! x

04/01/2026

🌿 This Week in Pilates 🌿

This coming week we’ll be moving with intention, focusing on feeling deeply connected to our bodies as we flow through seamless, mindful transitions.

The aim of this class is to cultivate strength, focus, and a grounded sense of wellbeing, leaving you feeling centred, supported, and calm, while still strong and energised in your body. A perfect class if you’re craving purposeful movement and time to reset.

Online Class Schedule:
Tuesday – 7:30pm
Wednesday – 6:45am (30 mins)
Thursday – 6:45am (30 mins) & 8pm
Friday – 11:30am

Face-To-Face Classes, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria
🆕 New Class Alert! 🆕
I’m excited to be launching a NEW Wednesday evening Pilates class at 6:15pm — a lovely midweek opportunity to move, breathe, and unwind.

Let me know if you’d like to join, try the new class time, or have any questions — I’d love to welcome you onto the mat this week.

02/01/2026

Don't Forget - class on today at 11:30am! See you there and bring your overball :-) x

Address

Abingdon-on-Thames
CA139YD

Opening Hours

Monday	1pm - 1:30pm
	7:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday	1pm - 2pm
	7:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday	6:45am - 7:15am
	1pm - 2pm
Thursday	6:45am - 7:15am
	8pm - 9pm
Friday	11:30am - 12:30pm
	1:30pm - 3pm

Website

https://www.virginiarichardson.co.uk/pilates

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