VR Pilates

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.

đź’ś Meet the OverballThis small but mighty prop adds core challenge, spine support, and instability for deep muscle activa...
23/07/2025

đź’ś Meet the Overball
This small but mighty prop adds core challenge, spine support, and instability for deep muscle activation. It helps you connect to your centre and move with more control.

We use it to:
âś… Fire up your inner thighs
âś… Support your lower back
âś… Improve balance and posture
âś… Add playful variation to classic exercises

Whether you're new or experienced, this little ball helps you feel the work in all the right places.

Want to try it? Come join us and feel the difference for yourself! info@virginiarichardson.co.uk

🌟 We’re Bringing Back a Favourite Next Week – the Foam Roller!You’ve used it. You’ve loved it. And now it’s making a ret...
20/07/2025

🌟 We’re Bringing Back a Favourite Next Week – the Foam Roller!

You’ve used it. You’ve loved it. And now it’s making a return to our Pilates classes next week! 🙌💪

The foam roller might look simple, but in the hands (and under the spine!) of an experienced Pilates teacher, it becomes an incredible tool to:

✔️ Wake up deep core muscles
✔️ Improve posture and alignment
✔️ Challenge your balance and control
✔️ Release tight, overworked areas

With 15 years of teaching behind me, I know just how effective this prop can be — and how much everyone enjoys the added depth it brings to their practice. Whether you’re looking to build strength or move with more ease, this is a great week to join in.

Monday - 7:30pm
Tuesday - 1pm (no 7:30pm class this week)
Wednesday - 6:45am (30mins)
Thursday - 6:45am (30mins) and 8pm
Friday - 11:30am

📲 Let me know if you'd like to come along! info@virginiarichardson.co.uk, 07989949226

This week in our Pilates classes we are going to play with different speeds alternating between some high-energy, dynami...
13/07/2025

This week in our Pilates classes we are going to play with different speeds alternating between some high-energy, dynamic standing flows to ignite your entire body with slower flows focussing more on mobility and flexibility. Look out for some sequences that will target your abs, legs, and glutes and take you to new levels of strength while maintaining deep core connection throughout. Let me know if you'd like to join in:

Online
Monday - 7:30pm
Tuesday - 1pm and 7:30pm
Wednesday - 6:45am (30mins)
Thursday - 6:45am (30mins) and 8pm
Friday - 11:30am

In-Person (Cumbria)
Monday - 6pm
Tuesday - 6pm

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt.7)7. Speak Up If Something Feels OffPilates is designed to challenge y...
10/07/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt.7)

7. Speak Up If Something Feels Off

Pilates is designed to challenge you—but it should never hurt. There’s a big difference between muscle fatigue and actual pain, and learning to recognize that difference is part of the practice. If something doesn’t feel right in your body, say something. Always.

Pilates instructors are there to guide you, not just push you. We'd much rather offer a modification or adjust your positioning than have you silently power through discomfort. Every body is different, and what works for one person may not work for you—and that’s okay.

Speaking up doesn’t make you a “difficult” student. It shows you’re engaged, self-aware, and committed to doing the work in a way that’s safe and effective. Whether you have an injury, limited mobility, or something just feels a little off, let your instructor know before or during class. There’s almost always a tweak or alternative that will keep you moving without compromising your body.

Remember: Pilates is about working with your body, not against it. So listen to what it’s telling you—and don’t be afraid to advocate for it.

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt6.)6. Let Go of PerfectionPilates is a practice, not a performance. You...
08/07/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt6.)

6. Let Go of Perfection

Pilates is a practice, not a performance. You’re not expected to nail every move, and trying to get it “perfect” right away can actually hold you back from understanding the work on a deeper level. Letting go of perfection means giving yourself permission to explore how a movement feels rather than obsessing over how it looks.

It's also about resisting the urge to rush into the next level of an exercise just because it’s there. Advanced variations are tempting—but that doesn’t mean they’re more effective. In fact, foundational movements often offer the most benefit when done with precision and control. Repeating the basics isn’t “going backwards”—it’s building strength, stability, and true body awareness.

There’s no gold star for pushing into a harder version before you’re ready. Trust your instructor, trust the process, and give yourself time. Pilates rewards patience, and when you really settle into the movement you're in—rather than chasing the next—you get so much more out of it.

Pilates isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling strong, mobile, and in control of your body. Whether you're a...
08/07/2025

Pilates isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling strong, mobile, and in control of your body. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned mover, Pilates meets you where you are.

It's not about perfection. It’s about progress, connection, and how you feel in your own skin.

If you’ve been feeling stiff, stressed, or simply out of touch with your body — this might be your sign to start.

This week in our Pilates classes we are going to look at simple yet effective movements using the Overball again. My aim...
06/07/2025

This week in our Pilates classes we are going to look at simple yet effective movements using the Overball again. My aim will be to guide you through some fun but challenging moves. Come and enjoy a full body workout that will leave you feeling stronger and more connected.

Let me know if you'd like to join me.

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

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt5.)5. Consistency is EverythingOne Pilates class feels good—but the rea...
06/07/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt5.)

5. Consistency is Everything

One Pilates class feels good—but the real magic happens when you stick with it. Pilates is a cumulative practice, which means the more regularly you do it, the more your body starts to understand the work. You’ll notice better posture, deeper core engagement, more mobility, and even mental clarity. But it doesn’t have to be an hour-long class every single time.

Little and often is just as powerful—sometimes even more so. A 10- to 20-minute session a few times a week can do wonders, especially if you're moving with intention. Think: a short mat series at home, a focused breath and core activation practice, or even just revisiting one or two foundational movements and doing them slowly and well. These small doses help your body build strength and awareness over time, without burning out or skipping altogether.

So if a full class feels out of reach some days, don’t write it off. Pilates rewards consistency more than intensity. Keep showing up, however you can—and trust that every bit adds up.

That's the great thing about my online classes. It doesn't matter how long the class is scheduled for, if you can only make 30min or 15 mins, that is absolutely fine and a little is better than nothing!

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt4.)4. Show Up With IntentionPilates isn’t just a workout—it’s a mind-bo...
04/07/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt4.)

4. Show Up With Intention

Pilates isn’t just a workout—it’s a mind-body practice. Walking into class with intention can completely shift how you move and what you get out of it. That intention doesn’t need to be deep or profound; it just needs to anchor you.

Maybe your intention is physical, like “move with control,” “stay connected to my breath,” or “focus on my core.” It could also be mental or emotional: “Be present,” “let go of tension,” or even “just show up for myself today.”

You can set your intention quietly as you’re getting settled into class —just take a few deep breaths and ask yourself, What do I want to focus on today? That small pause can create a mindset that carries through the whole class, especially when things get shaky (literally). When you start to lose focus or get frustrated, come back to your intention. It’s your internal cue to keep going with purpose.

03/07/2025

Notice: tonight’s class will start a little later at 8:15pm. See you there. x

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt3.)3. Embrace The ShakesIf you’re in a Pilates class and your muscles s...
02/07/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt3.)

3. Embrace The Shakes

If you’re in a Pilates class and your muscles start to shake, don’t panic—that’s actually a good sign. This is a good thing and it doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means your muscles are really switching on and doing the work.

Instead of backing off, use the shake as your cue to lean in. Lengthen through your limbs, re-engage your core, and focus your breath. A strong exhale can help you reset and find that extra bit of control. And remember—you’re not going to be holding it forever. You’ve got this.

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt2)2. Don't Move Too QuicklyIn Pilates, slower is better. The movements ...
30/06/2025

How to get the most out of your Pilates class (pt2)

2. Don't Move Too Quickly

In Pilates, slower is better.

The movements are designed to be done with control, so rushing through them means you’re missing the point. Since it’s a form of resistance training, moving slowly actually helps fire up multiple muscle groups at once. When you move too fast and ignore cues, you're unlikely to get the full benefit of the exercise.

The best way to stay on pace? Focus on your breath and really pay attention to the guidance you are given.

Address

Abingdon-on-Thames

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

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