Body Control Pilates® exercises have been developed for both mat and machine work. They are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. We believe that many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body.

In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates® Method.

Body Control Pilates® is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:

By working on the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.

Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates® literally teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.

The Body Control Pilates Association (BCPA) is Europe's foremost professional Pilates organisation, being the membership body for qualified Body Control Pilates teachers. It was established in February 1997 and currently has 775 teaching members in the UK and abroad. It is a non-profit making body governed by a Council that includes elected members from amongst the teaching community.  

Members must also work to a strict Code of Practice which, amongst other items, defines that all members shall:

• Hold relevant and valid qualifications, issued by a recognized Pilates body
• Only work within the scope of such qualifications and will not instruct in areas in which he’she is not formally trained and certified
• Hold adequate and valid insurance cover, provided by a recognised organisation
• Hold a current certificate in CPR (resuscitation)  
• Give full attention to the comfort and safety of clients at all times
• Where a member leads a group class, such classes will normally have a maximum of twelve participants, except where a member is assisted by another qualified teacher
• Only prescribe exercises that are wholly suitable for the age, experience and physical condition of the client
• Treat all information received from a client, or about a client from a practitioner, as wholly confidential. Such information shall not be released to a third party without the full consent of the client
• Continue to develop their professional knowledge and competence in Pilates and related subjects by attending recognized events each year, supplemented study and by development work with other teachers