We were established in 2011 by Veronica Hughes, a Chartered Physiotherapist and Certified APPI Pilates Instructor.
Hughes Studio has earned a reputation as a leading provider of Physiotherapy led pilates in Ballymena.
In 2019 we expanded our offering to include Traditional Pilates taught by qualified non-physio teachers.
The studio offers a range of classes catering for all ages and abilities, based on the APPI method.
2020 brought the challenges of the Covid pandemic, and for some time it wasn't possible to offer classes in the studio.
So we adapted and ran classes very successfully via Zoom.
Even with the re-opening of the studio there was continuing demand for Zoom classes and we hope to continue these while there is demand.
Usually there is a waiting list for studio classes, so our Zoom classes may be of interest to some while waiting for a studio place.
Our teachers look forward to sharing their love of Pilates and it's benefits with you!
Let us use our expertise and experience to help you reach your health and fitness goals - and enjoy the craic along the way
In April 2019 we opened our studio, located at Studio 9, Galgorm Castle Courtyard.
The studio is shared with Jayne Baillie Yoga.
There is plenty of free parking available (outside of The Courtyard please) and lots of local amenities.
Pilates offers a range of benefits that many people find appealing. Some of the key advantages:
Core Strength
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which include the abdominals, lower back, and pelvic floor. A strong core improves posture and stability and can help prevent injuries.
Flexibility
Pilates exercises promote flexibility and range of motion. Many routines involve stretching and lengthening the muscles, which can help with overall flexibility and ease of movement.
Improved Posture
By strengthening the core and aligning the spine, Pilates can help improve posture. Good posture can reduce back and neck pain and enhance overall body alignment.
Low-Impact Exercise
Pilates is generally low-impact, which means it’s gentler on the joints compared to high-impact exercises. This makes it suitable for people with joint issues or those recovering from injuries.
Mind-Body Connection
Pilates emphasizes controlled movements and breath work, fostering a strong mind-body connection. This focus can lead to better body awareness and mental clarity.
Balance and Coordination
Regular practice can improve balance and coordination. This is particularly beneficial for older adults or those looking to enhance their athletic performance.
Versatility
Pilates can be adapted to various fitness levels and goals. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner, there are exercises and modifications to suit your needs.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
The emphasis on controlled movements and proper alignment can help prevent injuries. It’s also used in rehabilitation settings to help individuals recover from injuries and regain strength.
Overall, Pilates can be a valuable addition to a fitness routine, offering a blend of strength, flexibility, and mindful movement.
Veronica Hughes
John Trainor
Ian McIlfatrick
Shaunagh Small
Maria Butler
Dee Ferguson
Julie Johnstone
Jane Osborne
Pamela Woods
All our teachers are experts in Pilates tution.
Several are trained in the APPI methods and the physiotherapists are also members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Our other teachers are qualified Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork (Accredited at EQF Level 4) accredited by YMCA Awards
who are the UK's leading awarding body for health, fitness and wellbeing qualifications and by REPs Ireland (Register for Exercise Professionals in Ireland),
which independently verifies exercise professional qualifications to the international standards developed and published by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
or by the Pilates Teacher Training Institute Ireland (PTTI), approved by the International Institute for Complimentary Therapists (IICT)
APPI
Health & Care Professions Council
Pilates Teacher Training Institute Ireland
International Institute for Complementary Therapists
Class Times 2024
| Day | Time | Level | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 9:30 a.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Mon | 10:45 a.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Mon | 5:45 p.m. | Beginners/Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Mon | 7:00 p.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Mon | 8:15 p.m. | Beginners | Waiting List |
| Wed | 9:30 a.m. | Beginners/Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Wed | 5:45 p.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Wed | 7:00 p.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Wed | 8:15 p.m. | Men only | Waiting List |
| Fri | 8:20 a.m. | Early Advanced | Waiting List |
| Fri | 9:45 a.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
| Fri | 11:00 a.m. | Intermediate | Waiting List |
All classes last for 1 hour.
Class Times 2024
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | No class |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | No class |
| Friday | No class |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | No class |
All classes last for 1 hour.
Before taking part in our interactive online Zoom classes, we ask that you use the following free recordings to learn the basic exercises that are built on during the classes.
Then when you are ready to participate please contact us to be added to the on-going classes. Your first month of the Zoom classes will be free of charge.
The online classes are suitable for beginners through to intermediate/advanced level participants and are delivered via the ZOOM meeting app which you will need to install on your phone,
tablet or computer as per the Faqs.
Communications is mostly via WhatsApp groups.
Class recordings are also made available for a month after the class, so you are not tied down to the class times.
Terms and conditions and a list of equipment you may want to purchase for use in the classes are listed in the Faqs.
Introduction to Pilates ZOOM Videos
Introduction to Pilates 1
Introduction to Pilates 2
Introduction to Pilates 3
Introduction to Pilates 4
Introduction to Pilates 5
Introduction to Pilates 6
Introduction to Pilates 7
Introduction to Pilates 8
Introduction to Pilates 9
Introduction to Pilates 10
Chair Pilates ZOOM Videos
Chair Pilates 1
Chair Pilates 2
Chair Pilates 3
Chair Pilates 4
Chair Pilates 5
Chair Pilates 6
Chair Pilates 7
Chair Pilates 8
Chair Pilates 9
Chair Pilates 10
Chair Pilates 11
Chair Pilates 12
Chair Pilates 13
Chair Pilates 14
Chair Pilates 15
Chair Pilates 16
Chair Pilates 17
Chair Pilates 18
Chair Pilates 19
Chair Pilates 20
Chair Pilates 21
Chair Pilates 22
Chair Pilates 23
Chair Pilates 24
Chair Pilates 25
Chair Pilates 26
Chair Pilates 27
Chair Pilates 28 is not available
Chair Pilates 29
Chair Pilates 30
Chair Pilates 31
Chair Pilates 32
Chair Pilates 33
Chair Pilates 34
Chair Pilates 35
Chair Pilates 36
Studio classes are run in 6 week blocks, payable in advance at the first class of the block.
Zoom classes are run monthly, payable in advance at the start of each calendar month.
| Class type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio | £48/ 6 class block |
| Zoom | £25/ calendar month per household |
How can I enrol for these classes?
- There is currently a waiting list for studio classes.
- Contact Hughes and Associates at the number below and ask for availability in your preferred class.
- If space is not available immediately, we will add you to a waiting list and will contact you whenever a suitable vacancy arises.
- Alternatively, join the online Zoom classes. Complete the free introductory video classes and then contact us to be added to the interactive Zoom classes.
What is Physio-led Pilates?
- Pilates is a low impact conditioning exercise that strengthens core muscles of the body to provide you with improved strength, balance and control.
- Pilates can also ease and prevent muscular aches and pains.
- Our Physiotherapists are also qualified Pilates Instructors and may prescribe Pilates exercises as part of your overall treatment if you would benefit from greater core stability.
- With their knowledge of how the body works and of your condition, they can modify your Pilates exercise to best suit your ability and fitness levels. This ensures your exercised will be safe and effective for you.
What conditions are Physio-led Pilates used to treat?
As you're under the expert guidance of a Physiotherapist, Physio-led Pilates is suitable
for almost everyone.
It can be used to increase flexibility and to alleviate pain and stiffness caused by:
- Sciatica
- General neck and back pain
- Weak stomach muscles
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis
- Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions
- Pilates can also promote wellbeing and good sleep. It's ideal for any age from young adult upwards, and any ability and fitness level.
What should I wear?
What clothing to wear for a Pilates workout is very much up to you.
Comfortable exercise clothes that let you have full range of motion
is fine. You don't need anything special.
A few things to consider if you are going to a class at a studio.
- Most Pilates studios are casual. Keeping your attire simple, at least at first, will help you figure out what works best for you and what the norms are at your studio.
- One exception however, is fitness attire that is too loose. Baggy is a problem in Pilates as well as yoga classes because it can be too revealing, and because an instructor must be able to see your alignment and muscle use. If you are unsure about what to wear or about other standards at a studio, there is nothing wrong with calling or visiting to find out what other students wear.
- It is always a good idea to keep jewelry to a minimum when you workout. Bracelets, long necklaces, and even dangling earrings can be distracting or, worse, get caught in the equipment.
- It is a courtesy to other students to refrain from wearing strong scents.
Is there parking?
You can park for free at our premises, but please park outside The Courtyard.
How do I pay?
For studio classes you can pay by cash or cheque at our studio, or by bank transfer or Paypal.
Payment for a block of classes is due in advance at the first class of the block.
For Zoom classes you will be invoiced monthly via Paypal.
What apps do I need for Zoom classes?
You will need a WhatsApp account on your phone to receive class invites.
Create Free ZOOM Account
========================
You need to create a free ZOOM account via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/signup
Create Free ZOOM Account
========================
You need to create a free ZOOM account via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/signup
- It will ask for a date of birth - its ok to lie, you just have to be over 18 :-)
- It will ask for your work email address - use any of your email addresses.
- When you click on the
button you can either "confirm" that ZOOM can send stuff to you, or use "set preferences" to unsubscribe entirely from sales pitches. - An email will be sent to you to allow you to activate the account:
- Clicking on the link (or copying the address to your browser) will take you to a setup page:
- Click the No option and "continue" button.
- The "Welcome to Zoom" page will display.
Hi, abc**@**com. Your account has been successfully created. Please list your name and create a password to continue.
- Enter your Forename and Surname (So that we know who you are when you join a class)
- Create a new password which must:
Have at least 8 characters
Have at least 1 letter (a, b, c...)
Have at least 1 number (1, 2, 3...)
Include both upper case and lower case characters
For example DexterDog2 (<-- please don't use this one !!)
- Then click "continue" button.
- The "Don't Zoom Alone" page will display.
- The "Start your test meeting" page will display.
- Close the browser page.
- That is you set-up with a free ZOOM account.
Welcome to Zoom!
To activate your account please click the button below to verify your email address
Are you signing up on behalf of a school?
Click "Skip this step" button.
Test your login by opening the ZOOM App and enter your email and password and click "sign in"
If successful you will see options for starting new meetings etc.
You can sign out by clicking the icon on top right of screen and select sign out.
How to access Zoom class?
- Classroom will open 15 minutes before start time – a link and login info will be posted on Hughes-Studio-Pilates WhatsApp group.
- You will be prompted to log in to the ZOOM app with your own email address and password. There may also be a Captcha security code to prove you’re not a robot.
- When joining a class please shut off your video and before the class starts we will mute your mic, but you will be able to un-mute yourself if you need to ask the teacher any questions.
Equipment for Zoom classes?
- The equipment for Zoom online classes listed below is either required or optional.
- The links take you to one retailer for each item, but you may well find it somewhere else. For example, Lidl offer some Pilates equipment once or twice each year.
| Item | Required or Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga Mat | R | |
| 0.5 kg Weighted Balls or 1kg Weighted Balls | R | May be substituted by grocery cans |
| Soft Ball (large) | R | Often referred to as an Ova ball |
| Swiss Ball 55cm | O | 65 cm also available |
| Head Block | R | |
| Sitting Block | O | |
| Magic Circle or Yoga Belt | R | Magic Circle is the preferred option. Belt can be substituted by a dressing gown cord |
| Half Round Roller 15 x 90cm or Full Roller 15 x 90cm | R | Full roller is the more difficult option |
| Massage Balls x 2 | R | Often referred to as Hedgehogs |
| 2m Medium Resistance Band or 2m High Resistance Band | R | |
| Loop Resistance Band pack of 5 | O | Sometimes handier to use rather than tying knots in the long resistance band |
Map & Address - Studio Location
Hughes Studio
Studio 9
The Courtyard
Galgorm Castle
188 Galgorm Rd
Ballymena
BT42 1HL