Frequently asked questions

PILATES/FITNESS

The SHAPES method is a Pilates and lifestyle philosophy.

The classes focus on toning, healthy weight loss, functionality, healing and inner balance, with a dynamic approach to the Pilates technique. This method teaches you how consistency is key and how simple it is to take care of your body and mind every day. You will be given knowledge on fundamental nutrition and lifestyle guidelines to help you cultivate a 360-degree approach to your health and wellbeing.

What is Pilates? Pilates is a mind-body technique developed by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates. It aims to strengthen and tone the body, focusing on core strength and the alignment of the spine. Pilates, like Yoga, lays a lot of emphasis on the breath – in particular, diaphragmatic breathing – which can help activate the deep layer of the abdominals, promoting a stronger back during the exercises.

Pilates is performed on a mat using your own body or with small pieces of equipment like the ring, ball, band, hand weights or foam roller. You can also use different pieces of apparatus, like the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac or Tower.

Pilates is a complete form of exercise that can completely change the shape of your body and help you with weight loss too. It can enhance your athletic performance in any sport and can help you to recover from injuries. You will start to feel the difference in your body after just 5 sessions. The technique focuses on toning and lengthening your muscles, improving flexibility and function for everyday movements.
The practice of Pilates consists of performing exercises with precision and control. You will work all your muscles, while keeping your core engaged and your spine aligned at all times. It is a true fitness exercise if you want to perform Pilates every day.

The benefits of Pilates are infinite, from fitness and health to overall wellbeing. These are some of the main benefits:

  • Back pain relief
  • Improved posture
  • Flat and toned abdomen
  • Toned, leaner muscles
  • Stronger pelvic floor
  • Greater stability in your shoulder joints
  •  Improved mobility and flexibility in the spine and in the body overall
  • Injury prevention
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Improved joint stability and balance
  • Improved coordination
  • Stress relief
  • Promotes better sleep and digestion
  • Improves circulation
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Enhances athletic performance

Both Pilates and Yoga are holistic disciplines that focus on mind and body. The main difference between them is the spiritual approach. Yoga focuses on connecting mind, body and spirit, while Pilates focuses on proper alignment of the body, core strength and performing the exercises in a precise and controlled way, using diaphragmatic breathing.

Another important difference is that Pilates involves more movement. You can use different equipment if you perform Pilates on the mat, like the ring, hand weights, ball, band, mini band, Swiss ball. Or you can make use of specialised apparatus, like the reformer, the chair, the tower and the Cadillac.

Yoga is mat based, with only a few extra pieces of equipment. It requires less movement, and more focus is given to holding poses that challenge your core, concentration and flexibility.

Both are great forms of exercise that do not stress the body. You can try both and see what you enjoy.

On SHAPES Studio, you can find: Dynamic and Cardio Pilates classes from level 1 to level 3, stretching classes, prenatal and postnatal classes, short meditation videos, and nutrition and lifestyle coaching videos. There is also a reformer Pilates library if you have access to a reformer machine

You don’t need anything, just yourself and the mat. There are classes with and without props. If you don’t have any equipment, you can filter classes by equipment and choose the ones without it.

I recommend buying: a Pilates ring, a long medium band, a mini band, 1.5kg toning balls, a 22-inch Pilates ball, a 90cm foam roller.

You can buy it from here

Yes, you can. On SHAPES, there is a section dedicated to the basic principle of Pilates so you can understand the fundamentals. You can start from level 1 classes and choose shorter videos. The classes are safe, and you can make the most out them and feel the workout. I recommend sticking to level 1 classes for a month and then starting to explore more level 2 classes to see how the body feels.

You can always contact Paola for any extra support or a 1:1 online consultation. You can also request any specific video that you would find helpful.

If you are consistent and exercise from Monday to Friday – from a minimum of 5 minutes to 30 minutes per day, along with implementing the nutrition guidelines on SHAPES, you can expect to feel the results after just a week. After a month you will start to see the results in your waistline, leg shape and overall wellbeing.

The reformer looks like a bed. This “bed” is equipped with springs ropes, pulleys and a sliding carriage. You can perform many dynamic exercises on it to achieve a full body weight workout.

If you have access to a reformer at home, you can check the shapes reformer classes online. These are separated into classes that target specific body parts or ones that work the whole body.

I always recommend starting on the mat first. The reformer Pilates classes on SHAPES require previous Pilates experience. If you are a beginner and you want to start directly on the reformer, I recommend at least 2 or 3 1:1 sessions, either online or in-person, so that I can explain the different uses of the machine and help you feel confident to use it by yourself.

Yes, you can get in touch for 1:1 personal training session online, via Zoom or Skype.

Online personal training sessions are £75 for a 45-minute session. Or you can buy packages of 5 or 10 sessions at a discounted rate: 5 classes: £350; 10 classes: £650

Ideally you should aim to train at least three times per week. On Shapes, I invite you to do a little bit every day – even a 5-minute video counts! It all helps you build consistency.

Anyone can do Pilates. If you suffer from any illness or injuries, I’d advise you to book an initial 1:1 consultation so we can tailor a plan for you.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The SHAPES method is a Pilates and lifestyle philosophy.

The classes focus on toning, healthy weight loss, functionality, healing and inner balance, with a dynamic approach to the Pilates technique. This method teaches you how consistency is key and how simple it is to take care of your body and mind every day. You will be given knowledge on fundamental nutrition and lifestyle guidelines to help you cultivate a 360-degree approach to your health and wellbeing.

What is Pilates? Pilates is a mind-body technique developed by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates. It aims to strengthen and tone the body, focusing on core strength and the alignment of the spine. Pilates, like Yoga, lays a lot of emphasis on the breath – in particular, diaphragmatic breathing – which can help activate the deep layer of the abdominals, promoting a stronger back during the exercises.

Pilates is performed on a mat using your own body or with small pieces of equipment like the ring, ball, band, hand weights or foam roller. You can also use different pieces of apparatus, like the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac or Tower.

Pilates is a complete form of exercise that can completely change the shape of your body and help you with weight loss too. It can enhance your athletic performance in any sport and can help you to recover from injuries. You will start to feel the difference in your body after just 5 sessions. The technique focuses on toning and lengthening your muscles, improving flexibility and function for everyday movements.
The practice of Pilates consists of performing exercises with precision and control. You will work all your muscles, while keeping your core engaged and your spine aligned at all times. It is a true fitness exercise if you want to perform Pilates every day.

The benefits of Pilates are infinite, from fitness and health to overall wellbeing. These are some of the main benefits:

  • Back pain relief
  • Improved posture
  • Flat and toned abdomen
  • Toned, leaner muscles
  • Stronger pelvic floor
  • Greater stability in your shoulder joints
  •  Improved mobility and flexibility in the spine and in the body overall
  • Injury prevention
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Improved joint stability and balance
  • Improved coordination
  • Stress relief
  • Promotes better sleep and digestion
  • Improves circulation
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Enhances athletic performance

Both Pilates and Yoga are holistic disciplines that focus on mind and body. The main difference between them is the spiritual approach. Yoga focuses on connecting mind, body and spirit, while Pilates focuses on proper alignment of the body, core strength and performing the exercises in a precise and controlled way, using diaphragmatic breathing.

Another important difference is that Pilates involves more movement. You can use different equipment if you perform Pilates on the mat, like the ring, hand weights, ball, band, mini band, Swiss ball. Or you can make use of specialised apparatus, like the reformer, the chair, the tower and the Cadillac.

Yoga is mat based, with only a few extra pieces of equipment. It requires less movement, and more focus is given to holding poses that challenge your core, concentration and flexibility.

Both are great forms of exercise that do not stress the body. You can try both and see what you enjoy.

On SHAPES Studio, you can find: Dynamic and Cardio Pilates classes from level 1 to level 3, stretching classes, prenatal and postnatal classes, short meditation videos, and nutrition and lifestyle coaching videos. There is also a reformer Pilates library if you have access to a reformer machine

You don’t need anything, just yourself and the mat. There are classes with and without props. If you don’t have any equipment, you can filter classes by equipment and choose the ones without it.

I recommend buying: a Pilates ring, a long medium band, a mini band, 1.5kg toning balls, a 22-inch Pilates ball, a 90cm foam roller.

You can buy it from here

Yes, you can. On SHAPES, there is a section dedicated to the basic principle of Pilates so you can understand the fundamentals. You can start from level 1 classes and choose shorter videos. The classes are safe, and you can make the most out them and feel the workout. I recommend sticking to level 1 classes for a month and then starting to explore more level 2 classes to see how the body feels.

You can always contact Paola for any extra support or a 1:1 online consultation. You can also request any specific video that you would find helpful.

If you are consistent and exercise from Monday to Friday – from a minimum of 5 minutes to 30 minutes per day, along with implementing the nutrition guidelines on SHAPES, you can expect to feel the results after just a week. After a month you will start to see the results in your waistline, leg shape and overall wellbeing.

The reformer looks like a bed. This “bed” is equipped with springs ropes, pulleys and a sliding carriage. You can perform many dynamic exercises on it to achieve a full body weight workout.

If you have access to a reformer at home, you can check the shapes reformer classes online. These are separated into classes that target specific body parts or ones that work the whole body.

I always recommend starting on the mat first. The reformer Pilates classes on SHAPES require previous Pilates experience. If you are a beginner and you want to start directly on the reformer, I recommend at least 2 or 3 1:1 sessions, either online or in-person, so that I can explain the different uses of the machine and help you feel confident to use it by yourself.

Yes, you can get in touch for 1:1 personal training session online, via Zoom or Skype.

Online personal training sessions are £75 for a 45-minute session. Or you can buy packages of 5 or 10 sessions at a discounted rate: 5 classes: £350; 10 classes: £650

Ideally you should aim to train at least three times per week. On Shapes, I invite you to do a little bit every day – even a 5-minute video counts! It all helps you build consistency.

Anyone can do Pilates. If you suffer from any illness or injuries, I’d advise you to book an initial 1:1 consultation so we can tailor a plan for you.

NUTRITION

An Integrative Nutrition Health Coach guides clients to achieve lasting change and results in their lives, with a focus on nutrition and wellbeing. Your coach will help you develop strategies to implement real, sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance overall wellness.

A nutritionist can prescribe a diet but won’t support the client in following it and will not address problems “beyond the plate”- like stress, career, relationships etc. which are major factors that can influence our diet and outcomes.

A nutrition health coach takes a holistic approach to lifestyle and nutrition, to achieve incredible results. A health coach focuses on the primary foods (everything that nourishes you off the plate – like exercise, spirituality, a job you love) and the secondary foods (everything you eat). By balancing these two ‘foods’ you will receive the perfect tailored roadmap to achieve optimum wellness.

Pilates is a complete form of exercise that can completely change the shape of your body and help you with weight loss too. It can enhance your athletic performance in any sport and can help you to recover from injuries. You will start to feel the difference in your body after just 5 sessions. The technique focuses on toning and lengthening your muscles, improving flexibility and function for everyday movements.
The practice of Pilates consists of performing exercises with precision and control. You will work all your muscles, while keeping your core engaged and your spine aligned at all times. It is a true fitness exercise if you want to perform Pilates every day.

During your first health coach session, you can expect to chat a bit about yourself, the issues you face, the goals you want to achieve and why you want to achieve them.

You will receive a form prior to the session.

After the session, you can decide if you’re happy to sign up for the full programme.

One session with me is £100. You can also buy packages for three or six months, at a discounted rate.

Yes, you can. My sessions are mainly held online unless you are based in London and can easily attend my studio.

Implementing lasting lifestyle changes takes time and support. I usually recommend a period of six months (18 sessions) to implement all the action steps and to consolidate the new eating and lifestyle habits. So, 18 sessions in total.

I recommend buying: a Pilates ring, a long medium band, a mini band, 1.5kg toning balls, a 22-inch Pilates ball, a 90cm foam roller.

You can buy it from here

Yes, you can. On SHAPES, there is a section dedicated to the basic principle of Pilates so you can understand the fundamentals. You can start from level 1 classes and choose shorter videos. The classes are safe, and you can make the most out them and feel the workout. I recommend sticking to level 1 classes for a month and then starting to explore more level 2 classes to see how the body feels.

You can always contact Paola for any extra support or a 1:1 online consultation. You can also request any specific video that you would find helpful.

If you are consistent and exercise from Monday to Friday – from a minimum of 5 minutes to 30 minutes per day, along with implementing the nutrition guidelines on SHAPES, you can expect to feel the results after just a week. After a month you will start to see the results in your waistline, leg shape and overall wellbeing.

The reformer looks like a bed. This “bed” is equipped with springs ropes, pulleys and a sliding carriage. You can perform many dynamic exercises on it to achieve a full body weight workout.

If you have access to a reformer at home, you can check the shapes reformer classes online. These are separated into classes that target specific body parts or ones that work the whole body.

I always recommend starting on the mat first. The reformer Pilates classes on SHAPES require previous Pilates experience. If you are a beginner and you want to start directly on the reformer, I recommend at least 2 or 3 1:1 sessions, either online or in-person, so that I can explain the different uses of the machine and help you feel confident to use it by yourself.

Yes, you can get in touch for 1:1 personal training session online, via Zoom or Skype.

Online personal training sessions are £75 for a 45-minute session. Or you can buy packages of 5 or 10 sessions at a discounted rate: 5 classes: £350; 10 classes: £650

Ideally you should aim to train at least three times per week. On Shapes, I invite you to do a little bit every day – even a 5-minute video counts! It all helps you build consistency.

Anyone can do Pilates. If you suffer from any illness or injuries, I’d advise you to book an initial 1:1 consultation so we can tailor a plan for you.

The SHAPES method is a Pilates and lifestyle philosophy.

The classes focus on toning, healthy weight loss, functionality, healing and inner balance, with a dynamic approach to the Pilates technique. This method teaches you how consistency is key and how simple it is to take care of your body and mind every day. You will be given knowledge on fundamental nutrition and lifestyle guidelines to help you cultivate a 360-degree approach to your health and wellbeing.

What is Pilates? Pilates is a mind-body technique developed by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates. It aims to strengthen and tone the body, focusing on core strength and the alignment of the spine. Pilates, like Yoga, lays a lot of emphasis on the breath – in particular, diaphragmatic breathing – which can help activate the deep layer of the abdominals, promoting a stronger back during the exercises.

Pilates is performed on a mat using your own body or with small pieces of equipment like the ring, ball, band, hand weights or foam roller. You can also use different pieces of apparatus, like the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac or Tower.

Pilates is a complete form of exercise that can completely change the shape of your body and help you with weight loss too. It can enhance your athletic performance in any sport and can help you to recover from injuries. You will start to feel the difference in your body after just 5 sessions. The technique focuses on toning and lengthening your muscles, improving flexibility and function for everyday movements.
The practice of Pilates consists of performing exercises with precision and control. You will work all your muscles, while keeping your core engaged and your spine aligned at all times. It is a true fitness exercise if you want to perform Pilates every day.

The benefits of Pilates are infinite, from fitness and health to overall wellbeing. These are some of the main benefits:

  • Back pain relief
  • Improved posture
  • Flat and toned abdomen
  • Toned, leaner muscles
  • Stronger pelvic floor
  • Greater stability in your shoulder joints
  •  Improved mobility and flexibility in the spine and in the body overall
  • Injury prevention
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Improved joint stability and balance
  • Improved coordination
  • Stress relief
  • Promotes better sleep and digestion
  • Improves circulation
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Enhances athletic performance

Both Pilates and Yoga are holistic disciplines that focus on mind and body. The main difference between them is the spiritual approach. Yoga focuses on connecting mind, body and spirit, while Pilates focuses on proper alignment of the body, core strength and performing the exercises in a precise and controlled way, using diaphragmatic breathing.

Another important difference is that Pilates involves more movement. You can use different equipment if you perform Pilates on the mat, like the ring, hand weights, ball, band, mini band, Swiss ball. Or you can make use of specialised apparatus, like the reformer, the chair, the tower and the Cadillac.

Yoga is mat based, with only a few extra pieces of equipment. It requires less movement, and more focus is given to holding poses that challenge your core, concentration and flexibility.

Both are great forms of exercise that do not stress the body. You can try both and see what you enjoy.

On SHAPES Studio, you can find: Dynamic and Cardio Pilates classes from level 1 to level 3, stretching classes, prenatal and postnatal classes, short meditation videos, and nutrition and lifestyle coaching videos. There is also a reformer Pilates library if you have access to a reformer machine

You don’t need anything, just yourself and the mat. There are classes with and without props. If you don’t have any equipment, you can filter classes by equipment and choose the ones without it.

I recommend buying: a Pilates ring, a long medium band, a mini band, 1.5kg toning balls, a 22-inch Pilates ball, a 90cm foam roller.

You can buy it from here

Yes, you can. On SHAPES, there is a section dedicated to the basic principle of Pilates so you can understand the fundamentals. You can start from level 1 classes and choose shorter videos. The classes are safe, and you can make the most out them and feel the workout. I recommend sticking to level 1 classes for a month and then starting to explore more level 2 classes to see how the body feels.

You can always contact Paola for any extra support or a 1:1 online consultation. You can also request any specific video that you would find helpful.

If you are consistent and exercise from Monday to Friday – from a minimum of 5 minutes to 30 minutes per day, along with implementing the nutrition guidelines on SHAPES, you can expect to feel the results after just a week. After a month you will start to see the results in your waistline, leg shape and overall wellbeing.

The reformer looks like a bed. This “bed” is equipped with springs ropes, pulleys and a sliding carriage. You can perform many dynamic exercises on it to achieve a full body weight workout.

If you have access to a reformer at home, you can check the shapes reformer classes online. These are separated into classes that target specific body parts or ones that work the whole body.

I always recommend starting on the mat first. The reformer Pilates classes on SHAPES require previous Pilates experience. If you are a beginner and you want to start directly on the reformer, I recommend at least 2 or 3 1:1 sessions, either online or in-person, so that I can explain the different uses of the machine and help you feel confident to use it by yourself.

Yes, you can get in touch for 1:1 personal training session online, via Zoom or Skype.

Online personal training sessions are £75 for a 45-minute session. Or you can buy packages of 5 or 10 sessions at a discounted rate: 5 classes: £350; 10 classes: £650

Ideally you should aim to train at least three times per week. On Shapes, I invite you to do a little bit every day – even a 5-minute video counts! It all helps you build consistency.

Anyone can do Pilates. If you suffer from any illness or injuries, I’d advise you to book an initial 1:1 consultation so we can tailor a plan for you.