The Derby park where you can do Pilates classes in a fairy light lit cabin

I had Pilates on my mind, something I had never done before, but kept meaning to try. 

I was hot on kick-starting my health and fitness journey for 2024.

As I reluctantly trudged to my Pilates class, I felt more like kicking myself, as I thought of my squishy quilt which I missed, more than Rachel McAdams misses Ryan Gosling in The Notebook (which is a lot).

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What is pilates?

It is a series of exercises that build strength and improve flexibility. It was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer, whose method focuses on controlled, low-intensity movement.

Social media is awash with fitness tips and tricks, and I guess this influenced my decision to attend a Pilates session held at a Derby community garden. 

Hannah Fields is a garden and café. It is a resource hub for locals who want to do more nature-related and wellbeing activities such as planting and being part of the Wellbeing & Wildlife Group which is said to ‘find new ways in which we can care for ourselves and the environment.’

Pilates in the park is one of these wellbeing events at Hannah Fields and once I arrived at the venue, I was starting to feel a bit more upbeat. 

There are a series of cute chalet-styled huts at Hannah Fields. The hut for pilates was decked out in fairy lights, with a log burner standing in one corner.

I’m not sure if the lights are a hangover from Christmas, but they should definitely stay all year, as I am a huge fan of twinkling lights.

After a brief introduction by the tutor, we got stuck in. 

As I already do yoga, and because the class was a gentle introduction to Pilates, I found it easy to follow and enjoy. 

From stretching and balancing to practicing squats and breathing exercises, I had a thoroughly amazing time. 

The bitterly cold weather meant sometimes the hut’s temperature dropped too, although the log burner fire did help to alleviate some cold. 

I love warmer temperatures, so I personally would have preferred it to be warmer, however, I had a great time and will definitely wear warmer clothes at my next session.

Pilates instructor Emma is a healthcare practitioner with three decades experience and she is also a post-rehabilitative breast cancer exercise specialist.

In short, she knows her stuff. 

Emma will be holding regular Pilates classes at Hannah Fields over the coming weeks, and will be looking to host outdoor pilates sessions when it gets warmer.

There is said to be real merit in undertaking exercise outdoors, so Pilates in the sunshine sure sounds exciting.

I am working towards getting fitter and healthier, I realise this is a journey and not an overnight thing, which is why I look forward to attending my next Pilates with Emma soon. I’ll pack an extra jumper, just in case.

For more information about the Pilates classes at Hannah Fields visit Emma’s website by clicking here.