Pilates Classes in Bushey & Borehamwood
07951 935 547
My Services
What is Pilates?
Pilates is the fastest growing exercise in the world, in fact, it has been around for over 80 years. Its founder Joseph Hubertus Pilates was determined to overcome his health problems, he had rickets, asthma, rheumatic fever. He studied and developed an exercise programme that assisted in restoring him to optimal health.
The 34 mat exercises were popular with dancers, gymnasts and athletes who realised the benefits of his programme of mental and physical conditioning which gave them strength, flexibility and all the important links between mind and body.
Today Pilates has become very popular with the general public of all ages and levels of fitness. The adapted and modified versions of the exercises are also used widely by personal trainers, physiotherapists and osteopaths. They will often advise their patients to try Pilates to improve their core musculature and therefore help their clients to manage the issue, preventing their pain from getting any worse.
Where I teach
I run weekly mat pilates classes at two local venues — both with free parking, both a short drive from surrounding towns.
Bushey Heath Classes
St Andrews Methodist Church, 69 High Road, Bushey Heath, WD23 1EE
Mondays 10:00 · Tuesdays 09:30 · Fridays 08:45
Ideal if you’re searching for pilates classes in Bushey, Watford, Stanmore,
Edgware, Oxhey or Carpenders Park.
Borehamwood & Elstree Classes
Allum Manor, 2 Allum Lane, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3PJ
Tuesdays 19:00 · Saturdays 09:30
Ideal if you’re searching for pilates classes in Borehamwood, Elstree, Radlett,
Shenley, Barnet or Arkley.
Meet Valerie
Originally from France and living in the UK for over twenty years, I found Pilates after years of trying different forms of exercise — and it was the one thing that genuinely changed how my body felt. I’m a Level 3 certified mat Pilates instructor and have been teaching in Bushey and Borehamwood for more than a decade.
My approach is rooted in the classical Pilates tradition: breath, alignment, core engagement, and precision over speed. I teach with patience, humour and real attention to the person in front of me.
Pilates Class Locations
Bushey Classes
Elstree Classes
Testimonials
Valerie is an amazing Pilates teacher! I have been going for about 3 months now. The classes are varied and we get to use a variety of apparatus. There`s a big choice of classes, morning or evening. Valerie looks after everyone, correcting us when needed. My posture is already much better. Highly recommend!
I have started Pilates with Valerie and am loving it. I have various problems with various replacements and Valerie always finds positions for me I can do without pain. She is helping strengthen my muscles that are needed to be strengthen. She always says to let her know if anything is painful. I so pleased to have found Valerie.
Highly recommend! My mum gave me a few Pilates sessions because my back was stiff after a foot ball match and I have to say I felt much better after the first session. She explained each exercise really well and which muscles I was using for each exercise. She is very caring and professionally and I can highly
recommend her.
recommend her.
Excellent Pilates classes
Valerie manages to make her Pilates classes both challenging and enjoyable. There is plenty of variety both within each class and from one class to the next, which keeps it interesting as well as allowing us to stretch and work different muscle groups. For those who are new to Pilates, or who are a bit less strong or flexible, and likewise for those who want more of a challenge, she gives different options for many of the movements. Valerie also makes the effort to ask us individually about any injuries and helps us to work around them, and she is friendly and approachable. I would highly recommend her classes – Zoom and real life versions – to newbies, advanced Pilates students, and everyone in between.
Valerie manages to make her Pilates classes both challenging and enjoyable. There is plenty of variety both within each class and from one class to the next, which keeps it interesting as well as allowing us to stretch and work different muscle groups. For those who are new to Pilates, or who are a bit less strong or flexible, and likewise for those who want more of a challenge, she gives different options for many of the movements. Valerie also makes the effort to ask us individually about any injuries and helps us to work around them, and she is friendly and approachable. I would highly recommend her classes – Zoom and real life versions – to newbies, advanced Pilates students, and everyone in between.
Amazing Pilates classes with Valerie
I love Valerie’s Pilates classes. I highly recommend her. I do 1 to 1 class with her and I have to say she does a very good job to find the most suitable movements for me. I keep getting stronger and fitter, thanks to her. She is really professional, her knowledge about exercise and love for Pilates makes every class enjoyable. I am so glad I found her and definitely it is a 5 star service she provides. Thank you Valerie.
I love Valerie’s Pilates classes. I highly recommend her. I do 1 to 1 class with her and I have to say she does a very good job to find the most suitable movements for me. I keep getting stronger and fitter, thanks to her. She is really professional, her knowledge about exercise and love for Pilates makes every class enjoyable. I am so glad I found her and definitely it is a 5 star service she provides. Thank you Valerie.
Valerie is a great Pilates teacher. Her classes have been a huge help to me for maintaining my mobility, core strength and well being. A variety of exercises that are demonstrated clearly with options for all levels. Valerie makes the classes enjoyable and I cannot recommend her enough! You won’t regret trying these classes.
I love my Pilates sessions
I am only 13 and had a few lessons of Pilates for my posture, my awareness and I can say my sitting and standing is a lot better than it used too. Valerie is very patient and made me laugh a couple times.
I am only 13 and had a few lessons of Pilates for my posture, my awareness and I can say my sitting and standing is a lot better than it used too. Valerie is very patient and made me laugh a couple times.
Enjoyable and effective
I have been doing 1:1 sessions with Valerie for a while now. She works me hard and pushes me to do more. But all with a smile on her face. No two sessions are ever the same. I really enjoy my sessions with her.
I have been doing 1:1 sessions with Valerie for a while now. She works me hard and pushes me to do more. But all with a smile on her face. No two sessions are ever the same. I really enjoy my sessions with her.
Really great sessions!
I started going to Pilates in November last year in order to help ease the pain I was experiencing as a result of a herniated disc. Even in a relatively short amount of time I have still made a lot of progress and I can really say that overall I have really noticed the benefits and I have felt a lot better in myself. Valerie has also shown me how to correctly apply things such as posture and alignment into my everyday life and how these are important to help ease my pain which is important to me especially as a full time university student! Valerie is always very good in making sure to ask whether any exercises I am doing are causing me pain.
I started going to Pilates in November last year in order to help ease the pain I was experiencing as a result of a herniated disc. Even in a relatively short amount of time I have still made a lot of progress and I can really say that overall I have really noticed the benefits and I have felt a lot better in myself. Valerie has also shown me how to correctly apply things such as posture and alignment into my everyday life and how these are important to help ease my pain which is important to me especially as a full time university student! Valerie is always very good in making sure to ask whether any exercises I am doing are causing me pain.
Great class
I have been doing Pilates with Valerie for nearly a year and it has been very beneficial for my back issues.
There are always new challenges and Valerie is gently guiding you through them. Highly recommend Valerie’s class.
I have been doing Pilates with Valerie for nearly a year and it has been very beneficial for my back issues.
There are always new challenges and Valerie is gently guiding you through them. Highly recommend Valerie’s class.
Valerie is a fantastic teacher who takes the time during classes to check your posture and ensures you are doing the exercises safely.
Her classes are a great variety of exercises and fun. I always look forward to the class.
Her classes are a great variety of exercises and fun. I always look forward to the class.
Pilates with Valerie
I’ve been doing Pilates with Valerie for just over a year and have enjoyed every step of my journey. Her attention to detail, knowledge and expertise ensures that every member of her class benefits from each exercise and movement at different levels. The group is welcoming and friendly with many giggles – which is equally important! Her classes have definitely improved my physical strength, mental health and relaxation.
I’ve been doing Pilates with Valerie for just over a year and have enjoyed every step of my journey. Her attention to detail, knowledge and expertise ensures that every member of her class benefits from each exercise and movement at different levels. The group is welcoming and friendly with many giggles – which is equally important! Her classes have definitely improved my physical strength, mental health and relaxation.
Best Pilates teacher
I have done Pilates with other teachers and Valerie is the best in the business. Her classes are very inclusive and you feel welcomed every week. I started Pilates because of hip pain and over the weeks it is improving with Valerie’s exercises. Valerie seems to know what each person needs and what our strengths and challenges are and is always encouraging. To anyone considering Pilates I would say give Valerie a try, you will not regret it!
I have done Pilates with other teachers and Valerie is the best in the business. Her classes are very inclusive and you feel welcomed every week. I started Pilates because of hip pain and over the weeks it is improving with Valerie’s exercises. Valerie seems to know what each person needs and what our strengths and challenges are and is always encouraging. To anyone considering Pilates I would say give Valerie a try, you will not regret it!
I have been going to Valerie’s classes since May 2023 and have a noticed a great improvement in my physical health. Valerie gives clear instructions and sympathetically corrects you if she feels you can improve your technique. Having witnessed the benefit I was getting from attending her classes my husband decided to come too and has experienced similar benefits. Valerie is very friendly and makes Pilates enjoyable.
This week marks one year since I started Pilates with Valerie and I’ve been delighted. As a 60 something guy, doing very little exercise, I was a bit nervous joining the class, but it’s been really great. I’m feeling stronger, more supple AND I’ve lost a little weight. Even better, Valerie makes the classes fun to do,
so are a high point of the week.
Merci Valerie
so are a high point of the week.
Merci Valerie
I have been to Valerie’s classes since 2024 and each lesson is fabulous she is kind caring monitors each person adjusts if you aren’t in the correct position. It’s such a calming lesson that Valerie runs you leave class feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Every lesson is different and Valerie ensures every level takes their own pace. Valerie is a wonderful Pilates Teacher.
Valerie is a great Pilates teacher and I would highly recommend her. We are always pushed a little in the class which I like and also the fact that Valerie checks our positions to make sure we are doing things correctly. I always look forward to the classes and feel so much better following the lesson which makes me more aware of my posture.
Valerie has been teaching me Pilates since she first became a teacher. From the beginning, she tailored her classes to help me improve my posture and her exercises have benefited me enormously. She regularly introduces new exercises and props to challenge you and my posture has improved greatly. Valerie is patient, empathetic and professional. She always creates a welcoming atmosphere to new and current clients. Highly recommend Valerie for any of her classes!
I have been workinI have known Valerie for quite some time as she tried to teach me French many years ago. She was great and I was hopeless. Fortunately, Pilates is going much better. I am still somewhat of a beginner but Valerie is patient, encouraging and calming. She is a great teacher and always challenging herself too. For me, the best benefit of all was being made aware of my posture on a daily basis. Would highly recommend it.
Valerie has great knowledge of all types and level of Pilates, She is able to adapt her classes to each individual according to their personal abilities. At the same time if she feels you can be pushed a little bit further she will encourage you to do so but always feel in safe hands. I love how she teaches Pilates, every time different lesson and I have always fun. I would highly recommend Valerie to anyone looking for a good Pilates.
Valerie is a phenomenal Pilates teacher. She intuitively knows your body and when you are not quite in right alignment or optimising the exercise. She carefully works with you to build strength, stretch, and build core stability. The sessions always fly by and I always feel infinitely better at the end of them. Valerie is a kind, expert, and supportive teacher and cannot recommend her highly enough. She is the best I have ever encountered.
Valerie is a fantastic Pilates teacher, combining a high level of knowledge with natural intuition to tailor her instruction to the individual. I had one to one sessions after a long illness, during which I had been paralysed, and felt incredibly fortunate to have Valerie’s assistance. She was completely sensitive to my situation and careful without babying me. Valerie simultaneously puts you at ease with her bubbly personality and gently pushes you to progress. She is genuine, fun and dedicated. From the very first session I could feel a difference in my body and week by week I saw a hugely positive impact on my recovery. I highly recommend Pilates with Valerie. She is absolutely brilliant!
Frequently asked questions
I teach in two venues: St Andrews Methodist Church in Bushey Heath (WD23) and Allum Manor in Borehamwood / Elstree (WD6).
Yes — my Bushey Heath classes are a short drive from Watford, Oxhey and Carpenders Park, with free parking at the venue.
The Bushey Heath venue is the closest; it’s well-used by clients from Edgware, Stanmore, Bushey and Carpenders Park.
Absolutely. All my group classes are mixed ability. I adapt every exercise so beginners are comfortable and regulars are challenged.
Yes, grip socks (mandatory, not regular socks) and water. Mats and small equipment are provided.
Call or WhatsApp me on +44 (0)7951 935 547, or use the contact form. Or use our online booking system Blocks fill quickly, especially the Tuesday evening Borehamwood class.