Mat Pilates in Meath: small classes, no machines
Floor-based Pilates in small groups, with a teacher close enough to see how you move. You build strength, control and better posture using your own body weight, without a reformer or a membership.
What is mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates is a low-impact way to build strength, flexibility and core stability on the floor. You use your own body weight and slow, precise movements, with no machines. Every move can be made easier or harder, so it suits every level.
In Fiona's words, Pilates is designed to lengthen, strengthen and restore the body to balance. It is about much more than a strong core or perfect posture.
There are reformer studios in Navan and Trim, and plenty of people love them. Mat Pilates is a different thing. There is no machine to learn and no membership. You book a term by message, you come to the same small class each week, and your teacher gets to know how you move.
What you learn on the mat goes with you. You can do it at home or on holiday, with nothing but the floor. Students come from Kells too, about 15 to 20 minutes away.
Want a stronger workout once the basics feel easy? Try Sculpt & Tone. Want yoga in the mix? Try Yogalates. Or see all our classes.
What you get from mat Pilates
- A stronger core, back and hips, built slowly and with control.
- Better posture for desk days and long drives.
- More flexibility, without forcing it.
- Low impact: no jumping and no running.
- Small classes where the teacher can see you and help.
Is mat Pilates good for beginners?
Yes. Three of our weekly classes are for beginners and improvers, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. You learn the basics first: how to breathe, how to find your core and how to move with control. Saturday's Mixed Levels class welcomes every level too.
What to expect at your first classWhat to expect at your first mat Pilates class
Come a few minutes early. Tell your teacher it is your first class and about any injury, so they can give you options. Fiona confirms the venue and sends directions when you book.
Bring a mat if you have one. A thicker mat is kinder on the spine for floor work. Fiona will tell you when you book if you need anything else.
Slow and controlled. Small movements, done well, with the breath. Expect to feel muscles you forgot you had.
Fitted clothes that stay put when you lie on your back or roll over. Bare feet or grip socks.
When mat Pilates runs
How booking worksMat Pilates runs five times a week this term, with three teachers. Some classes fill up, so message Fiona to check for a place.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday classes are changing this term. Message Fiona for the latest times.
Fiona sends the price with the term dates. Taster or drop-in available on request.
Who teaches mat Pilates
Fiona teaches Monday evening and Emily teaches Tuesday morning. Mya takes Saturday: a 45-minute Pilates Body Burn at 9am and Pilates Mixed Levels at 10am. Wednesday evening is being rearranged this term.
Emily grew up as an athlete and a musician in Canada, and she has taught movement in studios, living rooms, squash courts and parks. Fiona built Grá Wellness around small classes where people feel at ease. Every class keeps the same basics: the breath, control and a small group.
What our community says
Read them all on GoogleStraight from Google. 5.0 from 32 reviews.
We recently attended a free yoga event on the Fair Green in Athboy on a beautiful summer evening. Everyone was made so welcome; people of different age, mobility and experience were all genuinely accommodated. Fiona is the warmest teacher and now I have signed up for one of her classes to get back into yoga on a regular basis.
I would highly recommend Grá Wellness run by Fiona, an excellent professional yoga teacher, the best in Co Meath. Fiona creates warm, cozy, welcoming, and serene atmosphere. and is full of positive energy. I have only recently started Yoga, and I am delighted to have found Gra Wellness studio and Fiona.
I love my weekly yoga with Fiona. She guides us brilliantly and it is the hour of the week where you can lose yourself in calm and peace. )
The best yoga teacher in Meath I found Fiona last year and haven't missed a term since. Whether you want to sweat, deep stretch or just relax, she's got yoga suitable for everyone. Every space she teaches in is made magic with her energy if you're thinking of trying yoga, definitely go to Grá Wellness
Having never done yoga before I didn't know what to expect. I've really enjoyed the classes fiona is a warm and welcoming teacher. I would definitely recommend!!
I have only recently started Yoga and I am delighted to have found Gra Wellness studio and Fiona. She is knowledgeable and attentive and has a wonderful energy, her enthusiasm is contagious. Her studio is a beautiful peaceful space with an outdoor area which is a wonderful addition. I love the variety of classes from slow, restorative sessions to more challenging levels.
Questions about mat Pilates
What is the difference between mat Pilates and reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates uses a sliding machine with springs for resistance. Mat Pilates uses your own body weight on the floor. Both build strength. We teach mat Pilates only, in small groups, with no machines and no membership.
Can men do mat Pilates?
Yes. Pilates was invented by a man, and men are welcome in our classes. There is also Healthy Back, a men-only class of yoga, Pilates and light weights on Tuesday nights.
How often should I do Pilates?
Once a week is a good start, and twice a week helps you progress faster. Coming every week is what makes the difference, which is why our classes are booked by the term.
What is Pilates Body Burn?
A 45-minute Saturday class at 9am with Mya. As the name suggests, it is a harder-working mat class. The Mixed Levels class follows at 10am.
Do I need to be fit to start?
No. You do not need to be fit, flexible or experienced. Start in a beginners and improvers class and build up from there.
How much do Pilates classes cost?
Prices are on request. Message Fiona and she will send the dates and the price for the term. Taster or drop-in available on request.
Find your Pilates class
Tell Fiona your level and the days that suit you, and she will point you to the right class.