Sarah B Pilates is a well-established and reputable Pilates studio located in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Founded by Sarah Barlow, a qualified Pilates Teacher, the studio offers a range of classes and private sessions to help individuals improve their posture, alleviate pain, and achieve overall wellbeing.
Before becoming a Pilates Teacher, Sarah had a successful career in event and party organisation. However, after experiencing numerous riding accidents and spending long hours at a desk, she developed poor posture and chronic low back and neck pain. Seeking relief, she turned to Pilates classes and was amazed by the results. Her personal experience inspired her to train as a Pilates teacher with the aim of helping others move safely and become pain-free as well.
Sarah is a member of the Body Control Pilates Register of Exercise Professionals and holds a Level 3 Pilates Teacher qualification. Additionally, she is a Level 4 Low Back Pain Specialist as a Back4Good Practitioner, having undergone extensive training focused on exercise referral and low back pain. Her expertise and qualifications ensure that clients receive the highest standard of instruction and support.
Located on the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border, near Banbury, the studio offers both matwork classes and private sessions on Pilates studio equipment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah has adapted the lessons to allow clients to be taught from home using Zoom. Alternatively, for those who are not vulnerable, she offers very small classes in the spacious studio, adhering to strict social distancing and hygiene rules.
The Zoom Room lessons are approximately 40 minutes long and accommodate 8–10 people. These sessions enable Sarah to teach and demonstrate exercises effectively while also closely monitoring participants' technique to ensure safe and effective workouts. Clients also have the opportunity to interact with their classmates before the session begins, fostering a sense of community and support.
For those who prefer in-person classes, the studio offers small group classes with a maximum of 4 participants. These 1-hour classes take place in the newly designed studio downstairs and provide access to a range of studio equipment, including the pilates arc, foam roller, and small balls. With strict social distancing measures in place, individuals with similar abilities are grouped together, allowing for personalised instruction and progression.
For a more focused experience, Sarah offers semi-private 2:1 Reformer lessons. These sessions take place in the Studio Upstairs and involve two clients working on the reformer. While clients are responsible for operating the reformer and adjusting the springs themselves, Sarah closely guides and teaches them to ensure proper form and technique. These sessions are limited in number due to the additional time needed for studio cleaning and cost 20 per person.
To join any of the classes or sessions at Sarah B Pilates, clients are required to complete an Enrolment Form and a supplementary questionnaire relating to Covid-19. These forms can be downloaded from the website and must be returned prior to the first visit or return to the studio following lockdown.
For further information and inquiries, individuals can contact Sarah directly through the provided contact form on the website. The studio is located at The Barn, The Old Farmhouse, Manor Road, Sulgrave, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2RY. Clients are advised to park on Manor Road and enter through the wooden side gate. The studio is upstairs on the mezzanine floor, accessible through the door on the left.
At Sarah B Pilates, clients can expect exceptional instruction, a supportive environment, and a commitment to helping individuals improve their physical health and overall wellbeing through the transformative practise of Pilates.