About ZAPilates

ZAPilates was founded by Zoe (centre) who, having been a professional dancer and dance teacher for many years, was told she needed emergency surgery for 3 prolapsed discs. Zoe's life was completely changed when she discovered Equipment Pilates, meaning she avoided surgery and became pain free for the first time in around 15 years!  Having found the joy of Equipment Pilates, Zoe feels passionate about sharing the benefits which inspired the opening of ZAPilates on Caterham on the Hill High Street. Zoe was extremely fortunate to meet Louise (left), also qualified to teach all the equipment (a rare find) and also living locally.  Together they have built the wonderful client base ZAPilates has today.  2023 has brought a new chapter with Sophie (right) adding Dynamic Reformer to the timetable, meaning we can offer a variety of classes incorporating the equipment and in different styles.  The studio is home to high quality Pilates equipment, first class instructors as well as dedicated, fun, enthusiastic and accomplished clients (some of whom have now also been inspired to train as instructors) - oh, and occasionally two sausage dogs!

The aim of Pilates is to gain balance and alignment through the body, focusing on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility and enhancing overall body awareness. You work through a series of structured exercises and controlled breathing which can be adapted to all levels of fitness.

Mat Pilates uses your own body weight and is performed on the floor, whereas Equipment Pilates makes use of specialist apparatus, including the Reformer, Tower, CardioTramp, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels and works raised from the floor. The equipment allows you to add resistance and/or support to each exercise helping to improve your form, posture and strength.

Equipment Pilates will help to strengthen your core, improve your flexibility and posture, increase your body awareness, enhance your functional fitness or rehabilitate from injury. If you have an ongoing niggle or a history of injury such as back or disc issues, hip and knee injuries, shoulder impingement, neck tension or suffer from arthritis then Equipment Pilates can provide a controlled and gentle approach to exercise. Equally if you already have a good level of fitness, the equipment can challenge you to reach muscles you might not be using to achieve maximum performance.  Classes are 55 minutes long and people with no Equipment Pilates experience will complete 8-10 Equipment Fundamentals classes before joining our Beginners.