Why Equipment?

Equipment at Mobilates is led by Suzanne and Leanne, offering two distinct styles of a 30-minute class that support strength, mobility, functional movement, and confidence. Suzanne currently leads one session per week, while Leanne runs two. Each approach gives participants the chance to experience different benefits in a safe, enjoyable, and accessible way.

Both classes use music and equipment — including light weights, resistance bands, and balls — but the style and structure differ.

Leanne’s sessions are strength-focused and Pilates-based, flowing through standing, lying, and seated positions, sometimes incorporating front- or side-lying and all-fours work.

Suzanne’s sessions are fully standing, calmer and slower, and include elements from Love to Move such as rhythm, bilateral symmetry and asymmetry, and flow sequences to work the whole body, including the brain.

Both sessions last 30 minutes, providing an effective, full-body workout that is adaptable to each participant’s needs. Online delivery via Zoom allows participants to use their own space safely, with adaptations for seated or supported positions if needed.

A Bit of Equipment History

Leanne introduced Equipment to the Mobilates timetable, training participants and gradually building their strength, mobility, and confidence with equipment. Her sessions are dynamic, flowing, and designed to challenge participants across multiple positions and movements, combining strength, functional mobility, and full-body engagement.

Suzanne took over one weekly session after Leanne became unwell, adapting it to a fully standing, slower-paced, whole-body and brain-engaging format with elements from Love to Move. Together, the two classes give members different ways to benefit from equipment-based exercise.

Adapting Equipment for Mobilates Members

At Mobilates, Equipment sessions are:

• 30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down

• Led online via Zoom for safe practice at home

• Structured differently depending on the instructor:

• Leanne: Pilates-based, flowing from standing to seated and lying positions, incorporating strength, balance, and full-body mobility

• Suzanne: Fully standing movements with rhythm, bilateral symmetry, and flow sequences, slower-paced for mobilisation and coordination

• Using light weights, resistance bands, and balls — individually or combined — to enhance strength and bone health

• Set to music for motivation, rhythm, and enjoyment

Participants can adapt exercises to their own needs, taking breaks, using support, and adjusting intensity or range of movement depending on health conditions. Both styles encourage safe progression while building strength, coordination, and confidence.

How to Prepare for an Equipment Class

To get the most out of your session:

• Choose a comfortable, stable space where you can move safely, with enough room for standing exercises and your equipment.

• Wear soft, stretchy clothing that allows easy movement.

• Have your equipment ready: light weights, resistance bands, or a ball. You can use just one piece or combine items depending on the exercise.

• Keep a chair, work surface, or bed frame nearby if you want extra support.

• Have water close by to stay hydrated throughout the session.

• Bring an open mind and sense of playfulness! Equipment is as much about enjoying the music, rhythm, and flow as it is about strengthening your body.

Whether you’re following Suzanne’s fully standing, rhythm-focused session or Leanne’s flowing, Pilates-based class, taking a little preparation helps you move safely and get the most from your workout.

The Benefits of Equipment

• Equipment supports both physical and mental wellbeing:

• Improve strength, mobility, and functional movement

• Enhance bone health through resistance work

• Build confidence and independence

• Improve coordination, balance, and rhythm

• Enjoy movement in a calm, supportive, and motivating environment

• Experience the joy of music, connection, and a sense of accomplishment

• Leanne’s sessions focus on dynamic strength and Pilates flow, while Suzanne’s focus on mobilisation, rhythm, and whole-body coordination. Many members attend both to experience the complementary benefits.

Equipment Classes: Video Demonstrations

Instead of long written exercise sequences, you can see exactly what each class looks like:

Leanne’s Equipment session— Pilates-based, flowing through standing, seated, and lying positions using a bootie band or long band tied up.

https://youtu.be/xP1_R3Fk53M?si=_trjv-tshEg5LhKe

Suzanne’s Equipment session — fully standing, rhythm-focused, whole-body and brain-engaging

https://youtu.be/jTdQFlqja2M?si=E1yccil6CA2y_wS4

These sessions are adaptable and suitable for all abilities, helping improve strength, mobility, and functional movement.

Final Thought

Equipment at Mobilates offers a supportive way to build strength, mobility, coordination, and bone health using light weights, resistance bands, and balls.

Leanne runs two Pilates-based sessions each week, flowing through standing, seated, and lying positions to challenge strength and stability. Suzanne leads one weekly session, focusing on fully standing, whole-body and brain-engaging movements with rhythm, bilateral movement, and flow sequencing.

Both styles use music and equipment to create safe, effective, and enjoyable sessions, giving members the choice to experience the different benefits.

On the timetable

Equipment is now part of our regular Mobilates timetable, alongside Seated Pilates, Seated Yoga, Love to Move, Bed Pilates, and Qigong sessions. Classes are online via Zoom, allowing you to exercise safely from your own space.