Discover the Power of Traditional Pilates on the Apparatus

Can you tell me a little about your journey with Pilates and what led you to specialise in teaching Traditional Pilates on the Apparatus. 

Rafael’s journey into Pilates began with a deep-rooted passion for sports. Starting as a semi-professional football player and county coach in Porto, Portugal, he also explored gymnastics, kickboxing, athletics, cycling, and swimming. This broad athletic background eventually led him to Pilates, where he first trained in Pilates Matwork before advancing to complete his Authentic Pilates Certification with second-generation teachers at Uno PilatesTM. With extensive training on all Pilates studio apparatus, including the Reformer, his expertise traces directly back to Joe Pilates himself through first-generation teachers.

Rafael has dedicated much of his career to rehabilitation, working in a clinic in Porto to help clients regain movement after serious injuries and surgeries. In 2016, he moved to the U.K. and joined The Body Suite, where he not only worked with clients but also trained staff and led The Bodeswell AcademyTM Teacher Training Academy. Today, he teaches Pilates Contrology in its most traditional and authentic form—just as it was originally designed. His approach allows him to work with a wide range of clients, from those recovering from injuries to professional athletes looking to enhance their performance.

Dee began her career in dance but had to leave college due to a car accident that significantly impacted her spine and scoliosis. She first trained in Pilates Matwork and later completed a Fully Comprehensive Classical Pilates Programme with Mikel Frickt and Ton Voogt, who both trained by Romana Kryzanowska. In 2007, Dee opened her commercial Pilates studio, The Body Suite in Chichester, and began Pilates teacher training with Rafael in 2017, establishing The Bodeswell Academy™ Teacher Training Programme. The academy offers Matwork, Reformer, and Comprehensive Programmes in the Authentic Style. Dee has also specialised in women’s health and has extensive knowledge of wellbeing from over 25 years in the industry. In 2024, The Body Suite closed and Dee now offers classes and private classes at the studio on the Goodwood Estate in Sussex, where she and Rafael also conduct workshops and teacher training.

What are some of the key benefits of Pilates Contrology and using the apparatus, especially in terms of improving overall health, mobility and fitness? 

The Benefits of Pilates Contrology, particularly when practiced on the Reformer and other apparatus, provides a comprehensive system for assessing and improving a client’s physical condition. Through movement science, Pilates takes injuries, morphology, and pathologies into account to create a tailored system of movements and exercises. Key benefits include:

• Improved strength, flexibility, and control of the body.
• Enhanced posture, balance, and aesthetics
• Increased physical awareness and mindful breathing
• Mental clarity and overall well-being
• A great workout

For those new to Pilates Contrology what advice would you give them to get the most out of their first few sessions? 

For those new to Pilates, we recommend starting with private sessions once or twice a week, depending on the clients physical needs. This allows for a thorough assessment and the development of a personalised programme. We understand the apparatus can look a little scary for a beginner, however the movements and exercises executed on the apparatus are all with the human anatomy and physiology in mind. Come give it a try, Group classes are kept small, no more than four participants, ensuring individual attention and adjustments as needed. Every client begins with the foundational principles of the method, creating a supportive, non judgmental, and non competitive environment for learning and growth.

How does Reformer Pilates differ from other types of group exercise in terms of creating a long term approach to improve mobility and strength? 

Unlike larger group fitness classes, Reformer Pilates classes offer a highly individualised experience with a maximum of four participants per session. Each class includes tailored feedback and corrections, allowing clients to address injuries and refine their physicality. This approach not only enhances strength and mobility but also supports performance in other activities such as golf, running, tennis, and swimming, even your Pilates Mat Classes. Joe Pilates originally designed his method with this level of personalisation, ensuring long term progress and sustainable results. There is also a thought that we ‘don’t do Pilates to be better at Pilates, we do Pilates in order to be better at  everything else”

How does the Pilates Apparatus help with injury prevention and recovery? 

Prevention is key when it comes to injuries. Addressing minor issues early can help avoid complications and even prevent the need for surgery. Pilates conditions the body to react efficiently, reducing the risk of injuries. The apparatus provides support, assistance and resistance depending on what the client is doing. We have the experience of working with clients facing various challenges, including knee, shoulder, and hip replacements, scoliosis, sciatica, osteoporosis, arthritis, neurological conditions, and more. We would build a system of exercises into a programme to support the clients needs and goals, no matter how big or small.

Traditional Pilates is more than just exercise, it’s an investment in your long term well-being. Whether you're looking to recover from an injury, improve your overall physical condition, or enhance your athletic performance, Pilates Contrology offers a structured and effective path to achieving your goals.

Getting Started with Pilates at Goodwood

Dee & Rapha will be offering both group and private sessions at Goodwood Health Club, allowing participants to choose the format that best suits their preferences and goals. Private sessions are ideal for first-timers or those with specific needs, while group classes promise a full-body workout and a supportive, fun environment.

Bookings are now open, with group sessions priced at £30 and private sessions at £75. To reserve a place, visit Goodwood Health & Wellbeing Reception at The Goodwood Hotel, call 01243 520114, or email wellbeing@goodwood.com.

Find out more about membership at Goodwood Health & Wellbeing.