Pilates Success Stories

I had always done some form of fitness but not Pilates or yoga before.  I had reservations about whether it would be friendly and whether Pilates would be the type of exercise I would enjoy.

Right from the start Tanya and Paul have been model teachers. They are encouraging and supportive but also offer challenges and as a result, I now have improved not only my flexibility and general fitness but also an improved sense of wellbeing.

When I first started I was a lot less fit, less flexible and bigger than I am now.  It did take me a while to get into it, as I only attend the evening, but now I feel part of the family with like-minded people.   I love challenging my body and having more control over it.   My mental health is definitely supported by the practice of yoga.  It has made me more self-aware.   I get genuine enjoyment and often say attending classes is like pressing the reset button to remove the negative buildup of the stress from everyday life.

I’ve been doing regular Pilates with Tanja and Paul for about 7 years now.  It’s really great, it’s friendly and very supportive.  It’s great that even after 7 years I’m still enjoying continued strength and improving my flexibility and the best of all is all the friendships I’ve made with the other members.

I was looking for somewhere suitable for me asI needed to get back into exercise.  The studio is grea,  love Tanja, love the vibes from the group and I look forward to coming every week.  The best part is the emotional wellbeing and just about everything.  It is my treat to me!

BUT they are just brilliant. Paul is a great coach and has got me doing things that I never thought I would be able to. I love the technical detail of the exercises and the fact that you can see and feel the differences in how muscle groups cope with the new demands.

In the time I’ve been having sessions with Paul I have achieved a massive increase in lower back flexibility and hamstrings are much more stretchy!!!

When I started I was VERY UNFIT!  I was quite worried that I would not be able to do the exercises and I wasn’t very confident.   I come every week and now I’m really enjoying it and noticing that I’m getting fitter and the best thing is how much it helps with my back pain.

Previously, I didn’t do any formal exercise other than walking regularly and swimming irregularly.   As I have a desk-based job, I was getting extremely stiff and often had hip and leg pain.  I was worried that it would be very hearty and that, as a beginner, the best I could hope for was to be ignored, and at the worst, I’d be dismissed.

Actually, I have found it incredibly helpful.   The supportive and encouraging atmosphere of all the teachers, but especially Tanja and Paul, coupled with that of other class members, has been extremely encouraging.   The humour helps too!

The biggest bonus has been its contribution to my mental well-being: taking regular time out for me.  I am very gradually becoming a bit more flexible but recognise I still have a long way to go!