"I enjoyed yoga classes, but whenever there were any poses involving core work I wouldn't do them -  my core was very weak. Have had lower back/hip issues for years, and after a minor injury last year, I realised I had to
stop avoiding the issue and a friend recommended Pilates. I'm sure it's helped me recover from my injury and I've been pain-free since then and felt stronger and more stable.

I like the fact I have to concentrate on the small movements - it's like a form of meditation, and it's a training for the brain as well as the body. I have to switch off my work-worry brain. I feel rested after a session but also have more energy. I've found it's a way of caring for yourself joyfully, rather than a punishing, 'no pain no gain' approach, and it does get results.

One benefit of Level 4 lockdown was discovering the joys of online Pilates and even when we came back to Level 1 and could go out again, I stuck with online classes. I love the convenience of being able to work in my own home and find I can focus even more on the movements with no distractions. It's like having a personal Pilates instructor at home.

Being trained in the authentic Pilates method, Mary makes the classes challenging, stimulating but always safe. I know she's watching closely because she always laughs when I pull a face. Mary has such an encouraging and caring approach, and her uplifting voice makes me feel positive from the start. I find Mary's classes fun and restorative; it is definitely a
physical workout but it feels like I'm having a mind/body treatment or tonic."

- CATHERINE