Controlling sciatica

I had been looking for a Pilates class for a while. Being in my mid-50s I had had intermittent problems with sciatica and felt that Pilates would help after reading about the various benefits in magazines. I attempted two different classes but they didn’t feel right and I never continued. I then discovered Danielle and felt that this was the Pilates I had read about. Eight years later I am still attending Danielle’s class and my sciatica feels totally under control. Danielle is very approachable and asks everyone to let her know if they have any physical issues so that she can offer advice or suggest an easier position. I certainly feel fit and supple and put most of that down to doing Pilates on a regular basis.

Back problems

I came to Danielle’s Pilates classes because I suffer from back problems and a friend recommended her. “ I appreciated the 1-2-1s where I could discuss any physical problems and make sure I could attempt the Pilates moves safely and confidently before starting the classes.“ I have always had confidence in Danielle’s knowledge and experience and have enjoyed meeting the other members. My back problems were eased and my general stamina and flexibility improved significantly as a result of the classes.

Bad posture

I started Pilates classes persuaded by a number of very enthusiastic friends and almost immediately realised what a lifetime hunching over a keyboard had done to my shoulder muscles and posture! Whilst it’s still early days in terms of results, I have found Danielle’s classes to be encouraging and friendly – and Danielle clearly knows her subject inside out.

Core strength

I joined the Pilates class four years ago on the recommendation of a couple of friends. I had suffered from lower back pain for number of years and also wanted to improve both my flexibility and core strength. I am pleased to say that there have been significant improvements in all areas. I very much enjoy the session; I like Danielle’s friendly inclusive and supportive approach to the class and she does focus on individual needs where appropriate. I also appreciate the mixed ability range of classes which Danielle fosters to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Hard physical job

A stressful office job – sitting too much at a desk and giving me a bad back – made me sign up to Danielle’s classes. She is a great teacher and helps you adapt exercises to fit your own needs. My back is much better now thanks to building up my core strength, which is just as well as I’m now doing a hard physical job walling, landscape gardening and tree work!

Lower back problem

I joined Danielle’s Pilates class to keep me active and to help with general health. I have a lower back problem, and was advised by the physiotherapist treating me that Pilates could prove helpful.

Danielle has an excellent teaching style, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. My back always feels easier after a Pilates session.

Welcoming, inclusive and great fun

Having done yoga off and on for many years, I wanted to try a different approach to strengthening my physical frame. This was made more important having osteoarthritis in a hip and finding it hard to keep up walking, which I enjoy. Doing Pilates for a couple of years before the hip replacement helped me to recover quickly and go from struggling to walk a few miles, to two-day walks all within nine months. My GP is very supportive of me doing Pilates, along with walking my young dog.

The classes are welcoming, inclusive and great fun. I have made new friends, too, which was an added bonus. Danielle even takes the time to arrange a few social events for those who wish, and there is real supportive feel to the group. I would recommend Pilates for everyone – even my daughter and son are now converts, having spent years running and in gyms! Danielle is a skilled and experienced tutor and I always look forward to the class.

General health and well-being

We were recommended to Danielle by a friend. We wanted to improve our general health and well-being. We have found Pilates applies to our everyday life, walking, gardening, housework and energy. Danielle’s teaching style is professional and she is able to offer individual recommendations when necessary. We have a friendly and fun class which is testament to Danielle’s teaching. Many people have been coming for years. We look forward to our Friday mornings.

Calm and encouraging instruction

I always wanted to try Pilates but felt the slow pace wouldn’t be my thing. How wrong could I be? Danielle’s friendly, calm and encouraging instruction combined with the loveliest, non-lycra-wearing exercise chums ever, make it a highlight of my week, benefitting not only my body but also my soul.