Five years ago I had a crippling dose of arthritis that had me moving around in great pain. Kathy took me in hand and introduced me to a gentle, but still taxing form of Pilates using various pieces of specialised equipment.
I was in my early 80s when this occurred but had always been fit and active. Over a period of time with careful tutelage in Pilate's movements I have regained a lot of my former suppleness, and the strength that I had, so that at 88 I go to the gym and take part in various activities confident that I now have the means to keep myself fit and able to cope. Many thanks to Kathy for her enthusiastic support.
When I first tried Kathy's class in 2006 she was concerned that it wasn't specifically a beginners class. However Kathy was very careful when I started and guided me through modifications and easier variations of the exercises so I could have time to progress at my own pace.I had sciatica and I found it difficult to straighten my leg when we were using the bands to stretch our hamstrings but with Kathy's reassurance and encouragement I began to improve.
Now 8 years on I still attend Kathy's classes. She still checks up on my breathing technique and tells me if I'm not quite in the right alignment on an exercises too!
Having completed a course of intense physio for severe back pain at the end of 2012 I was advised to try Pilates. I joined Kathy at streamline fitness in January 2013. She immediately integrated me into her class routines carefully advising me how far and hard to push myself. She paid particular attention to how I positioned body and that I was maintaining correct exercise disciplines. eighteen months later my back is infinitely more flexible and most importantly I am virtually free from pain! I have identified specific exercises and stretches that keep me in good shape throughout the week. I cannot recommend Kathy highly enough!
I have been going to Kathy's Pilates classes for nearly twelve years and throughout this time my breathing, balance, posture and flexibility have all greatly improved, and continue to do so.When we first join we complete a written health check and Kathy tailors our exercises to our individual needs. She has a lot of experience and expertise in Pilates, keeping up-to-date through courses and publications and her friendly and professional manner encourages us to strive to improve at our own pace.
I met Kathy just over a year ago when my GP referred me to attend a six week course called ‘Healthy Backs’. I was suffering from chronic pain in my lower back and legs.
During each ‘Healthy Back’ session, Kathy would demonstrate and support us in undertaking basic Pilate’s exercises. At the end of the six week course I began to feel a great improvement in my movement.I then joined Kathy’s 50+ Pilate class. A year later after attending Kathy’s Pilates classes, I no longer take medication for my back, my core muscles have improved and I am able to achieve advanced Pilate exercises that I thought I would never be able to undertake!