"One Sunday in November 1997 I read an article in the Sunday Times  extolling the virtues of Pilates - it sounded just what I had been looking for -  emphasis on core stability, low impact, strength etc., and perfect for helping  with lower back pain.

 The following day I called the number given in the article. I was asked  "did I know Rushden". This was the beginning of my friendship with Karen and the  rest, as they say, is history. I was Karen's first client and am still
attending classes. Any person who questions the benefits of Pilates lease read on,

I had breast cancer and had also as a result of surgery lost lymph  glands. At the time I met Karen I couldn't raise my left arm above shoulder  level. My left arm now has exactly the same flexibility as my right. Core
strengthening from Pilates has also radically reduced my lower back pain. 
 
Just two examples of how Karen and Pilates have, without doubt,  improved my quality of life. Be aware there are no quick fixes but if you are  prepared to listen and work you'll never regret it. Karen is as mad as a box
of frogs and her mantras are now part of folk lore viz, after giving  instructions says emphatically, "got that, good!"

Karen is a brilliant teacher and friend and over the years I've watched  her help so many people "above and beyond" the role of teacher/client. I'm  really glad to give this testimonial and can only close it by saying I'd never  give up Pilates nor would I ever want to be without Karen."

 Marion J

"Having attended your Pilates classes for the past 3 years, I have found all the teachers to be very good and I have no hesitation recommending them.  My current teacher, Paula, is excellent.  She is calm, approachable, very capable and good at both showing and explaining exercises.  Her classes flow well and her manner enables me to go into the Pilates zone and listen to my body.  I thoroughly enjoy her classes (OK, maybe not the ab curls!).   She was great at offering alternative exercises and advice when I was pregnant and shortly after birth.  On a more general note, I credit Pilates with curing my muscular lower back pain, helping my body cope with pregnancy and hopefully preventing future aches and pains.  We should start it when we are fit and healthy to prevent problems but most of us only do so once we are suffering!"

Kay


"Having been a farm worker for a year at 18yrs old and a regular horse rider for nearly forty years, my lower spine caused terrible pain.  I had become a regular user of Osteopaths and any other form of remedial massage, cheaper the better! Tried evening yoga classes, couldn’t bend so most positions were near impossible.
Have now done pilates for a year, learnt how to release the tension in between my shoulder blades when sitting at a desk and have an ambition of actually sitting cross legged without pain and it is becoming easier. 
The classes are just as informative as fun and if I miss any my back soon “tells” me, I even go during the summer holidays! One’s first experience of a class is not comfortable but it gets easier if continued on a regular basis. 

Must not be put off by the slim and“bendy” people in your class, I am “The Plank”!  "

By 46 yr old farmer’s wife, occupation Farm Secretary