Before attending Antoinette’s classes I was consistently having all sorts of back pain as well as general pain in several parts of my body. As a result my mental state was also quite tentative at times. My fitness level was most likely non existent and mentally and emotionally I thought I would never achieve a stronger and healthier body. I had tried physios, osteopaths and chiropractors, although at times they alleviated the pain it wasn’t for very long. I had never before attended a pilates class before Antoinette’s. I needed to try a new way of attending to my wellbeing and so a chance meeting with Antoinette allowed me to try one of her classes. I found that the gentle movement, the precise instruction and close attention from Antoinette were the ‘baby steps’ I needed to get my body and mind back on track. This one class convinced me I had to come back. Antoinette provides different types of pilates and movement classes and she has her own unique way of running them. She includes movement, meditation, breathing and at times has been known to sprinkle a little bit of reiki or crystal healing. It has been this varied delivery that has motivated to keep me going and has helped me to believe that slowly I can have a healthier body and in turn a healthier mind set. And sometimes it has worked the opposite way, a healthier mindset has led to a healthier body. Her knowledge about the body and its mechanics is very impressive and she uses this effectively during classes. As my strength returned I decided to do some private lessons with Antoinette as I was getting so many benefits from the group classes. Her easy going manner and the way she is able to cater for my needs on any given day shows her empathy and intuitiveness. She works with me holistically attending to my body mind and spirit. At first I wasn’t sure about spending money on private classes, however the one to one attention, advice, extra tips has certainly been worth it. And Antoinette is very generous with her time and follow ups after sessions. She is very open and this translates into sessions that are tailored to my needs on any particular day. These days when I budget my classes with Antoinette are one of my priorities. I have been working with Antoinette now for about a year, and as time has progressed I have noticed many new and positive things about my body – physical, mental and emotional. What I have also loved is that she gives me ideas and strategies I can use when I start feeling that my body is just not cooperating! Antoinette’s openness, warmth and caring nature have made it easy to continue working on my physical and mental wellbeing, and it is this consistency that has made a positive difference to my overall wellbeing.

Dimi

Spending a lot of time at work was affecting my body…. This got to the point that my normal mobility was starting to disappear and I had never been in this situation. A friend of mine recommended that I try Pilates. Running my own business as a chef, and owner of a fine dining catering business, brings long hours on my feet. This was affecting my whole body and back and I was loosing regular mobility. I also knew I needed core strength and to feel more flexible. After my first session, I realised right away that this is what I needed to do to stay healthy and flexible, especially while facing the fact that we are all getting older and things do not become easier. What can I say… It was a game changer. The flexibility of my body now is as it should be in all my activities. I am also less tense and the sessions help to centre and ground me. It time for ‘ME’ ? My busy week and the limited time available make it best for me to focus on my needs in a private session. The best part of this is that I’m taking time away from my busy business and focusing on myself … having someone tell me what to do is taking the pressure off having to push myself or think. My advice to others… Don’t wait, if you are thinking about it, you probably needed it yesterday … who wants to wake up and feel that they can’t move. Look after yourself, nobody is going to do it for you.

Thomas – Business owner /chef /catering