I am really feeling the benefit of going to Clare's class. Suffering from sciatica and arthritis I was struggling, but since doing Pilates the pain is less and I can move more and feel stronger in my body. She lets you work at your own pace but encourages you to do more if you can. She will give one to one advice when required and always gives extra time. I can definitely recommend the classes.
I was recommended by my doctor to take up Pilates to improve my core strength and aleviate back pain. I started in September 2014 thinking that 6 weeks would be sufficient… 9 months later and still going I feel like an enlightened person when it comes to core strength, body alignment and the benefit of stretching and strengthening my muscles to support better posture. Pilates for me is now a lifestyle choice and this is a result of attending Clare's classes. I couldn't ask for a better teacher as Clare is professional at all times and supports every level of ability in her classes. If you are looking for an expert, do choose Clare Brown!
I started pilates with Clare due to an ongoing lower back problem. I was recieving chiro treatment weekly as I was very uncomfortable with muscular pain. After a few weeks of attending Clare's sessions I have more mobility, less pain, a better understanding of good posture and less trips to chiro! During the relaxation section at the end of one of the sessions I nodded off! I have never, ever experienced that through relaxation exercises before. Clare has a calm, patient approach to leading the class. She is vigilent when observing each client in order for everyone to gain the optimum benefit of each exercise. I can't praise Clare highly enough. I feel Clare has helped me gain control of my body again. Thank you Clare :-).
I joined Clare's Pilates class about 3 months ago, hoping to improve my posture, balance and flexibility. I thought it would be good for me but what has surprised me is how enjoyable the classes are. I have tried Pilates before but did not enjoy it very much, was not sure if I was doing it right and felt the time dragged. It is completely different in Clare's classes. She achieves just the right balance of repetition and challenge, gives excellent clear instructions, appropriate help to individuals and lots of positive comments and encouragement. She seems to know just how long to spend on each exercise and when to add easier or harder options. The time flies and I am not bored for a second!I feel there has already been an improvement in my posture and Clare's words stay with me throughout the week. Clare is an excellent teacher and I have no hesitation in recommending her classes either to Pilates enthusiasts or to anyone who has tried before and felt Pilates was not for them Clare could change your mind!
After having surgery on my left arm, I was left with severe nerve damage and my body had become unbalanced. I have been amazed by the results in quite a short period of time my posture, flexibility and general well being have been improved massively. My physiotherapist can't believe the progress I have made. Clare is an excellent instructor and would recommend her highly to everybody.
After a severe discogenic episode some 35 years ago I have suffered intermittent periods of lower back pain and sciatica of varying severity. During a particularly prolonged episode I joined Clare Brown's pilates classes 15 months ago. I have found the pilates regimen extremely helpful. Clare is an excellent teacher, always explaining what we are doing and why, building progressively on our abilities and thoughtfully monitoring individuals within the class. At the age of 75 I greatly appreciate the benefits of improved posture, flexibility and well-being pilates has given me. I strongly recommend Clare's classes.
I am in my 60's and joined Clare Brown's Pilates classes three years ago after Physiotherapy sessions for my back ache. Clare is an excellent teacher, she explains why we do the exercises and demonstrate every move. She has made me aware of my correct posture; the best and most beneficial way of doing exercises, breathing, sitting and walking. I am doing the exercises, Clare suggested, regularly to relief my back ache and I am a lot more flexible without the aches. She taught me how to relax, which helps me to sleep better. It amazes me how far I have come since I joined. Clare is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I recommend Clare Brown's Pilates classes to anyone.
Clare is brilliant and her classes are great. She does like to push you a little sometimes and that's excellent but she always provides easier options for those who need them. You walk out feeling a little taller and straighter than when you went in 🙂
I started pilates to help improve my core strength and balance, and to help with strengthening the muscles in my legs after ACL reconstruction surgery a few years ago. I have found Clare to be an exceptional instructor with excellent knowledge of both pilates itself and anatomy. My core strength and flexibility has improved immensely, along with my knowledge of the various ligaments and muscles that hurt when perform 'The Saw'. Highly recommended for those that want a low-impact way of improving strength and flexibility.
I am a male in my 50's. I decided to go to Pilates to see if it could help with my slouching as well as neck and lower back aches. I have been attending Clare Browns Pilates class's for over one year. I always recommend her classes to my friends and associates. Some question that I often get asked are Is Pilates for men? is it worth it? Firstly, Pilates is as much for men as it is forI am a male in my 50's. I decided to go to Pilates to see if it could help with my slouching as well as neck and lower back aches. I have been attending Clare Browns Pilates class's for over one year. I always recommend her classes to my friends and associates. Some question that I often get asked are... Is Pilates for men? is it worth it? Firstly, Pilates is as much for men as it is for women. Pilates was devised by a man. The class I regularly attend has about 1/3rd men. Pilates is for the fit as well as the not so fit. We have all abilities in my class. Clare classes are very good value for money. Her classes are cheaper than other local Pilates classes. Defiantly worth the money. Not only does Clare guide you through many physical exercises she also spends time on relaxing the mind. Sometimes I have arrived at a Pilates session, frustrated and annoyed due to work stress and wanting to "bang some heads together." But I leave in a completely different frame of mind. As long as you concentrate on her instructions and relaxation techniques, you leave the class mentally relaxed. Another great thing about her is the confidence she generates. With her soothing voice and expert Pilates knowledge, which she continuously updates, you feel that you can trust her. Has my slouching and neck and back problems been resolved? My slouching has defiantly decreased. Nigh on every time I walk down the street I can hear her soothing voice telling me to "lengthen up". And, of course I obey. I have not suffered from neck aches for over a year and very infrequently have a twinge of lower back ache. That's probably still due to my slouching. In conclusion, at Clare's Pilates classes you get a fabulous work out for the body as well as the mind. Which certainly does not hurt your pocket either.
I am new to Pilates which was recommended to me by a friend with back problems. I had a trapped nerve in my shoulder a few years back and had regularly been experiencing pain in my neck and arm, and tingling, and didn't want exercise to exacerbate it. I have been going to Clare Brown's Pilates for about 10 weeks now and am a total convert. The Pilates really feels like it is helping me with my posture and toning me. Simply stretches seem to reach muscles I never knew I had, and I can honestly say I have not had a twinge in my shoulder or neck since I started. I am much more aware of my posture in day-to-day life and adjust it accordingly. Clare is an excellent teacher - enthusiastic, engaging, and always checking the classes work for people with different levels of need and ability. Would recommend to anyone.
I started Claire's classes after my abdominal muscles separated during pregnancy, leaving me with a weak core and lower back pain which was starting to wake me at night. After only four sessions the back pain had completely disappeared. Now five months on I am so much more flexible with a much stronger core which has given me the confidence to do other sports again without injuring myself. My baby belly (which I thought was permanent!) has also flattened. I would strongly recommended Claire's classes to any Mums out there wanting to regain strength and body confidence. Thankyou Claire!
After only a few sessions I noticed the benefit of Pilates exercises. Clare's classes are friendly and relaxing, but VERY effective. All the exercises are well chosen for the class, and she explains exactly what each one does, which is most helpful. I have been to several different classes over the years, but this is by far the most effective and best. Thank you Clare.
Have been attending Clare's classes for over a year now after suffering back pain and paresthesia in my arm and hand. I had previously had physiotherapy and acupuncture to try and cure the pain and while this did help to an extent, it has only been since I started regular pilates sessions with Clare that I have been completely pain free. Clare is a great teacher, very knowledgeable, flexible (in all senses!) and always good fun. I would highly recommend her classes to anyone seeking to improve core strength, posture and general well-being
I started Pilates with Clare when I was pregnant in order to strengthen my core muscles and improve my posture to help with a growing bump. Clare is a fantastic teacher with great attention to detail. Although I was part of a general class Clare was very attentive and always gave alternatives for the (very few) exercises I couldn't join in with. I'm sure it helped me stay very active right to the end of my pregnancy and helped me to have a straightforward, natural birth. My son's now 12 weeks old and I've returned to classes to get back in shape, it's definitely helping and is a great way to get a bit of 'me' time as well.
I've been attending Clare's Pilates classes for 18 weeks now and feel my posture, core strength and all-round well being have improved so much during this time. I have now taken up jogging, something I have always wanted to do. I particularly like the way Clare explains each move and its benefits while taking time to walk around the class ensuring everyone is exercising the moves with the correct posture so as to get the maximum benefit from them.
Clare's attention to detail and well being is excellent! I can see and feel an improvement in my posture after attending for just 4 weeks!
I was advised to try Pilates by my Osteopath and the hospital Pain Clinic after incurring a back injury. My colleague recommended Clare's class as he had been going for some time. I started in spring of 2013. It has come to mean a lot to me, my mobility and flexibility has improved, my pain is much relieved. Clare is really precise in how we should do each exercise,going to great lengths to explain things. She walks around the class making sure all those who have a particular problem, e.g. Knees, backs, etc; are watched and corrected. I feel safe in class which is important as I will then try new things I wouldn't otherwise. Thank you very much.
I have noticed that my posture is naturally healthier now that I have been doing Pilates with Clare for a while - when I check I find that I am already standing/sitting in a better way. I've also found that as I've walked along the difficult surfaces left by tram work I have occasionally started to go over on my ankle and have corrected myself and so not caused a strain. This is also new and I think the result of the ankle work and better leg alignment work every week. And Clare is also a lovely, encouraging person to learn from.