My Pilates experience has changed my life, really!!! I started almost 3 years ago after being diagnosed with scoliosis and thought, what can I do to maintain and stop the progression? I needed to build a strong back which in turn I needed to concentrate on a strong core to do so. I am a 44-year-old female who is very active but not sporty and as we all know when we turn 40 little things creep up. So it’s nice to find an exercise that’s not invasive and nice to see the progression from not being able to do certain things at the beginning and then doing it effortlessly gave me the confidence to continue. In the middle of all this I had to have a hysterectomy and I was very frustrated to have my muscles cut, but with the help of Dawn and her expertise I managed to get the feeling back in my stomach. I’ve managed to attend the classes 2 to 3 times a week with no other exercise and have seen my body change for the better over time... Pretty incredible what an hour class can do with a healthy diet of course! I appreciate everything that Dawn has taught me and will always continue attending her classes. Timing is everything and I was so thankful to discover Dawn and The Pilates experience!

The relationship I have with Dawn is based on her experience, her enthusiasm and my trust. I first met Dawn through Community Pilates classes almost three years ago. At that time I was recovering from yet another back and hip injury, .this was a long standing injury which had recurred many times in 30 years. Each time Physiotherapy rescued me and set me on the right road but I knew I had to find a way of staying healthy and emotionally balanced. Exercise was never my my focus in life. Through the classes, which I found challenging I realized I needed more individual guidance and direction with an experienced teacher. I enrolled in some private classes, and wondered after my first visit how I was going to become more flexible and build core strength. From the beginning I was encouraged by Dawn, she tailored each class to my capability while at the same time gently encouraging me to go a little bit further through praise and her determination that I get as much out of the class as possible. I say trust because that is what I had in her to guide me and keep me safe from re-injury. Some days were a chore and a challenge, I had a couple of set backs, mainly because of overdoing physical work on our sheep farm. Dawn always had that enthusiasm and interest in me that made me feel I could keep going and build on what I had already. I continue to work at building strength and mobility. I am 71 years old, feel physically stronger than when I was much younger and look forward to many more years of Pilates, with Dawn leading the way.

Two years ago, my daughter talked me into trying Pilates. I have a lower back issue that I need to manage therefore no more high impact, uncontrolled or a high quantity of twisting actions for me. Every health professional I spoke to recommended that I ‘strengthen my core’ because this would help relieve the stress that I seemed to be continually putting on my back. I should say that although not an athlete, I consider my self active as I spend a lot of time gardening and we have a hobby farm which requires lots of physical labour. The problem is I have a sedentary job. My first Pilates class was a floor session in a group where I was one of the older but not the eldest members. At first, I thought there is no way I can do this. But I stuck with it and literally after three sessions, I noticed the muscles that I thought were forever flab started to work again. The rest is history, I was hooked. Let me say that I still have a back issue that I need to manage however, my episodes are fewer and farther between. When I do have a flare up, the full body strength that I have gained helps to provide me with greater mobility, and enable me to bounce back faster. Some of what I like most about Pilates: • Anyone can do it and everyone can benefit • Noticing results quickly • The actions are controlled and meticulous, you truly start to be able to recognize the muscle group that you are working on • You work ‘against’ yourself, the work-outs can be lightened or increased easily • Everyone can set their own goals and they can be very different • Time is flexible, if you have 10 minutes you can still benefit in some fashion • Although you can increase the difficulty of your workout with props (weights, balls etc.) all you really need is a floor What do I like the most about learning Pilates from and following Dawn: • Patience, Dawn finds what fits best for each client … it is a personal experience • Dawn learns about her clients and offers options for their limitations. My example, my back. She provides alternative exercises so that I can still benefit from the movement. However, she offers the same for my peers depending on their needs • Dawn makes sure that you are following the techniques and methods but, she isn’t a drill sergeant • Dawn is very encouraging, notices and recognizes when she notices improvement in your progress • Dawn is realistic, down-to-earth and inspirational I consider myself middle aged and I have two adult children. I wish I had discovered Pilates years ago but I’m grateful for it now.

Dawn is an experienced instructor with a never ending passion for pilates! I highly recommend classes!

I have done the classes online and have enjoyed the mock reformer 2 the most. Here’s what I liked: Music was a good volume and nothing distracting. Exercises felt like natural movement and nothing straining. I like when things closely reflect what I'm learning in my reformer books as it helps me connect to the exercises and learn faster. The things I value most in a pilates teacher is someone who takes the time to make sure I'm doing the exercise correctly. Verbal/physical cues are very helpful and allow clients to learn about how their body works and respond to exercises. I like a mindful class as it helps me connect and get better results faster!!

I was always an avid runner but was plagued by a hip injury and sidelined. A friend of mine invited me to try Pilates. After 1 class I was hooked. I have been a member now for about 18 months. Dawn was mindful from the get go of the injury and to avoid or adapt the exercise we were doing to avoid any irritation. During any class Dawn is always making sure we have the correct form at all times. Not only has it helped the injury but It has helped me tone and become stronger. Once we could no longer take classes (Covid-19 Mandatory Closure), Dawn immediately started sending us her videos on Youtube. We were able to pick up any equipment we may need. I would highly recommend trying a class.

I don't know what is more surprising...the fact that I have not quit Pilates yet after 4 wks or the fact that I am still aware of my core and legs - 10 hours after the morning class! I have never - and I mean NEVER stuck with an exercise program before. But I am committed to twice a wk plus I do workouts from Dawn's online classes. In fact this past wk I did 2 classes and 3 online workouts. My sister-in-law wants to know where the "old Susie went!" The only explanation I can come up with re my current commitment is a combination of my new determination fuelled by the whole "Pilates Experience". Dawn is Knowledgeable. Patient. Encouraging. An all round perfect teacher ... I don't know what took me so long to get started but I'm not stopping now!

Wonderful studio. Very bright and welcoming. Dawn is amazing to work with and really knows her stuff. She has helped ease my back pain greatly. Would highly recommend either the Physio treatment or just taking a class at this studio. You will not be disappointed!!