The Benefits of Pilates

From Pilates to spinning, pt or group session Laura is the most inspirational and enthusiastic fitness instructor I’ve ever met. She’s dedicated, knowledgeable, and her style is always positive and fun. Laura has encouraged me to try new sports and push my fitness level higher than I’d thought possible. I honestly never thought I’d be a fan of spinning! Thanks very much Laura, and good luck! X  

Chloe Feltwell, Bedfordshire

My own reasons for taking up pilates were threefold. Firstly, to keep my mobility and agility as I get older; to help manage on ongoing lower back problem resulting from a slipped disc; thirdly to increase my flexibility and balance for golf. A programme called, ‘Pilates for Golfers,’ was therefore an obvious choice. I now attend the weekly classes taught by Laura and also daily follow the routines and exercises she teaches and the result has been all I hoped for. I have far less lower back pain problems, greater flexibility and balance which are helping me with both my golf and the other sport I play, which is table tennis.

 

Michael Newstead

My journey started from a position of no golf (due to severe back pain) to regular golf and a reducing handicap. The back pain was actually cured by a physiotherapist who told me that if I didn’t want to keep returning to her care, I should take up Pilates classes. She added that Pilates would also help my golf. I was sceptical. So at my next golf lesson with my Club Professional (Lee Scarbrow at John O’Gaunt GC) I asked whether the Physio was telling the truth. Not only did he agree but he recommended Laura Collin’s “Pilates for Golfers” classes. These focus on strengthening core muscles (abdominals, Glutes etc) to take pressure off my back. They also focus on balance exercises utilising those same core muscles. The exercises involve stretching rather than any breathless workouts and working at your own level depending on your current fitness and agility. Correct exercising techniques are vital and this is where Laura’s one to one direction and supervision during each class is so important. I subsequently complimented these sessions with Laura’s “Fitness for Golfers” classes.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that I have also continued my lessons with Lee Scarbrow who has improved my overall golfing techniques considerably.

The key improvements from Pilates have been much greater stability over the ball through my golf swing. This means that I hit the ball with the sweet spot of the club far more frequently. This, and improved overall fitness has increased both the distance I am hitting each of my clubs and my levels of concentration though the round. The overall result is that I have entered retirement seeing my handicap going down rather than up and my enjoyment of the game increasing accordingly.

My sincere thanks for this go to both Laura and Lee.

PS. No back problems since and the journey continues!

 

Bill Walker

‘With a coast-to-coast walking holiday coming up we contacted Laura for some guidance on exercises that would help with our fitness preparations. Laura put together a great routine with warm-up exercises we could do before a long walk or run, strength and mobility exercises and a cool-down. She made a video of our session and also gave us accompanying notes, so we knew what order to do the exercises in. Such a great service – and all delivered with Laura’s usual enthusiasm, knowledge and humour.’   

 
Alison and Jim Butler

‘Laura’s presentation of the Pilates classes is professional, friendly and tailored to different levels. I like that she spends time talking about which parts of the body the different stretches and movements are focusing on, and the core principles remind me why Pilates is such a great all round routine for the body.’ 

 

Philippa Finlay

‘I’ve been working with Laura for a few months now and can highly recommend her classes. I used to suffer with lower back pain but since doing Pilates that seems to have gone! My favourite online class is the half-hour ‘Energiser’ in the morning – it helps wake up my muscles and is a nice gentle stretch to get my body moving.’ 

 
Lynn Higginson-Carter

“I love Laura’s daily online classes – particularly because there’s a real mix of classes to choose from. My current favourite is ‘Stretch and Breathe’. Laura’s a great teacher and her helpful commentary always ensures I’m doing the exercises correctly.

 
Julie