Category Archives: Client Feedback

With a family history of severe osteoporosis I decided I was at an age when I should be pro-active about fending it off. After doing some on-line research I decided that Pilates would suit me & fortunately found Edinburgh Pilates on line. I came as a complete novice and have to say that Karen is one of the most approachable, adaptable and enthusiastic people that I have ever had teaching me anything! It is never too much trouble to her to explain a position to you,until you master it. She has also had to be very adaptable as, after only three months, I suffered a back injury (nothing to do with Pilates & everything to do with thinking I’m younger than I actually am!!). Over the course of the next few weeks, Karen patiently went through various positions that would benefit me, assessing that I was comfortable every step of the way, whilst still teaching the rest of the class, who also had their own various problems. You never feel that you are floundering at the back of the class and you are never made to feel silly for asking any question or seeking any clarification on any position. She has helped me so much and I would have no hesitation in recommending her classes to anyone.

I started pilates with Karen last year, over 6 months ago now, and it is definitely the best thing I have ever done for myself.Karen is a fabulous tutor. Her attention to detail and individual encouragement in the class has helped me understand the core and improve my core strength. For years I have had lower back ,and more recent years, neck problems and her personal hands on approach has helped me understand my body and enables me to work the problem areas out myself but, knowing my limitations, ensures I’m working the correct muscles to ease the pain and maintain mobility. Thanks to Karen I have noticed a huge improvement in my posture and this has given me better confidence in my daily life and greater mobility to keep up with my 6 year old! Karen has a kind nature and very approachable manner and I would highly recommend anyone interested in pilates to come to her classes.Thursdays has become the best day of my week all thanks to Karen! My husband is loving the improved me too!!

Karen has been teaching me on a 1-1 basis for over 8 years and the benefits to my physical well being have been huge. Had I discovered Pilates earlier, I needn’t have suffered years of lower back pain and the cost of endless osteopathic appointments. Utilising my core has become second nature and my back is now protected at all times. I’ve had no serious pain in years, but if I do feel a niggle, I have the tools to address the problem at source, negating the need to take painkillers. Pilates, with Karen’s carefully considered classes, tailored for me, have given me back control of my body. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

My physiotherapist suggested I try Pilates to stabilise and strengthen my pelvis and lower back after a difficult pregnancy. I had very poor core strength, difficulty walking short distances and considerable pain during everyday activities.

After only 6 weeks of 1:1 instruction from Karen, I feel like a new woman! I am so much stronger; I’ve found muscles I didn’t know I had and learned how to use them to support myself correctly. Karen’s understanding of my needs and her thorough and professional style have given me the confidence to really go for it and the results speak for themselves. I am walking comfortably to and from school and even carrying my toddler without pain when I need to.

Karen’s explanations are easy to follow and she is a very patient teacher. As a complete beginner, my many questions are always welcome and I feel I have learned such a lot in a short space of time. I look forward to continuing in the group class now and would heartily recommend Edinburgh Pilates.

In my mid-50s I’d recently had physiotherapy for knee and ankle problems. My physio advised me to look into a series on one-to-one Pilates lessons, after we agreed that I didn’t know where my muscles were, or what I was supposed to do with them if I found them.

I’ve found Karen very approachable, engaging and encouraging. She’s sensitive to what my body’s able to do, and quick to accommodate any special needs. She makes the learning easy and fun. And I’m beginning to be able to use my muscles to help me get through my days more easily and comfortably.

I have been attending Karen’s Pilates classes every Friday for the past 3 years now and I must say it’s been very worth while and something I should like to keep going as long as I can. I find the classes do make a difference. Karen has a very relaxed and friendly approach with everyone, there was a time when I might have thought I was too old for something like this but Karen has helped change my whole attitude. I would say to anyone my age, go on and give it a try.

I had tried other Pilates classes but found I just wasn’t getting any benefit from them. I felt I was just a number in the class. Karen explains everything clearly & makes sure you understand what you are doing. I’m more aware of my posture now & know my body is not so tense.

Karen makes the class fun & takes time to tailor the sessions to suit you. She is vey helpful & flexible in her approach to you.

I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant and I attended antenatal classes with Karen up to 35 weeks of my pregnancy. I’m a very active person and enjoyed regular cardio classes and running at my local gym however as my pregnancy progressed I had to give up my running and a number of fitness classes. I decided to try Pilates as I wanted to stay active throughout my pregnancy and was also advised that Pilates would be good for my joints, back etc. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Pilates classes and Karen was an excellent teacher. She would talk through each exercise ensuring that I was happy and comfortable. I would highly recommend pregnant woman to take up antenatal Pilates with Karen. I will definitely keep up Pilates after my baby arrives and ensure it becomes a regular exercise along with my cardio fitness classes 🙂

About two years ago when I had a very bad spell of lower back pain, an Osteopath recommended private Pilates classes. I found Edinburgh Pilates through the internet and have been attending semi-private classes for the last two years. Karen’s classes helped me to slowly build up my core muscles again which were totally neglected due to fact that I have an office job and had to commute between Edinburgh and Glasgow. I felt in good hands as she takes the time and effort to tailor the classes to the individual needs, even if there is two or three people attending. After the classes I always felt refreshed and a lot more relaxed. I also think that my posture has improved, I learned how to “protect” my back by using the core muscles and what to do in a crisis situation. Unfortunately, I cannot attend any more classes as my job situation changed but I will miss my Tuesday night Pilates sessions and my class mates Jean and Teri. Thank you Karen for your help and guidance, I really enjoyed the classes. I will try to keep up Pilates at home.

When I started my current job about 12 years ago I remember receiving comments about my upright posture, but now after all those years of sitting crunched up over a computer my shoulders had collapsed forward (for want of a better phrase!)

My sister had discovered the benefits of Pilates and worked hard on encouraging me to go but with a skin problem which often restricted my movement I didn’t feel up to it.

I then began to feel so still and unfit that I knew I had to do something. I found Karen after an internet search. Her replies to my query emails showed a caring person.

After a few weeks my sister visited, and as I saw her off on the train a text came through, “your posture has improved” – fantastic!

Lessons can be hard work and challenging but never more than you can cope with. Above all lessons are fun and time time always flies past. On driving home after one lesson I had to re-adjust my rear view mirror… I was sitting taller.

Karen’s lessons are excellent and have really been of great benefit.