I have found Belinda’s Pilates classes invaluable whilst recovering from a severe back problem which reared its head in March 2013. I have bulging discs the whole length of my spine but after a year of doing the classes twice a week I am much better in that I am in less pain and can move much better. It is not something that is ever going to be cured, rather it has to be managed, and I have found Pilates to be better than medication in helping control pain.
I find Belinda very good at being careful if there is something that I shouldn’t do, and I get different exercises to do if that is the case. I have not injured myself further, I think Pilates is a very safe form of exercise in the right hands, and I am quite surprised at some of the things I can do. In 2014 I was told by my GP that I would never get on a horse again, and a year later I have returned to gentle riding. My aim this year is to start trotting and do a dressage test at a competition by the end of 2015. I shall be continuing with Pilates probably for the rest of my life. It is essential to my wellbeing now. Both the osteopath and pain management consultant are amazed at the movement I have got back in my spine and want me to continue with the classes.
Claire Lowry