TESTIMONIALS

We know the best way to describe what it’s like to do Pilates at tlc pilates is to ask our valued clients themselves!

We sat down with some of our newcomers & long-termers to ask them what they liked about Pilates that kept them coming back.

What intrigued you about Pilates to interest you enough to try it?

T – The usual guilt of starting a new year and not having an exercise routine that I stick to. I was looking for something new to try (in the hope I might keep it up). My doctor had recommended Pilates to assist with sore neck/headaches, but I did not actually realise that Pilates is more than just relaxation and breathing on the mat. Studio classes at TLC are similar to having a PT session at the gym, only much more enjoyable and the type of exercise more carefully considered & tailored to suit each client. Pilates at TLC is the first type of exercise that I have ever committed to and stuck with. After trying many different types of classes/activities, I feel like I have finally found my place at TLC am now part of something that really suits me.

E – I was encouraged by my daughter to join her at TLC Pilates. She had been going for a few months and thought it was something I would like. Having enjoyed yoga previously I had always wanted to give Pilates a go. I’m so glad I did. I’m now officially addicted and am doing two classes weekly.

A – Heard lots about Pilates but really didn’t know much about it at all. I thought that it should be something that I give a try to see what it was all about.

E – I was really interested in trying something out of my comfort zone, something different from my normal gym work outs. I wanted to work on my strength and flexibility.

D – Needed alternate to standard gym work (due to injuries, age etc) & Pilates has a strong background of results.

L – I’ve heard more and more about Pilates over the years and have always wanted to check it out, but never got around to it until now. I’ve done yoga before and it really wasn’t for me, as it didn’t feel like a proper work out. I figured Pilates would be too similar to yoga… but i was wrong. Pilates is very very different!

Was it different than expected? And how so?

A – I did do some googling before I started so I knew it had a lot to do with strength, stretching and toning. I can’t really say if it was different as expected as I didn’t have an expectation in mind.

E – Very different to what I expected. I didn’t think it would be as difficult, having to concentrate on so many different aspect at the same time. I was surprised to find how much I lack in locking my core, something I thought I was good at. I really enjoyed feeling welcome in the studio, not having to feel the intimidation with other people around you, like you do in the gym.

D – I really didn’t know what to expect, was pleasantly surprised by the work out. Great variety of workout machines I’ve never used before.

L – To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a workout! While were were doing the exercises I didn’t feel like I was really exerting myself – like you do lifting weights at the gym, but the next day or two I was really shocked at which of my muscles were sore. Especially my upper tummy muscles, just under my ribs. I don’t think they have EVER had a workout before. Amazing that such calm, flowing exercises can have such an effect on the muscles.

What do you enjoy about classes?

T – The feeling you get once you have completed your Pilates session. You leave the studio feeling relaxed and proud of what you achieved. There is an ongoing sense of accomplishment as you grow noticeably stronger or more flexible. Being able to see/feel results in this way becomes addictive, and motivates you to keep coming back to challenge yourself further in the next session. Working out at a gym or even in a larger class situation can be intimidating as you feel that you are constantly comparing yourself to, or being watched by others. In the TLC studio, the only person you need to impress is yourself (your class mates are too busy concentrating on their own breathing to take any notice).

E – Firstly I love the small class size. Tamara is lovely and very well organised and the routines change weekly. The exercises, though slow and controlled, are very effective and I have noticed great change in my flexibility and strength. these classes suit a range of ages and physical abilities and I am more than happy to recommend them to anyone reading this.

A – I enjoy it as it isn’t a big cardio workout. There are things that definitely aren’t easy and I do feel a few muscles that I haven’t felt a few days later.

E – I love the whole session, I have found out a lot about myself. At the gym, I work on a range of different machines, Pilates has taught me that I have not been relying a lot on my right side to support the things I do on my left. I am surprised at how sore I am for a long time after the session (in the best way), and how accomplished it makes me feel. It gave me so much motivation and I can’t wait to be back in the studio the next week.

D – I especially enjoy the close attention & gentle correction from Tamara. It feels like I receive maximum benefits from each exercise. Tamara is very patient & knowledgeable. Feels like a proper workout without the hard core gym pressures.

L – I really enjoyed the one on one instruction. It makes me focus on all the areas I need to – making sure my pelvis is in place, my hips, knees and feet straight, engaging my core and rolling down my spine one vertebrae at a time. It really makes you focus on what you are doing and each of the muscles you are working. I was surprised at how that really calmed my mind.

How did you feel when you stepped into the studio space (the vibe/atmosphere) for the first time?

A – It was a hot morning and the first thing I noticed was that it was lovely and cool. I think the colours of studio make it feel fresh & clean. Vibe & atmosphere was calming.

E – The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. As soon as I stepped foot in the studio I was overcome with a sense of calm. I didn’t feel at all intimidated, Tamara is incredible to work with and the hour went by so quickly.

D – TLC studio is a beautiful space. I can immediately feel the calm and peaceful vibe which supports me to get into the “healthy zone” quickly.

L – The studio is just beautiful. Everything is matching in a calming grey and teal colour scheme. The equipment is all brand new and everything is clean and tidy. But what I loved most about walking into the studio for the first time, was that it feels like a safe place. Its very private, so I instantly felt at ease. The fear of trying something new for the first time (and looking like an idiot) became a non issue. I immediately felt safe and calm. I have a few injuries that I was worried about (knees and shoulder), but I needn’t be concerned. Tamara is an excellent instructor. She is obviously very knowledgeable, but she explains each exercise really well so you understand the correct technique and which muscle groups you should be engaging. She watches every movement you make, tweaking your posture here and there to ensure you are making the movements correctly.

How are you finding your experience with Pilates changing over time?

A – I think that its changing by getting more challenging – definitely a lot of activities you can do using the same equipment

E – I am absolutely loving my sessions. I am feeling stronger after every session and love the overwhelming sense of accomplishment when I leave the studio.

D – I feel much more confident and comfortable to extend myself, knowing that Tamara is right there guiding and coaching every step of the way.

What are you learning about your body/fitness/strength?

A – Learning that I think the benefit would be to more more than 1x per week. Learning that I should be more flexible.

E – I have been relying on the strength of my right side of my body way too much, therefore when doing exercises that I need to use the strength of my left side, I am struggling a lot more. On the other end of the spectrum I am finding that I am capable of doing a lot more with my body than I thought, I am finding that my flexibility isn’t as “non-existent” and this is motivating me to work on building on this more.

D – I’m stronger than I thought for many of the exercises, & I’m finding that with the close, personal guidance from Tamara I can push myself to try a little harder than I would at the larger generic Pilates studio’s.

Do you think private sessions are valuable & how so?

A – Yes, I do think that there is a high chance that you may not be doing the exercises correctly and need to be continually guided – I felt confident having Tamara watching and correcting me when needed. In saying that if you were there with a friend learning at the same time that would be ok too.

E – I think private sessions are super valuable when being a beginner as there is the one-on-one experience with the teacher. I also found I was much more inclined to ask questions when not sure of how to do certain exercises.

D – Definitely, so valuable especially for a newbie with limited experience or knowledge. The one on one experience builds confidence quickly and limits the chance of any injuries (not that there are any of those 🙂 )

Can you describe the difference what it’s like in a semi-private 2-1 class?

E – I think being a small class it’s still really good. Tamara does an amazing job at being able to focus on both participants of the class.

D – For the start of the Pilates journey, I would thoroughly recommend the private classes. The close, one on one contact with the instructor is so invaluable providing you with confidence and stability to feel the exercises. Understanding the machines capabilities and how they compliment and extend your capacities. Its an exciting start and after a couple of weeks you are ready and raring to go into the semiprivate sessions. Pilates with TLC is addictive and the bonus is fitness, strength, companionship and fun. The total fitness package, highly recommend Tamara and TLC for everyone.

Any thoughts on Pilates vs other exercise modalities or Pilates Studios you’ve tried?

A – I think that Pilates is a very gentle form of exercise. You feel as if you have definitely had a workout but don’t feel too sore the next few days. Great for utilising as a form of rehab.

E – I am finding a positive difference in the way my strength is progressing in Pilates, at the gym I am using machines but am finding I am not necessarily using them correctly. Pilates has helped me realise this. – I love how relaxed and refreshed I feel when I am finished class and look forward to going to classes each week, rather than it feeling like a chore like the gym does.

D – I personally preferred TLC studio & instructor Tamara much more than traditional group class reformer Pilates. The studio is beautiful calming space where I felt encouraged to extend myself with a quality instructor.