Testimonials

Deb Benjamin

Following her first season with Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club last year, my 12 year old daughter, Amelia, was ranked 14th and 23rd in the UK for the 100m and 200m respectively. Her raw talent and fitness had carried her thus far. However, during this time Amelia was plagued with knee problems and her running technique and posture needed serious attention.

Having read about the benefits of Pilates, at the end of the season I enlisted Bev’s help to correct some of the problems that Amelia was having with her running posture. Bev assessed her and discovered a number of issues were hampering her performance and she responded by developing a bespoke programme specially designed for Amelia, focussed on correcting the problem areas and stretching and strengthening the muscles and tendons most needed for her running. These were taught in one to one sessions and Amelia was given homework cards for her to continue with them at home.

Approximately 8 months on, Amelia is now 13 years old and has moved from one of the older athletes in the Under 13 age group to one of the youngest in the Under 15 group (they remain in each age group for 2 years). She is currently ranked 2nd and 8th in the UK for the 100m and 200m respectively (for her age group). Her running posture is near perfect and her technique has received much admiration from many who have watched her run. She is now injury free and despite being tall and slender, she is a real powerhouse on the track.

In the space of 8 months her times have improved from 13.2 secs. to 12.2 secs. for 100m and from 27.7 secs. to 25.6 secs. for 200m.

I believe that the new dimension Bev has added to the training Amelia is receiving from Birchfield has accelerated her progress in the sport beyond all expectations.

Amelia’s achievements this year reflect your excellence as a Pilates instructor. I can’t thank you enough Bev for what you have done for Amelia.
Amelia Benjamin

When my mom first mentioned Pilates I thought it was some sort of yoga class. I didn’t really give it a second thought. Nothing was working in terms of improving my technique and the pain in my knee was getting worse despite intensive massage. I was thriving for more success but me and my mom both knew that would be tough as I was moving up an age group. It was my first year in 2009 and I thought I was doing pretty well. I had no clue how good I would be with the Pilates. As soon as I arrived Bev noticed my problems immediately. Hip rotation was causing me to limp while I was running; the tight muscles in my back, weak abdominals with very little core strength caused me to lean too far forward whilst running. Bev said it was a wonder I could run so fast as my leg muscles were extremely tight and not working correctly; I now look back and have to wonder too.

8 months later and I am racing kids a year older than me, yet doing very well. I’ve come a long way thanks to Bev but I still got a whole lot to learn. Bev makes it easy for me to understand what muscles I’m working on and why as she talks me through my exercises. She also does illustrated homework sheets with exercises to complete at home. I found the more you put in the better the result. I have learnt so much in Bev’s one to one class and I find it easy to apply it to my running, as well as my every day activities. I have to thank her for contributing to my success this year because I know that my achievements would not have been possible without her and my coach. I would advise any people involved in competitive sports to try Pilates and see how it can improve their performances.

Thanks Bev for all you have done to help me
Sharon Brennan

I have been attending Bev’s Pilates’ classes for the past 3 years and have been pleased with the improvement to my posture. My body awareness had improved and I also experienced less low back pain. However, I felt that I had reached a plateau and did not seem to be making further progress. I decided to book a One to One Session with Bev to enable me to review my progress and to tailor exercises specifically for my needs.

I found the individual session very helpful. Bev was informative and encouraging and gave me just the boost I needed to make the necessary adjustments to my exercises to move me on. I was even given a homework sheet with an illustrated set of exercises to practise at home. Thanks Bev for giving me a kick start.
Yvonne Hudson

After a road traffic accident in September 1999, I suffered injuries to my neck, right shoulder and disc damage to my lower back and the prognosis was that the disc damage would lead to early onset of arthritis and that I would probably not be pain-free. I tried various physiotherapy treatments including acupuncture, exercise and pain machines to improve mobility and try to alleviate the pain in my neck and shoulder. I learned to use my left hand rather than my right one and resigned myself to living with pain and limitations.

I had heard about Pilates and thought that it was worth a try. I can now say that this proved to be one of the best and most beneficial decisions I made. Since attending a regular weekly Pilates’ class since September 2006, my muscles have become stronger, my posture has improved noticeably, my mobility has improved and I no longer live with constant pain.

I feel that my successful improvement is mainly due to the guidance and expert teaching of Bev who adapts the exercises accordingly for those with various injuries and limitations. She has also experienced injury herself and is able to empathise with her clients. I cannot admit to carrying out my ‘homework’ exercises as often as I should but Bev encourages us to think more about our posture as we go about our daily routine. I personally think that improvement is a 2-way process - a good teacher and a receptive pupil - and from Bev’s point of view an ‘assist me to assist you’ situation.
Cynthia Mitten

Hi Bev, Just thought I'd let you know that I really enjoyed Tuesday evening. I have never done any form of exercise before apart from swimming) and was very apprehensive in case I made a fool of myself! I am a bit achey today but I guess my body's found muscles it didn't know it had. I have also just browsed your website and was very impressed with it. See you next Tuesday.
Sharon Meredith

I struggled for over twenty years with the symptoms of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) caused by a hereditary spinal disease. As well as being very round-shouldered, I suffered with much back pain, particularly when on my feet for a long time, or sitting at a desk for more than a couple of hours, and my shoulders invariably ached most days.

As I got older I became more aware of my appearance and started to become concerned that if I didn’t do something to improve my posture I was going to end up a very rounded old lady! I started seeing an osteopath who suggested that Pilates would be good for me - that has proved to be a great understatement. Since starting with classes with Bev nearly two years ago I have learned a lot about how my body works and have been able to make great improvements to my posture.

I am now much more upright and much less round-shouldered which has made me much more confident. I rarely get any back pain and although I sometimes get tension in my shoulders, it is not often and significantly reduced. I may not “practice” every day, but I find that I am often checking my posture throughout the day, whether walking, driving, sitting at a desk or washing up. Pilates really has become an integral part of every day life for me.
Beryl Williams

Three years ago I joined Bev’s Pilates class out of curiosity. I now wish I had known of Pilates 50 years ago. I gradually realized what years of bad posture had done to my body and how Pilates’ exercises could help to rectify the aches and pains I had put down to old age. Now with Bev’s help and advice my posture is improving and this has brought not just physical benefits but mental well-being. Progress has required practice and perseverance but I can vouch that you are never too old to improve.
Istvan Jakab

In 2004 I broke my spine in a bad car accident. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks and towards the end of this period I was fitted with a brace to support my back. I had to wear the brace for some time, even when discharged, and when it was removed I was very stiff and my muscles were very weak.

My wife read about the benefits of Pilates for the back and so I decided to join a Beginners’ class. I was fortunate because Bev was a very capable lady who knew her business and kept an eye on me so that I would not do any inappropriate exercise that would be unsuitable for my back.

Much to my surprise I found it hard to do the exercises but persevered and started to notice improvement. As the months went by my muscles that support the back got strengthened and my mobility improved. Although much better now, I am carrying on with the lessons and exercises because I feel they are very beneficial for the whole body.

In my class, the members are mainly ladies. It is a pity that no more men join these classes. I can truly recommend Pilates and advise men not to shy away or under-estimate these exercises because doing them properly is much harder work than one would expect and the benefits are truly worthwhile.
Steve Harland

From a combination of classes and one to one coaching sessions Bev has introduced me to the Pilates technique for improving my core strength, stability and general mobility. And as a keen road cyclist I now have a set of stretches and exercises that I can do without the need for expensive gym sessions and equipment. Before meeting Bev I would never have believed that such a simple technique could have been so beneficial to my training and general health and well being.
Philip Bartleet

Coming from a cycling background, I started to experience pain in my back and shoulders. At first I tried to ignore this but, the problem persisted and gradually got worse, to the point where I was no longer enjoying riding my bike. With limited knowledge of Pilates, I went to see Bev in the hope of relieving the discomfort I was experiencing. I found Bev to be thorough in her approach, working back to an accident I had eight years ago to be the source of the problem. From this point Bev worked with me on a one to one basis to implement a suitable Pilates programme to improve my posture, build up my strength and alleviate the discomfort I was experiencing. I was able to to compliment my one to one sessions with the number of Pilates classes that Bev also has on offer.

Bev's approach to the Pilates is excellent as she gave me the knowledge and support materials to go away away and perform the exercises myself. As a result, the improvements really started to show. I now have a better understanding of my body and understand why pain and discomfort occur. I have made small changes to my my everyday life e.g how I sit at my desk, but they have had a huge positive impact on the discomfort I was experiencing. I have also adapted my cycling position based on the knowledge Bev passed to me. This change in position immediately changed how I felt on the bike, as I was producing more power and also it eliminated the discomfort I was previously experiencing. Now that I am aware of Pilates and Bev's approach to teaching, I would strongly recommend anybody who was not aware or had any reservations to give Pilates a go.
Maggie Moore

Before I joined Bev’s Pilates’ class, I had suffered with low back pain for years. Now, because of the appropriate core-strengthening exercises, back pain is a thing of the past. I really look forward to my lessons and my individual needs are catered for. The teaching is creative, innovative and stimulating. My posture has improved - and so has my body shape!
Jan Stephens

Great website!

Over the years I have attended numerous exercise and fitness classes, but have found that each type has fallen down in some aspect or another, e.g. resulting in joint pain (caused by high impact) and muscle strain. Too many trainers do not advise correctly. Bev’s is the first class where I have been confident that I can strengthen my muscles in safety. She applies her extensive knowledge of the human body to designing the exercises to suit each member of her class, according to his or her weaknesses, explaining as she does so.

I am 63 years old and have always been very active. Unfortunately, high-impact sports such as long-jump, netball and badminton have worn down my joints resulting in osteoarthritis in neck, hip and knees. My hip has been very successfully resurfaced and Bev’s classes are helping to strengthen the muscles around it and all my other joints. My posture is also improving after years of sitting at a computer.