Testimonials
Client's comments
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Ian is a very knowledgeable, patient and dedicated Pilates instructor, usually delivering his lessons in a range of church and village halls. He has had to adapt his lessons to present them via Zoom due to the Covid situation, which is great as it has meant I have been able to keep up with my exercises when all other classes have been closed.
Changing to Zoom has been a great success, he describes each exercise really well, gives you different levels from beginner to advanced and you then do which ever is suitable for you. Everyone is busy with their exercises and as such doing the class online is not an issue, you can just get on with it in the comfort of your own home whilst ensuring you are receiving instruction from a qualified tutor. The sessions are great value for money and I would recommend them to anyone who is interested in Pilates.
Well done and thank you Ian for finding a way of keeping us all fit 
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Carole, Knaresborough
For me Pilates is the perfect form of exercise, non-threatening, non-competitive and engenders a sense of well being. I suffer from arthritis and started Pilates two years ago.Since then I have had a much more positive attitude towards my health, I cope better with joint problems and the best result has been the improvement of my balance. Ian is a sympathetic, caring instructor with the right blend of expert knowledge and good humour. I heartily recommend these classes.
Joy Garratt Shaw Mills Harrogate
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I began to go to Ian's Pilates classes when I was eighty. I am mildly arthritic and had begun to feel ancient, dithery and lacking in confidence. From the start the gentle progressive exercises and Ian's encouragement made a big difference, both mentally and physically. Now after eighteen months, my balance is greatly improved. I'm much more flexible, my confidence has returned and I feel stronger all round. After each session the sense of relaxation and well being is great.I wouldn't miss it for anything! BP( before Pilates) I had started to go down steps sideways. No more!
Rosie Jenkins Killinghall Harrogate
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One of the best pilates classes I have attended. Ian is an excellent confidence-giving teacher, individual supervision ensures all exercises are done correctly and to the appropriate level for the class. Breathing technique, core stability and balance become second nature as the classes progress. Posture improves and renewed energy brings noticeable health benefits - all this in an hour a week!!
Veronica Hawkesworth Glasshouses
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I have been doing Pilates with Ian for over a year. I have benefited no end, my whole body feels so much more flexible, stronger, toned up and my posture is looking good.
Ailsa M Duckworth Knaresborough
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I have suffered for years from progressively worsening lower back pain. Last August a back spasm landed me flat in bed (and in agony) for three days. I vowed then to try anything to avoid a repeat - even cissy pilates! To my complete surprise I have become a total convert. Ian is a sympathetic, good-humoured and patient instructor and his expert directions are easily followed. One year on I honestly cannot believe the difference. My mobility has improved significantly, my posture is better and I do not now suffer back discomfort when I am standing for extended periods or even lying in bed. By the way, if it sounds like Ian has paid me to write this you don't know Ian: he's a tight Geordie!
David F Hall MA MRICS Ripon
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Pilates for me compliments my other forms of exercise and offers me a different type of exercise, flexibility, core strength and posture. ' Shoulders in your back pockets ' is a frequent cry in our house. Although I am usually the only man in the class, it does not bother me, as when concentrating on the routine I don't notice what everyone else is doing. Ian delivers the class very professionally and is very aware of everyone's individual needs. I would encourage any man who is not sure, to try a few classes- they can only benefit from it.
Jim McIntyre Ripon
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I have found Pilates to be very beneficial for toning and improving my core strength. The exercises and movements are adapted by Ian so that everyone works to a level they are capable of and within their ability. I'm sure it has improved my running technique, I look forward to my Pilates class and it has become an integral part of my fitness routine.
Nicola Carter Knaresborough
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May I take this opportunity to thank you, since taking up your pilates class on a Wednesday evening I feel so much better both physically and mentally, as you know I suffer from osteo arthritis in my legs, hips and back and also have a bulging disc and was finding everyday tasks difficult. Now for the1st time in nearly 2 years I find I have much more flexibility and even went for a 2 hour walk the other evening. Your classes are friendly and welcoming, you are a true professional and show each individual how to do each movement correctly. I really enjoy your classes and would recommend them to anyone. People have commented on how much better my posture and movements are which shows how good you are!!Thank you again and hopefully I will continue coming to your class to continue my improvement and also to enjoy keeping fit!
Sue Griffin Knaresborough
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I joined Ian's class in February 2010 to improve my core muscle strength and thereby alleviate neck and shoulder pain due to posture problems. This has improved considerably, so much so that recently someone asked if I did Pilates. When I asked her how she knew she replied 'because of the way you stand and sit.' Ian is an excellent teacher- encouraging, patient, knowledgeable, sensitive to individuals' limitations and able to challenge strengths. His classes are also great fun and thoroughly enjoyable.
Julie Wrathall Hampsthwaite
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I continued attending pilates classes throughout my pregnancy and I'm sure it helped to keep my energy up as well as preventing all those aches and pains some women get! It also gave me some much needed 'me time' and relaxation.Pilates concentrates on your tummy and pelvic floor muscles, both of which are put under real strain during pregnancy. Any midwife will tell you how important it is to work those pelvic floor muscles!
Ian was amazing and adapted the routine around each stage of the pregnancy, I felt confident I was in safe hands.
Pilates is definitely something I will continue through any further pregnancies!
Mary Evans Summerbridge
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I joined Ian's Pilates class in the summer of 2010 and I'm still going strong today.In six months my body has become so strong plus my overall core strength has improved 100%.
Ian is a very experienced instructor with patients in abundance so please don't put off trying the classes like I did, then wish I had joined months earlier.
I would recommend Ian's classes to anyone wishing to improve their overall fitness.
Julie Lambert Darley
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I was advised by a physiotherapist to try Pilates for my lower back pain,
over a year ago. After trying everything else I could think of, to no avail,
I finally signed up to Ian's class in February 2011. Now I wonder why I
waited for so long! Ian is an excellent teacher. He has a caring and
encouraging approach, with a touch of humour. He knows his class; their
abilities and physical difficulties and ensures that each individual works
to their potential. The quote from Joseph Pilates is true...I can feel the
difference after 10 sessions- my back pain has gone! Now I am looking
forward to the new body!
Karen Howells Goldsborough
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"I have been attending Pilates with Ian for 6 months and can positively feel the effects it has had on my body. Prior to starting Pilates I had problems with my shoulder which often caused headaches but now I rarely feel any pain at all. My core strength and flexibility have improved and generally I just feel more energized. In my opinion Ian is a friendly teacher and makes everyone feel welcome and able regardless of their ability. If you are thinking of trying Pilates for the first time I definitely think you should give it a go! Thank you Ian."
Emma Harvey Knaresborough
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I started doing pilates with Ian over three years ago to try to prevent a bad back from worsening. Since then, my core strength has improved significantly, I am more flexible, have better posture and feel more toned. I have found Ian to be an excellent instructor. I continued doing pilates during most of my pregnancy during which time Ian altered the exercises to suit my needs. I was therefore able to maintain fitness throughout my pregnancy which I feel can only have benefited me during labour. I returned to pilates six weeks after my baby was born and have found it to really helped me to regain my figure, especially in the tummy area!
Niamh Thompson Harrogate
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Some of the benefits of Pilates, apparently, are that you get stronger,
longer and leaner. I have been going to Ian's Knaresborough classes now
for several months and I certainly feel all of these and more. I started
as an absolute beginner and was made to feel at home straight away
because Ian has the patience and the ability to teach and support
everyone in the group, no matter what age or level of fitness. Added to
that his good humour and cheerful personality make exercise fun.
Crissy Borszowski York
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I have a 10 minute daily back exercise routine which allows me to function properly after fracturing two vertebrae 18 months ago, however Ian's pilates class is something I really look forward to.
Pilates works each muscle group separately and because of the control and concentration required to do the exercises properly, it also gives your mind a workout too.
Ian's expertise in pilates, his gentle motivation and the individual attention we all receive ensure that each person works to the best of their ability.
The benefits of attending a regular class are seen in the smiles of us all when we leave
Judi Graham Knaresborough
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I had a long history of severe back and hip problems which finally left me in a very negative, depressed state with very low self esteem.About 15 months ago someone suggested I tried pilates, so at desperation point I decided to “give it a go” but……….where do you begin to find a good pilates teacher? I searched locally and randomly phoned Ian. As soon as I spoke to Ian and heard his soft reassuring “Geordie” voice I knew he was the teacher for me.
Since then I have not looked back. Ian is a perfect teacher - kind, sympathetic, encouraging, patient and very motivating as he calmly explains and teaches his pilates. The benefits for me have been immense. I am pain free with far more flexion than I have had for years, I have better posture and core strength. Ian’s inspirational teaching of pilates has given me my self confidence back, I am generally happier knowing that I can learn and achieve my goals.
He truly is a life changing teacher and I cannot recommend him highly enough…….but don’t take my word for it…..try yourself….you won’t be disappointed!
Jane Newsome Ripon
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I have been doing Pilates with Ian now for over three years. As a result of Pilates I feel stronger, fitter and leaner. It has also made me more aware of my posture. The classes are small and friendly and are made up of a lovely mix of men and women of all ages and abilities. For me, it is an hour a week to focus on my well-being and I feel an essential part of my busy life.
Clare Jackson Dacre Banks
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I have attended Ian's Pilates classes for many years. The exercises give you a full body workout, with the scope to make them as difficult or easy as you wish.
At first I attended classes in person, but since covid I do them online, which is more convenient for me.
I had to miss classes for many months due to ill health. Since starting classes again, I feel more able physically, as well as gaining a real sense of well- being.
Pauline Beastall Knaresborough
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