Deb's Story

I came to DY Pilates with hope rather than expectation tbh, as I'd never done Pilates before, and I thought I'd try it on recommendation from my sister in law who had great results with her core strength after having twins. I had only vaguely heard of MAT, so it was an added bonus that Darren offered this too. Mentally, I was in a place that my back /hip issues were never going to improve, but I'm always open to a different solution. Frankly, I was scared to do any type of exercises, classes gym etc as everything only exacerbated my back and hip pain. But I was very positive and open minded that pilates and MAT would hopefully improve my issues and I would hopefully alleviate some of the pain and become stronger and more flexible.

I wanted to walk more comfortably with less pain, be able to climb stairs easier, as I struggled to lift my right leg fully up. Due to not being able to exercise, including longer walks, for some time, I wanted my body to feel lighter and more flexible, my posture needed addressing too.

I had seen NHS physios, a Thai massage lady (she was wonderful as it was full body massage, but the effects were brief), private Mri scan on lower back, £600 worth of chiropractor appointments, various medications, hot water bottle, ice compress etc but the problem was still there.

I was very frightened that my back issue would continue to worsen, and ultimately I would be unable to walk or do anything physically.  My thoughts were mainly negative to be perfectly honest, which isnt really the sort of person I am. But, after trying so many different "solutions or remedies", all to no avail, and feeling that no one was able to offer any other suggestions, I'd come to the unhappy conclusion that I was stuck with this situation forever and my body was failing me.  I'd start doing my housework and have to keep sitting down, or sometimes just stop doing it, and end up on the sofa with hot water bottle etc, feeling completely useless and annoyed with myself. Often dreading going to bed as I knew it was hard to sleep. Not wanting to go anywhere really.  I love decorating and furniture renovations but with the kneeling and bending I couldn't do this. Sleep definitely was disturbed. The discomfort and pain would keep me awake, but then the mind runs wild with "what ifs etc" and the fear I would be permanently stuck with this problem.

Since seeing Darren, my back pain is 90% improved and that came after ONE MAT SESSION !!!! My movement is lighter, freer, more easy and flexible. My core is improving constantly and I feel taller.  I am practically pain free, which is amazing and honestly something I thought was impossible to achieve. I'm very much more aware of every part of my body, and mentally I'm much more invested in improving and maintaining my body as I get older. I've never enjoyed any exercise as much as I do Pilates.

I am eternally grateful for Darren. I could have so easily gone to one of the many "pilates" studios that are popping up everywhere and yet they don't offer any where near the years of experience Darren has acquired through his hard work and dedication to Classical Pilates, done the proper way. His professionalism and knowledge are outstanding and he still takes classes himself to constantly gain more knowledge which we as his students are incredibly lucky to benefit from. He is extremely friendly and approachable and has a great sense of humour. In Darren's classes I feel safe, be it using the apparatus or Reformer or a mat class. I know 100% that Darren ensures we all are safe and exercise within our capabilities and are giving our bodies the benefit of an excellent teacher. Whilst pilates done correctly is far from easy, every class with Darren is both challenging and extremely enjoyable and rewarding physically and mentally and. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

To find out how MAT & Pilates can help you, contact me via email darren@dypilates.com or via the 'contact page' on the website.