Clare Brown Pilates

I’d suffered for 2 years with a discomfort in my leg followed by an operation which didn’t help. Clare gave me a few simple exercises to do which has solved the problem. I would tell anyone with a musculoskeletal issue seeking surgery to speak to Clare first. She is both professional and personable, and I would highly recommend her.

I have been suffering from sciatica, RSI, and plantar fasciitis for years now, and tried 3 physiotherapists and a ROLFer before finding Clare. After working with her for just 6 months, my pain levels have dropped significantly, and I am better able to notice and prevent flare-ups. After a one-to-one session I'm so relaxed and stretched out I feel like I've been on holiday for a week! She is an amazing teacher and great person, I cannot recommend her strongly enough. Fabulous, worth every penny and more.

Great for pregnancy! I started going to Clare's pilates classes when I was 24 weeks pregnant and continued right up until I was 39 weeks! It was the best thing I did during my pregnancy to keep my strength, core stability and pelvic floor in good condition and I feel it was the key to keeping me healthy and happy during my pregnancy, and also helped me post-natal with a quicker physical recovery than anticipated. Clare adjusted the exercises safely and appropriately for the different stages of pregnancy. I would highly recommend to anyone who is pregnant. Some of the exercises seem simple at the beginners level (especially if you are used to high intensity exercise), but Clare makes sure you do them with 100% correct technique so you end up using every single muscle just do a simple stretch.

I have complete trust and confidence in Clare's warm, thorough and professional approach. Sometimes I arrive at the session with a headache but invariably I leave feeling calm, comfortably stretched and headache free. Highly recommended.

Having developed a prolapsed disc some years ago I have had regular physiotherapy to manipulate and correct my back. I noted that many of the exercises recommended by the therapist were derived from Pilates, so I chose to add to my "well-being" routine by taking a Pilates class. Clare was recommended by a friend and had an appropriate and accessible class. I have been taking a weekly class with Clare for about 2 years and have improved my posture, my balance and my core strength, which are all attributes that I believe are essential to a healthy life, particulary as one ages. Clare is friendly, knowledgeable and provides just the right level of challenge to help me work on my health. I think that I will be "doing" Pilates for as long as possible, hopefully with Clare's guidance for many years.

Truly life altering! I started going to Clare's classes about 3 years ago after experiencing frequent back pain which was affecting my sleep, mobility and really getting me down. The effects have been huge - I feel stronger and more flexible than I have in years and my posture has improved immeasurably. Clare is so friendly and encouraging and she's great at addressing individual issues. It's also lovely to be in a class with so many different types of people and to see others progress.

I first contacted Clare after radiotherapy had left me with a few unwanted aches and pains. Also, Osteoarthritis in my right hip is sometimes troublesome. I didn't really know what to expect, but the result of the exercises has been more beneficial than I had could have imagined. Not only does my whole body feel wonderful after each session physically, I find that the breathing techniques and levels of concentration I engage in whilst doing the exercises, have also helped my general well being. Clare is so good in her approach encouraging every member of the class, whatever level we are working at. She constantly gives praise and reassurance throughout each session. Clare explains each element of each workout in detail, leaving it up to the individual to decide which level they want to strive towards. Clare's knowledge and professionalism is clear for all to see, whilst she maintains a balance of humour and sensitivity to all situations. I would recommend Clare to anyone interested in trying this form of exercise, whatever age or sex. It's a wonderful work out and very beneficial to the whole body.Moreexpand_more

I have been attending Clare's Monday class in St Leonard's Church Hall for a year, and am more than pleased with the improvement in the functioning of both knees, (Arthritis) Clare is a knowledgeable and highly skilled teacher. Her workouts are thorough and geared towards the differing capabilities of Group Members - and very enjoyable. I can't recommend Clare or her classes highly enough.

Both my husband and myself have been attending Clare’s Pilates classes for over a year. We’ve both had issues that have been greatly improved by Clare’s help. From head to toes it’s a total body conditioner, can’t recommend enough. Professional, thorough, knowledgeable and caring are just some of the words to describe Clare’s Pilates classes!

I cannot recommend Clare's classes enough! I am near retirement age, and came with extreme muscular pain, tension and chronic fibromyalgia symptoms. It did not take long with her encouragement and expertise, clear guidance and pacing, to gain confidence and learn the exercises. The class is well structured, relaxed and encourages me to listen to my body and this also calms my mind. I persevered and now have increased strength, particularly in my wrists, arms, and upper body, my core is more stable, hips more flexible, and I have less pain in my back. Better still, the learning has carried over into daily life, improved my posture and mood, and helps me take care of myself. The relaxation is wonderful, and her voice and leadership both nurturing and energising. I look forward to each session!

I started attending Clare's pilates classes after the chiropracticor treating me for lower back pain said it would help. And it did. Since attending pilates I have really noticed an improvement, my leg, arm and core strength has increased and I'm much more aware of my posture when sitting or standing. Most significantly if I do get any niggles of back pain I know what exercises I can do myself that help ease it and I haven't had to return to the chiropractor since I started pilates. Clare is a great teacher who fully explains the moves and their benefits and will always help you if your struggling with a move. She pitches the moves so you are able to get the most out of her classes whatever your experience or ability. I would thoroughly recommend Clare's classes to anyone thiking of taking up pilates. I've been going for over a year now, I'd never stuck an exercise class for more than two sessions before.

I am 64 and after a lifetime of keeping fit I gradually developed stiff joints as I got older, especially painful knees and hips. This worsened and some days I could barely walk. I knew I had to do something. Clare's Pilates was it! That was 4 months ago and wow, what a difference. My life has completely changed. I can walk without pain, sleep better, I feel positive and am able to be more active day to day. My posture has improved, I walk tall, and feel on top of the world. These words and star ratings are absolutely genuine. Clare describes the movements and explains everything really well and sees everyone in the class as individuals.Moreexpand_more

Since going to Clare's Pilates class, I've had significant improvement in posture, increase in flexibility and less discomfort in shoulder and elbow arising from 'tennis elbow'. And all within the first six-week course.

Pilates with Clare has transformed my back problem. I am now trouble free. She is a dedicated and professional teacher who gets results with all her pupils. I can thoroughly recommend her. Alan.

I've been going to Clare's classes for over two years now and would highly recommend them to everyone. Clare takes the time to ensure every member in the class is included and she pays particular attention to specific injuries that people may have. I thoroughly enjoy my class and can really tell when I've missed a class.

I joined Clare's class nearly a year ago following a foot operation and having ongoing shoulder problems. She has always been mindful of my needs during classes without drawing undue attention to them. Pilates has improved my posture, flexibility, coordination, balance and physical and mental confidence. Clare's approach is thorough, detailed and professional, but always infused with a lovely sense of humour. I would recommend her classes to anyone who needs help to alleviate a physical problem or simply to improve suppleness, strength and coordination.

I've never been into exercise but when I started getting backache first thing in the morning I decided to try Pilates. A friend recommended Clare and I went along about 18 months ago to try it out feeling rather sceptical. I'm still going every week when I possibly can so it must be good. Clare is particularly helpful in letting you swap days if you can't make your usual day. My backache has been virtually eliminated. I have in the past had plantar fasciitis (pain in the foot) and supraspinatus tendinitis (shoulder problems) but neither have come back since I started Pilates. I found it particularly helpful when I was on holiday wandering round ancient sites - I found I could stand much more comfortably by 'engaging my core' and making sure I was all properly 'stacked'.

I have been to various pilates classes over the years but this one has had the biggest positive impact on my health and lifestyle. Clare focuses very much on good posture and developing muscles and flexibility to enable good posture to be maintained in daily life. I have suffered from lower back pain for many years after the birth of my children and final now I understand the cause and can take effective measures to combat the pain and protect my back. The classes are friendly with everyone working towards their own goals. What ever level there is always a challenge in the class should you want one.

Clares attention to detail and professional attitude second to none. After several years of getting nowhere with doctors and physiotherapy she helped me completely overcome back and knee pain with easy to do excercises in a short period of time. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

I am really feeling the benefit of going to Clare's class. Suffering from sciatica and arthritis I was struggling, but since doing Pilates the pain is less and I can move more and feel stronger in my body. She lets you work at your own pace but encourages you to do more if you can. She will give one to one advice when required and always gives extra time. I can definitely recommend the classes.