"Sorry to be gone - missing the workouts!"

"Now that I have moved to England, I thought I'd send you a quick email to let you know that I am really missing my weekly Pilates reformer with Gillian greatly! I always say that there's no benefit in praising someone to others and not letting them know personally. So along with telling everyone I know how great her classes are, I'd like to let you know what a fantastic instructor Gillian is and that I was very lucky to have been taught by her. I am doing Pilates here in Welwyn and there isn't an instructor to compare to Gillian and the centre I attend is considered one of the best in Hertfordshire! I will have to work twice as hard on my own in order to keep the fitness and toned physique she helped me develop!! Can you please pass on my grateful praise to Gillian and I hope to call back in for classes any time I am home."

Sinead Kelly, Hertfordshire, England.

"I have been attending Naas Physiotherapy for a number of years with a lower back injury, which flares up from time to time.
I have been delighted with the level of treatment that I have received at the clinic which has kept the condition in check. I appreciate in particular the care and attention with which the injury is monitored and the wide range of treatments available."

Rory Finnegan, Naas, Co. Kildare

"I have been attending Naas Physiotherapy Clinic for nearly a year now.

I initially joined Pilates as it was recommended to me by my Consultant post-op. The Pilates Classes are absolutely fantastic, very professionally run, great craic and have aided my recovery process no end.

Also, if you want the best neck and back massage ever, make an appointment with Tony. I would rate them as the best massages I have ever had. Keep up the good work"

Geraldine Heffernan, Naas.

I have attended pilates/reformer classes since the studio opened in 2007. My initial reason for attending was to strengthen my back and improve my posture. (I play the harp and was experiencing some pain after a limited practice period). Up to that point I had had regular physio sessions.

After the first couple of mat classes I noticed an improvement in my back and I'm happy to report that in the last 3 years I have only had to resort to one physio session. I now have the means and knowledge to exercise myself out of any discomfort I may have. I am delighted to be able to do so.

Apart from that obvious advantage, I have gained in other wonderful ways. My posture is much improved and is regularly commented on. My back is considerably stronger and rarely causes me any discomfort. My whole body is toned and I have a flexibility I have not known since childhood.

Just over 12 months ago I enrolled in the reformer classes and I thoroughly enjoy them. I can now do exercises I could only have dreamed of just a few short months ago. I find it remarkable that even going to a class once a week can produce such results.

Pilates is not a quick fix, but if you have the type of personality that is prepared to stick at something, you will gain enormously from this discipline. The effects are truly amazing and long lasting.

Mary Nolan, Blessington