Pilates

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Originally from Germany, he moved to the US in 1926 where he met his wife, Clara, and they developed a system called Contrology which promoted the perfect balance of strength and flexibility.

It became known as Pilates and is a system of physical and mental conditioning that can enhance your physical strength, flexibility and coordination as well as reduce stress, improve mental focus and foster an improved sense of well-being. There are five principles that underpin the teaching of Pilates: alignment, centring, breathing, coordination & flow and relaxation.

PILATES is a great way to improve posture, strengthen the core and develop muscle strength and flexibility. All ages and fitness levels can take part and it can be effective in helping with ailments such as lower back pain.

Classes run for 1 hour at various times through the week. They can be adapted to suit a range of fitness levels and abilities.

I have been attending Rachel’s Pilates classes for the last 18 months. Even though I was already reasonably fit, playing regular tennis and through gym work, I benefit from the extra dimension that Pilates brings and the discipline of the weekly challenge. I feel thoroughly exhilarated after each class, and Rachel’s natural energy and enthusiasm ensures the classes are fun with excellent team spirit. She varies the routines each week, making the sessions interesting and challenging, and they are enjoyable regardless of one’s own level of attainment or goal. I cannot imagine any better Pilates instructor in the area, and I would recommend her studio without hesitation.
Richard Harris

Solihull

I thoroughly enjoy my Pilates lessons with Rachel as I always feel so good afterwards . She clearly knows her stuff, and as a chiropractor myself, I’m always happy to refer my patients onto her as I know how much her sessions have helped my back.
Emma - Chiropractor

Olton

Having had problems with my lower back for a long time and tried various Pilates classes, I can honestly say that with Rachel’s help, I’m feeling much better and the pain has gone. The classes are small so that Rachel is able to help each individual and she is very passionate about her teaching. This help is exactly what I need and did not receive in the big classes. Also, the atmosphere at Studio 52 is conducive and very friendly and the room, ideal for the class. Therefore, I can highly recommend Rachel’s Pilates classes.
Elisabeth

Knowle

I really enjoy Pilates at Studio 52 and have stuck with it in a way I haven’t with other places! It is not at all competitive – it is so relaxed and we have fun, even though we work hard. Rachel always has alternative options for an exercise if you have a tweak or a niggle, so you never feel that you need to push yourself too hard if you are unsure about something. The classes are smaller than most others, so you also know that Rachel can check on your technique and ensure that you are doing things properly. Having been attending classes with Rachel now for a couple of years, it is a real sense of achievement to see that we are now doing advanced level options on a lot of exercises and have really progressed. I always leave a class feeling so much better and really glad that I went!
Kate Grasby

Knowle