Aligned For Life Pilates

Aligned for Life Pilates Studios

'I sustained a lower back injury in 1998 playing competitive squash. My injury has been described as having a "mixed inflammatory and mechanical lumbago' and 'paraspinal muscle atrophy' as well as 'multilevel degenerative disc changes' in the lumbar spine. As a result of the injury my back has given me constant pain since the injury resulting in an inability to move at all for short periods. I had tried Chiropractors, Physios, Osteopathy, and all these treatments offered some short term help but none addressed the underlying issues of a long term solution to the point where surgery was being suggested.

While the effects of pilates have been gradual I have noticed changes such as increasing muscle definition, increased reliance on my stomach when walking, jogging or twisting/bending, and a reduction in the level of back pain. Now after 2 years of one hour twice a week, plus regular exercise and stretching I am able to get about with minimal disruption and considerably more flexibility and movement than before. Whilst acknowledging that the injury will probably never fully heal and the pain will never completely go, Pilates offered me the ability to carry out controlled physical activity within the constraints of my condition.Returning to jogging and cycling is now a real possibility, thanks to Pilates and of course Katrina and her expert team of able teachers at Aligned for Life'. - Stephen James. Current Studio Client

‘After two babies in two years and plagued with back and neck problems I discovered Aligned for Life Pilates. In the eight years I have been attending one studio session a week I have gone from weekly physio appointments to yearly ones. I can maintain my health with the help from the instructors and really notice the difference when I occasionally miss a session. Now I don't know how I could live without it!!’ – Georgia Birch. Current Studio Client

I joined Aligned for Life Pilates after having 2-3 years of neck problems causing lack of sleep. I have canal stenosis in my neck caused by degeneration and computer work over many years. I have tried physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercises at home, gym work, acupuncture and have seen specialists over 2-3 years to try and alleviate my neck pain but to no avail. Since attending your pilates sessions once a week I have found my neck is no longer giving me pain and my overall health has improved and my core strength is better. I am very impressed with all the staff I have come across, in particular Kath who takes my regular session. - Pat Sturrock, current studio client

In September 2004 I took my first tentative steps into the aligned for life pilates studio. My steps were tentative due to a disk injury in my lower back, while physio had helped me get back on my feet, at only 35 years of age, any kind of sport seemed impossible to me due to the new limitations I could feel in my body.

Five years with aligned for life has changed this outlook, rather dramatically. In the five years I have had four brilliant teachers and have worked up from rehabilitation Pilates, to more complicated Pilates and now use Pilates as a physical condition tool for my new sport.

Two years ago I started my mixed martial arts training and I am using Pilates as the most significant part of my physical conditioning program. I am now able to train five times a week or more and have now had a few mixed martial arts bouts without any impact on my old back injury. I know in my heart that none of this would be possible without the expert tuition I have received from the brilliant staff at Aligned for Life. - Matthew Clark, current studio client.

National Pilates Training

I was very impressed with the quality of material provided, both written and verbal … and the well structured class format. Much more than this, however, I was inspired by the profound knowledge and passion the lecturers displayed in relation to pilates, and associated areas, such as anatomy, physiology etc … and their mission to pass this on to their students. It became crystal clear to me that I had chosen the right pilates course … comprehensive, with robust support network and instructors with the care factor that is often missing today.

I look forward to the next delivery day, the next class, to integrating pilates into my life … so much to learn, daunting yet, with the guidance and support of the Aligned for Life Pilates network, do-able!! - Sandra Lowden, Current Student

My experience of the National Pilates Training course is extremely positive. This is a 1st class course that is very professionally run and presented' - Helen Fletcher, Past Student