Ankor Pilates

Ankor Pilates was recommended by my Osteopath at the time when I was suffering from sciatica. I tried many things, swimming regularly, walking, pilates, osteopath and I believe they all contributed massively to y recovery. Ankor pilates specifically was brilliant. Zoe and her team were very good with helping a beginner and adjusting some exercises when required to avoid exacerbating the pain. Would highly recommend Ankor to anyone.
May 2nd, 2023

I have been with Ankor Pilates now for more than two years, initially joining their lessons as I wanted to improve my core strenght and shoulder stability for climbing. During this time, my core strength and stability has ramped up which has improved my climbing enormously. I have found that now I am able to maintain positions for longer, which gives me the right balance to execute movements that I was not able to do before or to hold for long enough to place gear without getting pumped on the arm that its holding me. Being able to keep my body close to the wall/rock has opened a new world of possibilities, especially with regards to static moves, as the balance is just right, whereas before if the movement was challenging I was falling because I was out of balance. Also, I think that mentally I feel stronger knowing that my core is now strong, so I am trying things above my grade and finding that I can do the movements!
May 6th, 2021

I started going to Pilates after a period of ill health. My mobility had become extremely difficult and I had a lot of lower back pain and weakness. I had been in a wheelchair so there were many muscles that hadnt been used for a long while. Very quickly the pain disappeared and I found myself having the freedom to be able to walk easily. My body has become much stronger. Zo was understanding and listened about all my bodys niggles. She was able to give me exercises to help and adjustments when I needed them. She powered through lockdown with online classes and one-to-ones which helped keep the momentum. I have now been able to go on a walking holiday after about 8 months (probably could have earlier, but COVID-19) which I never believed I could do again even a year before. I walked 5 miles per day for a week which was an amazing feeling. I would highly recommend. You really dont need a certain level of fitness before you start.
Apr 10th, 2021

Sep 14th, 2020

The classes have been so beneficial to me and pretty life-changing! The small class size and the really skilled but down-to-earth teachers have made me feel so welcome. I've learnt how to be so much more aware of the intricacies of my body and how to target certain muscles. The biggest thing has just been finding a type of exercise that really de-stresses me - I didn't realise how stressed I was and taking the time to slow down, release tension in specific muscles and breathe has really changed the way I go about life. It has also helped me redefine my relationship with my body and pain itself. Since then, I've really felt my chronic pain lessen and in each class I feel like I learn more and more and I'm able to strengthen areas that have been chronically weak and that haven't been targeted properly for years!
Sep 10th, 2020