Katie Takashima's approach to her Pilates instruction is thoughtful, focused and comprehensive. Each class is carefully constructed to target specific areas of the body, warming up and increasing the intensity over the session. The result is a feeling of well-being at the end of each class, with muscles that have been made to work and a mind also having been made to concentrate. Before beginning every class Katie always asks about participants' physical issues so that movements can be tailored to individual needs and she recognises the versatility of Pilates exercises so everyone gets maximum benefit every time.
Katie keenly observes her class members (I am in a mixed level class with a variety of ages and abilities) and she is quick to give encouragement and praise. Pilates can be deceptively strenuous and it feels good to have our efforts acknowledged, though it must be said that Katie is not shy about challenging us just that little bit further, though always with good humour and sympathy. - Kathleen (Retiree, Age 63) I feel that I have made personal progress through ChoosePILATES: general fitness, my stamina when running/swimming has improved and definitely improved my pelvic floor muscles (2 babies worth of stress!) I really enjoy Pilates and Katie is a fabulous teacher! - Polly (Midwife, Age 37) I was surprised by how hard Pilates was when I first tried it. I had imagined that it would be easy for somebody who regularly went to the gym & played football. Instead I actually found that I struggled with many of the exercises! I had quite a few private classes with Katie & really noticed a difference with my abdominal strength. Katie's demonstrations of exercies are very impressive & give me a goal to work towards. Her instructions are clear & her manner is encouraging & friendly. - Jay (Auditor, Age 38) I go to a regular fitness class that involves sit-ups and stomach crunches etc and the instructor has said more than once, "ooh you make that look easy". I haven't the heart to tell her it isn't her class but pilates that's done that! Katie's class has also enhanced my yoga practice - particularly headstands that rely on core stability for balance - and improved my overall posture. - Fiona (Editor, Age 32) After some major surgery I decided to take up Pilates and a friend recommended Katie, I have been going to Katie for over a year now, a combination of studio and mat classes. The difference that it has made to my whole sense of well being and overall flexibility has been remarkable. The changes within my body have also boosted my sense of self confidence. I really enjoy the classes and have to say that Katie is an excellent teacher. - Ellen (Managing Director, Age 58)
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