I was a keen cyclist, however, frequently fell off my bike and needed to do something about this! I joined Mel’s classes with the aim to improve my balance and strengthen my body; initially attending the group mat classes, before adding in 1:1 studio sessions. 

Mel quickly established specific areas to focus on which not only strengthened my core but also improved my posture. And as a result, I'm no longer falling off my bike!!!

What I value the most is that Mel treats you as an individual and her bespoke sessions reflect this. I would genuinely recommend anyone to MelPilates, both the mat classes and the studio sessions.

Angela M, Banstead

I started attending Mel's Pilates mat classes about 13 years ago. I was advised that Pilates would strengthen my core and balance. I certainly found this to be true and enjoyed the classes as I grew to understand my body under Mel's guidance. As the classes progressed Mel introduced workshops which I found extremely useful. It certainly helped with my endurance as the workshops were a lot longer than a mat class. Each workshop Mel introduced a new piece of equipment, sometimes bringing in different instructors which made it varied and fun. 

After my knee replacement and intense physio I started to attend 1-2-1 sessions at Mel's studio, which I found invaluable. She was able to carry on with my rehabilitation after the physio had stopped. Last year she helped me with my hamstring rehabilitation, in fact she had initially diagnosed what the problem was. She was able to put me in touch with an excellent osteopath who she liaised with and between them they cured the problem and pain that I had suffered with for a long time.

Her understanding of the human body makes the 1-2-1 sessions so very interesting and she has taught me so much. I really do feel that my time spent with Mel either with mat or 1-2-1 sessions is my "me" time, which I find gives me the space to relax and clear my mind.

Jan M, Tadworth

Before joining Mel's Pilates, I suffered from serious back pain due to my physical workload and a series of hernia operations. The hernia surgeon advised me to take up Pilates, so I started looking for a good instructor, and my search led me to Mel.

I found Mel's method of instruction amazing, to say the least. Her knowledge of how the human body works and how to tailor moves to each individual in her classes, depending on their physical issues, is highly advantageous. Mel pays close attention to everyone's movements and not only points out where improvements can be made in the exercises but also when a move has been completed properly. This helps us pupils to know when we are doing a movement correctly.

Within a few weeks of attending one class a week, I noticed my flexibility and core strength had improved, and my back pain had become a thing of the past. My daily workload became easier, my breathing improved (I'm asthmatic), and I seemed to walk a little taller as my posture improved. Moving forward, my life will always include Pilates, hopefully with Mel's teachings.  

The key is to continue with Mel's classes, which are beneficial, friendly and have a great atmosphere.

Stewart D, Oxted

I started attending Pilates classes over eight years ago due to ongoing back problems. I’ve been working with Amy for around three years now, and although I already had a good foundation, I feel she has really helped me develop and progress my movement over that time. I only wish I had started earlier and could have prevented my back issues.

The biggest impact I’ve found from Pilates has been improved core strength and overall stability. The regular sessions have helped strengthen my back, reduce discomfort, and improve my posture and flexibility.
It has also had a positive impact on other activities I enjoy, including cycling, running and swimming. The increased core strength and greater awareness of how I move have helped me perform better across all these activities and reduced the risk of injury.

Working with Amy has been both enjoyable, motivating and hard work.... Her knowledge, encouragement and ability to push you when you need it have been great. Pilates has become an important part of my routine and has helped me stay active, mobile and, importantly, largely pain-free.
I would highly recommend Amy to anyone looking to improve their strength, mobility and overall wellbeing and would encourage more men to start Pilates as soon as they can.

Steve H, Banstead

I have been doing Pilates with Mel for more than 10 years. I am recently retired. Having worked in a mainly office-based environment and with only a sporadic exercise regime, I had suffered from a bad back for a number of years and felt that as I grew older, my flexibility was getting significantly more impaired.

The classes, expertly run by Mel, initially allow participants to get in tune with their bodies. Progression during the class within each group of activities is gradual, from the gentle to the quite challenging, with options to hold at whatever points challenge without over-stressing. Mel is very mindful of chronic or acute injuries and will make alterations to the exercises carried out by individuals as we go along. Although there are a number of basic exercises that are carried out on a weekly basis, no two classes are the same. Mel explains and demonstrates new exercises very well and then ensures that everyone is carrying these out in appropriate fashion.

About seven years ago, it became apparent that I needed to have my hips replaced. Working with Mel, alongside the physiotherapy I had been recommended, I was able to continue with Pilates until a few weeks before my operation. As a result, I was able to maintain sufficient mobility to make my recovery from surgery swift and trouble free. Continuing with Pilates has enabled me to stay sufficiently flexible to play a number of sports again.

Robert K, Banstead