“I joined Lorraine's Pilates classes because my hips and knees were very stiff and sore and my walking was becoming limited and painful. I had heard from one of Lorraine's pupils that Pilates might help and that she was an excellent teacher.
Over the past year I have found an amazing change; I have no pain in my hips and can walk and bend with no trouble and I now feel much more supple and healthy. Lorraine takes great trouble to explain each exercise and its benefit and is careful to make certain no one goes beyond their limit. She is a very professional and caring teacher and I hope to continue with her as long as I possibly can.”
Ann Bologna
“I have been doing pilates classes with Lorraine Dufficey going on three years this September and I must say I would not give them up for the world. I could see how Pilates improved and strengthened my muscle tone and my posture in a matter of weeks. As the time has gone on and the level has increased I can really feel the difference in my body, I can see definition and shape to my body where I didn’t think there could be. I would recommend anyone to try Pilates, even for one course as you would see and feel the difference in the first few classes and will want to continue I guarantee it!!.”
Lorraine O’ Riordan
“I started Pilates classes with Lorraine about two years ago, as I had a lot of back/neck/shoulder pain. The exercises and stretches have really helped to bring suppleness into my very tense muscles, while at the same time building strength back into muscles weakened through injury.
Also I horse ride regularly and compete in dressage competitions. Pilates has helped tone up my core muscles, but, quite apart from that, it has made me much more body aware on the horse. I notice now, quite quickly, if I’m not sitting straight on the horse or if I’m collapsing a hip etc.
The range of exercises and stretches that Lorraine keeps in her head is astounding. She is always willing to answer questions and explain exercises/stretches in minute detail.”
Betty O’Neill
“For health reasons, my physical activities have been limited for over three and a half years now, but I live for my Pilates class! At a physical level, it has loosened muscles all over my body, including ones I did not know I had at all!! My back is much more mobile, my legs stronger, I do not hunch my shoulders so much, and I am much more conscious about working my core muscles which had become very weak too. All this has greatly improved my posture, and reduced my visits to my osteopath (who is very pleased with the strength and flexibility I have got). This increased strength has made me feel less afraid in everyday activities like reaching, lifting, stooping etc., and the sense of well-being I feel at the end of a class is a huge emotional boost. I also find that Pilates class helps me be in the present moment, as I have to concentrate so much on co-ordinating breath, position and movement.
I am most certainly not a star pupil, and I find that I continually make mistakes which have to be pointed out to me, but Lorraine is a wonderful instructor. She has immense knowledge of the workings of the skeletal system, and no matter how difficult exercises might seem, I never feel a twinge afterwards as she is so careful with warming up exercises, winding down at the end, and making sure that we are in the correct position doing the routines. Her balance of stretching, strength, relaxation and good sound advice is fantastic, and her encouragement, patience and humour is just such a great way to either start or finish your day."
Mary Crowley
“I have loved attending your classes as they make me feel strong, toned and energised for the day - ready to tackle almost anything, even our not-so-summery summer!”
Mary O’Regan
I would have considered myself fairly healthy, never had to think about weight, diet etc. but when I reached the “40’s” I found I had less energy, put on weight with a nice tummy, got the usual pains & aches, and so on. I got neck pain so bad that I couldn’t turn my head when driving to see if traffic was coming at junctions. My usual GP couldn’t do anything for me bar painkillers. I got some physio but couldn’t keep this up on a regular basis plus it was expensive. I decided to try pilates, and 3 years later, I dread to think what I would be like if I hadn’t. I work full-time and wouldn’t have the energy for more aerobic type sessions, yet, I find pilates is a great workout in a small class, and Lorraine is the best motivator too. It makes you much more aware of how you sit at work, drive the car, stand - basically doing all normal everyday things. No expensive equipment is required. I even look forward to returning to classes after each break, and there is choice of times available. Even at this stage there is some new exercise every week, and the incentive is always there to improve. Thanks Lorraine.
Vera Flynn
'I find pilates an excellent combination exercise for keeping myself fit and supple. Lorraine is a great motivator and she makes pilates fun while at the same time effective. I have noticed vast improvements in my lower back strength, I have become much more postural aware, and am a lot more conscious of calling on my abdominal muscles to do the work!'
'As a sports massage therapist,I continuously recommend Lorraine's pilates classes to my
clients, as a way of helping them to help themselves. Lorraine's enthuasism is infectious and her classes provide an excellent educational tool through her demonstration of muscle specific stretching and strengthening techniques. Pilates focuses both mind and body on the particular
area/s of musculoskeletal imbalance/s, and thereby helps to empower the individual into a self-healing mindset.'
Deirdre McCarthy Walsh, Massage Therapist.
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