31/07/2026
My journey at MPG started a year ago when my friend and I decided that we needed to do something for our bodies. After our first free trial class we both decided to join and we agreed it is one of the best things we have done.
With a sore hip, a herniated disk in my back and issues with my feet I began. Sharon, the owner, is a wealth of knowledge with extensive experience and looked at me and said ‘You are hypermobile’. Never having heard this, it made a lot of sense. Each instructor has been kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. With each session, all my body’s idiosyncrasies have been taken into consideration to best support me.
They have not expected me to complete a ‘short spine massage’ immediately, but have gradually helped me overcome my mind’s fear of upending myself with my legs in the air and my body’s initial inflexibility to now independently ‘hit the stopper’! No small feat I can tell you. I have found that Pilates has improved both my physical and mental health. I have gained flexibility and core strength and can get up off the floor to a standing position without support! I have improved balance and more tone. Mentally the breathing exercises encourage me to focus on the movement I am doing and promote deep breathing.
With encouragement from Georgia, I began Fitbarre classes. When I looked in and saw the ballet barre, I thought there is no way that I can do that! Once again Georgia and Emilie make the classes fun, cater for everyone at their body’s point of need and offer no judgment, just acceptance.
I have also ventured into Emilie’s jump board classes which are challenging, fun and interesting to explain to others. I have also experienced some time in the MPG Gym.
Upon reflection, I am sorry that I didn’t start Pilates 20 years ago. Georgia says at the end of a class ‘Be grateful for what your body can do’. I think that sums up what I have learned from my time at MPG, I don’t need to be perfect, I don’t need to compare myself to others, I just need to go, have a go and then, just like that, I can complete a short spine massage without assistance. But don’t ask about my stomach massage - I am still working on that!
