T E S T I M O N I A L S
JANNES WESSELS
A cycling coach once said that riding a bike with weak core muscles is like trying to fire a canon from a canoe. Your abdominals provide the platform and counter force for your legs to put power into the pedals. This is something that I have known for a long time but have only started actively working on improving this year. The first step I took to building a powerful abdominal platform was to get in contact with Caren Botha.
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I’ve always ridden my bike but only started pursuing it as a possible profession in the last four or five years. In the beginning I made the biggest mistake anyone new to the sport can make, I thought all that mattered was what you did on the bike. What you do off the bike is equally as important. Last year I decided it was time to start improving my core strength and started in the same place most people would, crunches. These are effective but are very limited in the muscle groups that they strengthen.
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Pilates has become a popular way amongst high level cyclists to work on core strength. I contacted Caren and started putting the wheels in motion. I attended my first class and was rather unsure what to expect. After the class I was unsure whether or not I had really done much of a workout. The movements were subtle and purposeful but not as difficult as I originally expected, that was until I woke up the next day. Few things have ever made me as stiff as that first class. The simple act of getting out of bed took on a whole new level or effort.
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As the weeks went on and my strength grew, I no longer had the same level of discomfort as that first class but by no means had it become easy. A lot of the back problems that I had acquired from cycling started to disappear. The pain in my lower back vanished from my cores ability to provide support for my spine. The tightness in my upper back grew less as I gained more rotational spine flexibility. Pilates hasn’t only improved my core strength and in turn my riding, but also my general quality of life.
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This season I am on course to have my best season ever. I am without a doubt sure that it is because of the work that I have done with Caren and her Pilates classes I attended. Her classes are fun, challenging and above all, effective. She works to accommodate all skill levels and make sure everyone comes away a little stronger then before.
SUSAN ENGEL
I have been enjoying Pilates for the last 6 years. It has been the most enjoyable form of exercise for me as well as the most beneficial. It has been the one exercise I have been consistently able to stick with. In those 6 years I have twice chosen to take a “break” from Pilates and try something different, always to return back to it.
It is a form of exercise in which you can always improve and push yourself further. It never seems “easy” even after 6 years, although beginners can pace themselves! The benefits of Pilates have been multiple, including increased strength and muscle tone, greater flexibility, stress reduction and an overall sense of wellness.
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Additionally, I sleep better and have an increased level of energy when I do Pilates twice a week. As instructors, Caren and her team always strive for variety in their classes through the use of interesting props/equipment and by stressing different muscles groups each session. Throughout the class they lead by example, correct incorrect form, encourage us and always have a smile on thier faces. At my daughter’s wedding, numerous people I have known for decades told me that I had never looked better.
I know that Pilates has contributed a great deal to my overall health and wellness. I’m hooked! I’m really looking forward to practicing Pilates at Core Pilates and am thrilled that George will now have a facility dedicated to Pilates with instructors as well trained as Caren to teach and lead a team of instructors providing George with a state of the art studio.
HEATHER McLAUGHLIN
“I love the quick pace and variety Pilates offers, every class is different and fun. Since I began taking Pilates classes my strength and flexibility has significantly improved and they always seems to push me further every class.
LAURA
Having taken Pilates before I was well aware of both the physical and mental benefits that the classes have to offer. Twelve weeks after having my second baby I was more than ready to get back to the gym but I definitely needed a little push.
Luckily Caren welcomed me to her classes and gave me the encouragement that I needed. She is a one of a kind instructor with a wide variety of techniques, tools and teaching methods.
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I enjoy the challenges that she presents as well as the knowledge and personalized attention that she offers to each student. Pilates classes help you to become stronger, more toned and improve your flexibility. Thanks Caren for your passion and dedication to the art of Pilates!