Body Control Pilates^®

What our clients have to say...

• “ To be honest I have been delighted with the results that I have achieved in Gillian’s class in such a short space of time. I was suffering with lower back pain when horse riding as I became tired and my back always held me up due to my lack of core. After 3 weeks my lower back niggles were only during my riding lesson and not for 2 days afterwards. This just gets better all the time. My instructor was amazed at how much noticeably better my riding has become. Thank you, Gillian! The classes are fun and varied, too. ”

  Norden Farm, Maidenhead

• “ Following six wretched weeks battling with a badly prolapsed L5/S1, the future seemed bleak. After many sessions of physio and acupuncture, Pilates was the recommended next step towards some form of recovery. I was fortunate enough to find John Spencer, through Body Control Back4Good. After several weeks with John I learnt more about my body than I had from anyone before, and awakened muscles that had long since been forgotten. I joined John’s carefully considered class of like-minded pupils. John’s teaching is calm, encouraging and focussed on individual ailments whilst developing core strength. I look forward to every session and leave all of them feeling more confident in my capability. An excellent Pilates teacher. Highly recommended. ”

  JG, Marlow

• “ I took up Pilates with Gillian Burn and John Spencer eleven years ago for one hour per week following major back surgery. I am pleased to say I have had no problems since, I feel and move so much better. Pilates is now part of my life with a big reward for a small amount of time used. ”

  PL, Buckinghamshire

• “ I suffered from regular lower back pain, struggling to get out of bed after a night’s sleep! After several doctor’s appointments, including MRI scans, I was diagnosed with a leaking disc. Options for me were either surgery, with the associated risks, or improve my core strength and stability. After attending the Pilates classes run by John, I have never looked back. John has helped me to improve my core strength, improve my posture and put my back issues behind me. John runs his classes in a relaxed manner which are always varied and tailored to the individual’s needs. Unequivocally, I would highly recommend John Spencer to help you improve your core strength and make back pain a thing of the past. ”

  SN, Taplow

• “ I am 58 years of age and in reasonable physical condition. I am really a beginner, but after my first few classes with Gillian at Norden Farm (Maidenhead), I already noticed some very positive changes: Firstly, following an inner ear infection a few years ago, my balance had never really recovered. For example when getting dressed I have had to sit down in order to put on knickers or trousers as I could not balance on one leg. After just half a dozen classes I noticed big improvements in my balance, and I can now hop around to put on my underwear like I used to do years ago! Secondly, I have noticed that I am getting stronger especially when standing up out of a low seat. Previously I found I was having to push myself up using my arms, whereas now I can just stand up. Thirdly, I have noticed much more flexibility in my neck and shoulders, especially when driving I can turn to look further over my shoulder at those tricky junctions. Each of these positive changes are very tangible improvements in my wellbeing (balance, core strength and flexibility), and I am a total convert to Pilates as you have been teaching it, and I look forward to further positive changes. Thank you. ”

  VA, Maidenhead

• “ For eighteen months I had been suffering from sciatica and had difficulty standing and walking. Following a recommendation to try Pilates and a statement that Gillian was a very good tutor, I joined her 'Beginners Pilates' class at Maidenhead's Norden Farm in September 2015. An MRI scan of my spine had shown stenosis and some spinal curvature; I had had a spinal injection which had not cured the problem; my doctor had suggested that I might apply for a 'disabled badge' for the car, but I just wanted to be able to walk again. I found that the Pilates improved my movement and made me feel better so that a return visit to my osteopath in January was much more successful. I have now added some of the Pilates exercises to my daily exercise routine and am able to stand straight, walk and feel generally much better, thanks in great part to Pilates. ”

  Shirley, May 2016

• “ Many thanks again for all yours and John’s support ”

  Zoom client

• “ It is the end of an era! I have really enjoyed John’s classes and the benefits they have brought me, both physical and social. The Pilates classes run by John have been fantastic for me, significantly improving core strength and posture and my awareness of how to protect against injury. In particular, long-standing back niggles are now a thing of the past. John’s classes are relaxed and informal, with a variety of exercises (they are not formulaic) and challenges geared to the needs of his students. Highly recommended. ”

  MK, Taplow

• “ Several years ago I was encouraged by my daughter to join Gillian's pilates class. I had a bad back and the beginnings of osteoarthritis in my hip. After a few months I was more flexible, my bad back was better, and has stayed in good shape, and my hip has not deteriorated. Exercises can be performed at different levels, depending on one’s fitness and expertise and each class is good fun. I can highly recommend Gillian's classes. She is a great teacher. ”

  HW, Beaconsfield

• “ Thank you for your hard work teaching on Zoom with such good humour ”

  Zoom client

• “ I was about to give up playing the cello due to shoulder pain but thanks to Pilates with Gillian plus my sissel cushion, not only am I not giving up but I'm thinking of buying a new cello! ”

  Maidenhead client

• “ I attend Gillian's pilates class regularly and have seen a great improvement with my posture and my stiff and often sore back... In my line of work as a Foot Health Professional, I do a lot of bending and carrying heavy bags in and out of the car putting a lot of strain on my back and knees. Gillian has shown me how to improve my core and suggested exercises to help me on a daily basis. She offers a very personal service and always makes sure that you are doing the exercises correctly and at your own pace. I can highly recommend Gillian and she is a lovely, warm, approachable and professional person who is always very interested in your well being and making sure that you reach your true potential. ”

  Private client, Taplow, April 2014

• “ It has been some years since I did Pilates, but now after a year of beginning again I am feeling so much better! It really helps with my well being, both physically and mentally. ”

  Norden Farm client, 2016

• “ I thought you might be interested in my feedback from your Pilates class. After every lesson, I feel energised and have a lovely relaxing feeling afterwards. Thank you for your friendly classes. I think you are a fantastic teacher. I look forward to your lessons every week. The best thing I have done this year. ”

  JB

• “ I just wanted to tell you how much my mobility has improved and that I have been able to reduce the amount of pain relief for my back problem since I have been coming to your Pilates class at Norden Farm. Thank you considering all of our various ailments and for explaining the exercises so clearly. ”

  Norden Farm client, April 2014

• “ You do an amazing job juggling the technology with Zoom, I am full of admiration. Excellent class today. Thanks ”

  Zoom client

• “ Congratulations on reaching your 400th zoom pilates milestone, thank you for all your efforts over the past months ”

  Zoom client

• “ Thank you for your efforts in getting me up to a reasonable level of competence in Pilates. In the last couple of years you have transformed me from being obese and with restricted movement to a reasonably fit, active, stronger and much more flexible individual. I enjoyed our sessions and will miss them. You have inspired me to want to further develop my Pilates skills and I regret that you will not be available to work with me. ”

  PB, Maidenhead

• “ I have really benefitted from the classes on so many levels, I am most proud of my physical improvements, core strength and being able to walk better ”

  Zoom client

• “ I have been taught by both Gillian and John and love their different styles – Gillian energetic, precise and ruthless (in a good way), John calm, centred and strong. They have both done wonders for my back, and I find my Friday morning class a much-needed opportunity to put on the brakes and just think about breathing, stretching and building core strength. As well as being very good teachers, they are also caring and supportive, and make me feel a part of the group every week, despite me currently only managing to do a weekly Zoom class. Thank you both! ”

  Zoom client

• “ At the age of 79 my balance was poor and my joints almost seized solid so I came to John to see if he could help me recover some flexibility and steadiness. After just 3 sessions I was in much better shape, he really does know his stuff and is good company as well. If he wasn’t moving 70 miles away I’d stay with him on a regular weekly basis. ”

  WP, Burnham

• “ Thank you for looking after us for the last few years. We both benefited from your classes, we have lost weight, increased strength, flexibility and are much fitter. We liked the challenges you set and had an enjoyable time doing your sessions. We will continue to practice Pilates and hope that our new trainers will get somewhere near to the standard that you set, we will miss you. ”

  BB, Maidenhead

• “ Thank you John for spending the time and sharing your expertise with me over the last few years. I have really enjoyed my sessions, even though sometimes the sessions were tough! You are able to tailor the session to our specific needs and always vary the session to make them bespoke. ”

  SN, Taplow

• “ Thank you so much for your continued support during these crazy times ”

  Zoom client

• “ All credit to both you and John for your perseverance in keeping us all fit and well - huge thanks from me, absolutely love the classes ”

  Zoom client

• “ It has been a pleasure getting to know Gillian and John over the last 4 ½ years, so a great shame to see you move away. I will miss my weekly class hugely. I’d like to say that I am now finely tuned as a result of your classes. I am better tuned that I have been in a long time and have enjoyed being pushed by John, amongst some great company. ”
• “ I have always felt the benefits of regular Pilates exercise on my overall health and well-being. However, I did not expect my doctor's findings at a recent health review. She mentioned that I had 'grown' by half a centimetre and that the curvature of my spine has straightened and lengthened over the past couple of years. All thanks to Pilates! ”

  Client from group classes in Taplow, May 2014