“I began attending Live & Breathe Pilates classes in 2008 as a relative newcomer to Pilates and it didn’t take long for me to be hooked. Steph is an excellent instructor and is able to help students of all abilities continuously improve by keeping class sizes small and offering lots of personal attention. Since starting in Pilates, I have notice a tremendous improvement in my core strength and have developed a greater awareness of my posture and breathing. I’d enthusiastically recommend Steph’s classes to complete beginners and long-time students alike!” Jordan C
“I began one to one Pilates classes a year ago and my quality of life has improved beyond measure. My back – the pain and its ability to collapse at anytime – directed everything I did or didn’t do. Steph and her Reformer have patiently worked on my core muscles, building them up so that in my everyday life, they engage and do the work my back did in the past. I feel fitter, look leaner and for the first time in 15 years feel in control. Pilates is for and will change everyone, even an overweight, extremely unfit 55 year old woman. Thanks Steph!” Phil Scully
“In late 2009 I started to experience back pain. I spent most of the Christmas 2009 lying horizontally – the only pain-free position I could discover. Early in 2010 I was directed to Steph and her Pilates exercises by my physiotherapist. From my first session on the Reformer I felt better. And the improvement in my core strength and flexibility have banished the back pain. I now try and have a weekly one-on-one session with Steph and can’t recommend her and Pilates too highly”. John R. Healy
“I’m in my mid-fifties and spend more time than I should crunched over a computer. A few years ago my back went from being a bit niggly to being a serious and continual pain. It affected my work, my temper, my self-confidence, the lot. Pilates isn’t a quick fix but it does work. I feel so much better. Steph is a marvellous teacher, calm and encouraging. The classes are a real pleasure. I always walk away with a spring in my step.” Melissa Murray
“As I spend most of my day sitting at a desk, I find Pilates particularly beneficial in terms of stretching my body out and improving my posture. I have been attending classes for over two years and have really noticed an improvement in my core strength, flexibility and general fitness. I enjoy the mix of both an individual Reformer class and a group mat class every week. Steph is an excellent instructor and her classes are never tedious or boring as she only takes a small group and varies the Pilates exercises each week. I would highly recommend Pilates to anybody of any age, I always feel much better and an inch taller after a class!” Aedín
“I thoroughly enjoyed Steph’s prenatal Pilates class during my recent pregnancy. Steph is an excellent instructor with significant experience. The different pilates exercises were modified as my pregnancy progressed so I was able to continue classes until 38 weeks. As well as being really physically beneficial, it was a great way to meet other mums-to-be. I did not experience any back ache at all during my pregnancy and am certain this is due to my Pilates practice under Steph’s tuition.” Mary Collins
“I heard Pilates was an excellent way to build strength and after some problems with my back, my physiotherapist recommended it as the exercise which would help me considerably. That is exactly what it has done. I no longer have such back problems and find the added benefits have made me feel stronger and fitter. And in its own way, learning Pilates with Steph has helped me become more finely tuned to how I can develop my own physical strengths while still working within my boundaries. The fact that the pace and type of movement can be altered to suit your needs and abilities is very encouraging. Learning Pilates with Steph has been hugely beneficial for me, with encouragement and focus you see the results sooner than you think – once you stay with it.” Kathy Saunders
“I started Pilates on the recommendation of my rheumatologist, as I suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis in the spine. The rheumatologist stressed the need to have good core muscles and also good posture. I began taking classes with Live & Breathe Pilates about 2 and a half years ago and my posture, core muscles and the flexibility in my spine has improved greatly. Steph is a brilliant instructor and makes each class thoroughly enjoyable. I can’t recommend Live & Breathe Pilates enough.” Celine Tormey
“Steph’s classes came highly recommended to me by my physiotherapist who thought they would benefit the issues I was having with my neck/upper back. I thoroughly enjoyed the first class I attended in September 2010 & felt results immediately. I now look forward to my weekly class. I have developed an increased awareness of my body, my posture & balance have improved & I feel stronger. I have embraced Pilates as part of my every day life and feel it benefits me holistically. Steph is a wonderful instructor. Her classes are relaxed, varied & because of their size, you get individual attention. I aspire to become half as flexible as Steph :-)” Lynda Barber
“I didn’t realise that most of us really do start to lose muscle tone after the age of 30 or so until I attempted Pilates. This is really true if you do a good deal of desk work, and don’t get much other regular exercise. For a small amount of effort each week Pilates offers the chance to begin to make up for any losses in flexibility and strength. It’s a great investment in your physical and mental well being. Steph’s classes are small enough to ensure that each student receives individual attention. You can continually challenge and build on your abilities, making the most of the time you devote to working out. I would recommend these classes to anyone interested in doing Pilates or discovering a new opportunity to improve their physical fitness.” Barbara Caska
“I started doing Pilates with Steph around 3 or 4 years ago. I’m not young and I’m not skinny, and hadn’t done proper exercise for years. I went as I had lots of back problems – constant lower back and hip pain, trapped nerve in shoulder etc, and was thinking of buying shares in Nurofen Plus and heat pads as I was using them on a daily basis. It’s hard to describe how Pilates has helped without sounding like one of those ‘miracle cure’ converts. But it has really helped my movement and mobility – I feel so much stronger and the back pain is virtually just a bad memory. I went to other Pilates teachers who were good but came back to Steph – she’s a real stickler for technique and makes the class effective and enjoyable. I’d recommend Pilates to anyone”. Freda
“I have been practicing Pilates with Steph since 2008. As a male, I was initially reluctant to begin Pilates but after discovering Roy Keane and the All Blacks were keen advocates I was convinced. A few years on, I have noticed a considerable improvement in my posture, balance and all round core strength. I would recommend Pilates to anyone and would especially recommend Steph as an instructor – her classes are relaxed yet professional and she will ensure that students get the necessary individual attention when required”. Crohan A. O’Shea.