Customer feedback
Balance of Life mat classes are friendly and informal, restricted to a maximum of 15 clients to ensure quality of tuition and personal attention. We receive some lovely feedback both in person during the class and some are also kind enough to take the time to write a review for us. Thank you all so much, so pleased it has made a difference to you! Don’t miss the one at the bottom 🙂
Google Reviews:
Richard Brooke*****
Jan 2023
I have suffered with a painful lower back for a long time and I was recommended to do Pilates. I found Balance of life Pilates on line and contacted Lesley. She made the whole experience brilliant as I was a little nervous!! After a few weeks my back was a lot more flexible and the pain was substantially less. It’s been 6 months since I started and I would recommend Lesley’s classes to anyone who suffers with back pain or just wants to be more supple. She is so friendly and supportive and the other people who go are great.
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks for the review Andy, glad it’s helping you!
Sandra Bishop
*****
Jan 2023
My weekly classes with Balance of Life Pilates are an essential part of my mobility and wellbeing. Lesley is an excellent instructor not only very knowledgeable about the Pilates method she is trained in but she explains in an easily understandable way the exercises we are doing and the effect on our body and muscles.
Lesley takes notice of the needs and abilities of each individual in her classes which are always fun and informative. The ages vary from youngsters to those in their seventies all of whom seek to improve their flexibility and muscle strength. The different venues mean it is possible to make up a missed class within session weeks which helps with the cost. I really enjoy the classes which are friendly and sociable.
Response from Balance of Life
Thank you for your lovely review Sandra!
Kate Leech
*****
Jan 2023
Lesley really cares about us exercising correctly, it doesn’t matter how much we can do, she ensures that we move in a way that benefits and strengthens our bodies. Lesley is very open to answering questions and also explains the muscle(s) that we are working and where we should be feeling the stretches. I’ve noticed a real difference – I engage my core automatically now when I lift things. If you want to feel stronger and to know that you are moving correctly, I highly recommend Lesley’s Pilates classes.
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks for your review Kate, much appreciated. Happy New Year!
David Harvey
*****
Jan 2023
Just returned to Pilates after my second hip replacement and Lesley has been amazing , she is very supportive and helpful and pushes me just enough , really pleased with my progress from November when I returned , thank you Lesley, Dawn X
Response from Balance of Lifee
You’re doing great, really great steady improvement post op!!
Supriya Kesavan
*****
Dec 2022
I started attending Lesley’s Pilate classes after a serious of back injuries and a spinal injection with the intention to strengthen my core. I lacked confidence of moving my body in certain ways. Lesley has been instrumental in boosting my confidence and correcting my posture over the last few months. Although it’s a group class Lesley is very good at giving individual attention. Lesley understands everyone’s needs and pitches the class to suit peoples needs. Most of all Lesley’s classes are good fun! Highly recommend Lesley’s classes
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Response from Balance of Life
I’m so pleased they’ve helped you Supriya!!
Jen McGrath
*****
a year ago
I’ve been attending for about 2 years now. At first the exercises seemed unattainable, but with encouragement I’m amazed at my own improvement. My middle back and core have strengthened so much so I now feel more upright and have more stamina. Lesley makes each class enjoyable and spends the time with each client to tailor an exercise to their ability. There’s often a chance to have coffee which makes the morning classes very social.
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks for the review Jen, I’m so pleased it’s helped you!
Penny Pitman
*****
a year ago
Great Pilates class. Really enjoy it. Lesley is very friendly and constructive. The zoom classes during lockdown have been great
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks Penny see you on Zoom tomorrow!
Sharon Spencer
*****
a year ago
Would recommend Lesley as a teacher
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks Sharon
Alison Shergold
*****
Penelope Gilson
*****
a year ago
Lesley is an excellent teacher, ensuring we are using the correct techniques & breathing. I’m so pleased with my progress and cannot recommend highly enough.
Lawrence Boyd
*****
2 years ago
Lesley runs a great Pilates class and I thoroughly recommend her…and it is great for men too…no need to be shy or find any other hesitation….especially good for maintaining flexibility…wonderful as one gets a little older….
Response from Balance of Life
Thanks Lawrence, especially as I gave you a hard time today 😉
N A
*****
3 years ago
A good friend recommended Pilates to complement my active lifestyle (running, swimming, squash and golf). I look forward to going to class, it’s definitely the highlight of my week. Lesley works me hard and I feel like I have made lots of progress in the past six months. She has a wealth of knowledge and I repeat many of the stretches we do when warming up for running and squash. Lesley is very reflective and every week I feel like she has put lots of effort into planning the class and finding new exercises for the group to try. I have been injury free since starting Pilates class and genuinely believe it has helped prevent injuries. I recently saw a physiotherapist for a check up appointment following a nasty ankle injury 1 year ago and she noticed that my general strength, range of movement and flexibility had greatly improved. It’s made me more conscious of my terrible posture, helped focus my breathing while running and allowed me to finally touch my toes! I couldn’t recommend Lesley’s Pilates classes more but must stress its for all ages, I’m 27 and wish I’d started it sooner. I was quite nervous to start with and worried I would not be able to do everything and not fit in but Lesley made me feel very welcome and was very encouraging. There are still exercises I cannot do but Lesley differentiates setting me exercises that are within my reach and work me hard. I think the class is very good value and Lesley is very accommodating allowing me to switch class to another night if I have work commitments. My only regret is that I didn’t start doing Pilates with Lesley sooner
Response from Balance of Life
Wow, many thanks for taking the time to write this lovely review!! I’ll pay you later! No seriously I’m so pleased you enjoy the classes and feel you get so much out of Pilates, that’s great!!
Anneatta Redgrave
*****
3 years ago
Lesley is a great teacher, encouraging and very knowledgeable. Lesley ensures you work at your own level within the group. Her class is relaxing, informal and friendly. I feel able to move much better afterwards and feel better in myself as well. I would highly recommend this class.
Karen Reynolds
*****
4 years ago
I switched to Pilates after practising yoga for almost 15 years, when I had an issue with my lower back and I was told Pilates would be better. I tried a couple of classes at a local gym and then I found Lesley at Balance of Life, am so glad I did.
I really love Lesley’s classes. They are small, informal, friendly, fun and Lesley spends time correcting us to ensure that we get the most out of the practice and work to our own level, correctly!
It is great that I can book and pay for an 8 week block, but if I can’t make a class I can go to any of her other classes to make it up.
Thanks Lesley
Purvi Shah
*****
4 years ago
I love attending Lesley’s classes, they are fun and friendly. The Pilates has helped build my core strength and flexibility and she is very good at identifying individual needs and encourages you to reach your potential.
Julia Hande
*****
4 years ago
I have attended Lesley’s classes for over a year now and would not go to any other teacher. The sessions are relaxed and fun but Lesley will also challenge us to try and improve further as well as paying attention to correct technique. She is mindful of health issues and even though it is a class, she will help individuals to attain what they are capable of but within the confine of any issues. I would recommend Balance of Life Pilates to anyone having personally felt the benefits of this class.
Bethan Evans
*****
4 years ago
I have been doing Pilates now for a year and a half now and I absolutely love it, it is so good for you and I can really feel the benefits. Lesley makes the classes so enjoyable and fun and I would recommend to anyone.
Alyson Page
*****
4 years ago
I hadn’t attended an exercise class for over 20 years when I started Pilates a year ago but I love Lesley’s classes and find her patience and attention to the whole class really reassuring and fun. I can highly recommend.
Sandra Robinson
*****
4 years ago
My physio recommended Pilates after I suffered a slipped disc in my back and it keeps it in check! Lesley’s classes are fun, relaxed and friendly and all are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Carol Watkins
*****
4 years ago
Having had both my shoulders operated on, since starting Lesley’s classes my mobility has greatly increased, her knowledge of anatomy has allowed me to exercise them without causing damage. Thank you Lesley
Sue Wood
****
4 years ago
I have been doing Lesley’s classes in Shurdington for over two years and I find them fun, excellent and they help me to stay mobile and fitter.
Philippa Sweet
*****
4 years ago
This is such an excellent Pilates class. Lesley is fun friendly and encourages everyone to reach their potential.
Leigh Croft
*****
4 years ago
Lesley is a great Pilates teacher with a real focus on technique and a fab sense of humour
Ruth Forster
*****
4 years ago
I never realised lying on the floor could be so exhausting but Lesley makes it fun and very beneficial.
Linda Woods
*****
5 years ago
I really enjoy Lesley’s classes and have found them really beneficial for my posture. The classes are fun and everyone is very friendly. I always feel I have had a good work out and Lesley recognises each persons ability individually I find it an excellent class
Catherine Billington
****
5 years ago
I really enjoy Lesley’s classes and have found them to be very beneficial to my posture and back comfort. I always feel that I have used lots of energy during the session but Lesley is skilful at recognising each person’s abilities and limitations and tailors the movements to suit us all.
Sue Smith
*****
5 years ago
From being a complete novice to Pilates at the beginning of the year, Lesley is a professional who has encouraged my growth & pays great attention to detail. All classes are very welcoming & friendly. Thank you Lesley
Sarah Ramsay
*****
5 years ago
Lesley is a lovely and very knowledgeable Pilates teacher. I’ve been attending her Tuesday night class for almost a year now and I’ve seen a big improvement to my lower back pain.
Caroline Topham
*****
5 years ago
Fun classes, which have also really helped my flexibility and core stability. I’m not a natural, and Lesley is very encouraging and patient with me!
Alexandra Brooke
*****
6 years ago
I love Lesley’s classes. Unlike other Pilates courses which only focus on abs (and you end up with a sore core for a fortnight!) there is also a lot of focus on shoulders, spine and hips. When I started there were moves which I never thought I would be able to do and in a fairly short time, I was able to do them with relative ease.
Facebook Reviews:
Alison Harmer
26 May 2021
Very enjoyable, yet challenging, exercise which has seriously improved my strength, flexibility and resilience. Thanks Lesley!
Response from Balance of Life
You’re welcome Ali!
Alexandra Brooke
23 Dec 2020
Huge huge thanks to you, Lesley for keeping us fit and supple throughout this difficult year! You have adapted, changed, done u-turns wherever necessary and by the looks of things have also managed to steer clear of finding solace in the biscuit barrel or sherry bottle! I have never felt quite as excited at someone touching ( Touch, remember that????) my shoulder blades as I have been in 2020 – even if it was to encourage me to retract them further – you had me at touch!! Wishing you a Christmas filled with light and warmth in these cold, dark days and look forward to a much more touchy-feely 2021!😘
Richard G Brooke
24 June 2019
After 3 years of classes with Lesley she still keeps them interesting and they still give me benefit. Working at a desk in an office for 30 years has given me back problems which Pilates has all but banished. It’s also great for gardening – the next day you don’t get a painful reminder of your efforts.
Christine Nicole Moore
22 Sept 2018
Hi Lesley! I’ve been meaning to get in touch to say a big thank you to you. Taking part in your Pilates class was a huge contributing factor in strengthening my core and body enough to cope with a second pregnancy. You might remember the crippling back pain and sciatica I was struggling with, so much so, I wasn’t sure I would be able to cope with another pregnancy. Well after some spinal injections and lots of Pilates, I was able to stop taking all the pain killers and am lucky enough to have had a second daughter, who is 4 months old already! Pregnancy was still very difficult with the SPD & PGP, but I got through it and am still practising the Pilates I learnt with you, to aid my recovery and prevent all the problems I had last time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your participation in my recovery. I do hope to join your classes again, when I can manage to fit it in around work and family! 😊 Please say hi to the other ladies from the class for me, I hope you are all well xx
My babies 💕: 
Response from Balance of Life
Hi Christine thank you for your lovely message and photo of your cuties, so very pleased for you!!