Testimonials

I started pilates with Antonella when my second child was just under 2 years old and I was struggling to tone up and lose the baby weight. The difference to my body, mind and health is noticeable and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

Antonella runs wonderfully welcoming groups and varied sessions which work the whole body and the focus on the exercises is also very mindful offering a break from work and chores.

 

Harpenden , Age 42, NOVEMBER 2020

I have been attending Antonella’s Pilates classes for 5 years now and absolutely love them. 2 1/2 years ago, I had a hip replacement and Antonella gave me the confidence I needed to return to Pilates after my op, her knowledge on helping clients recover after an operation is outstanding. Her teaching is precise and due to her excellent communication, my flexibility, core strength, my joint mobility and my muscle tone, which I lost before my op, has improved 10-fold. I recommend Antonella’s Pilates classes to everyone who wants to improve their posture, core strength and flexibility.

 

Harpenden , Age 50, OCTOBER 2020

For the past 7 years I have had regular sessions from Antonella in the local sport centre and during lockdown via Zoom. What I like about her teaching is, that she is very precise, which one needs to be in order to benefit from Pilates. In a couple of weeks I will be 80 and still enjoy her lessons, which have given me a lot of pleasure in the past and hopefully in the future too.

 

St Albans, Age 80, OCTOBER 2020

I have been working with Antonella’s Pilates classes for 5 years. Her key speciality is backs – which is ideal for me as I have a lower back problem which requires keeping my back flexible. Antonella’s classes are really varied, both in content and background music, which not only keeps up the interest, but has reduced my visits to the osteopath to 1-2 times a year. She really understands the body and gives instruction on varying levels of exercise, which are suitable for all ages/abilities.

 

St Albans, Age 65, OCTOBER 2020

Hi

Antonella just like to say that your Pilates classes are the best thing that has come out of joining Probus for me.

As a result the wife is impressed as she was always on to me about fitness now I am a good boy in her eyes – that is a first! Also seems that the blood pressure touch wood is normal which means the ticker is still good.

Please keep the Zoom classes going as long as you see the need much more sensible at the moment with the Gyms being a No Go

 

Harpenden, Age 72, OCTOBER 2020

 

I started Pilates with Antonella 2 years ago and her classes have made a real difference on my figure and my wellbeing. Of the many Pilates teachers I have had over 15 years, Antonella focuses the most on the technique. She has great anatomy and muscle training knowledge and puts emphasis on the precision of the movement. All her classes are different, carefully prepared, include various parts of the body and feel complete.

Since I have increased to two classes a week, my stomach has noticeably flattened and my back got straighter and stronger. After each class not only a few millimetres have been taken away from my belt but I also feel energised and happy. I find her classes hugely satisfying.

 

Harpenden , Age 35, OCTOBER 2020

‘Antonella is an excellent Pilates teacher. The great thing about her classes is that no two are the same, so you don’t get bored. Mind you, it does also mean that you have to pay attention – so no slacking! Antonella will always suggest alternatives for the more difficult exercises.

I have probably been doing Antonella’s classes for the last 12+ years. Recently, because of the pandemic, she has started on-line classes. You would think that at home your own efforts would be hidden from view, but she still manages to check that you are exercising correctly.

On top of that Antonella has a friendly personality which adds to the enjoyment of her classes.’

 

Age 71, OCTOBER 2020

 

I have attended Antonella’s Pilates classes for a couple of years, and I have found her to be very professional who clearly understands the requirements and limitations of older people. The exercises do vary to some extent each week, with the aim of increasing flexibility over the whole body, and these have been very effective for which I feel better able to do daily tasks. Overall she creates a great sense of fun in the classes, and I would recommend Antonella as an excellent and effective Instructor whose enthusiastic style easily motivates her pupils.
 

Harpenden, Age 73, OCTOBER 2020

 

I can thoroughly recommend Antonella as a fitness instructor: she tailors her Pilates and body conditioning classes to enable all ages and abilities to participate by offering a graded approach. Antonella has a good knowledge of anatomy and muscle groups and the enthusiasm she puts into the sessions ensures a focused workout which varies each time. The classes are well planned and her professionalism ensures that they start promptly and flow. By asking for feedback from her clients she modifies and improves her offering whilst still reminding us of the basics. Antonella has been a Godsend over this difficult lockdown period.

 

Age 67, SEPTEMBER 2020

 

I have no hesitation in praising the professional and entertaining way Antonella conducts her Pilates classes, whether live or via zoom. She offers a well-planned, well thought out and varied programme of exercises catering for all abilities. Thanks to her lively personality Antonella has built up a close relationship with all her pupils and I thank her for her success in improving my fitness out of all recognition during the past few years. Congratulations!

 

Age 71, SEPTEMBER 2020

 

Having attended Antonella’s Pilates classes, and since March 20, her Zoom classes, I continually marvel at the variety of exercises Antonella offers. Each class is quite different. Antonella includes exercises I never dreamed of, and these strengthen muscles I didn’t know I had, and have surely not been used since I was a small child. Now I have changed! I am a new man. I notice the benefits particularly from shoulders to hips. Thinking about how I have changed, I rather enjoy the new me. Thank you Antonella.
 

St Albans, Age 71, SEPTEMBER 2020

 

I have been doing pilates classes with Antonella for over a year and find that as well as keeping me fit it also keeps me flexible, so I can garden with out getting back pain, something I could not do when going to the gym regularly.
 

Harpenden, Age 75, NOVEMBER 2020

 

I was desperate to regain my strength and fitness after being out of action for 2 years with a serious illness. At 69, I had deteriorated significantly by July 2012 when I joined Antonella and her pupils. Antonella trained us, giving each her individual attention. This was very rewarding and I recovered and was able to give a good account of myself in the gym. During the next 4 years she helped me to improve, and I could join her Pilates class. By March 2020, I had almost recovered the strength and fitness I had before. Having to isolate threatened to return me to 2012, but I was able to join Antonella’s Body Conditioning and Pilates classes on Zoom, and these have been just what I need to progress.
 

Radlett, Age 78, NOVEMBER 2020

 

I have known Antonella for about 10 years and I will never forget the first time she took our class. I was tired and aching after a difficult week of sitting about on uncomfortable chairs. I was hoping Pilates would improve things. It certainly did. Antonella’s mix of stretching and bending was like magic.

Her classes are always a good mixture of exercises, always varied and interesting.

A few years ago i had a problem with my hip that the doctor couldn’t diagnosed. I talked to Antonella and did a couple of one one sessions. The hip soon improved and we make our walking trip to The Grand Canyon. However, the hip has been troublesome on and off ever since. We have recently started doing a new stretch that stretches the area around the hip. From the first time we did this stretch I felt a release in the hip and the relief is huge. I do this stretch every day and the hip continues to improve.

I feel that Antonella gives us a set of tools and using them keeps you flexible and strong. I think I have learnt enough from her to help many aches and pains that crop up. She explains exercises thoroughly and always has her eye on you to make sure you are doing the exercise correctly and if not she soon points it out.

I love zoom classes, everyone is safe, we keep up our exercises and no one can hear the moans of exhaustion during a class.

Maybe I am Antonellas biggest fan, I just know she is good for me. I suggest you try one of her classes soon 

Redbourn, Age 69, DECEMBER 2020

 

A group of Club members have been exercising in Antonella’s classes since 2017, and we were delighted when she moved onto Zoom in lockdown so that we could continue. Her unique blend of aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility exercises combined with mat work have helped to keep us fit and healthy. Each class is different and is accompanied by Antonella’s trademark humorous cries of encouragement: ‘My goodness me’, ‘Let’s have a smile’ and ‘Oy, oy, oy’! Antonella loves Pilates. We love Antonella’s classes.

Some of our Club members (the better-looking ones are missing!)

Harpenden,  March 2021