Reviews of Ankor Pilates. (Yoga Studio) in London (London).

Ankor Pilates

24 Reviews

24 Comments

Yoga studio

Pilates studio

St James' Parish Church, London SE14 6AD, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Ankor Pilates, Yoga studio in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of Ankor Pilates

Reviews of Ankor Pilates

S. O.

I have been with Ankor Pilates now for more than two years, initially joining their lessons as I wanted to improve my core strenght and shoulder stability for climbing. During this time, my core strength and stability has ramped up which has improved my climbing enormously. I have found that now I am able to maintain positions for longer, which gives me the right balance to execute movements that I was not able to do before or to hold for long enough to place gear without getting pumped on the arm that it’s holding me. Being able to keep my body close to the wall/rock has opened a new world of possibilities, especially with regards to static moves, as the balance is just right, whereas before if the movement was challenging I was falling because I was out of balance. Also, I think that mentally I feel stronger knowing that my core is now strong, so I am trying things above my grade and finding that I can do the movements!

S. W.

What a great way to learn and get into Pilates!! I started Pilates with Zoe as a complete beginner. I wanted to improve my mobility and posture so I thought I would give it a go. From the free taster session I could see that Zoe was a very good teacher so I decided to start her beginner classes. These classes were a great introduction into Pilates and I have since moved up to a mixed level class which is much more challenging! There is always a lot of support from Zoe and her other instructors during and outside of class. I feel Ankor Pilates provides a really personal service and I would recommend giving it a go.

M. B.

Due to spending the majority of my time in front of a computer, I have an ongoing issue with my right arm and shoulder. I had attended physio and they suggested that I try Pilates. Zoe was just beginning classes in the New Cross are so I decided to give them a go. Before the taster I was a little worried that Pilates was quite a slow form of exercise. I usually jog or swim so I thought that it may not be as suitable for me. However, during the taster class I was surprised at the amount of concentration that it takes for each movement. The class really allowed me to slow down and to forget about the day's stresses. I also could not believe how it speeds by. I would happily stay longer! Zoe's Pilates classes have been incredibly helpful for me - I have found that they are feeding into my life as a whole, not just the hour that I am attending. I have found them so beneficial I am signing up to a second class a week with Zoe. I am more conscious of my body, particularly in work, where I am more attuned to my posture. During the classes, Zoe recommends which movements are good for those who send a lot of time at the computer so I often use some of these if I am feeling strain in my back, neck and arm. I would definitely recommend classes to other people. The classes are small in number so Zoe is able to take the time to correct and improve your exercise which I have found hugely beneficial. She is the perfect teacher for a beginner.

H. C.

I started Pilates classes in order to target lower back pain that I'd been experiencing on-and-off for the past few years. Before attending my first class I was slightly worried about not being flexible enough, not being able to keep up with my classmates or to follow what the instructor said. However, right from the start of my taster class, Zoe made an effort to make me feel comfortable and relaxed! When I have trouble with a particular exercise she is always on hand with a suggestion to adjust part of my body or to focus on a specific movement. Since I started doing weekly sessions my back has eased up slightly. But more importantly, when I do experience neck or back ache I have a few useful stretches to combat the pain. I would certainly recommend Ankor Pilates to others, Zoe is clearly very knowledgeable but she also brings a sense of fun to her classes!

F. P.

As a teacher, I often find myself having back pains and I don’t enjoy massages so I decided to begin pilates sessions to become more aware of my posture and help to strengthen my core. I began attending Ankor Pilates sessions weekly about 3 months ago and have really seen the improvements. Right from the start I felt at ease in the lessons and I have enjoyed the variety of exercises. Zoe will ensure that you are in the right positions and she extends you appropriately according to your ability. My back is so much better and I feel much stronger and I know that Zoe will happily suggest some exercises if a new ache or pain arises. I would definitely recommend these sessions.

A. H.

I have been attending Zoe’s Ankor Pilates class for a few months now. I wanted a class that was nearby and a teacher who could help me with my posture and neck stiffness. I am not new to Pilates but I find her beginner/ intermediate class really suits me. The free taster class was very useful and I was immediately impressed by Zoe’s professional attitude, prompt start, mats and equipment laid out ready for participants and her fantastic teaching style. She is excellent at explaining the various moves and which muscles to activate with great tips to get the most from the exercises. In each lesson you can see a progression of movements which link to a satisfying conclusion. There is repetition as well as new exercises to practice. I really love the classes and look forward to going either once or twice a week. Zoe makes herself available at the end of the class should students have questions and even has a phone call progress conversation after few weeks in the class. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

T. H.

I was keen to get into Pilates to strengthen my core muscles and tone up. The taster class at Ankor Pilates was a great introduction to the discipline and Zoe was brilliant at giving proper attention and hands on support to everyone in the class and explaining the exercises really clearly. I’ve now been doing Zoe’s classes for a good few months and have moved on to the improvers level. I’ve noticed a real improvement in my core strength and general flexibility and agility in my joints. So glad I decided to sign up and would thoroughly recommend to anyone that’s interested in giving Pilates a try!

S. B.

Last year I turned 65 and officially (though not in my head) became a senior citizen. The years of hunching at a desk had taken their toll and my osteopath thought Pilates would help in lots of ways - and he was right! As a complete beginner Zoe's initial tuition on a 1 to 1 basis was very reassuring. I found the early exercises quite straightforward and once I started attending classes I was impressed by the way she makes it possible for us to push ourselves but safely and at a pace that works for us individually. Zoe makes it feel like a cooperative effort even if she does occaisionally remind some of us that breathing at all is a really good idea! I am finding benefits already, particularly in posture and balance, quite apart from the sense of well-being that you leave the class with. I warmly recommend Pilates in general and Zoe's programmes specifically to anyone thinking about taking up Pilates.

H. T.

I started Pilates with Zoe in an attempt to help long term back pain, I had taken Pilates classes for many years perhaps 10 years previously, but had never really got on with it and hadn't tried changing teachers. I had some reservations due to my past experience, which wasn't negative as such, but hadn't helped me in the way I had hoped. Once I had registered online Zoe arranged to speak with me on the phone to discuss any physical difficulties and what I hoped to gain from Pilates, this was great as it saved having to do this at the class in front of others. It is great that Zoe offers a free taster class, this was a real incentive to have a go with a new teacher, I felt fine during the class, a little unsure of things but soon picked up and Zoe gave clear demonstrations and answered questions. My back issues are ongoing, but I have felt an improvement, I can't say whether this is down to the Pilates or just natural changes in the body, but I definitely feel Pilates is the right thing to be doing for my body, when I feel pain outside of the class I often turn to the Pilates exercises, some of which help relieve the pain in the moment. I have also taken to incorporating Pilates into morning exercises, small changes, such as standing exercises while waiting for a train or the kettle to boil! I have become more aware in general with how I am moving in daily life and how I am holding myself. I would recommend Zoe's classes to anyone who wants a clear and simple introduction to Pilates, she is light-hearted in her approach, it is practical and for me, a good teaching style and pace, I feel I can approach Zoe with any questions, but don't really have to as she explains very well. Zoe is also very good with her communications to students about changes and her newsletters are cool!

J. S.

I wanted to start Pilates as I wanted to improve both my posture and strength, and had previously sustained an injury at the gym. I had also had many albeit unsuccessful attempts at starting and maintaining a yoga practise, but it never stuck as I could never see any real benefit, and also injured myself a few times. I have found Zoë and Brenda's classes fantastic - they're incredibly attentive to your body and what it's doing. It's been nearly a year since I started, and having undertaken both group classes and 1:1 classes with Zoë I have a much improved posture, core strength, and a much better awareness of how my body moves by default and how to correct bad habits / imbalances in the way I move and stand. I have also been free from back pain for most the year since starting as well. I would highly recommend Ankor Pilates to anyone who is thinking about it.

J. F.

Pilates was suggested to me by my hospital physio following 2 hip replacement operations. I was keen to build up strength and become flexible once my post-surgery period of recuperation was over. I signed up for a tester session with Zoe and immediately felt it was the right form of exercise. Under Zoe's calm, observant and intuitive direction I feel I have become stronger and more flexible since attending weekly classes. Pilates has been a revelation to me - so different from other health regimes in being quite subtle in movement and yet so powerful in its effect.

M. P.

Back in February my hip rotated out of place and my back misaligned, after months of physio I was told to start going back to Pilates to help strengthen my hip and back. I looked for a Pilates instructor who could specifically help with my back pain and found Ankor pilates. The taster session was exactly what I needed, it confirmed that I could go back to Pilates and my back would cope ok. Zoe assisted me and showed me alternatives moves when it was too painful for me. She pays attention to every member in the class and corrects us when we are going wrong. Since starting Pilates, I feel my posture has improved significantly and my hip and back pain are much better. I have a better understanding of the stretches that will help me when I have any pain in my hip and back. I would recommend Ankor Pilates to anyone who is recovering from an injury and given the go ahead to start exercising or simply working at a desk all day and looking to improve their posture. I can see and feel the improvement I have made since February and will be continuing to attend classes to prevent any of the old injuries coming back.

A. A.

I wanted to find a gentle exercise class to help me relax and improve my core strength. Pilates seems like the perfect option, but I’ve been put off from previous classes I’ve attended which were really high tempo and with too many people cramped in the space. Zoe offers a free taster so it was a perfect opportunity to try pilates out again and I’ve really lucked out. Zoe was really welcoming, it’s a really calming atmosphere and because the classes are small she really take care to make sure everyone is following and giving tips on how to improve. I find the classes super relaxing and I really feel like I’m doing some good stretches to help my body feel stronger. I’d definitely recommend Zoe’s class to anyone looking to generally feel better or work through any aches and pains. She’s a great teacher and a lovely person!

r. r.

I’ve suffered with lower back pain since the birth of my second child and noticed that it was getting significantly worse with age. I wanted to find something that could help me re-build my core strength as I was constantly worried about my back ‘going’ on me. Taking up pilates has made me feel stronger and more confident with moving in my everyday life and I’ve also become more aware about how I move. The taster class was great as it gave me the opportunity to feel out whether this was the right exercise for me and Zoe abated any reservations I had before starting my first class. She’s clear in explaining each exercise and gives everyone time and attention to get the most out of the class. I’ve only been going for a couple of months but can already feel an improvement. I would highly recommend anyone with similar problems to give Ankor a go.

A. T.

I started going to Pilates after a period of ill health. My mobility had become extremely difficult and I had a lot of lower back pain and weakness. I had been in a wheelchair so there were many muscles that hadn’t been used for a long while. Very quickly the pain disappeared and I found myself having the freedom to be able to walk easily. My body has become much stronger. Zoë was understanding and listened about all my body’s niggles. She was able to give me exercises to help and adjustments when I needed them. She powered through lockdown with online classes and one-to-ones which helped keep the momentum. I have now been able to go on a walking holiday after about 8 months (probably could have earlier, but COVID-19) which I never believed I could do again even a year before. I walked 5 miles per day for a week which was an amazing feeling. I would highly recommend. You really don’t need a certain level of fitness before you start.

T. M.

After years of a steadily worsening bad back that nothing seemed to fix, I can recommend Ankor Pilates as a significant quality-of-life improver. Although things such as swimming helped, they never fixed the problem of lost work days, sleep disruption and almost constant discomfort. I tried the taster class to reassure myself that this wasn't one of those pack-em-in classes with an instructor of questionable capability – Zoe is friendly, approachable and clearly knows her craft. Within a month I noticed an improvement for a couple of days after each class. Then around three months an almost complete cessation of significant back issues and at around 6-9 months a noticeable increase in my range of movements and the ability to push it and not suffer agony the following day. It feels like my back is 20 years younger. Considering how effective it has been for me the Ankor pilates classes represent incredible value-for-money.

I. F.

I have had returning lower back pain for many years following an accident at work. It came back once again recently. I wok every morning with my back in spasm and it too 10 - 15 minutes to get out of bed. Then all day I was walking round on egg shells to prevent a nonoccurrence. Following my first taster session I felt a bit sore but next morning was my first spasm free wake up for ages. So glad I tried Pilates. It was only by accident I even bothered. I saw an advert on our local Facebook Page and applied rather more in desperation than for any other reason. Got an email back from Zoe almost immediately and was made very welcome. Although I initially was the only man there and that was a bit off putting Zoe made me feel comfortable and I was encouraged all the way through. Still only one other man but I concentrate of the exercises and I feel much better. Zoe's clear instructions make it easy. I walk taller, have no pain after standing for a while and generally feel fitter and all after only 3 sessions. I would certainly recommend it to anybody with back pain like me.

H. S.

I was looking for a regular form of exercise I could do alongside running and for something to help with a pain in my right shoulder/arm. Pilates turned out to be just right on both counts. It’s a great way to improve your core strength and posture as well as to tackle particular problem areas. I also found that the bodily awareness practiced in class really finds its way into your daily life. I sit and stand better and feel able to spot and work against habits of tensing up all too easily. Zoë is a great teacher. When trying out different Pilates classes, Zoë’s stood out. Her teaching is concentrated yet relaxed, challenging and varied, and she always attends to everyone individually, helping you find ways to improve your practice. Since starting a few months ago, I’ve signed up to an additional class each week. I’d wholly recommend taking up Pilates with Zoë!

K. P.

The classes have been so beneficial to me and pretty life-changing! The small class size and the really skilled but down-to-earth teachers have made me feel so welcome. I've learnt how to be so much more aware of the intricacies of my body and how to target certain muscles. The biggest thing has just been finding a type of exercise that really de-stresses me - I didn't realise how stressed I was and taking the time to slow down, release tension in specific muscles and breathe has really changed the way I go about life. It has also helped me redefine my relationship with my body and pain itself. Since then, I've really felt my chronic pain lessen and in each class I feel like I learn more and more and I'm able to strengthen areas that have been chronically weak and that haven't been targeted properly for years!

S. B.

I am in my fifties and went through decades of back pain because of injuries through intense horse riding. Back pain was a constant companion for me. I avoided movement because of fear of pain which in the end increased the problem. Physiotherapy combined with exercises and later private yoga lessons helped a lot over the years but not enough to enable me to move in greater freedom again. I never dared to join a yoga or pilates group class because of the fear of pain but also especially because of the fast pace of the classes. I would tense up just thinking of it. Through Google we found Ankor Pilates and dared to arrange an initial private lesson with Zoë. My husband and I described our very different conditions and she walked us through a set of basic pilates exercises suited to the level of ability where we were. She came across as very experienced and insightful with a profound knowledge of the physicality, proper alignment and effects of the single exercises. We felt very safe under her instruction and her excellent way of teaching. She gave us so much confidence that we even dared to join a beginners class. We have been taking these classes now for over 3 months and are amazed at the progress we have made in this short period of time. Each lesson is strengthening and mobilising as well as developing flexibility. Repeated exercises with always new elements and variations, with slightly challenging nuggets at times lead into greater freedom of movement week by week. It is like discovering again in a safe way how our bodies are able to move and meant to move and at the same time strengthening the required muscles to be able to move safely and continuously. The classes are held in beautiful and clean halls in a calm and relaxed atmosphere in groups of up to twelve participants. We absolutely love it and recommend Ankor pilates with 10 shining stars! It is done in incredible and extraordinary quality of instruction! Fantastic! Divine! Thank you very very much, Zoë!

J. G.

Zoe is a great teacher - her classes are enjoyable, educational and witty. And I've definitely felt the improvement in my core strength. Definitely recommend!

G. B.

C. P.

B. F.

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