Testimonials

This July 2019 I  was under a lot of pressure due to personal circumstances and my stress level was high and for the first time since 2006 had my first return of a real painful back problem.

Unfortunately the stress affected my lower 5-6 discs to become incredibly tight, which caused my sciatic nerve to become highly inflamed, the pain was immense and walking became unbearable, if not at times impossible. I was truly scarred my prolapse had returned. I had intense physiotherapy sessions with a local back specialist physio, who is also a Pilates teacher for acupuncture and physio.

After 6 weeks and using her exercises, which were all based on my Pilates classes with Lea, which gave me the insight and breathing techniques to perform them easily at home, I gained relief from this terrible pain. The physio explained that without my attendance of Pilates classes this back problem would have taken twice as long to recover from. I was contemplating a spinal injection, which I was dreading, due to the fact I needed to be fit and well for my son’s wedding at the end of August, I was on a tight schedule, which added to the stress level.

I made it, I am now back at my beloved Pilates class, having attended for the first time this week, 12th September 2019.  It was brilliant to be back and I felt wonderful afterwards.

Anybody suffering from back pain should attend Pilates it is brilliant!

I suffered a prolapse disc in 2006, which was devastating.  I luckily received very good physio and acupuncture via my workplace, so I did not require a spinal injection or surgery.  I was referred by my GP to attend a back programme at the local hospital.  This was a gruelling programme, but was excellent for strengthening my back and core.  I was recommended at the programme to take up Pilates, which I did by joining Lea’s classes in 2007 before she established Petersfield Pilates at its current location.  Through Lea’s wonderful teaching I have learnt through the years her many Pilates exercises, I am not her best pupil by any means, and do not do my homework!  But I attend the class religiously every week, it has become part of my everyday life health regime.

I approached Peterfield Pilates looking for support to go into the menopause with the strongest body I possibly could. Eight years earlier I had suffered a very serious accident that left me wearing a leg brace, so rebuilding strength and confidence felt both important and daunting.

From the moment I met Lea, everything changed. I began with 1-to-1 sessions, and her depth of knowledge in anatomy and biomechanics rivals some of the top surgeons and elite athletics coaches I’ve had the privilege to work with in this country. More importantly, she is endlessly patient, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in what you want to explore and achieve with your body.

Within weeks, I had gained so much strength, coordination, and balance that I was able to walk without a leg brace lifting my foot — something I never thought would be possible.

The studio itself is a place of safety, warmth, and immense positivity. The group sessions are wonderful: welcoming, supportive, and rooted in a real sense of community. I now work with both Lucy and Lea, and I genuinely can’t wait to get to my sessions each week. Progress and strength become wonderfully addictive, but being guided by such inspirational teachers is an absolute privilege.

Do not hesitate to reach out, seek support, and start something new here. The journey will surpass all your expectations.
 

My experience at Petersfield Pilates has been truly life-changing. After recently being diagnosed with a chronic illness, Ehler’s Danlos syndrome, I came to Lea with significant joint pain. Through gentle rehabilitation exercises, my pain has improved and I’m finally getting some movement back into my daily routine. I’m understanding my body better and gaining confidence with every session, thank you Lea!

Lea is such an inspiring and skilful Pilates teacher; her classes are beautifully and thoughtfully crafted. It's so lovely being able to explore and extend our capabilities.

I have been doing Pilates with Lea Blumlein at Petersfield Pilates for three years. I was 56 years old when I started and needed to do something fairly radical for the benefit of my body before it was ‘too late’! Lea initially gave me individual sessions to get to know what she was dealing with and for me to get used to using my body in a way I had never done before. After a while I joined a small, cheerful class which has since become a part of the fabric of my weekly life. Lea and most able assistant, Jess Curnier, have always been patient, kind and very encouraging. With their help, a hamstring injury that had plagued me for a number of years pretty much completely mended and I generally now also have a new, physically positive lease of life. My core strength has also improved immeasurably, for instance I now have no problem lifting a large basket of logs which I previously struggled with even as far back 15 years ago when somewhat younger. Petersfield Pilates is not just very professionally run, it is also a safe, kind, warm and friendly place to nurture one’s fitness and wellbeing. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

For the past 11 years I have been attending weekly mat classes taught by Lea. Pilates was initially recommended to aid my recuperation from Polymyalgia and a Bakers Knee cyst. Although it has taken time, my regular attendance at the weekly classes has greatly helped in my recovery from these debilitating and painful conditions. I have learnt so much over the years from Lea’s teaching and I’m delighted to have gained flexibility, better body alignment and posture. Lea is very personable and understanding of her clients’ individual needs. Her classes are friendly and at the start of each session a full explanation is given as to the objective of the lesson ahead. Sessions are varied thus providing interest and focus each time. At the end of a class I leave feeling taller and with a sense of well-being. Also, I always sleep well that night. Pilates is very much part of my life and long may it continue. Thank you, Lea. 

I discovered Petersfield Pilates by chance on moving to Petersfield 2 years ago – how lucky was I?!  

I had previously done quite a bit of yoga and Pilates, but never been as thoroughly assessed as Lea does – she has the uncanny knack of pinpointing a problem and knowing exactly how to “fix” it. Her knowledge of human mechanics is impressive. I have had knee issues for years but since coming to Petersfield Pilates I am now better able to manage them.

I do a matwork class, which has weekly objectives, and a 4:2 equipment class per week, which are professional and fun, and I can honestly say that I always look forward to going to them.

12 years ago, my back “went”. I had a month with a chiropractor and when I was better, she said “start Pilates with Lea”. I have been with her ever since and I’m still upright! Seriously, I don’t think I would be so alive and well if it weren’t for Lea and Pilates.

I have been attending Lea’s Pilates classes since the summer of 2012. I had been suffering severe back pain which, since joining the classes, has only recurred once during the 6 years and that was due to something of my own fault. The classes help me keep my back strong (as far as possible for me) and to keep me flexible (again as far as possible for me). When I started the classes, my daughter told me I was standing taller and straighter and I hope I still do! I could go to a more convenient class in my own village, but I would not dream of doing so as Lea is such an excellent teacher, and her classes are so enjoyable. 

I have been attending Lea’s classes for the best part of 10 years and enjoy them immensely. In late July 2017 I had a hysterectomy operation. Being over 70 years, quite an experience. Happily, I made an extraordinary recovery very quickly and according to my consultant, my core muscles are amazing. I put a lot of this down to the work and participation given by Lea and her Pilates lessons and a little effort from myself!

Well done Lea, keep up the good work. A very professional teacher.

More than 10 years of Pilates with Lea has greatly improved the mobility of my shoulders, both of which had ongoing problems.

I have worked with Lea for quite a few years now. She has worked wonders for my posture, which was very asymmetrical when we started and has now much improved. Lea is brilliant in choosing the exercises my body needs – she just looks at me when I come in and adapts to whatever she sees. It is always fun to do her classes. Lea is very good at explaining what the function of different exercises is, so my mind learns as much as my body. 

I started doing Pilates 6 years ago. The effect was instantaneous. With the expertise of my tutor, Lea Blumlein, my muscles will now stretch to ease discomfort and she will show me how. For instance, my shoulder insists on coming forwards. Awareness is important.

My mobility has improved, due to foot exercises, which prime ankles to bend forward, sideways and backwards. These feet exercises are constant, enabling me to live alone, walk backwards and forwards to the bins, or to the supermarket for fresh produce. I still drive the car which helps me to keep my independence. Doing Pilates has helped me keep osteoarthritis at bay in my knees and been able to enjoy my grandchildren’s prowess In their various achievements. Whether in football matches or A level art exhibitions in “The Violin”.

How would I have done any of that without Pilates, and it’s all FUN.

If someone had told me two years ago just how much Pilates with Lea would help me and my ever increasing stiffening body, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. At a recent health check, I discovered that I had grown 1.5cm since my previous check-in two years earlier! Strange I thought, at first, then thought harder and realised…Pilates!! Really!! When you are only average height 1.5cm is huge.

Lea is a truly wonderful, amusing, and knowledgeable teacher of Pilates. There is not a bone, muscle, or fascia she doesn’t know about. She passes on her encyclopedic knowledge to us all during an hourly session through gentle movement of a particular part of the body, regularly it’s several different parts – not always at the same time. Often, I have wondered the positive impact it may be having. The next day I realise the body part that was exerted the previous day. And visibly you can see the difference too, especially if you have one shoulder higher than the others – I do – I did (just a bit now). Or lengthening a leg. Don’t worry, she does even you up.

After a period of time away from Pilates last summer, I returned and was soon reminded of what my body had been missing. I hadn’t realised I had become so stiff. You really must start today if you haven’t already; it’s madness not to.

They say it is the little things in life and Lea provides the tools with which the benefit is enormous.

Thank you Lea.

I would recommend Petersfield Pilates to anyone who wants to be active, flexible and happy. Lea is a star! 

I have been doing Pilates with Lea for around 12 years and I enjoy my weekly class in a beautiful studio with like-minded people. Lea has taught me a lot about how the body works and ways of relieving any aches and pains I might have. 

Lea is very knowledgeable and skilled. She has treated me on two occasions when I have been in pain on my back and I have been amazed by the results. I attend Pilates twice a week and if I miss a session my body greatly feels it.

Petersfield Pilates keeps me pain free. I walk in crooked and leave loosened up and walking straight again. Lea is incredible. She can diagnose from where my aches and pain originate and get me doing all the exercises to loosen the necessary muscles up and banish the problem. 

Lea is the thinking persons’ Pilates teacher. There is nothing rote in her choice of exercises. She takes one look at you and knows exactly what needs to be done to keep you straight, supple, balanced and coordinated. A genius.  

Completely reinvigorated…

Now:

• straighter legs
• improved shoulder
• better posture
• hips and knees feel better
• now taller than my sister
• beginning to run again
• breathing better
• more confident 

Thanks, Lea

I started Pilates with Lea about 10 years ago. It has enabled me as a shepherdess to climb over hurdles, do lambing and manage my flock of sheep on my own. I found Lea an excellent instructor not only with the exercises she sets but the way she teaches and encourages us. I am now 77 and I know I would not be as agile as I am today without Pilates. 

Lea and the girls are excellent teachers. Every class is varied, a challenge and fun, whilst learning how our bodies should and should not be moving. I am now stronger, straighter and trimmer than I have been in years and I have my waist back! I regularly sing the praises of Petersfield Pilates, thank you Lea. 

Lea is a fantastic teacher with amazing knowledge of anatomy and how to apply Pilates to daily life. I have learnt so much from her about how Pilates can help me as a runner and resolve any niggles with simple exercises. No two classes are the same and they are very warm and welcoming. 

Not Just a Pilates Class!

I absolutely love Pilates. I really believe it’s changed my life and I’ve learnt so much about the body and the importance of our feet! My core strength, flexibility, balance and overall muscle strength has significantly improved. I look forward to every class as the routine is always different and challenging. I like the warmups and often Lea will impart fascinating insights into the workings of our muscles and bones and all the interconnecting structures that make up our hard working, over stretched, over worked or sitting too long bodies! I recommend Pilates to everyone of all ages and all abilities. It keeps me oiled, it keeps me going, and always gives me the feel good factor. After a class I positively bounce out, walk tall and feel fantastic! I can’t imagine life without Pilates I will never stop doing it. 

I joined Petersfield Pilates in 2005 after suffering a fractured calcaneum after falling off a ladder. It has been an amazing journey and apart from keeping me mobile, strengthening my core muscles, etc., it has been so encouraging in getting me to walk again and manage the arthritis which has set in. I would, and do, encourage so many friends to do Pilates as it is something you can do into old age and help to walk again properly, stretch and strengthen muscles, and keep fit. 

Lea perfectly understands the mechanics of the human body and how to make it work again when something goes wrong.

I started Pilates lessons as a “general maintenance” programme a few years ago. Since then, Lea has helped me recover from two knee operations with targeted exercises that enable me to walk without pain again. She is also brilliant at alleviating the effects of over-enthusiastic gardening!

I knowingly recommend Lea’s classes and studio sessions to everybody who needs to keep their bodies in the best shape possible, i.e., EVERYBODY!