A neurosurgeon first recommended that I seek out Pilates as a form of exercise offering beneficial, remedial strength and posture work for my daughter, following a lower back operation for a slipped disc; she was 16 at the time, [2003]. I initially accompanied her to classes as the driver and also for encouragement purposes. My daughter is now living a full life abroad. When my daughter moved on, I chose to continue attending classes because I was feeling numerous benefits. I am eternally grateful to have found Vicki’s classes which literally transformed my daughter’s healing and my own ability to keep supple and stand with confidence. Vicki’s classes are a veritable joy, despite the solid work we do. She teaches with great clarity of description, a deep knowledge of anatomy and also her students’ capabilities, along with a wonderful sense of humour and compassion. I have been doing classes on Zoom since Covid and really enjoy the fact that I have no parking issues. I have discovered that Pilates classes with Vicki offer the answers to most questions!
Pascale Fowell
I joined Vicki’s Pilates live classes about 8years ago. Having never done Pilates or yoga before I was both intrigued and a little uncertain about what to expect! It was and remains such a positive experience, I felt welcome and very much a part of a wonderful shared experience. Vicki is so skilled at holding the whole class in mind and structuring the content to suit us all. She offers alternative options to those who might have a specific injury or difficulties so that we all feel catered for but positively challenged. I was very quickly amazed at the improvement in my core fitness- I felt so much stronger and the various aches and pains that had initially been my reason for joining were significantly improved! The transition from live lessons to Zoom classes during COVID was seamless, not only was it great to see class friends on line but the quality and variety of each class was not at all impacted by being ‘virtual’- it actually felt like a fantastic lifeline. I think it was so successful because Vicki expertly demonstrates,describes and cues the exercises into a seamless routine. She has the fantastic ability to explain the physiological reasons for why we are focusing on particular areas of the musculoskeletal system so there is always clear reason to each lesson and somehow she manages never to repeat her lessons and each weekly class is a fresh and new challenge. I recently had a serious health issue and have needed physio rehabilitation; the medical team supporting me all said my excellent recovery thus far has been without doubt aided by my general fitness and excellent core strength all gained from my Pilates classes. As a result I am currently accessing Vicki’s lessons via recording which she sends to me weekly and although I don’t get to interact with my class mates it does mean that I can plan the best time to exercise and so really benefit from each class. The lessons Vicki sends through are again perfectly pitched to my current needs and as well as rebuilding my strength and balance they have been such an incredible psychological boost during this most challenging of times. I know that I will remain a lifelong member of Vicki’s classes and cannot thank her enough.
Beth Robertson
I first met Vicki over ten years ago when I was struggling with chronic lower back pain. From the very beginning, her exceptional Pilates expertise, deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system and genuine passion for helping others set her apart. Working with Vicki has been truly transformative—not only did she help me overcome long-term pain, but she also gave me the tools and confidence to move freely again. Thanks to her guidance, I now live pain-free, and I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Kevin White
I have been with Vicki for over seven years. Mostly in person 1 to 1 sessions, but some Zoom sessions too, when time is pressed. No two sessions are the same, always something new. She describes the movements and positions so accurately that it is very easy to follow. Each session is great fun. I feel better and stronger. Highly recommended.
Mike Mitchell
I’ve been taught by Vicki for 8 years or so and I am stronger and more confident in my appearance. However, the biggest benefit has been in recent months after I slipped a disc in my lower back. I started doing the classes via zoom because I was unable to drive and 3 months later I am off my medication which I put down to Vicki’s brilliant tuition. It is so easy to join her zoom class and we’re told the day before what we’ll need in terms of simple equipment. Vicki has an extraordinary gift for describing the exercises so even if you only have a phone and she is small on the screen you know exactly how to move your body. Vicki offers ‘serving suggestions’ if a particular exercise isn’t for you and she knows her members bodies and remembers if someone should sit something out or do an exercise a different way. Vicki hasn’t repeated a single lesson in 8 years- honestly. The lessons are brilliant fun and she has a lovely sense of humour. I’m signed up for life!
Phillipa Warden
When I first attended Vicki’s Pilates classes I was amazed how quickly I noticed a change in my body. Her classes are varied, fun and extremely professional. She obviously has a wide knowledge of her subject, and always attends new seminars and workshops.
Pilates is a fantastic way to rehabilitate after injury or help everyday symptoms such as back pain and headaches. It works as a wonderful complement to chiropractic care and therefore I have recommended Vicki to many of my patients who have made excellent progress.
Jo McCarey B.Sc. D.C., Chiropractor, Saffron Walden Chiropractic Clinic
Vicki is a long-established teacher and has placed Pilates firmly on the Saffron Walden map. As a fellow Pilates teacher I admire and appreciate her continual quest for self development and desire for improvement.
It’s easy to get complacent when teaching a structured method but Vicki continually examines her teaching practice and its effectiveness. Her openness and ability to see a bigger picture means that she infuses both her classes and private sessions with compassion and progression.
Nicki O'Clarey - Pilates Teacher, Cambridge
I am a General Practitioner and have been doing Pilates with Vicki for two years, initially due to a low back problem. She was recommended to me by a physiotherapist. She has an excellent knowledge of human anatomy, good motivation, and a very relaxing attitude. I am now leading mountain expeditions and playing squash without any back problems.
Dr Jeremy Evans
After having a caesarean section I was advised to start Pilates classes. A friend recommended Vicki’s classes and I signed up. I have now been attending Pilates classes for 15 years. Vicki is an inspirational teacher, mixing relaxation with exercise, making Pilates addictive as well as beneficial. I am indebted to Vicki for keeping me fit and healthy. I would not be able to live without Pilates and am grateful for her insightful teaching.
Maddie Standen
Vicki has been teaching me Pilates for about 2 years now. I first went along because I thought I needed to improve my posture. I also had a problem with my neck following a car accident 24 years ago and had had discomfort ever since, I tried other treatments such as physiotherapy and courses of anti-inflammatory tablets, but none of them worked for any length of time. I expected this would be the case with Pilates, but I haven’t had neck pain since I started the Pilates exercises with Vicki, and family and friends tell me that my posture has greatly improved.
Jane Evans
I have been a competitive athlete most of my adult life. The cumulative effect of years of bashing my body through hard training and pregnancy resulted in injury and more specifically lower back problems. So much so that I had to stop all sporting activities altogether. I tried all sorts of treatments but nothing fixed me long term, the symptoms always returned within a couple of months. I then met Vicki and started her Pilates classes.
The difference it made was amazing, my back was stabilised, I was stronger and my flexibility increased not to mention the overall well being effect. Pilates got me back onto the road to recovery and eventually full sporting participation again. Vicki is a thorough professional, who is always finding ways to improve herself. Her classes are great fun, very diverse, energising and relaxing at the same time and I wouldn’t give up my weekly haven for anything.
Deborah Rushman
I first joined Vicki’s Pilates class over 5 years ago and was immediately impressed with her easy to follow, varied and beneficial routines, all delivered with a light human touch..
In summer 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following my mastectomy I took up one to one sessions with Vicki and can honestly say they were a life line. Vicki was sensitive and supportive and immediately took it upon herself to understand my surgery and the implications of it. Each week, using her extensive knowledge of human musculoskeletal system, she devised a short daily programme for me.
When I began chemotherapy I was advised to take minimal exercise, however, my consultant was very positive about Pilates. It seemed an ideal time to get to grips with Pilates concepts and I continued with my programmes which helped in every way. They provided a focus each day and helped to keep my body more flexible and toned. I am delighted to report that I have now emerged from treatment, with a completely full and pain free range of movement, along with an engaged set of core muscles!
Sue Rae
I have been a student of yoga and Pilates for many years and in particular a student of Linda Butler, learning Classical Mat for 6 years until her return to the US. At that point I started to look in the local area for a teacher of equal talent and dedication. Eventually I found Vicki and have discovered a different but wider view of Pilates practice. Vicki’s delivery is full of gentle humour and excellent instruction, which has not only enhanced my Pilates practice but has also linked to my Iyengar yoga practice which parallels the integrity of instruction of Vicki’s Body Control Pilates. Vicki’s dedication to high quality teaching and her care of students are exemplary.
Carol McNulty
Vicki is a dedicated and hugely knowledgable Pilates teacher. Her carefully constructed programmes are of great benefit in the constant battle to keep flexible and fit.
John Lockheart