19/12/2020                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            It’s been a very difficult year for so many of us but many enthusiastic clients have stayed with me throughout the chaos the positive physical and well being effects have benefited all of us. 
Below is a testimonial from one of my most diligent clients of 2020. It’s been a joy watching Ashley grow stronger and more active.
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Testimonial by Ashley Beaveridge for Jacky Pugh, Pilates instructor
Background
I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2013 and had a mastectomy, chemo and radio therapy.  In February 2018 I was diagnosed with stage 4 advanced breast cancer which had spread to the bones in my spine, ribs and left hip. I could barely walk and had a lot of pain but gradually improved with radiotherapy, hormone treatment and immunotherapy.
My Oncologist advised me to walk as much as possible using two walking poles. My posture was already poor after 40 years working at a desk, it was now much worse.  My upper back was badly bent forward and my lower back was flat and rigid.  In October 2018 my Oncologist suggested I try Pilates to improve my posture and mobility.  I discussed with my Osteopath who recommended Jacky.
 
My Pilates journey
I had my first appointment with Jacky in October 2018.  I walked up to the studio using my two poles, with no idea what to expect with Reformer Pilates.  At the end of my first session I was already more upright and Jacky told me to leave the poles in the car and walk round the village before driving home.  I never used the poles again.
Over the next 18 months I saw Jacky every week and my posture and core strength was improving all of the time, enabling me to live a near normal life.  I was given a lot of good advice on how to stand, sit, walk, lift and carry.  
In March 2020 I started shielding, being highly vulnerable due to cancer and immunotherapy, so the weekly visits to the studio had to stop.  
After discussing with Jacky we agreed to try 1:1 weekly zoom sessions, me on the kitchen table and my wife filming on the phone, with Jacky giving instructions and closely monitoring my technique. It worked really well, using stretch bands, spiky balls and soft balls.  Latterly we have also introduced some small weights.  After a few weeks I suggested we have two one hour zoom sessions per week, which worked really well.  I am now fitter, stronger and with better posture than before I was ill.  I can also happily walk 3 miles and do a variety of DIY jobs, gardening and household chores.
In September 2020 after six months of lockdown and phone consultations, I saw my Oncologist face to face.  She was amazed how fit and well I looked.
Pilates with Jacky has been life-changing and a great and enjoyable experience.  I thoroughly recommend Reformer Pilates in general and Jacky Pugh in particular.
 
Ashley Beaveridge
10th December 2020