Essentrics Testimonials and Stories

When I found Jo’s class my posture was poor, I was tense all the time and other classes had left me feeling dizzy or with strained tendons.  Nearly four years on I feel more relaxed, more supple, have better balance and folk think I have grown a wee bit taller! I even sleep better after a class.  I would recommend Essentrics to anyone looking to age well, regardless of whether you are fully fit to start with.  Jo is excellent at tailoring exercises to take account of limitations due to recovery from illness, surgery, or ongoing health issues so everyone feels able to take part and benefit from the techniques.  Go on - give it a try! (Karen) 

I have had Essentrics classes with Jo for a year now throughout lockdown online and cannot recommend them highly enough!  They have provided a calm but challenging exercise regime with moves from ballet, tai chi and physiotherapy.  I have found it a great complement to running, allowing me some time to relax and really stretch my joints and muscles without noticing I am doing it!  The music is also great.  Jo is a wonderful teacher - gentle but coaxing in her manner and always enthusiastic - I think she is part of the Essentrics package for me! (Meena)

Essentrics with Jo has been incredibly helpful and uplifting. For the first time ever, I have stuck to hourly weekly exercise sessions for over 7 months and I’m noticing a difference to my mind and body. My body is stronger with greatly improved posture and I am definitely motivated to continue looking after myself.  Jo’s approach is very professional and she takes time to explain the techniques and rationale which makes things interesting, but most importantly to me, she relates exactly to what I need and I always feel I have done well and made progress which is testament to her warm, supportive & knowledgeable approach. (Kate)

The classes with Joanne are excellent! I have strengthened my muscles and improved flexibility.  Key to the programme’s success is that the old adage of pain and gain are completely out of the window. Movements are never jarring or painful and classes are geared towards fostering physical and mental well-being.  I have exercised most of my life but as a senior I find arthritis is a problem. With Essentrics, the joints have gradually become less painful and more flexible.  By continuing with the classes, I hope to maintain a good quality of life and movement for independent living. Normally we focus on our upper bodies and core strength while ignoring our feet! In Essentrics you start to understand the importance of optimising strength and flexibility starting from your toes, ankles and into the leg muscles.  Having had foot surgery, gaining that strength and flexibility has been invaluable. My balance has improved and I feel more confident. (Alice)

Joanne is very empathetic, an excellent teacher and a good listener with a lovely sense of humour to make you feel really relaxed.  She understands that we all have different strengths and weaknesses and that we participate in the classes for a variety of reasons.  Joanne takes all this into consideration and enables each and everyone to progress without pain and discomfort.  Her instructions are clear and thorough so you know why you are doing any particular exercise and the benefits of the movement.  Her style is gentle yet strong and her constant encouragement makes you want to try your best.  I cannot recommend her more highly.  I know that she understands my needs and supports me even when I’m not achieving my best always.  At the end of a class I feel both physically and mentally better, ready to face the day and I know that my confidence is growing as I improve. (Maggie)

I feel as if Essentrics is a form of exercise I have been seeking for some time now. It incorporates elements that feel familiar from activities like Pilates and Tai Chi which I have done and really liked in the past.

My husband started Essentrics and was very enthusiastic and that got me interested. When I joined the classes, I was hoping to improve my flexibility, reduce general aches and pains and feel more comfortable with everyday activities that involve bending or lifting. I’ve been attending the classes for a few months now. As well as the immediate feeling of mental wellbeing after a class, I do notice generally that I am moving more quickly - getting up off the floor is easier now and so is bending down to pat the dog!

The classes feel very friendly and inclusive. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability (I am not very coordinated) and Joanne has a gentle and encouraging approach. The music and movements tend to be graceful and peaceful but at the same time can be really challenging, which I love. My other main form of exercise is karate, and I think Essentrics is a good complementary activity, as it stretches and strengthens joints and muscles in ways which my practice of karate doesn’t. 

I would really recommend Essentrics to other people who are looking to build strength and flexibility for everyday life, and I would say if the first class feels hard then keep going - there is a real build over time. 

If I had to describe Essentrics in three words I would say it is strengthening, healing and rigorous. Highly recommended! (Eileen)