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Jason and Lorna opened their first Peak Pilates and Physiotherapy practice in Botany more than 20 years ago.
They were one of the first studios to combine the principles of Pilates with a physio practice, giving clients a holistic offering of clinical Pilates for injury rehab, and conditioning Pilates using high-end reformer machines, for overall well-being.
Since then, Peak has raised the bar to become one of the best in the business.
Jason, a former pro-tennis player and qualified coach, suffered a back injury which first led to his interest in Pilates.
He then studied at the renowned Pilates Institute in London and with Stott Pilates, before developing his own Stability Plus Pilates method.
Lorna, a former athlete and gymnast, who trained as a physiotherapist in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, heads the clinical side of the Peak practice and is back managing the Botany studio, which provides the team with world-class training so the programmes and treatments are gold-standard.
The classes are limited to eight clients per class (or you can opt for a more tailored approach), so everyone feels included and can have one-on-one time with the trainer.
“We purposely keep classes small,” says Jason. “It makes for a good experience for everyone.
“Our clients can get a more personalised service and it gives our instructors the chance to work with each person individually.”
Students are in good hands – many of the teachers are also physiotherapists and all their instructors are highly-attuned to signs of stress in the body, micro-adjusting positions to suit, ensuring there’s good alignment between joints, the breathwork is correct and the core is engaged before other muscles groups are worked.
Helpfully, they also explain what muscle groups are being used in each exercise and how they work within the body, so you understand the how and why of what you’re doing.
Exercise sequences are precise and structured, and the low-impact beauty of Pilates means some of the positions and movements are incredibly subtle but satisfyingly intense.
Think C-curves and bridges to work the spine and keep your back supple, Pilates hundreds to strengthen the core, and sprinter and side lying for your glutes.
Peak has all the kit available – hand weights, circles, boxes, balls, and there are endless variations and exercises in the Pilates class – so things never get too repetitive.
You can also dial movements up or down depending on how your body feels on the day.
Classes finish with a stretching series, which can also be challenging, but not overwhelming. It just feels, well, good.
The takeaway from a Peak class is a real sense of pride in your efforts, and it doesn’t take too many sessions before you start to see a change in your body shape.
“It’s important to keep your body moving. Once you lose your physicality things can go downhill quickly,” says Lorna.
“If you want better health outcomes for yourself, it’s never too late to start. My dad is coming to classes twice a week to rehab an injury and he absolutely loves it.”
For more information and to book your Peak Pilates or physiotherapy appointments visit www.peakpilates.co.nz
