WHAT THE PEOPLE OF NELSON ARE SAYING:
Robyn Munro
Raff is very knowledgable and experienced in all things pilates, core, breathing and fascia. I have been working with her for over 6 months now to help strengthen core and manage chronic pain from pre-exisiting injuries (I was unable to exercise without pain). She is very adaptable to any niggles in my body, a truly amazing instructor as she is passionate to ensure you understand the WHY behind each movement and technique. She is very thorough so you are not causing harm to your body. With regular reformer pilates and fascia release I have managed to eliminate pain and find balance to muscle groups after many years of abusing my body as a highly intensive and competitive Rower. The changes I have seen through working with Raff are significant and it is definitely noticeable in my body when I am unable to attend class. A highlight to my week, classes are challenging & fun, I always leave feeling refreshed, aligned, and pain free. I have learnt so much from my time working with Raff and would highly recommend her to anyone struggling with injuries or chronic pain.
Moonika Jaroslavskaja
I am pleased to share my experience with Raff and her fascia release techniques. Having suffered from chronic lower back pain for much of my life, I often found myself bedridden and reliant on pain medication. In search of a more effective way to exercise and strengthen my core, I discovered Raff's Reformer Pilates in Nelson. During my initial session, I confided about my struggles, and she introduced me to fascia release. I must admit, it was initially challenging and uncomfortable, but the results were astonishingly immediate! After my first session, I felt remarkably supple and flexible, and the anticipated discomfort never returned. Inspired by this transformation, I purchased one of her custom blocks, the best and cheapest investment towards my health! Raff has continued to guide me in my practice. I now incorporate it into my routine at home whenever I feel any tightness or discomfort. Since I began this practice, I have not experienced any back pain. I am immensely grateful to Raff for her dedication and support in helping me maintain my flexibility and overall well-being. Her expertise and genuine interest in her students make a significant difference in our lives. Thank you!
Sam Burden
I have been suffering from chronic pain for 8 years caused by sporting injuries, predominantly lower back, hip issues and recently lost grip strength which I had been chasing for a year! I have worked with various practitioners and tried multiple techniques however I can safely say that working consistently with Raff the past 3 months has yielded the best results for me. Raffs knowledge and intuition is incredible.
Jacintha Atkinson-Manson
When I first met Raffaella I was expecting to try a new “fitness trend” and hoped to strengthen my core (to assist with lower back pain). With other exercise I had struggled to commit as it slowly stopped meeting my needs and due to motivation and pain in my body. I have been working with Raffaella 2x a week consistently for over 2 years. Her coaching is highly personalised, this is super important to me as depending how my day has gone and how my body is feeling, my workout will be tailored to meet what I need, and not just go through the motions of a pre planned class. If I have particular pain in an area, we will focus on relieving that so that I am leaving feeling better than when I walked in. You can tell that Raffaella genuinely cares about making a difference to people’s health and their bodies, she focuses on the whole person, not just giving you 50mins of exercise. Learning about fascia, the nervous system, our breath and relating it to pain has been life changing. I would highly recommend Raffaella and am proud to say she has also now become a friend as well as my amazing movement coach 😃
Victoria Lagrutta
The individual attention and guidance that Raff provides ensures I am reaping the most out of each session with her. Raff is knowledgeable, motivational and sympathetic to my needs. She goes above and beyond just the in-person session, if there is something going on in my body she has the solution, and if she doesn't (which is rare) she puts in the extra effort to research to then guide me the next time I see her. I have had results with arthritic pain in my hands and wrists, and a debilitating pain in my left leg. Her magic touch made it completely disappear and that pain in my leg has not returned since! I am forever grateful.
Denise Booth
I can not speak highly enough of Raff, she has given me a new lease on life - truly. With prior injuries and middle age muscle weakness creeping in, I can say that in just a few short months with Raff's guidance I have gained substantially more flexibility and every part of my body feels stronger! She has helped coach me through chronic niggles that I have had for years such as Plantar Fasciitis, knee and shoulder pain. Raff is just a super all round lovely person who genuinely cares about her students. Even more than this she has a vast knowledge of how our body works, pivots to suit where I am at on the day and makes her in-person sessions appropriately challenging while at the same time relaxed and fun.
