I’ve gained a new balance after attending Mel’s Mindfulness and Pilates classes. The instruction is gentle, fun and most of all reveals a connection with my body I’ve not had before.
David Abrahams
I started studio sessions with Melissa last year after many years’ break from Pilates. I am so enjoying the sessions and seeing the benefits! Melissa is a very experienced knowledgeable teacher as well as making the sessions fun.
Judy Mills
I really enjoy participating in Melissa’s mat pilates class. Mel demonstrates and explains each move very clearly. She then quietly comes around to each student if a tweak or further clarification is needed. You never feel self-conscious. Everyone is encouraged to practice at their own level. The combination of breathing and mindfulness techniques at the beginning and end of each class is very special. Whilst my core strength has definitely improved, the real bonus is I also leave feeling relaxed and refreshed ready to take on the day.
Meg Bennets
Mel has been my Pilates instructor for a few months now, I can honestly say that my experience has been fantastic and very rewarding for my body and mind. I started my journey after badly hurting my back just after Christmas, I was out of action for almost 7 weeks, and I needed to start exercising again carefully and slowly. Mel’s experience, instruction and genuine care have got me back to my old self, she is an amazing instructor and just so in tune with what my body needs. I started with some private studio sessions, this was invaluable for reviewing my technique and assessing my back. I now have a duo session at the Pretty Beach studio and a group mat session every week. I feel stronger and my back is better than it has been in years. I can’t thank you enough Mel!
Elizabeth Moody
Melissa delivered a wonderful interactive workshop for our VIP guests which was tailored to our needs and aligned perfectly with the overarching message of our event.
Sonia Chiarelli – PR and Communications Manager | Dermalogica
This week has been massive for me…a massive realisation and energy shift! It’s time to let get of the things holding me back. I don’t think this would have happened without our sessions. I can’t thank you enough!
Wendy McClean – Naturopath
In a busy day and so many things going through your mind, this enabled me to disconnect and reflect internally on myself ( things we forget to do ). Melissa’s workshops gave me a different outlook and opened me up to new techniques.
Tony Zafirovski – NAB Business Development Manager, Broker Distribution
Session One was a wonderful session to be able to understand the focus and benefits behind mindfulness. It was perfect timing as we had an unforeseen event at the service and I was able to use what I have learnt in the session to help guide me through the afternoon. I am looking forward to the remaining sessions.
Samantha Atkinson – OSHC Coordinator
Melissa Wright took us through what regular mindfulness practice will offer on an individual and collegial level and how it will set a positive example for the students. There was a lot of pair and group work/discussion which kept us all highly engaged and interested We learnt meditation techniques that can be utilised at one’s desk. We even practised walking meditation, the art of listening and learnt about mindful eating. I found the day highly beneficial even though I’m not a leader and I plan to set up a daily practice at work and home.
Lynn
The meditation and mindfulness were a wonderful addition to our training day. Many useful tools for my staff and myself!
Kathy Peric
Firstly I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this mindfulness webinar series, I feel like they are going to be very helpful for me especially in my work environment. My plan is to listen to them again and then feedback to my colleagues in hope that they will use some of these strategies too.
Lisa
Mel is a gifted Pilates instructor and all-round life coach! Mel opens each session by appraising your body and demeanour and asking how she can best work with you that day. She’ll adapt her session on the spot and suggest exercises to try at home, books to read and people to speak to! She is a total wellbeing guru. Mel is always calm, professional and reassuring, with an excellent knowledge of the human body, strength and fitness, and what makes people tick.
Beth Cox
Melissa’s extensive experience in the Pilates Industry is reflected in her Pilates Instruction. She has a confident and engaging style of teaching that quickly engenders trust in new clients. I have often called on Melissa to relieve me in the Studio. Her depth of knowledge, professionalism and excellent teaching skills give me the utmost confidence in entrusting my clients into her care.
She’s a God send!
Lisa Anthony, Physiotherapist, Principal Pilates Practitioner: PhysioXtra, NSW
I have known and worked closely with Melissa for over 8 years. I run a large physiotherapy clinic and Melissa opened a Pilates studio down the road. Very soon we were working on shared clients and I have found her to be exceptionally skilled in her assessment and rehabilitation of clients’ movement patterns.
Melissa is far more than just a Pilates instructor. She is an inspiration, a beaming smile and cheeky laugh. Through her experience in professional dance to her understanding of the needs of the everyday folks, there is not much Melissa can’t do in the world of movement.
Melissa had such a loyal following in inner-city Sydney that there was a tinge of sadness when she announced she was doing a “tree change”. Of course, we wish her every success in her new venture!
I have no hesitation in recommending Melissa and her Pilates expertise. She’s one of the best!
John Panagopoulos – Director Active Physiotherapy, Newtown
It is my great pleasure to introduce Melissa Wright to you.
Melissa comes highly recommended as one of the most experienced and talented Pilates instructors in Australia. I have known Melissa, as a Pilates instructor, since 2002, when we worked together at Mosman Pilates, Sydney. Melissa has always been an articulate and detailed teacher. She is adept at teaching Pilates exercises to clients, with advanced exercise talent or rehab . She is a teacher on Polestar Pilates teacher training courses and mentors Pilates students. Melissa has written Pilates for dancer’s articles for dance magazines and has extensive experience running Pilates mat classes in many venues, including Sydney Dance Co. studios.
She started MG Pilates, Erskineville, 8 years ago with the vision of creating a place for people to experience the benefits of Pilates, in an atmosphere of excellence. She is a warm and caring person with a great sense of humour.
After handing the reigns of MG Pilates studio over to me last year, Melissa is now concentrating on developing Luxury Pilates Retreats, which I will continue to endorse. These retreats will showcase Melissa’s love of Pilates and whole well-being including nutrition, with detailed care she has always excelled in delivering.
Susie Bond- Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor
I’ve been practising Pilates in a studio for over a year. Now I’m halfway through my pregnancy and felt like some personalised training specific for my current situation would be beneficial for my fitness and mental health. I’ve trained with Melissa in the past but had never done it “online” before. At the start, I was a bit unsure of how this would work, but I’m glad I tried it. I’ve done a few virtual Pilates & Mindfulness sessions with Melissa over the last few weeks and I’m enjoying them as much as the sessions in the studio. The virtual space gives me the opportunity of practising Pilates in the comfort of my home guided and supervised by a professional instructor to ensure my practice is safe. Melissa is an excellent instructor, knowledgeable and caring. I always feel in good hands and safe training with her.
Paz Lorca
Melissa is an incredible Pilates instructor with an abundance of knowledge, complemented by a beautiful temperament. She was an amazing boss and mentor and I cannot recommend her highly enough to others of all ages and levels.
Katina Mcculloch, Exercise Physiologist, Pilates instructor
Melissa is a wonderful pilates instructor who I had the pleasure to work with. Lovely boss too! We miss you in Sydney.
Natalia Domingues, Pilates teacher
Melissa is an awesome, inspiring and friendly instructor. She makes you feel welcome, confident and at ease as she guides you through your Pilates session. Highly recommended!
Caroline Fadi, Pilates teacher
Melissa is the best Pilates instructor ever. She is always calm, and encouraging and most of all makes you feel inspired. I would recommend her classes 100%.
Caroline Perry
Mel is a fabulous instructor who takes the time to listen to how your body is feeling on the day and adjust movement accordingly. Pilates has certainly helped me to focus on the moment and what my body needs, which is a luxury in our fast paced lifestyle! Highly recommend!
Minette Ansell
Mel has been my Pilates instructor for 2 years now and I would highly recommend her. I chose Mel due to her experience and her ability to do private lessons. Mel’s not only a great Pilates instructor but she’s also a really lovely lady who genuinely cares about your all round health.
Shelley Steinwade
In the thirteen months that I have been going to Mel, she has taught me a great deal about myself, and how to be kind and helpful to this almost-70 body of mine. I now find that when I’m taking my dog for the daily walk, I am much more aware about how I’m walking, how I’m breathing. Consequently, I find that I am not feeling exhausted after a 45-minute brisk walk. At home, I am more aware of how I am minding my body while doing those everyday chores, : vacuuming, laundry, gardening…..etc…etc. And the result is the same….I am not feeling exhausted. What a gift..!! Thanks Mel.
Ros Jarratt
Melissa worked slowly and very structurally to resurrect this train wreck of a body of mine over a year or so. The results are hugely pleasing with few if any of the back, hip, knee and foot aches that were constantly slowing me down and restricting what I could do. Melissa is the best.
Graeme (Reconstructed) Smith
I first met Melissa when corporate Pilates was being offered at my work 12 years ago.
I have never really enjoyed the gym but have always tried to make some time for some form of exercise. Pilates was the perfect alternative. I found the class times convenient and a welcome break in the day.
Pilates has been more challenging than I ever anticipated. What I love about it most is the immediate results in my posture and the toning in my body. The mat classes always leave me feeling like I’ve had a workout (without the excessive sweat) but relaxed at the same time.
Over the 12 years, I have followed Melissa to take her classes wherever she has been teaching. She is an attentive, caring and knowledgeable instructor who taps into my individual needs. She keeps the sessions fresh and new by changing the exercises every time.
I was even happier when she has opened up a studio with all the machines. It’s so close to home and easy to find parking that I can afford to go twice a week.
Melissa is friendly yet remains professional and approachable. She always asks me how I’m feeling the moment I walk in and concentrates my session around that. I would recommend her classes to everyone – even if this means she has less time for me!
Kiki Isidorou
Having suffered three knee reconstructions as a teenager I always found it difficult to get active. My occupation also means I am seated in front of a desk for countless hours in a given day? Constant aches and pains in my knee’s, lower back and shoulder’s were part of my normal day. Carrying excess weight also contributed to my in-ability to participate in sport on an ongoing basis.
Together with my wife, we undertook a decision to completely change our lifestyle, the first aspect of change was to work on our diet, this was done with the support of a qualified Naturopath. The effects of this change were quite immediate, we also needed to start getting active and we needed to do more.With all the aches, pains and restrictions we decided to try Pilates, I was initially apprehensive not really knowing too much about pilates. Upon searching the Internet I found Melissa’s website, it explained what I need to know such as: What is Pilates? What are the benefits? and How does it work?.
The detailed explanations such as “Pilates aims to balance the muscles, stabilize and strengthen the joints in the spine and the entire body”, “It will improve your posture and better posture often makes you feel more confident and relaxed” were exactly what we were after.
In our first session Melissa explained the history background and beliefs, she also mapped our goals and tracked our medical conditions. She subsequently devised a personal tailored program that she assists us with on a weekly basis. The group is small, intimate and personal, thus making us feel very calm and always at ease. Melissa’s friendly nature, personal attentiveness and specialised support mean that we were working towards our goals immediately.
The aches and pains started disappearing, the weight was coming off with the diet, so I decided it was time to take on new challenges.
Having built upon the core strength with pilates I could now start other sports. I started running three months ago. I have just completed my 1st City to Surf in just over 70 Minutes. I have lost approx 22 kilos and recently enlisted the services of a Personal Trainer to take the next steps towards a better life.
I have enrolled for my first half marathon, I run 10kms -15kms three times a week and ride my bike three times a week, I attend a weights & boxing session twice a week.
We still attend pilates as now I find it is extremely helpful, it build upon core body strength but also assists in the recovery from all the other exercise activities.
I have not felt or looked better, it could not have happened had I not met Melissa and started pilates.
Steve
I have been a regular client of Melissa’s for roughly a year and a half. In that time I have become more flexible, have better posture, have alleviated back pain, and have become more toned (especially around the middle). I have also found that my pelvic floor has finally been restored after having two kids. Not a bad result!!
It’s done in a great environment and is really relaxing. Melissa is very knowledgeable but also makes the sessions fun. Being in a smaller group, she is able to supervise all the exercises really closely & ensures they are being done correctly.
I have no hesitations in recommending Melissa to anyone.
Pru Crager
I have been doing pilates for almost two years now (twice a week) and have noticed an incredible difference. My arms, stomach and legs are much stronger and very toned… I enjoy every lesson and don’t think I will ever stop doing Pilates.
Barbara Stewart
I started pilates on the advice of my doctor to arrest the deterioration in my arthritic hips. I discovered MG Pilates over three years ago and have been a regular ever since. I love the small class format and individual attention that I receive at mg. Melissa and Jo are my main instructors and both are fantastic.
Gayle Tollifson
I started coming to MG Pilates three years ago, particularly to help manage a very painful lower back problem. Chiropractic was doing wonders but I needed to make the adjustments stick. This meant getting my core switched on and my abs working again. The crew at MG took me wholeheartedly into their care. Gentle beginnings and precise instruction created steady improvement that has allowed a huge change in my lifestyle.
As you would expect, these guys know what they are about; they are qualified professionals. It is the personal understanding that makes the difference. A maximum of three in a group class means this really noticeable. I have had several instructors. Each has their own style, but their expertise, attention and commitment is a constant.
Pilates does not offer an overnight remedy. In my case it was about six months before I realised that I was moving differently, with less pain and more confidence. Now I keep coming because I know I am working on my future lifestyle.
Mark Prior
I started pilates over 6 years ago and after having a succession of inadequate instructors I came across Mel and the girls at MG Pilates. A studio class where on arrival they ask you “how is your body feeling today”, listening to the answer and tailoring your class to suit. After having 3 children, I thought my body would never be the same again, but with weekly classes I have built up to being as strong if not stronger than before. I dread to think where I would be without MG Pilates, in fact now that the boys are that bit older, I now manage to attend 2 classes a week.
I call it “me time” while maintaining a healthy body which helps me keep up with my boys!
Lee Oddy
Six years ago a physio recommended I do an eight week course with Melissa. Six years later a weekly private lesson has improved my mobility, core strength and general well-being.For first time in my life actually know what RELAX means. I cannot recommend Melissa highly enough.
Maggie Thomas
My partner and I have been doing weekly sessions since Mel first opened her doors on Erskineville Road in 2005. We’ve always done a lot of weights and aerobic training and wanted to balance our training regime with postural and core strength work. We’re both Pilates devotees now, thanks to the excellent work of Mel, Jo and others over the years. Pilates has proven to be a really valuable addition to other fitness training – the spinal flexibility and core strength Pilates brings has been essential to our good health and strength and would be hard to achieve any other way.
I’ve found that Pilates is the only form of exercise from which I can feel the benefits at any time of any day – good core strength is with you standing, walking, sitting in front of a computer or doing just about anything. I’ve also been able to develop a much greater body awareness and understanding of the impact of day-to-day life on my body.
Who’d have thought Pilates would be enriching for the body and the mind?! And that’s before you start doing the “teasers” – then there’s a whole lot more enriching a foot!
Justin Di Lollo
