The Phoenix Effect

I've been seeing Mel for the past few months for Reiki, as having recently started a new and demanding job coupled with going through menopause, my usual ability to cope and de-stress haven't been as effective as in previous years.I arrived at my session with Mel with a lot of self doubt, work anxiety and negative self talk going on, but after my session the past few days have completely transformed my week!The negative talk has been silenced, I've felt more confident and self assured and had no anxiety at all!I know this could sound a bit 'woo-woo' and I was sceptical about it in the past, but Reiki works and Mel is fabulous at what she does and can help with any number of issues. She talks through the treatment with you afterwards and suggests a few easy tweaks to help with the week ahead! She is always spot on in her observations & advice!I highly recommend any treatments with Mel, but her Reiki sessions are transformational. If you haven't tried it before, then I highly recommend you give it a go....

I've been a Phoenix Pilates customer for years. From the very first interaction with instructor Mel Wheatley, she put me, my health and my concerns at the front. She asks great questions, is a fantastic diagnostician, and works with you to improve your health, tackle tricky areas, and give you a stronger core. Not only is she a fantastic instructor, but she is also a wonderful partner who is on your health journey with you. I cannot recommend Phoenix Pilates enough for everyone.

Mel has taught me Pilates for many years, both in studio classes at the gym (mat based) and her own studio (reformer). I can honestly say she is the most outstanding teacher by a long way because she takes such care and interest in what your needs are every single session, has the depth of experience to address any issues as well as making each session varied and challenging. When I broke my arm and couldn't even raise it, Mel helped speed my rehabilitation, I referred my husband when he had back pain and he has become a regular client too. I've also had a few Reiki sessions with Mel which were just incredible. I couldn't recommend The Phoenix Effect highly enough!

Mel has trained me through thick and thin for many, many years for a variety of challenges - general fitness improvement, training for running, and more recently recovery from a hip injury and dealing with the general aches and pains of older age. She is an astute judge of her clients’ needs, without question a Pilates expert and great fun. She works you hard, always pushing you that little bit further than your comfort zone, accompanied by very good chat! A lovely person who I trust completely.

I have been going to Mel at Phoenix Effects for over a year now. I have a complexity of spinal and skeletal issues and have always been nervous about classes etc. The personal assessment and Mel's attention to adapting each session to what's needed has built my confidence, improved my posture and reduced immensely the back pain I was experiencing. Can't recommend highly enough!

What would I do without my weekly Pilates sessions with the very skilled Mel? For more years than I can remember I have been visiting the relaxed friendly Phoenix studio for individually targeted workouts. Whenever I arrive tired, sore and stiff from hours in front of the computer, Mel knows exactly which routine will help me stretch and destress those knotted muscles and I leave walking tall, stronger, relaxed and happy.

I have been doing Pilates for 20 years and have had several instructors. Phoenix is simply the best class available and I will never stop going. As a doctor I know that the instruction is knowledgeable and accurate, however it is also inspirational, enjoyable and very effective. I have lost count of the number of times I have started a class with a pain or niggle and by the end it has been completely resolved. I used to have serious back pain, not any more - regular sessions at Phoenix have proven to be excellent treatment and prevention. I cannot recommend Phoenix highly enough.

Have trained with Mel for the last 10 months mainly through Zoom. After two knee replacements my posture, hip alignment and balance were completely out of sync. I'm pleased to say with Mel's guidance/expertise these issues have improved beyond expectation. Previously I have done weight training, aerobics and yoga but have to say the enjoyment and results I get from Pilates make this my go to exercise.

Mel is a great instructor who brings tonnes of positive energy to every session. She has a wealth of experience and is able to assess your needs and tailor the workout accordingly.

I have been a client of Mel’s for at least 16 years and I think this stands as a testament to my satisfaction. In that time she has nursed me through a great many aches and pains and the beauty of her classes is that she can tailor them to suit your individual needs. Moreover, she is a very genial, friendly person with a great sense of humour and this helps make sessions with her more fun and enjoyable.