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For my massage work I use oils from Oshadi Oils. Organic or wild-crafted oils, purchased direct from the source and entirely traceable. Their passion for nature is inspiring and their commitment to customer service and company ethos is impeccable. Using these products is a true joy for me as a therapist.
If you're interested in training to become a Fitness professional I would recommend Future Fit. I enjoyed every minute of my training and they are front-runners in training the future fitness professionals.
I trained with Richdales Institute to study all of my massage therapies. The tutors are amazing and I felt privileged to be learning from them.
I was able to have my daughter and son through the generosity and love of Surrogacy UK. I have been amazed by the support of this wonderful community. I now work for SurrogacyUK as the Head of Counselling & Well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens when you come for a treatment or Pilates session?
On your first session there will be a free initial consultation during which notes are made on your medical history & lifestyle, past and present. This provides valuable information regarding your health and suitability for training or bodywork and will highlight any contra-indications to training or bodywork or conditions requiring medical consent.
On subsequent sessions your health is reviewed to note or address any changes. This is essential so that exercise programs or complementary therapy treatments can be tailored specifically for you in keeping with the Holistic approach.
A course of sessions will then be recommended. After which it is time to start working out (Pilates) or lie back and enjoy the treatment (therapy). Why not combine both!
- Does massage or reflexology hurt?
Hopefully not! However, areas of tension can cause discomfort. In the case of massage you will be asked before the massage what level of pressure you prefer and during the course of the treatment your comfort will be checked. In the case of reflexology you might experience some tenderness whilst the reflex areas are being worked over. Your comfort will be checked throughout the treatment.
- How long is a session?
The first session is usually longer. This is because there is a consultation to discuss your medical history, health and lifestyle. Subsequent sessions aren't as long but you should always give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes so that you're not rushed.
Please see the Prices for details on times & prices.
- Do I have to be fit to start Pilates or am I too old to start?
No. Pilates is suitable for people of all levels of fitness. It's a more gentle way of raising your activity levels, especially if you have poor mobility, aches and pains or an injury.
Pilates is suitable for people of all ages. It’s never too late to start. With Pilates, you can devise a programme of exercises tailored to the individual. With older adults, I tend to work on balance, posture, co-ordination and breathing. I offer more gentle exercises to work on the areas of weaknesses and improve mobility.
- When will I notice the benefits of reflexology?
This varies. Some people don't notice any improvements until treatment 4 or 5. Other people notice the benefits almost immediately. There is no 'typical'. Most people find they are more relaxed after treatments and sleep very well. As you become more relaxed your body has chance to rest and repair. So by following the after care advice and doing the best you can for yourself the greater the benefits as your body is able to restore balance.
- Are there any side effects to massage or reflexology?
There are some possible side effects to a treatment but these are transitory. They do not impair the effects of the treatment in any way but merely show you how stressed your body is.
Reported side effects include headaches, sleepiness, feeling tearful and re-occurrence of previous symptoms. This is all due to you body ridding itself of toxins and clearing emotional and mental stress. Drinking a glass of water before a treatment and then plenty of water after and between treatments will help this process and lessen these possible side effects.
The side effects are usually experienced after the first one or two treatments but then fade. This shows how your body is benefiting from the treatments.
- Should I wash my feet?
This question is asked quite often and makes me chuckle. It is not necessary for you to wash your feet because I use an antibacterial wipe to freshen them up before I start the treatment. But as the aim of the treatment is for you to feel as relaxed as possible if it will make you feel more comfortable to wash your feet before hand then this is entirely up to you.
- What's the difference between Pilates & Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga focus on developing strength, balance, flexibility, posture and good breathing technique. With its emphasis on the unity between the mind and body, Yoga has a more spiritual side that Pilates does not. The main components of Yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the whole body) and breathing.
Pilates also uses breathing, but its exercises focus much more on precise movements to target specific parts of the body. The best Pilates classes are in small groups where the teacher can develop programmes to suit each person’s strengths and weaknesses.
- What should I look for in a therapist or instructor?
When I trained for Pilates there was a nationally recognised qualification for mat-based Pilates through the Register of Exercise Professionals. My training with Future Fit allowed my registration. The recognition of exercise qualifications is now under CIMSPA the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity. I am registered with this professional body.
For massage or reflexology you should check that the therapist is registered with the Complementary and National Healthcare Council or Complementary Therapy Association.
If the therapist or instructor is registered with these then you'll know that the person you're dealing with is suitably trained and insured!
- Where do you practice and do you travel?
I'm based in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames and around Surrey and travel within the surrounding local area.
Testimonials
'I have know David as a Pilates teacher for a couple of years now. I have always been impressed by his attention to detail. He always ensures that his Pilates clients work in the correct position. When I discovered that he now practiced aromatherapy treatments and reflexology I had to book an appointment. I was not disappointed. David has created a lovely tranquil space for the treatment. He spent a great deal of time getting to know my health and medical background to allow him to tailor the treatment for my needs. It was bliss, and I left in a state of complete relaxation. I cannot wait to book another appointment. '
N. Locherer, Surrey
"I had been dabbling in Yoga and Pilates on and off for a few years before I tried David’s classes; I’ve had numerous classes with him over the past 3 years and I can honestly say it’s not like anything I’d experienced before then. His classes involve calm, slow, controlled movements (and this form of exercise does not come easily to me!); but they are also structured, rigorous and extremely testing. His attention to detail is what’s made the difference for me-I had previously gotten so little value from my Yoga and Pilates classes simply because I was doing so much wrong and never knew it. David’s help has being invaluable-he’s courteous, knowledgeable and professional, and his work has completely transformed my view of Pilates."
D Hayes, Richmond
"David is a breath of fresh air. We have done weekly one on one Pilates at my house for a year. I can't rate him highly enough and would be very happy to act as a reference for him anytime."
M Lenton, Richmond
"I walked in feeling very tense and run down. I wasn't sure how I felt about a man massaging me but decided, upon talking with David that I'd give it a try. He made me feel at ease and was very friendly and professional. As soon as I laid down on the massage table I felt at ease. The massage treatment was glorious. I left feeling relaxed yet revived, my tense neck and shoulders felt the most mobile in weeks. I'm now even trying aromatherapy and am so glad I found him."
Mrs C Laing, Sunbury
"I was looking forward to getting a good pampering and boy did I get it! I was placed in the hands of a professional who set a really relaxing atmosphere. The tension just drifted away. I literally felt the past few months of stress at work being released from my feet. I did not want the treatment to stop! The treatment was very reasonably priced and I will definitely go back again when I return to London."
Mr P Bowen, New York
"I didn’t know what to expect of my first reflexology treatment, and hadn’t gone into it with any specific aim in mind. I found my treatments to be very relaxing and a great source of stress relief. An unexpected outcome (on my part) was that an injured toenail I had had for years started to regenerate. My nail had been yellow and ridged for as long as I could remember, but doctors were unable to diagnose a cause for this and therefore to treat it. Following the reflexology treatments, a new growth of healthy nail started to push the old, injured nail out."
Ms S Murray, Aberdeen
