Robyn Gonifas, the founder of Macc Forest Pilates is celebrating five years since starting her business.

The Macclesfield resident used to work as an engineer and programme Manager for large corporate firms, before starting her pilates business half-a-decade ago.

Macclesfield Nub News met with Robyn, fresh off celebrating their fifth anniversary. 

"It doesn't feel like five years, particularly after COVID, where I had to switch to online for nearly two years," said Robyn.

A mid-class shot. (Image - Macc Forest Pilates)

"Since 2022, I've gone from strength to strength."

"I have been practicing pilates myself for about twenty years following shoulder surgery.

"It was pilates that reduced the pain and got my shoulder moving freely again.

"As Macc Forest Pilates, I do a range of different level classes across Macclesfield and Sutton.

Robyn also has specialist knowledge to help those with spinal conditions including scoliosis, hypermobility, fibromyalgia, muscular sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I teach at Macclesfield Methodist Church on Tuesday to Thursdays, and at Sutton Church Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

"I have a broad spectrum of people coming to classes aged from 23 to 86. And a good number of men, in addition to women.

"I'm trained in clinical pilates, so I'm able to support people with injuries or other conditions, eg. Back & joint pain, hip or knee replacements, MS, Stroke and the many other physical problems life throw at us.

"Classes focus on getting clients feeling stronger and moving freely, improving alignment and flexibility through their bodies.

There's plenty of room in both venues. Pictured is her class venue in Sutton, at the Church Hall. (Image - Macc Forest Pilates)

"Soon it becomes more about how good your body is feeling and what you can do, rather than the injury or issue that brought you to pilates initially.

"The classes are capped at twelve people, so I can give a personal attention to each person.

"The classes are welcoming and friendly and many people have developed good friendships."

Robyn can also be booked for private one-to-one sessions.

Click the red links on this article to find out more. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

According to Gymcatch, over 12 million Brits take part in pilates.

"I have around one-hundred-and-fifty people attending classes and many of those have been with me for over three years, including fourteen who have been with me from the start," recalled Robyn

But what joy does teaching give her? Robyn had this to say:

"Seeing people become more confident in what their bodies can do and the difference it makes to their daily lives, whether doing sport, travelling or looking after the grandchildren" revealed Robyn.

Macclesfield Methodist Church, of Westminster Road. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"The Macclesfield Methodist Church venue, is very central with lots of parking nearby. Classes are held in the large spacious sports hall.

"The Sutton venue is a welcoming, cosy space in the old church school hall. You can see the trees through the windows and during evening classes you can hear the owls calling outside," she added.

Some pilates instructors play bird song to help relax their clientele, but here you get the real thing!

"As well as being well supported by Sutton residents, quite a few people from Macclesfield, Bollington and Tytherington also come to classes at this lovely venue."

You can get in touch and book via the details on this image. (Image - Macc Forest Pilates)

"Thank you to the community for their support, and I look forward to working with you for another five years."

Want to get in touch? You can follow the business and find contact details on Facebook, or via the image above.

Macclesfield: You can also click HERE to read to the Macc Forest Pilates website.

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