Change happens through movement and movement heals.Joesph Pilates
Hello and Welcome to March
Firstly, sending love to Olga Kott who has been tirelessly collecting for the most unfortunate friends and families in her home country. And what an amazing local community we have, they have just loaded and waved off the biggest artic lorry full of donations, now heading to those most in need. Olga has also set up a funding page to directly help women and children currently suffering in the war zones, if you are able, please help. I have an email from Olga I can forward if you would like more information or take a look here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/xk4vq-stand-with-ukraine?qid=04a4319a9281380cd1e98f8c677b7d49
Our thoughts are with Ukraine
Back to Pilates…
I have once again started the 20 year long tradition of adding some Lunges for Lent into each class, we will keep this up until Easter. This week we have focused on improving our balance using the feet. By spreading the big/little toes and keeping the heel firmly on the mat to strengthen through the foot and the ankle muscles.
Why not try a few at home? Lunge backwards keeping the chest raised, then lift back to standing bringing the back leg into a front knee raise. Repeat four times before switching legs. Try to keep the front foot firmly connected to the mat from the heel to all toes. Enjoy.
While you are lunging, take a look through this list to remind yourself why you do Pilates (or why you should).
I’m not feeling so friendly with my laptop today. I had written a long list of Pilates Benefits, then I had organised them into sections, I explained some of them in further detail. I had been thinking about how many of the benefits are relevant to most exercise regimes, so I separated those specific to Pilates and why it has the edge. And then… the laptop froze! When it reopened, only the first half of the original list had saved, what a pain. And because sometimes I have a memory like a sieve, I had no idea where to start again!
Here is the half-completed list for you to get the general idea – Pilates is all round goodness in every way for your whole body and mind. I’ll come back to the write up another day.
Pilates Benefits
Core strength
(stomach, mid back, lower back, hips, glutes and pelvic floor)
Muscular strength
Joint strength
Improves posture
Decreases back pain
Muscle balance
Increased energy
Body awareness
Decreases stress
Improves flexibility
Improves mobility
Better Balance
Boosts immunity
Improves cognitive functioning
Higher motivation
Enhances sports performance
Strengthens bones
Boosts mood
Improves sleep
Rock Solid Core
Weight loss
Body symmetry
Spine stabilisation
Relaxation
Tension free neck, shoulders, upper back
Safe rehab of joints and spine
Co ordination
Breath awareness
Increased lung capacity
Muscular movement control
Stronger back
Fuller joint ROM
To be continued…
If anyone is interested in joining a class or reformer session, you don’t need to wait until the new term starts, get in touch and see what is available now.
If you are thinking of joining at a later date, I recommend adding your name to a waiting list, as many of the classes stay fully booked. When a space becomes available there is usually someone ready to jump straight in.
Click here for Class Times Costs & Availability
Take care for now
Emma
xx
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