You want to exercise. You really do but somehow everything else seems to get in the way. If only there was a way to transform wanting to exercise into actually doing it. Well… I’m here to tell you that there is a very simple and research backed way to help turn your motivation into action.
Read more...Core Strength and Stability: We know we need it but most of us aren’t sure how to obtain it… So often mentioned by fitness professionals but how can you improve your core strength and stability at home? Let’s get real here, unlike some celebs, we don’t all have time to spend 4 hours at the… Continue reading How to improve core strength and stability
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What do you do in a Barre class?
The following details what you will learn in a Barre class:
1. A simple warm up moving the spine in all planes of movement whilst focussing on the breath and it’s effect on the movement.
2. Lower body warm up including squats, toe rises and pliés AKA knee bends with the legs in a turned out position.
3. Upper body strength and endurance with hand weights or resistance bands.
4. Lower body strength and stability whilst increasing mobility of the hips. Standing side and back leg lifts for example.
5. Cardio Legs increasing the range of motion, repetitions and speed movements include leg kicks and curtseys.
6. Mat based floor work including Pilates abdominal strengthening, spine and shoulder girdle stabilisation and strength training. Finishing with gentle stretching and relaxation.
So you want to invest in Pilates equipment to use at home…
But what Pilates equipment do you really need and why?
There can be a myriad of reasons why you might suffer tight and uncomfortable shoulders.
Poor postural alignment, faulty breath patterns or repetitive movements due to work or leisure activities to name a few.
Whilst a soothing massage would be nice… In the current lockdown situation you might benefit from a little self care to relieve tight shoulders in the form of a foam roller…
Read more...This Pilates inspired leg series will both strengthen and mobilise your legs and hips.
Can I do these exercises at home without any equipment?
The simple answer is yes!
Read more...The connection between Fascia and Pilates?
The mind. Oh yes, that elusive mind-body connection.
How do you do Fascial Movement?
In the studio I use small equipment including Fitness Circles, Mini Stability Balls, Spiky Balls, Foam Rollers and Resistance Bands to help you improve your body movement and awareness.
Read more...Our spines need a balance of all 3 planes of motion to be healthy but the forward flexion movement (sagital) is the one we use the most. The twist (transverse) is second. And side bend (lateral flexion) the least used.
Read more...Postural alignment keeps coming up in my private Pilates sessions and small group classes.
It’s hard to do anything well if your postural alignment is off. You’ll inevitably end up with pain and/or injury.
So, how can Pilates help your back pain?
Here are are series of simple ways that you can help improve your postural alignment even before you join a class or sign up for a 1-2-1 Pilates session.
Read more...So for my first blog post I thought I’d bring you up to date with how I became the teacher I am today…
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