My favourite Time of Year!
Those of you that have been with me for a while now, will know how crazy I am about the Festive Season. As I age, I just want to get the Xmas decs out earlier and earlier- I really am turning into my late Nan-lol!
Really excited about our up coming Xmas Social at Wildwood on the 13th December- going to be lots of fun! I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my wonderful Subscribers for another happy Pilates year together xx
Upskilling
So, over the last couple of months I have been up skilling on two additional pieces of equipment in my Studio- The Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel. I have now completed my training and excited to introduce to my Studio clients in the New Year!
I’m in the process of planning the Circuit Training sessions that will run on Mondays and Thursdays in my home studio. These sessions will be for trio groups. The 4 pieces of Joseph Pilates apparatus that will be included in the circuit will be:
The Reformer
The Ladder Barrel
The Wunda Chair
The Peda Pull -(soon to be introduced!)
I’ll be linking my APP to these sessions to enable smooth and quick transitions between the pieces of equipment. Please see below a couple of examples from the foot work series on the chair. For those that want to delve in further please download my APP- where over the next few months- you will discover more!
Have you ever tried anything to boost your dopamine levels?
In this episode Jay welcomes back Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, known for his insightful work on brain development, neuroplasticity, and the intricate connection between the brain and body. Together, they discuss the neuroscience of friendship, exploring how our deep-rooted need for safety and acceptance plays a pivotal role in our social interactions. They unravel the paradox of modern society, where people feel emotionally distant despite increasing online connections and followers.
He reveals how your brain’s need for safety and acceptance impacts friendships and why simple habits, like sending a morning text, can make a huge difference in strengthening your emotional bonds.
I loved listening to this back in September when first aired as it offers actionable insights - well worth a listen I believe!
One of the best things I love about running Mypilatesflow is seeing the strong connections and friendship circles that have developed. I always dreamt that Pilates would draw like minded people together and it would be about community as well as exercise. This episode really backed up my own thoughts about the importance of real interaction and friendship…
Dates for Next Term
Steventon Studio classes start on 6th January 2025
Public Group classes start on January 7th - 27th March 2025
Go With the Flow Pilates Retreat- 28th,29th and 30th March 2025
121 classes for Classic Mat/Reformer- Monday evenings and Tuesday day time
Circuit Training small group sessions will run on Mondays and Thursdays in the Steventon Studio.
Neck issues…
At the start of every class I always like to focus my clients on waking up the muscles within the neck. The majority of us when under stress carry so much tension within the neck. I feel it is important to incorporate a couple of exercises into our daily routine to help minimise this rigidity and work towards feeling more relaxed.
Pilates is excellent for strengthening the neck because it focuses on improving posture, core stability, and controlled movement—all of which engage muscles around the neck and shoulders. Here’s why Pilates can be particularly beneficial for neck strength:
1. Core Strength and Stability
Pilates strengthens the deep core muscles, especially the transverse abdominis and multifidus, which support the spine and help maintain alignment. A strong core reduces the load on the neck, helping alleviate tension and allowing the neck muscles to work more efficiently.
2. Focus on Postural Alignment
Many Pilates exercises emphasize proper spinal alignment and awareness of body position. This helps correct forward head posture or rounded shoulders, common issues that put extra strain on the neck muscles. Improved posture relieves stress on the cervical spine and supports a healthier neck position.
3. Targeted Muscle Activation
Pilates includes specific exercises that activate and strengthen small muscles in the neck, including the deep neck flexors. Weakness in these muscles often contributes to neck pain and discomfort. Strengthening them can help stabilize the neck, reducing strain and improving endurance.
4. Mobility and Flexibility
Pilates incorporates controlled movements and stretching that increase neck and shoulder mobility, reducing stiffness. Increased range of motion in the neck can prevent overcompensation by other muscles, allowing the neck to move more freely without strain.
5. Mind-Body Connection
Pilates encourages mindfulness and body awareness, helping you become more attuned to how you carry and move your neck. This can help prevent unnecessary tension and improve movement patterns in daily life.
6. Balanced Muscle Development
Imbalances in the muscles around the shoulders and upper back are often a root cause of neck pain. Pilates helps build balanced muscle strength in these areas, supporting the neck and preventing overuse of certain muscles that can lead to stiffness and pain.
Here are a few key exercises to release out tension from
the comfort of your sofa!
Public Class Update
Spaces available as of January for my general level classes- all welcome regardless of Pilates experience or not!
Tuesday Evening @ Didcot Civic Hall- 2 spaces
Wednesday Morning @ Didcot Civic Hall - 1 space
Wednesday Evening @ Fleet Meadow in Didcot - 2 spaces
Thursday Evening @ All Saints Youth & Community Hall- 2 spaces
Enjoy the Festive Season!