It’s been a full on week everywhere! Amongst all the other things going on, this week I taught a workshop/masterlass on Hip Flexors. Why they can be over stimulated, how to better connect to a strong centre, adaptations to help correct grabbing or gripping in the front of the hips and some other info to help us understand using breath, building a stronger centre and little adaptations to our position. If you’re interested and you would like to better understand this, get some different visuals or ideas on how to approach this from a different perspective, head to this week’s blog. Link in bio (there’s a bit about our Ghost walk and a few other bits n bobs in there too!) If you’re a subscribed member, head to your library for the recorded class. Have a great weekend, whether it’s tennis, football, both or sports free! #hipflexorworkshop #onlinemasterclass #hipflexoradaptations #howtostophipflexorsoverloading

This last week, lots of you have been sharing the ❤️ of the magic circle/ pilates ring. Adding a squeeze or press can bring in some variety and challenge but can also help with concentration as the move is slightly less familiar and requires attention. I also love the benefit of a “closed chain” experience which can really help with proprioception and awareness of more precision in the movement, in which case taking the circle away can be seen as progression. I explain this and ramble on about loads of other stuff in my class! Full class in members’ library, available on demand. Keeping it fresh. Keeping it interesting. Throwing in some variations but always staying true to The Method 🙏 #pilatesring #standingpilates #pilatesstandingwork #isotoner #loveapilateschallenge

Exciting new class venue in collab with @hellooutdoorsltd in Lymington. “Please turn towards the river…. Now on your next breath, rotate towards The Mayflower” is not a sentence I’ve ever said in a class before! For class info, dm me or contact HO. September is looking busy… @themayflowerlymington #lymington #pilatesinlymington #lymingtonriver

You know how much I talk about being present? Being on your mat, mind and body fully connected? Well YOU try concentrating when goose herding is going on outside your studio 🪿🪿🤣🤣🤣 With the fields ready for their second cut behind us, geese wandering through the wild grasses in front of us and a light breeze, tonight’s’ classes felt truly organic 🙏🥰 @limewoodhotel #geeseherding #geeseofthenewforest #newforestshennanigans #howcaniconcentrate?!

Only yesterday I said that you don’t need to love Pilates to do Pilates. You will love the stronger, better aligned, more balanced body that it provides for all the hobbies and activities that you do love. Here is an example of putting a plank into good use! You’re welcome 🙏 #wimbledon #pilatesforlife #pilatesbody @alex.eala

I’m not sure what amuses me more. Educating those who are a little disrespectful about Pilates that the challenge is real, or the looks of abject horror around the room from everyone else in the class who know what’s now coming 😉😈 Pilates is absolutely not competitive. It’s not about pushing yourself to the limit. It’s not about sweat and burn. If you’re looking for that, you’re in the wrong room. It’s SO… MUCH…MORE and it takes an enormous amount of discipline to learn and adhere to the fundamentals when the challenge builds but you know what? As with every class you attend, it’s also about respect because if you choose to join a group class, it’s not all about you! Respect for your teacher who is trying to guide and educate a variety of individuals with different needs in a class they’ve taken time and thought to prepare. Respect for your fellow class attendees who have zero interest in what you’re lifting in the gym or why you are in this class. Respect for yourself! You booked the class. You made the effort to turn up. So do the best you can with the tuition provided because you never know: it may not be as easy as you thought, you may learn something; if you actually do it properly you’ll realise it’s not boring, it’s ridiculously hard and you may find out why it’s life changing and we’re all addicted! You do not need to love Pilates to do Pilates. I’m totally relaxed with that. You just need to love the prospect of a stronger, better aligned, more mobile body that will behave better in the activities you do love… and then you’ll probably fall in love with Pilates! However, while gracing our class with your prescence, if you throw one of the above comments my way (all true), while the poker face holds, you may find your way into a baptism of fire 🔥 😈😈😈😉😉😉😇😇😇😇 #thechallengeisreal #mwoohahaha #ifitsboringitsnotpilates #itworksjustacceptit

I bloomin’ LOVE my clients 💕 We have a what’s app group where we support, cajole and compare (and moan about me 🤣🤣) as well as sharing holiday snaps, arranging lifts to our socials and more. This was one chat while I was off cantering around the Scilly Isles supporting @loujohnson81 in the @scilly60 where some of you demonstrated (thank you) both your commitment to getting on your mat as well as the diversity of our on demand library…. Pure mat, The 34 moves broken down, stretch and mobility, functional strength, weight training programs, Pilates with small equipment … and the ability to dust under the radiator 🤣🥰 Agreeing to “meet” on the mat together for your regular classes despite your teacher gallivanting somewhere and showing just how convenient being online and having an on demand library can be! #liveandondemand #onlineworks #bloominlovemyclients #makeadatewithyourmat

Sit to stand. One of the most functional moves we can practise. Please DEAR GOD, NEVER buy one of those electric chairs with a remote control button that lifts you up and tips you out. I will pretend I don’t know you if you say hello. We sit down and stand up multiple times a day. See if you can try to avoid using your hands to push you up. Throw in a pause on the way down. Try coming up more slowly. There are gazillions of ways to adapt this basic move. Above you will see that we have a) used a ball to keep knee alignment and wake up inner thigh adductor muscles (you can roll up a towel into a sausage to hold instead ) b) used a band around the outside of the legs to wake up outer thigh and glute abductors (tie a resistance band into a loop) C) spilt stance (still holding ball for knee alignment) to mimic a one leg squat. You might be suprised to see how much stronger you are on one side than the other. We have taken our arms out infront to help with balance but avoid swinging your arms and using that “harrup” momentum as you swing yourself up! Please use a sturdy chair (not a rickety old thing like this?!) on a non slip surface. Bar stools don’t count. Please note that I do own other clothes and some are even not navy or pink… But again, enough pink 🤔 Mat ☑️ Mic ☑️ Shorts ☑️ Trainers ☑️ Ball ☑️ Band ☑️ 🥰 Try a few and see how you get on. Full class in members’ library available on demand. #squatdontcheat #neverbuyanelectricchair #functíonalstrength #seatedstrength

Back to basics, fundamentals and some route planning. While this heat knocks us sideways, while teaching online as we are not in air conditioned studios, I’ve chosen to reduce intensity and focus on some old revision notes and lots of fundamentals work. Is it less challenging? No, in many ways it should be equally as challenging. Just because the exercise may not be performed at it’s most advanced level, we are asking; Are you moving with precision and control? Are you performing each move with the most skill, focus and concentration? Are you enquiring, seeing what more you might achieve? Are you totally focused on your work on the mat? Are you ticking all the principles and fundamentals boxes? What shortcuts might you have been making and what more can you bring to the mat? I love to bring in sequences, balance and some route planning. Want to know more? Head to my weekly blog, link in bio. Meanwhile, as I watch my beloved hydrangeas wilting, I keep my trust and faith that they will once more, bounce back and flourish 🌸🌸 Have a happy Friday 💕 #routeplanning #backtobasics #fundamentalsarekey #pilatesprinciples

As an online community, our social events are hugely important to me in order to bring people together and it always amazes me how much effort people go to. I organise fairly regular events and it is so lovely to see people IRL with online members travelling from all over the place. We have been to Greece, France, day trips to exhibitions etc in London, haunted history walks (next one in 2 weeks!), day trips to the Isle of Wight, walks, lunches, monthly coffee mornings… Yesterday, on the hottest day on record, while we had to excuse a few who understandably could not face the journey, (and a growing number overseas, plus lots who just couldn’t make it) ) we came together in a stunning location next to the sea for our Summer picnic. Thank goodness we had the cover as temperatures topped 35 degrees, but it was a such a happy get together and the sea breeze was very much appreciated. Real friendships have been formed and meeting multiple times a week online for a pre class chat has become a must have fixture for so many. We celebrate achievements and happy occasions as well as supporting one another through tougher times and our online community means the world to me and to so many of us. We are SO much more than Pilates ❤️ #julietspilatesonline #julietspilatesontour #oursummerpicnic #hottestdayonrecord🔥

Some gentle, seated mobility moves. This was part of our warm up for our seated functional strength class but it’s a useful little mobility sesh. We are all much more sedentary in this heat and need to be careful, not least as today heads towards a whopping 38* 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 but at the same time, need to keep moving and stretching. This way, you don’t even need to leave your desk but please don’t do this if your office chair is on wheels (🙄🤣🤣‼️) and make sure you are on a stable, non slip surface. You will be relieved to see that the navy has made a strong comeback and can there even BE enough pink? 💕💕 Full class in member’s library where as a subscriber you have access to 100’s of classes of pure mat, Pilates with small equipment, weights@and strength training, stretch and more, all on demand 😘 Slap on the factor 50 and stay safe out there today 🌞🌞🌞 #seatedstrengthtraining #seatedfunctionalstrength #seatedmobility

We generally don’t treat heat with the same respect at home as we do on holiday and we can easily get knocked for six! Do not underestimate the effect this heatwave will have on your energy levels and your heart rate. Online, I’ve chosen to reduce intensity and use this as a time to focus on lots of fundamentals and mobility, but we are still working hard. Today’s functional strength for example, was seated and slower (but still a serious challenge - recorded clips incoming!) 🔥If time allows, set your alarm for a super early workout or plan an early evening training session 🔥 Have water with you all the time. Keep sipping 🔥 Maybe swap up a high intensity session or heavy weights session for some mobility, stretch or lighter weights body conditioning 🔥 If you’re working inside, make sure to have plenty of ventilation (hypocrite here gave the fan to the dogs… need to go shopping!) 🔥If you’re training outside, stay in shade or train early or late. Wear factor 50 and a hat! 🔥Do not expect to meet the same targets. Make sensible swaps so you can still exercise but safely 🔥 If you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop, sit and have some water. This heatwave is not an excuse to throw in the towel but to make some changes to your routine so that you can continue to exercise safely. #heatwaveexercisetips #staysafeinthisheat #trainsafely #respecttheheat

The @scilly60 2026 I saw a post recently that said “if you have lost faith in humanity, go and watch a marathon. If you have lost faith in yourself, go and run one”. I’ve just spent the most incredible weekend supporting my friend @loujohnson81 who smashed 60k over 5 islands and I can honestly say I’ve never experienced a sporting event like it. I have come home having made new friends and connections, being totally motivated and inspired to grab life by both hands and with my heart full. The most incredible atmosphere- a real sense of community and camaraderie amongst runners,supporters, island inhabitants and holiday makers passing through. Just love the hugs… if you open your arms, you get a great big hug at the finish line! We need more hugs ❤️ Pilates on the beach, running rhinos, island hopping, homemade cake and lots of endurance heroes! To read more about this (and as a seperate subject, why lifting weights is good for the ageing brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s), head to my weekly ramblings - link in bio Thank you for an unforgettable weekend Wez and everyone with @scilly60 @ruffles_onthemove @rhinoboychris @dibble_and_grub #scilly60 #scillyisles

Why teachers need teaching. The best week with Pilates, great friends, Pilates, dance, Pilates, teacher training, reformers, Baklava, Pilates, sunbathing, reading, Tai Chi.., did I mention Pilates? Another fabulous week of full immersion with @mkpilates as well as great friends to share it with. Read my Latest news (link in bio) on why teachers need teaching - and how I can justify a week in Crete with my mates 🥰😉 @jantallis @ncorepilates (the method tho 😉🥰) @fificarrington @fiona_koops 💕💕 #pilatestrainingincrete #pilatesteachertraining #themethodtho #lovetrainingwithmyfriends #tootsontour

A little balance, a nod to control, a surprising amount of strength, lot of connection to centre and a return of the navy 😉 Have a go. See how slowly you can go and throw in a pause where you can 😍 1. Heel slides. Stay seated on, not behind sit bones, maintaining a long spine - this one is suprisingly tough! Can you move your feet in and out without collapsing your spine? 2. Hold the ball lightly to set up leg position and avoid a Riverdance kick to get you back up 😄 3. Holding lightly on shins and adding arm raise to challenge balance 4. Add open leg Teaser hold. Watch to sit behind and not up on sit bones to have a little lumbar articulation and avoid collapsing into your hips 5. Open and close - can you hold the balance? 6. Navy optional. Full class recorded and in members’ library. Come and join us online to see what else we get up to! #rollingwithcontrol #balance #pilatesprinciples #itsnotaseasyasitlooks

Testing our mind- body connection and concentration principles…. As @limewoodhotel insisted on cutting the grass directly in front of us and the farmer was playing “beat the rain” behind us, picking up sileage at high speed. Very funny…#alwayswantedtomarryafarmer❤️ #sileagetime #idratherbeharvesting #pilatesinthecountryside

Just 5 mins to hit up those arms. No weights? No problem. Just a few very simple standing moves. Try 30 reps of each move to sculpt those arms for Summer and beyond! 💕 Keep arms at shoulder height, no lower. Small circles 💕 Chest press. Make sure to press forearms together 💕 keep elbows and wrists pressed together for little pulses 💕 Small pushes up and down 💕 Rotation at shoulder to overhead press 💕 Keep arms straight for little tricep reverse press and keep them narrow to ribs. 💕 Pacey - punch forward and upward. Always keep your basic Pilates skills in mind with regard to alignment and form. Bend your knees to help if you feel unstable or sit and keep a strong connection to your centre with pelvis alignment and get those arms on 🔥🔥🔥 #noweightsnoproblem #summerarmssculpt #sculptingincrete #just5minutes #tootsontour

Teaching online! Lots of visuals, imagery and waving arms around but we get it! Off the mat, up at the screen and 👀you! It’s only when I’m editing that I see just how much I wave my arms, gurn and clown around but it seems to hit the spot! What can I say? I’m passionate about what I teach 💕🥰🤣 #talkingwithmyarms #howtoteachonline #pilatesonline

Seated strength. We love a bit of seated work. Maybe you have some balance or standing issues. Maybe you want some reassurance that being seated provides or maybe you want to try a different take on a familiar exercise. Seated work is for everyone, regardless of age. It’s no different from using the bench in the gym but for some reason, the thought of doing weights work sitting down on a chair can conjure up images of nursing homes or can feel like regression. True - some of my clients in their 80’s like some seated strength work but we have others half their age who will tell you what a workout this is! Pick up your weights, sit on a sturdy chair on a non slip base (stand your chair on a mat if necessary - not a Matt!) and try 3 rounds of 10 reps of these exercises (swap sides for ex.1, 4 and 5) and then tell me it’s regression!! Let me know how you get on. Full class in member’s library. #seatedstrengthtraining #sitdownworkout #seatedworkaintforcissys

While we are on the subject, it’s a MAT not a MATT. One is a piece of equipment to lie on. One is an abbreviation of the name Mathew. Best not to muddle your mats and your Matts. There might be an occasion when you are lying on a Matt and even lying on a Matt on a mat, and that is entirely your prerogative. Yes, it matters! As you were. 🥰 #offtocreteformorepilates #grammarnazi #cantstandbadpunctuation #justsaying

Is it a Teaser prep or a Climb the tree or something totally random? 🤔 I don’t know… who says you have to stick to the rules? I do know there’s spinal articulation, plenty of balance and control (ok, a bit… doing my best 😉), hamstring stretch, hip flexor load, core strength work,… oh it’s ALL going on! ⬇️ use a towel so you’re better supported (won’t stretch) and lower your leg towards the floor as you roll up ⬆️ use a really light resistance band, keep your leg higher and try not to let your legs move ⬆️⬆️ Slow down. Throw in a pause here or there! Zanzibar sun 🌞 #tanzanianteasers #climatreeinzanzibar #resistancebandsworkout

Roll downs. Start your day, finish your day, a few when you get up from your desk or when you’ve had a long drive. So many variations. So many ways to add challenge. A great way to steady breathing, mobilise the spine and reconnect. Caribbean vistas and sweet little terriers optional 💕 #rolldownyourspine #jackrusselsdopilates #pilatesinantigua #stretchyourspine

Live longer. Live stronger. I was delighted last week to co host this event @limewoodhotel with Justin and Tammy. A morning of bringing women together to help with understanding why to, how to and when to lift weights for improved quality of life and longevity. I’ve been part of the fitness teaching team here since 2011, something that’s very important to me and that I’m very proud of. Over the years, I’ve been involved in many retreats and events here and this was another excellent day, where both members and non members joined us to bring any questions or objections to lifting weights and using the gym so that we could help break down barriers and show simple steps to start that journey or help give confidence to lift weights in the gym as an alternative to joining classes. The gym has just been refurbished and is absolutely state of the art. If you get on a machine, you don’t have to make any adjustments, you just log into the app on your phone and the machine recognises you and moves the seat and adjusts the weight to what was pre set in your induction or last PT session. Sadly, it won’t lift the weight for you. We started in The Hideout to look at technique, do exercises using body weight and have a general q&a. After coffee and juice in the Raw and Cured, we headed up to the gym to recreate the exercises using various pieces of equipment, finishing out on the Roof Garden, in the sunshine and surrounded by the scent of herbs. Everyone attending said they felt motivated, more confident. It’s not about how you look or what your age is. It’s not about your previous experience or fitness knowledge, its not about whether anyone is watching you (they’re not!). It’s not about spending an hour at a time or having access to state of the art equipment (we are very lucky here!). It’s about valuing yourself. Prioritising yourself. Enjoying the many benefits, both physical and mental of being and feeling strong. Start with 5 mins. Start simple. But start! Just you and some space on the floor. After all, today is the first day of the rest of your life. What better time? #livestronglivelong #limewoodhotel #starttoday #startsmall

STOP ✋ Running, cycling, HIIT, weights, tennis, football etc are all brilliant forms of exercise and if you are doing something like this regularly then you are brilliant too and doing so much more than 90% of the population. However… these are all “aggressive” forms of exercise. If you add to that a busy, maybe stressful job, rushing around after family, trying to pack it all in, then you could be keeping your system permanently on high alert, with loads of adrenalin pumping around and stress flooding your body. We have forgotten how to be bored. We are constantly looking for external stimulation and grabbing our phones to occupy us has become a common addiction. I am passionate about Pilates and lifting weights as you know and we do that A LOT but I also talk about the need to factor in regular slow, non aggressive movement. Bringing in some breath practise, gentle stretching and mobility 2 or 3 times a week will; Reduce risk of injury Speed up recovery Reduce stress and anxiety Calm the neural muscular system Quiten a busy mind. Much like the famous Zen proverb : “If you don’t have time to meditate for 20 minutes a day, you should meditate for an hour” here’s a less famous but equally thought provoking one - “If you don’t choose to make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness”. STOP! Go for a walk. Listen to the birds or the wind in the trees. Look around you. See your surroundings. Breathe in as deeply as you can and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Close your eyes. Smell your surroundings. Come home, lie down, stretch gently. Listen to slow music. Join us online - sometimes I shorten our weight training class by 15 mins and we kick off our trainers and have a full mobility and breath at the end, in addition to a full body stretch and relax as our last class of the week plus plenty of stretch classes and breath practise in our library. Whatever you do, however busy you are, don’t forget sometimes you just need to STOP! #stoptostretch #learntobebored #closeyoureyesopenyourmind

Online. It works BRILLIANTLY for us 🥰 The frozen one? Works well until your cat walks across your mat 🤣🤣🤣 Convenience of easy access, multiple classes, joining from wherever you are, a huge on demand library, jumping in last minute before you start your work day… but what really makes it? Our community. We have grown so much over 6 years, picking up new members along the way, building lasting friendships. Whether you are in holiday and don’t want to miss your class fix, are caring for family members or babysitting or even feel too unwell to leave your bed but are feeling a bit lonely and log in to just say hi because you need a virtual hug from your friends, we have it covered. We have grown so close, seeing eachother multiple times a week, sharing family news, admiring a new puppy (or rescue - we are big on that!), new grandchild or house move, new wall paper or garden in bloom… we log in 15 mins before each class for a coffee and a natter and we know when one of ours is missing. We value one another enormously, supporting eachother through life’s trials and tribulations… and we have a laugh. Every class, we do laugh. 🤣 I love my online family 🙏 As I say, online works! #pilateslaughs #onlineworksforus #joinourpilatesonline

Chest and shoulder mobility. Grab a broom handle. Take the brush head off first (you’d be amazed 🤣 but online we have to get creative - we’ve had loft props, walking sticks, a hockey stick…. an oar 🤣🤣… do yourself a favour - broom handles are about £1!) and off you go. Stand, kneel, sit - it’s all about keeping the spine “quiet” and staying connected to a strong centre. This can all be done with a resistance band (stretchy so can allow you to avoid the tight spots if you don’t watch out) or a hand towel (keep it taught) but the pole will push the boundaries a bit more, quite literally. The body will try to take the path of the least resistance and where tight areas present, you might find with the towel or band that you cheat, albeit unintentionally. Holding the pole prevents that but beware as it can be tough. Keep your ribs drawn gently down so that you avoid arching your spine and see what range you have. Start with smaller moves and never force - ask for greater range and just play with it. Can you keep your arms straight? Please be advised that while we finally embrace a lack of navy, no wardrobe assistant, stylist, makeup or hair artist was involved in the recording of this little post 🥰 This is pure, organic, end of the week scruffs 🥰. #weekendstretches #pilatesandthepole #pilatespole #shouldermobility

Be your own World Champion! What a weekend last week! We can’t all have stratospheric careers, global recognition and break world records but we can find ways to recognise how brilliant we are and how we can have huge success in our own lives. For more on this, a quick 30 min mixed ability class on You Tube and other ramblings, head to Weekly news, posted every Friday. Link in bio 💕 #rachelentrekin #roscanter #bletchleypark #sirdavidattenborough #martinlewis

Sneak Peak! I am always asking for feedback and if there is anywhere we need to revisit and I love getting requests. Last week we made our Thursday 8am into a workshop for Roll over and Control balance. Sometimes it’s more appropriate to break the move down and really understand its purpose which in turn can help us perform it better, or see more easily how to adapt it and see the many ways the end result can be achieved. Advanced mat work doesn’t necessarily mean performing the exercises at an advanced level. It means understanding what the purpose is and having the knowledge and experience to adapt and modify so that every exercise is performed with precision, control, quality and purpose 💕 Sometimes, we need to lose the ego and accept where adaptation is needed to get better results. #controlbalance #workshop #pilatesworkshoponline #losetheego #understandingmatwork

Another busy week on online classes and new library content. Feel free to dm to find out more about what we get up to and why we think online works 🧘🏼👊🏻 #onlineworks #pilatesonline #pilatesandweights #reformeronthemat

Get an early night kids. We’ve got a busy week ❤️ Only the very best will do 🫡 Damn, I love my job! Get readeee 😘 #lovewhatyoudo #topgunworkoutseries #onlytheverybestneedapply

Posture! A little daily practise can really help open up those round shoulders, build strength around the back of the shoulder girdle to help hold the shoulders in a better place and improve shoulder mobility. (How many times can YOU say shoulders in one sentence?) ‼️ Always try to stay “quiet” in your lumbar spine and ribs - keep your ribs drawn gently down and in. 💕 Prone chest opener. Add a rotation of your arms, turning your palms in. Stay heavy through your pelvis to avoid arching your lower back. Keep eyes down to maintain a long neck (upper spine). 💕 Side lying chest opener. Pop a cushion under your head. Keep your knees stacked to help keep your pelvis aligned so that the rotation comes from the middle spine and you can better open at the front of the chest. 💕 Shoulder rotation. Have a play with this one and just see how far you can go, with no force 💕 Try the same move kneeling - see if you can gently get your elbows in front of your wrists (without arching your back!) 💕 Dumb Waiter - pass the canapès! Keep your elbows close to your ribs and feel the biceps working as you turn your hands away from your centre. Try setting up your phone to record you as it’s a great tool for personal reference and feedback on how you’re moving and maybe what adaptations you need to make. Compare one side with the other. Observe! Learn about and get to better understand how you move. It’s a great way to keep a record and see progress but also where perhaps, you need to improve or make change. 💕Just 5 mins a day - all those little exercise snacks soon add up to make a BIG difference - a little daily discipline for big results. ✔️ Remember ‼️ Walk tall as though you own the room, balancing your crown on your head! 👑 #posture #exercisesnacks #5aday #exercisesforposture

I, like millions, was glued to the 100th birthday celebration concert last night of Sir David Attenborough and enjoyed it enormously. Wasn’t it fantastic? Me being me tho….Did you SEE how many times Sir David was up and down out of his chair to receive applause? That 100 year old man stood up, sat down, stood up again… with balance and control, totally unaided… If ever there was an incentive to a) carry on using your brain, keeping mentally active and stimulated b) invest in your passions, giving you purpose, direction, a reason to celebrate the life you have c) keep active, mobile and strong this was it!! I talk ENDLESSLY about functional strength, balance, mobility - I have warned my clients to NEVER get one of those powered chairs that tips you up onto your feet (🤣🤣), to always go from sit to stand without using your hands, to keep walking, moving, practising balance…we do squats so that we can hopefully still stand unaided at 100. Thank you Sir David for everything you have given us and I’m sure you won’t mind my taking a cheeky opportunity to celebrate your physical strength and wellbeing at 100 years old. 👊🏻Find things to do that you are passionate about and that you love. 👊🏻Don’t be in too much of a hurry to retire!! It’s not always the best idea! 👊🏻 Keep moving, keep practising functional strength, walking, stretching. Be more David 🙏❤️ #sirdavidattenborough #davidattenborough100 #davidattenboroughbirthday @blue.planet.2 @davidattenborough

Two weeks on, in the words of Holly Willoughby, “first of all, how are YOU?” If ever there were two things proven beyond all measure to enhance performance, support your training and help you be the best you can be, it is lifting weights and Pilates. I’m really looking forward to starting some strength training sessions with my local running club @hardley_runners and have written quite a lot recently about the benefits of strength training. Now it’s time to reference the wonders of Pilates. Proven over and over to be so beneficial: that must be why so many world class athletes never fail to include it in their training schedule. There’s a very well known saying in my world; “if you think Pilates is easy, you are not doing Pilates!” Whether you will never run again, or you’re already lining up your next event, Pilates is there to keep you strong, balanced, flexible, running with efficiency, wasting less energy…head to this week’s blog (link in bio ⬆️) for why you, like our world champions, need Pilates in your life 😘😉 As you were 🏃🏼‍♀️ #pilatesforrunners #pilatesexercisesforrunners #liftweightspractisepilates

Everywhere you turn, the story is the same. Results depend on consistency and consistency takes discipline. Oh we can kid ourselves with all sorts of excuses as to why we have to skip a class/session but ultimately if you want it to happen, you need to show up. However, maybe you’re chasing a hundred tasks, up against a deadline or just simply don’t feel like it… that’s why, when we moved online 6 years ago, I set up “THE SNACKBAR”. 5 min to 25 min classes. As much variety as possible. Body conditioning with light weights and bands, pure mat Pilates, core focus, weight training, stretch and mobility… whatever you feel you need, there’s an exercise snack to meet your demand. Why not stack your classes? You might start thinking you only have 10 mins and do a quick abs set but once you hit your mat, decide to add on a 15 mins lower body weights session and then another 15 mins pure mat or back care mobility and stretch. THE MOST visited collection in my library is “The 30 mins” classes, again with masses of variety. You can choose a 30 min weight training class then dip into the Snackbar for a 10 min full body stretch or a 30 min advanced Reformer on the mat and then a 10 min stretch and relax. Just in these 2 collections (there are 13 collections to choose from) we have over 100 classes to choose from (and counting - 2 more dropped into library today - 30 mins body conditioning with mini ball and light weights and 30 mins All levels pure mat Pilates and as requested, ((because you can ring me to discuss and request bespoke classes))… Friday will be 30 min weight training lower body and 15 mins lower body mobility and stretch, recorded and ready to add) . Tell me what you really, really want!! You ask… I deliver!! Live, online, at the end of phone, replying to what’s apps and emails and available to chat to you to support you as best I can 💕 It works for us! Keep it short, simple, easy to access and you’re FAR more likely to keep turning up! ⬆️ #snackbar #exercisesnacks #exercisesnacksathome #onlineworks

Seated core. Grab a chair on a non slip surface. Pick up one heavy and two medium weights. Navy is optional but in my never ending pursuit of consistency, here I am in my faithful Instagram uniform (🥴) When lifting weights, we always embrace our Pilates principles - slow, controlled, connection to centre, concentration, controlled breathing… and then we throw in some curve balls. 💕Single arm shoulder press to criss cross crunch - keep equal weight under sit bones to ensure the rotation comes from the spine not the pelvis 💕 Crunch. Make sure you can return to a fully upright spine and adjust the weight accordingly 💕 Seated dead bug - OMG this one is quite challenging when you keep your arms out infront! Go lighter if you need and use all your principles from dead 🐛 supine or 4 point kneeling 💕 Scissors. Take your trainers off unless you are slightly masochistic! We did 3 x 30. (Smile starting to fade here 😆) 💕 Lateral flexion/ weighted side bend. Go heavier on the weight, keep both feet flat and press into the sit bone you are bending away from. Keep upper elbow to the ceiling, so it doesn’t fall forward. Using a chair adds stability, variety, feedback…. Have a go! You are WELCOME 😘😘😘 #seatedstrength #seatedweighttraining #seatedcoreworkout #seatedcoreexercises

May is national walking month. What better excuse to get out there?! Remember in lockdown when we were all walking every day and how fit we all felt? What are you waiting for?? #nationalwalkingmonth #walkinginmay #getoutheregetwalking

BALLS. You would not believe how much fun we have over here! Seriously, it’s never ending… I could have tried harder with my throw/catch but you’d be surprised how much it hits the abs when you have to catch above your head. We just didn’t stop laughing (🤔🤔) through that (very long) sequence….. Throw in a little one leg stretch variation and into a Control Balance sequence and it’s almost too much fun to cope with. Please rest assured, navy was present 🥰 If you want to laugh endlessly through your workout and have as much fun as us… you know where to find us! ⬆️⬆️ #softballworkout #pilatesprops❤️ #makeitfun #pilatesvariations

Get up, get moving!! Swipe left ➡️ The sun is out and that always makes getting out of bed so much easier so why not add this little quick routine! Before you face whatever the day has in store for you, try this- 1. Clean your teeth - get rid of that bacteria 🤢 BEFORE you… 2. Pour yourself a large glass of water 3. Take not even 5 mins to shake your way through these simple moves to wake up, mobilise, raise your heart rate and feel fabulous ❤️ Rehydrate, mobilise and throw in some feel good endorphins before you tackle the day! Additionally/alternatively, try these moves at mid morning break, lunch time and during the afternoon to avoid sitting for too long! 💕 Go on - have a go… you might find you actually enjoy it. Get the kids involved and move that body! Feel free to wear clothes that aren’t navy (WHAT is the matter with me?) Try 5-10 of each 1. Squat and swing 2. Starfish - keep arms wide to open chest/shoulder as you rotate and mobilise spine 3. Hip hinge - feet wide and legs straight - keep sit bones above not behind heels 4. Climb the stile. Hip openers (take arms wide for balance) 5. Shoulder/chest openers - try for 30 fast paced while not rocking through your spine. That’s it! That’s all there is. Now you can have that ☕️ #getupgetmoving #morningworkout #just5mins #5minmorningworkout #morningmobility

Zanzibar Yoga Festival 2026. 🇹🇿 What an honour to have been a part of this incredible event 🙏 Southampton to Schipol to Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar to Arusha to Kilimanjaro to Dar es Salaam to Schipol to Heathrow Henna and coconuts. Sunrises and rain. Blue skies and white sand. Teaching online and teaching IRL Cats and Bushbabies and lizards and snails. Dancing and Yoga and swimming and singing. Peace and meditation and quiet reflection. Laughing and chatting and story telling. Yin and massage. Headstands on paddle boards and Qigong on the jetty. Reading and resting. Mocktails and milkshakes. Closing ceremony and sharing the ❤️ Mount Kilimanjaro peeking out of the clouds. Tuk tuks and dhows. Freddie and Stonetown. Teaching on the balcony. Coffee and cake. What an adventure! The loveliest time with the loveliest people 💕 Head to link in bio to read what we got up to 🥰 @zanzibaryogafestival @sunshinemarinelodge #zanzibaryogafestival2026 #pilatesinzanzibar

It’s so easy to use a break in routine as an excuse. Consistency is Queen… 👑 short and sweet to keep checking in… You don’t need to commit to a full workout. Keep it SIMPLE to help keep it CONSISTENT to help keep it ON TRACK. 5 mins. One band. Biceps, Triceps, Abs and a little chest fly. Did I mention it’s only 5 mins? Aim for 8-10 reps of each exercise. Resistance bands - cheap, easy to pack and a nod to your conscience, sitting there in your bag. Give these 5 moves a go…. In our online library, we have a collection called The Snackbar with lots of classes ranging from 10-20 mins plus a whole 30 mins collection so as a subscribed member, you have loads of exercise snacks to dip into or just simply save these to refer back to. We have members dashing up and down the motorway to ageing parents, travelling with work, away on holiday… make sure you always make some time for YOU, your health, your wellness, your mental space - a quick 10 mins will give you a boost to your morning before you’ve even had time to say “mine’s a cappuccino” I do have clothes that aren’t navy. I just don’t seem wear them… 🤔 As you were… ❤️ #just5mins #consistencyisqueen #resistancebandworkouts pilatesinzanzibar @ukgoodr #restancebandswork

Zooming in from Zanzibar. FABULOUS to see my online community 🙏❤️ Wherever in the world we are! A little jiggery pokery on a high balcony but it works! #zanzibar #stonetown #pilatesinzanzibar

No gym? No problem!! A resistance band is cheap, easy to pack and can help you meet your resistance goals while you’re on the road/away from home. LEGS AND GLUTES 10 mins 10 reps of each - try 2 rounds if you have time. 1. “Weighted hip thrust” - glutes and hamstrings (keep hands on floor) 2 Adding single leg press - bringing quads into it - drive your leg up as you lift your hips and squeeze that 🍑at the top 3. Single leg lift/lower from bridge will keep the focus on those glutes. Keep your hips inline and work from the hip not the spine 4. Hot potatoe - lift up and take your leg forward/backward pushing into the band all the way - this really hits the 🍑 5. Single leg press (quads/abs) 6. Double leg (bit more punch) 7. One leg circle - working from a strong centre Save this one for when you went a quick lower body resistance challenge 🔥 Literally no- one comes to my classes for my music choices 🤣🤣 #legsandglutes #resistancebandsworkout #dynabandchallenge #nogymnoproblem #tootsontour

Join me for a little Pilates fix 💕 Sound does come after a mo!! A little wake up and Good Morning from a very hot Zanzibar ❤️ Why is @rodemic not working tho 🤔🥴 @zanzibaryogafestival @sunshinemarinelodge #zanzibarisland #pilatesinzanzibar #tootsontour #iamasweatybetty

Wherever in the world 🌎 we are!! CONSISTENCY IS QUEEN. EASIER TO MAINTAIN THAN TO START AGAIN. One of the many reasons why online works! Screens and being online are pretty much a fact of life. Hey, I get SICK of screens too and I factor in screen free time but when it makes life easier and helps us acheive things that we may not otherwise, it works! This is just a snippet of today’s class online where we connected 5 countries, some ex pat, some on hollibobs, me a bit of work/pleasure. The fact is that wherever we are, we keep to the schedule - same time, same log in, familiar faces, time for a chat and always a joy to see where everyone is joining from. We know when one of our regulars is missing which helps us to be accountable (not me obviously - be a bit too obvious if I skipped class!). I keep to the same live class time which means that when I’m travelling, I may start earlier (for me) or in this case be two hours ahead but what can I say? Online works! (Thank goodness WiFi and weather behaved but there’s always got to be a bit of give and take!). (Also great to have a skin cancer surgeon as an online member, what’s apping me to check what sunscreen I’m using 🙏) See you online tomorrow - who’s up for a 7.15am insta live? #onlineworks #zanzibar #pilatesinzanzibar #iamasweatybetty @zanzibaryogafestival @permittedtopause @sunshinemarinelodge #tootsontour i

Check out the merch!!! My new ‘26 designs and IM THRILLED 💕💕💕💕 Tees in round and NEW V neck (other colours available but I couldn’t pack them all!) Also available in long sleeve and vest (limited colour options) and hoodies! (Last year’s styles still available) No prizes for guessing which is my favourite. Dm/email and I’ll sort orders when I’m back 🥰🥰 #merchalert‼️‼️ #lovemynewtees #merchalert #tootsontour

A little standing variation. Posting this during a 9 hour flight en route to the @zanzibaryogafestival I’m always looking for ways to break moves down, adapt and look at them in different ways. Oh, and to have some fun. Here we have a little footwork to kick things off, some variations on The Hundred, Swan Dive prep, standing one leg kick, Rocking prep (aka Oh! Mr Bennet!) Roll down, few more of The 100, side kick, side bend, side (lying) circle… well, we had fun. Love a little mash up Got to go - dinner on a tray arriving 😘 #tanzania #zanzibar #standingpilates

In the words of the mighty @melrobbins "Noone’s coming. There is no-one coming to rescue you... if you want it, you have to do it yourself". ACSM guidelines surrounding strength and resistance training have been reviewed. The last publication was 2009 so this is very exciting and interesting in the world of health and wellness. Take time to think about what you do, what you enjoy doing and what adjustments you might need to or choose to make. If you are not where you want to be, health wise, weight wise, fitness wise, maybe have a very frank talk with yourself cos if you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it! Just because you “always have” doesn't necessarily mean that you have to continue. As with so much in life, keep an open mind and while research and learning in our industry grows and evolves, so do we as teachers/instructors/educators. There are so many things we cannot control. Let them go and give your time and energy to what is within your control and to what is going to help you lead a long, healthy independent life. Without your health, what next? Be part of that 30%… not the 70% #acsm #acsmguidelines2026 #healthiswealth

Over here, we LOVE Pilates and we do a lot! mat, reformer on the mat, small equipment, workshop classes, back to basics, 34 moves - you name it. We also really embrace the importance of strength work which we include both in our Pilates practise (body weight, bands, loops, balls, light weights) and in our weight training classes with heavier weights. What may not always be considered is the knock on effect in every day life. We know we must include strength and resistance work for healthy and strong bodies but we don't always think about the many other ways this can help us so here you go! A few messages I have received over the the months from people who practise regularly, know it is good for them but have that one day "lightbulb moment" when they see just how much this carries over into everyday life. We have HUNDREDS of recorded classes in the library, both full on weight training in addition of Pilates pure mat with focus on strength as well as classes using small equipment to understand how to incorporate strength work. Live at 830am for an express 30 mins. See you there. Have a great Saturday :)

If you have a spare half hour, roll out your mat and join us. Dm for details. Hope you have a really happy Easter weekend 🐣 💕🌷 #reformeronthemat #pilatesdoesntstopforholidays

The power of breath. Lateral thoracic breathing, breathing into the ribs, expanding the ribcage, 360" breath. Whatever you call it, breathing is a big part of your Pilates work. It helps connect mind and body, helps with control, consistency of movement as well as spinal/postural stability. When you breathe out on a tough move, think of it as a turbo boost - putting your foot on the gas - feel the strength. #pilatesbreathing #ltb #powerofbreath

EXERCISE IS BORING! Yes, I agree, sometimes! There are times when the last thing I feel like is rolling out my mat or picking up my weights but (to borrow a common quote), “noone ever regrets a workout” and whatever your mood before, you will always feel better, happier, calmer and stronger in your mind afterwards. You do not have to hit a PB every time you pull on your lycra or lace up your trainers. A “half hearted, not really my best” workout is 100% better than skipping It altogether. Health is wealth. I know - it’s a clichè but when you have your health, you never think about it and when you don’t have your health, you think of little else. Some things are out of our control and we have to accept that but in order to live as long and independent a life as possible, we need to be accountable- we need to take responsibility and do what we can. There are of course, factors to consider such as time, budget, availability and areas of interest but there is something for everyone. Just start. Not when life is perfect and you have loads of time because that day will never come. Guaranteed, that day will never come. So just start because if you don’t, a weak and less able body will present itself and that is guaranteed! #healthiswealth #nosuchthingasabadworkout #juststart

You are invited to join us! A little Easter kick start. Join us online for a quick 30 min mat fix. REFORMER ON THE MAT. Come and experience a choice of moves that are adapted from the Reformer to practise on the mat. Just 30 mins before you start your weekend! A really great little full body workout with some twists on your mat moves. You will need sliders and a band (but there are always ways to adapt - I can help you.) Members - link in live calendar Non members - please dm for details. #expressworkout #reformeronthemat #joinmeonline

One day? or DAY ONE! This simple sentence is one I often come back to. There is no perfect time to start, so why not start now? The clocks have changed. We are 2 days away from the end of a whole quater of the year, and looking to a new month and a new season so why not choose now for some new habits. In the words of the magnificent Michael Mosley, pick "Just one thing"! From small changes come mighty results. If you have been thinking that your diet, lifestyle, exercises habits, downtime, social life or sleep patterns need a little tweak, why not choose just one thing to change and start today. It takes 21 days for a repeated behaviour to start to look like a habit and if you start today, by the end of June, your habit will be a fully embedded lifestyle change. Imagine that! Before the schools break up for Summer, you could have a whole new benefit in your life that you are now doing without even having to think about it as it becomes as routine as getting dressed and cleaning your teeth. Just pick one thing and see if you can start today. Value yourself and your health. Choose to do something for you. What have I done? Well, a few things but the most recent is drinking a litre of (room temp) water every morning, straight after cleaning my teeth and before I reach for the coffee. Not for everyone but working for me and something I chose to add to my life. As I canter rapidly towards my 58th birthday, any natural help to iron out fine lines and wrinkles is very welcomed. Go on! I believe in you. Pick one small change and make it Day one! #justonething #onedayordayone? #valueyou

We get up to so much over here! Swipe through to see for yourself. This week we have gone through the 34 moves, having spent time breaking them all down and building them back up, have done Seated functional strength, Pilates funk with light weights, bands and balls, added challenge with foam rollers, brought the reformer to the mat with bands and wrapped the week up with a full body stretch. The library is bursting at the seams with new content and we have another EXTRA, AD HOC 30 mins Pilates funk 8.30am tomorrow - why not join us? dm for details. We also have socials and get togethers and we all really value our community. Come and join us! link in bio. Now off to walk my dogs in the rain and then hit the sofa for a double dose of Death in Paradise. It's all rock and roll there! See you in the morning I hope and if not, soon. Jx #onlinepilates #pilatesandstrengthtraining #pilatesandweights

Rollers. We had a tough class this morning using our trusty foam rollers to add challenge, build awareness and give a variation on a familiar move. 1. One leg (semi) circle. Every time you get back up to “12 o’clock”, pause and change direction (to help prevent momentum taking over), using the opposite, static leg as the outside of the semicircle- try to connect your legs on each rotation. 2. Progress in stages to taking away other points of stability (arms/leg) to help increase focus on center connection. Try to keep bottom ribs inline with, not higher than pelvis. 3. Double leg circle. There are so many ways to vary these exercises but for this one, we were keeping hips centred and aligned, to avoid rocking “hip to hip”. Again, taking arms away to offer more deliberate instability to challenge balance, control and coordination #foamroller #pilatesonelegcircle #pilatesonline

This is where it all happens! A couple of years ago, I chose to stop teaching on Wednesdays so that I fully immerse myself in the back office side of things. Ok, I admit sometimes it is a day off but more often that not, you will find me here. This humble spare room very generously re purposed itself in lockdown into the engine room of my business and I had no idea that I would end up kitting it out with a Peloton, Reformer, TRX, weights rack, multiple screens, lights and piles of small equipment but here it is! I admit that there is bit of jiggery pokery, moving things around and what you see versus what I see are very different scenes but I LOVE being in this room. This is where I get creative, learn, research, enjoy being taught myself and see my own learning journey grow. It is very easy to get lazy, stale and complacent and for me, researching, getting ideas, planning new classes and working on my own progression are all ways to keep it fresh, exciting and ever evolving. Pilates absolutely is a way of life and I know my total belief and passion comes across in my teaching. IMHO if you no longer have the passion it is time to walk away. So fear not, this teacher is working very, very hard behind the scenes to keep growing, evolving and staying progressive - all from a humble spare bedroom! Have a super Wednesday x @setpilatesuk @pelotonstudios @pelotonstudios #homereformerworkout #bedroompilatesstudio

Seated strength. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it! While typically, it can conjure up images of nursing home group ex., it’s only the same as sitting on the bench in the gym… if you haven’t given it a go, you are very welcome to join our next session… bands, balls, weights and more, using very simple exercises to either break moves down to be accessible to all levels OR to really turn the heat up on moves that, just from observing, look so simple. They’re not 😈🔥 I like mixing things up, taking lying to seated, seated to standing… just when you think you know what’s coming…. Mooooowahahaha 😈😈 ‼️if repeated for 60 seconds plus, the above exercise may leave you with quads of steel 🥰❤️💕 🆘 please make sure you use a sturdy chair on a non slip surface We lift weights and build strength while keeping all our Pilates principles very much in play. How about you? #seatedstrengthtraining #seatedexercise #billyjoel

Do you wanna funk? I ❤️❤️❤️ a Pilates mash up and this morning we had a little extra, ad hoc 30 mins early Saturday start using mini ball, mini loop and mini weights for a good old 🔥 Fortunately the class was far better than the lighting, editing and other nonsense going on here (why are my photos cropped? They weren’t when I loaded them 🤬 - more editing practise needed) but at least there is no navy!! Pilates is amazing. Strength training is a no brainer. Combine the two for a fabulous start to the w/e. Happy Saturday. Full Pilates funk 30 min class live in library now 💕💕 #pilatesfunk #pilatesmashup #miniballminiloopminiweights

MR BENNET! A very funny spin on a class I’d spent AGES planning where I felt a little “I do declare” and couldn’t focus after that. Gretl popped up for a visit and to steal the show. Season 2 starts next week! #prideandprejudice #prideandprejudice #mrbennet #gretldoespilates

It’s just a bit of fun…(or is it 🥴😉🤣) Recognise your teacher? Maybe it was YOU that inspired my client observations…(it wasn’t.. don’t worry 🤔🤥) Click on each to see that it’s just a bit of fun 💕💕 (There’s A LOT of navy going on here 🤔) #realpilatesteachers #onlyabitoffun #dontcancelme

I hear this quite often and hey! Maybe it just isn’t for you and that’s fine (poor you tho ☹️, the loss is real). More likely, you’re going to a Pilates class that perhaps isn’t observing the principles and isn’t true to The Method OR your expectations are a little different and while your teacher is doing an amazing job of teaching Pilates in it’s truest form, you’d expected some cardio and going for the burn. There is no wrong answer but before you write it off, do a little research, be clear of what you’re after and shop around! Believe me, if it’s Pilates you’re after, then with the right teacher, you’ll be transformed for life and will, from here on in, identify as “A Pilates addict” Go on… you deserve to find out what you’re missing 😉😉 #pilatesisforeverybody #iidentifyasapilatesaddict #nosuchthingastoomanyleggings

💕💕💐🌷 Happy Mother’s Day (tomorrow!) but incase you haven’t got past garage flowers and a box of chocolates, how about the gift of some health and wellness that you can both do together, anytime to suit you! Comment Mothers for your free classes 🥰 Have a lovely weekend 💕🌷💕 #mothersdaygifts #sharetheloveofhealth

We have been online for SIX YEARS and we are growing ever stronger. Think online isn't for you? No problem. It isn't for everyone but may I just remind you that, if it is the difference between doing the workout or missing it altogether, why wait? Whether you are squeezing in a quick library class before work, at home with poorly kids, away caring for elderly relatives, on holiday - whatever it is, keep up to date with your workouts, stay on the waggon, keep meeting up with your workout friends... I open every meeting 15 mins early so we can have a chat and a catch up and we have loads of socials and meet ups going on so that our community keeps growing stronger. We have taught from and joined in from beaches, ski resorts, cruise ships, festivals, campsites, motorhomes, hotel corridors, hotel gyms, offices, gardens, kitchens, the living room ... all you need is space for a mat and wifi. I cannot WAIT to take you all with me to Zanzibar in a few weeks where I will be teaching you live and always love seeing the many places you are all joining in from. I imagine you are now bursting to find out more so I won't hold you up a moment longer. Head to the link in bio - off you trot! X #onlineworks #exercisesnacks

Exercise snacks ➡️ Get your 5 a day!! 5 stretches/mobility moves. 60 seconds on each. The stretching part of the class is where so many people want to rush through or skip altogether but this work is SO important for recovery, calming the system and quitening the mind - to name just a few benefits. For the selection here - 1 and 2 - spinal mobility and opening through the chest/shoulder. 3. Fred Astaire did these without fail every day (according to Bruce Forsyth who also did!). Great for opening up the hips, especially if youve been sitting - keep arms down if you’re a bit wobbly. Make sure your knee is supported. 4 and 5 - some hip opening and pelvis (and spine) mobility. In 5, try pushing your breath into the upper side to increase some release around the ribs. You can choose to swap side to side for a minute 1,3,4,5) or stay on one side for a full minute. Likewise, choose a static hold or move in and out of the position. Listen to your body and it will probably tell you. Either way, sometimes slowing down and holding for 30-60 seconds takes quite a bit of discipline, especially if you’re used to a busy life, rushing around. Breath. Try slowing down your breathing to help quiten your mind - breathe in for 4, hold for 5, breathe out for 6. It’s 5 minutes. Go on! Have a go. Your body will thank you 💕 #5minstretch #exercisesnacks #5aday #exerciseinantigua #carribeancore

This was a class all about breaking down some of the moves… until this clown joined in…. Sound on for jaunty musical accompaniment I want everyone I work with to feel confident to run through the 34 moves, understanding how to adapt, modify, break down… so that as a class we can be working at different levels while still executing the same exercises … we are working hard on learning the many ways to adapt and progress so we can flow through the series accommodating …..oh never mind… who cares? It’s The all about Gretl show 🤣🤣 (Don’t worry - This was after a LOT of politely asking her to wait on her bed and she does get A LOT of cuddles!!) 💕💕 #littleg #gallopinggretl #rescuedogsofinsta #jackrussell

Squat to scroll! Trying to cut down on doom scrolling? Try doing a squat for EVERY swipe… you’ll either cut down on mindless scrolls OR get thighs of steel. WIN, WIN. Thanks for the inspo @realscottmills 😜 #squattoscroll #squattoscrollchallenge #stopdoomscrolling

As spring approaches and we are bombarded with ads for the new SS clothing ranges, I thought it might be a good time to mention what to avoid wearing in your class (IMHO/POV etc. etc. etc.) 😉🤢🤢😉 #whatnottowear #pilatesleggingsfails #dontwearbaggyshorts #wearpants

Exercise snacks. Get your 5 a day! Just 5 mins ➡️ Most of us are sitting down for too long and amongst other things, we can become a little hunched and round shouldered. Here are 5 simple moves to help open up your chest and shoulders and improve range of movement. 5 exercises, 60 seconds per move = 5 mins. 💕 work from shoulders and keep your back ribs relaxed against the floor. 💕 circle your upper arm. Aim to keep hips inline and avoid arching your back 💕 see if you can get your elbows infront of your wrists (without flopping your hands back over) 💕 Version of above. Work from the shoulders to avoid your back arching 💕 Keep your elbows tucked in so that you rotate from the shoulders ⛔️ start gently and ask for rather than forcing the movement 🫡self respect and consistency ❤️ love your fabulous body #roundshouldersfix #keepshowing up #posturecorrector

Exercise snacks GET YOUR 5 A DAY ➡️ 5 moves. 60 seconds per move. Balance. PLEASE don’t accept failing balance as just one of those things. Getting old does NOT automatically mean you just can’t balance as well. Connecting to a strong core (Pilates) along with some coordination and sequences (also Pilates!) all massively help but here are some stand alone(s’cuse the pun) exercises. If you know someone who is struggling with balance, please encourage them to do some appropriate practice as with a decline in balance, the knock on effect can lead to less confidence, reluctance to take part in activities and this can affect your social life and make your world much smaller - absolutely fatal for an older adult, especially if they live alone. I am PASSIONATE about maintaining excellent balance (can you tell?!) - if you’re not sure how/where to start or how to adapt my examples here, please get in touch. 1. WHY HAS IT CHOPPED MY FEET OFF?? Stand on one leg - can you manage 3-5 seconds to start before swapping sides? Arm position optional!! 2. Tight rope walk. Make sure your back door is exactly in line behind your front - try standing on the joins of the tiles on your floor or use the edge of your mat 3. Rotate on one leg - great for ankle/knee stability 4. Why has Instagram chopped my feet off? Try rolling up with your heels off the floor - keep your knees bent 5. Take one leg for a walk. See how much you can move before swapping sides I know it doesn’t look it but it was REALLY windy when I was doing this! Added challenge 🤣 Have a go. Let me know how you get on. ❤️ your fabulous body ⛔️ age is just a number not an excuse 👊🏻 just keep showing up. #exercisesnacks #balanceforbetter #practisebalance

Exercise snacks. Get your 5 a day! ➡️ Just 5 minutes 💕 NO equipment. 5 exercises. 60 seconds on each one 1. Alternate reverse lunge with pulse (quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves) 2. Squat with pulse (quads, glutes) 3. Good mornings (hamstrings, glutes) 4. Curtsey into side lift (abductors, glutes) 5. Plié’s (adductor/inner thigh) Skip the pulses, don’t go so low, avoid the curtseys and focus on side lift. Your workout, you choose. 👊🏻 consistency 🫡 self respect ❤️ your fabulous body. You won’t get another one! #exercisesnacks #workoutmadeasy #holidayworkout @antiguaandbarbuda #workoutantigua

I get asked a lot, what I do and when I start mentioning diet and exercise, I’m often faced with eyes to heaven and excuses. There are no magic formulas. There is no secret. Cutting corners ends up adding problems. Consistency is key. I know… yawn, yawn but it’s true. You know it. I know it. My own rule is to never exceed two consecutive days with no exercise. For me, every week, 🤸🏼Pilates (of course) loads! 🏋️Lifting weights - body weight will suffice if you’re away from home and I always throw in a resistance band if I’m travelling(and Trx if I can) 2-3 times 🚶Walking (every day) 🧘🏼Stretching - most days It doesn’t have to be hours. 20 mins first thing won’t spoil your holiday but don’t let a break in routine break your routine. Get up, get moving, drink lots of water, eat lots of fresh fruit and veg… we all know this and the more we practise it, the more it becomes lifestyle, the less it remains effort and before you know it, it’s as part of your life as brushing your teeth and checking your what’s apps. Start today. 10 mins. Look after your fabulous body - it has a lot of work to do so reward it with proper fuel and maintenance. Keep it simple. Health is wealth and you may well roll your eyes… until you don’t have your health and then NOTHING else matters. I am always researching and learning. I manage a good diet 80% of the time. Plenty of protein, fibre, fresh fruit and veg. I have collagen and creatin (@ancientandbrave ) and supergreens (@drinkag1 ) every day. I have a freezer of pre prepared green juices as a go to - a good habit from my days working @juicemasterretreats I drink A LOT of water and I chose to give up booze 2.5 years ago. I sleep A LOT (one of my favourite things). My choices. No gimmicks. No secrets. No quick fixes. Just dedication, consistency and a self respect to be the best I can be. That’s all 💕 #energieantigua #antiguagym #keepitsimple

Exercise snacks. Get your FIVE A DAY! Swipe ➡️ JUST 5 MINUTES! 5 moves. 60 seconds on each one. Bend your knees in the roll down, don’t reach so far in the starfish, choose the order you want to do. Your workout. Your choice. Wake up, get moving 💕 #exercisesnack #wakeupandmobilise #julietspilatesontour #iamasweatybetty #exerciseinantigua @antiguaandbarbuda

The benefit of WFH and rescuing your little JR Gretl from the builders 🤣 Another day with the teaching assistant glued to my side. Builders finish Friday 🤞🤞🤞🤞 Yes, I know I have a ball between my legs 🤣🤣

What can you do with 30 mins? You may think “not a lot” but let me stop you right there! We have some extra, ad hoc 30 minute full body classes coming up - a great way to a) introduce you to how easy and convenient being online really is b) get a super full body workout in less time than it takes to finish Eastenders c) feel better, have more energy and be ready to jump back into your day. Valentine’s love. Sat 14th 8.30am body conditioning style class. Bring light weights (there may be a Winter Olympics theme sneaking in - you know me 😉) Turbo charge your day. Wed 18th 7.30am mixed ability mat Relax and unwind. Thurs 19th 6.45pm. Stretch, relax, breathe. All levels Just ask. I can give you 30 reasons why a 30 min workout works. Let’s start with the most obvious one - because it’s short, you’re far more likely to do it which means you’re doing something you may not otherwise have started! Pls dm me for class prices and how to join 🥰 #expressworkout #30minworkout

As I wade through the absolute joy of house and car insurance quotes, I have a question. Why, while Pilates has literally grown beyond all measure and is HUGE, is there not a “Pilates teacher” option to tick? I have nothing against Yoga, I love Yoga and my Yogi friends BUT.. I am NOT a Yoga teacher so why am I told to “just say that”… when it’s inaccurate? Insurance companies, you’re outdated and we need to adress this! Anyone with me? We need to change this!! 😡😡 #houseinsurancecompaniesimapilatesteacher #wakeupinsurancecompanies

5 things you need not worry about when you join us online…. 1. Leotards from the 80’s? Your son’s worn out tracky pants? You do you.. as long as it’s practical for your class and doesn’t inhibit movement, you go for it. I’ve spotted a few pyjamas lately.. 2. I’m watching your movement, not whether you’ve hoovered the lounge or put away the ironing board! As long as there are no obvious obstacles to trip you up, don’t tidy up on my account! 3. Roots coming through? Bed hair gone mad? Forgot to tweezer your chin? We won’t see and we don’t care 🤣🤣. 4. Scared of tech? We’ve ALL been there and a quick chat will always sort things out and you’ll be SO pleased with your new skills! 5. Really. They don’t. I mean obviously there a few (😮‍💨) 6. Pets love sitting on your mat or showing their bum to the camera. We’ve seen it all!! So… hope that’s put your mind at ease 🤣💕 #dontworryitsfine #whatnottoworryabout #joinusonline

My new teaching assistant. With building work going on at home, my little rescue terrier Gretl thinks the sky is falling in and the end of the world is nigh so I brought her in to my studio to be with me. She was a tiny bit distracting but terribly sweet. (Labrador Bertie happily snoring through all the chaos downstairs, with one eye on tea break biccies). Best teaching assistant ever ❤️ Best breed of dog is rescue 💕❤️ #gallopinggretl #bestbreedisarescue #dogsdopilates #jackeussellsofinstagram @manytearsrescue

Noone says it better… I really admire instructors who can teach a class with a lovely blow dry, leaving long hair loose and a full face of makeup. I honestly don’t know how you do it. The odd time I’ve worn a little makeup, 10 mins in and I’m looking like Alice Cooper and I CAN’T STAND my hair loose and all over my face when I’m training… I guess in the words of the late, great Doris, if truth be told…… Anyone with me on this? 🤔 #gavinandstacey #makeupfreereels

Practise makes perfect…. Or it can help reassure, reaffirm, reconnect… Maybe today, instead of trying to get in that extra mile, lift another rep more or go from table top to extended legs, don’t! Stay in your comfort zone. Do something that feels familiar and safe that will remind you how far you’ve already come and reassure you. In a world that tells us to always strive for more, why not step back and enjoy what you’ve already achieved; a workout that feels safe and confirms to your mind and body, how connected you are. Find a more basic class that is one of your favourites, and just like digging out that well worn t shirt, enjoy the familiarity and feel good factor it brings. Have a lovely Sunday 🙏💕 #practiseforyou #gentleworks #reaffirmation

Pilates with light weights… Soznotsoz 😱😱😱😱😉😉❤️❤️ #lightweightskills #lightweightsburnoutsets

Reformer on the mat. Working on the reformer is a fantastic workout, using springs, straps and instability to provide challenge,awareness and growth. We have been recreating moves on the mat, and digging deep into visualisation and imagination to help us get as close to the experience as possible. We use resistance bands, weights, circles, balls and more to help us recreate the studio equipment but here, with a few examples of a class this week, we worked equipment free, to help us feel totally connected and to feel confident on the mat before bringing in more challenge. The biggest takeaway from this class? Everyone was a little unsure about what to expect so were totally focused and this really helped people understand the benefit of being connected to your body and how much better we move and how much more we get from our workout when we really concentrate. And anyone looking at this, thinking “that doesn’t look very hard…”… I invite you to come and join us for a class and find out for yourself…. I dare you 😉😉 There’s a lot more to come 💕 (Why does “multi posts” shift the content so it’s not centred?) #reformeronthemat #reformeronthematseries #practiseonthemat

Actually, very happy to chat to @horseandhound 😉 #iykyk😉

I mean it’s just a bit tongue in cheek… well, ok, there are a few points that… yeah… ok, for me, it’s all true but it’s just for fun… well, I mean, I am talking from the heart and … well, it has been for me… can’t just be me?? I feel reasonably well qualified to have an opinion, having centuries of experience as a client, decades of experience as a teacher, a decade of experience as a teacher trainer (are we called educators now?!🤔) plus a naturally observant nature and copious amounts of notes, stored for when I write my memoirs 🤣 I honestly wonder who is doing all the other jobs in the world as it appears that literally everyone is a Pilates teacher… and there are some brilliant ones… some inspiring and forward thinking ones… some perfectly acceptable ones… and some others posting very interesting and slightly questionable content on socials… Just throwing my observations out there and would love to see what comes back!! #soyouwantoteachpilates? #pilatesteachertraining #youwanttoteachpilates?

Happy NEW year or Happy year? I was sacked by my dentist once. As he said, I had ignored 2 check up reminders so why should he be responsible for me? I was mortified but it was never going to happen again. Lesson well learned. Ever wondered why schools charge a penalty if you take your child out during term time? If your child misses classes, it can a) reflect negatively on the school when the child falls behind and b) put unfair pressure on the educating team to catch the child back up. You know where I am going with this, don’t you… I am NOT a fan of new year resolutions. The days are still short, dark and cold. Motivation may be low and huge life changes are not always sustainable. However if you have taken the plunge to sign up to a course of classes and for the purpose of this article, lets say Pilates, then something motivated you and a degree of commitment and discipline is required. There are always occasions when “life”happens and illness or emergency cause chaos but it is that regular, rather limp excuse that can all too quickly become a habit and before you know it, you’ve missed half the term. Now while you are wasting your money, you are also putting your poor teacher under extra and unfair pressure as you constantly play catch up. PILATES IS BIGGER THAN EVER AND THE CRAZE IS GROWING but it is a lifestyle method and to be seen as the latest fad is to completely undervalue it’s purpose. To read full article pls head to blog. Link in bio ⬆️ or visit Latest news on my website 💕 #dontskipyourclass #pilatesisforlifenotjustforchristmas

New year, new intentions? Whatever your exercise choice, do it with purpose and intent. What is your reason for exercise today? Maybe you are on a strength building program - great but why? Maybe you want to learn more about Pilates? Why have you chosen that? Maybe you just need to quieten your mind. Why? What’s going on? Give your exercise purpose. Set intent. “Today I’m doing xxx in order to acheive xxx”. It’s a powerful tool - what is the goal? Identify the goal and then commit to the goal, whatever it is! Exercise with intent. Give your workout purpose 💕 #whyareyouexercising? #purposeandintent

WHAT a year! SOOOO much more than Pilates…. Forest walks and pub lunches, Battersea power station, revitalising on the Isle of Wight, carfest and summer solstice classes, , pop up camping classes and hunting ghosts, dressing up and pyjama parties, teach from the beach and zooming from all over the world…training in Crete and Athens, instagramming from Austria and Tanzania, Xmas t shirts and monthly challenges and live Instagram classes and our wonderful Christmas lunch… Oh! And Pilates… a lot of Pilates! And lifting weights, and stretching and mobility and balance work and HAVING FUN! Want to know why we ❤️❤️❤️ our online community? Read my last weekly wrap up of the year (link in bio) and may I take this opportunity to wish my fabulous friends THE HAPPIEST, healthiest new year…. See you on the other side, on the mat ❤️ #whyweloveonlinelessons #workoutonline #happy2026 #theyearofthehorse

I am offering SIX WEEKS FOR THE PRICE OF FOUR

2026. The year of the horse. Are you going to watch from the sidelines  or are you going to jump on and enjoy the ride? Why ONLINE WORKS... - You don’t even need to leave the house.(“but I want to see people” - fine, go and see people but do your workout first! In the comfort to your kitchen or lounge), 

- We don’t mind bed hair and pyjamas (You don’t need to make yourself “greet the world” ready. The only one looking at you is me!) OH YES, I absolutely can see what you are doing (and I have just taken delivery of an even bigger, high HD screen to see even more, but don’t believe me? ask anyone who already does my classes - they will confirm you can’t get away with anything!)

- Join us from anywhere! We now have regular members joining weekly from 7 countries as well as beaming into all your various holiday destinations. You can do a quick 30 min library class from your balcony before you start the day or a lovely post ski stretch class in your bedroom... SO many options.  What you can expect for a mere £45 for SIX WEEKS OFFER
  7 live, weekly classes where I am watching and interacting with you. Ask questions, interact - I am at the screen teaching YOU! 
Access to me to FaceTime or discuss any questions or concerns 
A huge library with HUNDREDS of classes of different levels and categories. 
Ask for what YOU need.You ask, I deliver.  Categories... live and on demand in your library - 💕Beginner/All level Pilates 
💕Intermediate/advanced Pilates 
💕Small equipment Pilates all levels
💕Small equipment Pilates int/adv
🤛🏻Functional strength training,Weights for all levels for every day life. 
🤛🏻Weight training int/adv
💕Mobility and stretch 
💕Relaxation and breath 
🆘Technique workshops. Breaking down a move and building backup Coming this year  Bringing Reformer Pilates to the mat. How to use small equipment and adapt moves from the large (and very expensive) studio equipment to replicate on the mat for every body. Sign up in January.Offer applies to new sign up’s only. See you Tues for GOAT FOR THE BLOAT. 2 x 30 min classes. We’ve been doing this nearly 6 years. We’ve got it sorted!!

A little poem from me to you 💕 Happy Christmas class of ‘25 and to all my clients, past and present. I thought tomorrow might be a bit busy - I very much look forward to seeing as many of you as possible 8am and 8.45am but if I don’t…. Happy Christmas and here’s a little ditty I made up. Hope you enjoy. #classof25 #pilatespoem #pilatesditty

CHRISTMAS EXPRESS WORKOUT. ……Because elves need to be fit and strong too….🎅🏻 30 mins, light weights, full body, 8am BOOM 💥 A fabulously busy class with full on festive hats, jumpers, pyjamas 🥰🥰🥰🥰 🎄🎄 (these leggings tho… sooo see thru 😱 - only just found out 😱🤣🥴) 30 mins non stop, done and dusted before the house guests have barely stirred and just in time for that first coffee ☕️ TWO MORE CLASSES TO GO BEFORE THE BIG HO HO 🥰🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻 Join me tomorrow 8am and 8.45am - 2 x 30 mins. Online, at home and finished before the day gets going! DM me for zoom code 💕 #expressXmasworkout #elvesneedtoworkouttoo #30minfullbody

Soooo many reasons why online classes work.. Join in your pyjamas, no need to leave home/kids/family while still hitting the mat and getting your exercise fix before the day starts…. And in this case because there’s no way I’d leave the house dressed like this but I’m up for some festive inspired Pilates online! See you soon - boring leggings and tops not allowed 😉😉 #santababy #whyonlineclasseswoek #xmasworkout

Long car journeys? Maybe sleeping in an unfamiliar bed or forgot to pack your precious pillow? Much more sitting down than usual… added to rich foods and more drinking which have an inflammatory effect and before you know it, joints are shouty and muscles are tightening… You might be “driving home for Christmas” but it could play havoc with your lower back. I am talking literally FIVE minutes at the start and end of your day - choose 2 or 3 of these simple, gentle mobility moves so that if you ARE driving home for Christmas, you arrive with a smile rather than as The Grinch 🤣 Remember to keep drinking water 🚰 - trust me, it will really help flush out toxins, keep muscles hydrated, reduce joint inflammation (and reduce fine lines so if you look in the mirror and your mother looks back, you are not drinking enough water 🤣) Online members - there is a whole stretch/mobility/relaxation collection in your library. #quickbackhacks #lowerbackmobility #easytodobackstretches

Stepped away from teaching for a bit… To celebrate the wedding of my beautiful daughter and my fabulous son in law. A few snapshots of the most perfect day, filled with more love than I can begin to describe ❤️❤️❤️ I’ll be back to the mat very soon!

It’s what you eat between New Year and Christmas!! 🤣🥂🍷🍪🍫 Eat, drink and make merry … but as the fridge is bulging and the cupboards are bursting, just watch that Quality street for breakfast, Baileys mid morning and cheese allllll day doesn’t slide into January… treat it like your Christmas tree! Here to enjoy for a couple of weeks then thrown out for a fresh start… but not the fairy lights! Never the fairy lights… fairy lights are for life, not just for Christmas ❤️ #christmashealthhacks #bingeingatchristmas #getbackonthewaggon

TEN MINS TO TONED ARMS 10 mins to maintain those Mother of the bride arms!! Going away needn’t stop a regular check in. Throw a band in your bag, grab a towel and while the coffee is brewing, get in 10 reps of a few moves! I have “mother of the bride arms” to consider 😉😉👰‍♀️ #holidayworkout #tenminstotonedarms #motherofthebride