Sam Bianco - Fitness & Wellness Hove

18/06/2026

I did it! A full walking marathon for Macmillan, and what an unforgettable day it was.

Post-walking marathon reflections

After completing the walking marathon, I’ve had time to reflect on both the training and the event itself. From the moment I signed up, Macmillan were so supportive, offering brilliant tips on training and kit.

I invited some friends to join me for the training and the event, and we ended up with a team of eight — the Blister Sisters! We had some amazing training walks together and really got to know one another.

At the start, I had a plan that included a long walk, hill repeats, and a quicker walk each week. It was a struggle to fit it all in, so I prioritised my long walks and added in other walks when I could, alongside two weekly 5k runs and my daily 15-minute workouts.

On event day, we arrived at Brighton Racecourse early to collect our bibs and get ready. Everything was so well organised, with plenty of water, tea, coffee, and biscuits available. We set off together at 8am in the final wave. The first few miles were quite crowded, but once we reached the South Downs, the path opened up and we found our rhythm.

Our first stop was at mile 8 near Southease, where we were greeted with fresh fruit, cereal bars, popcorn, squash, and water. The next stop, just over halfway at mile 15 in Alfriston, offered a lovely cold buffet lunch, tea, coffee, and a chance to change our socks! The final pit stop was at Birling Gap before the last stretch into Eastbourne.

Crossing the finish line together was such a special moment. We were greeted with cheers, medals, and a glass of fizz before heading off for some warm food (though I wasn’t too hungry after all the snacks along the way!).

The route was stunning — full of nature, wildflowers, and incredible views. There were definitely some challenging climbs and descents, but the weather was perfect: warm with a light breeze and some cloud cover. I think rain would have made it a very different experience!

Everyone in our team finished together, supporting one another throughout. I know I’d have found it much harder if I’d trained alone, especially on those long 22-mile walks that took us around eight hours.

Would I do another walking marathon? Absolutely! My daily workouts and long walks gave me the fitness to finish comfortably, and I’d totally recommend doing a walk for Macmillan — it was so well supported and organised.

What’s next? Maybe a walking ultramarathon! A running marathon would be less training, but I know my body wouldn’t thank me for it. As I always say to my clients — listen to your body.

Thank you to everyone that supported me through training and with generous donations. If you would still like to donate the link is below.
https://donate.justgiving.com/fundraising/samanthas-fundraising-page1364/donation-amount

11/06/2026

Menopause doesn’t mean slowing down. It’s your time to get stronger than ever.

As women, we’re often told to take it easy during this stage of life, but strength training can be one of the most empowering things you do for your body and mind.

Here’s why:
💪 It boosts your metabolism and helps maintain a healthy weight.
🦵We need to lift weights to stop sarcopenia (muscle losss) that happens in menopause
🦴 It strengthens your bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
😊 It lifts your mood and energy, thanks to those lovely endorphins.
✨ It builds confidence and helps you reconnect with your body.

So if you’ve been feeling low on energy or strength lately, start with some body weight and then add in some free weights. Your future self will thank you.

10/06/2026

Short workouts, big results. Follow for realistic fitness tips that fit your life

10/06/2026

09/06/2026

Let's look at some of the benefits of pilates:

It builds a strong foundation:
Strengthens abdominal and back muscles
Improves posture and stability
Helps prevent lower back pain

Improves mobility:
Gently stretches the body
Increases joint mobility
Enhances overall range of motion

Stress Reduction:
Focus on breathing and mindful movement
Promotes relaxation and calmness

All of these are important. Pilates is a great form of exercise many people would benefit from.

I personally do pilates 2 days/ week.

If you would like to know more about my face to face class in Hove, let me know. I also do daily 15 minutes workouts online, that can be done anywhere at anytime.

09/06/2026

Feeling stuck with motivation or need a little boost to stay consistent?

Join my fitness emails for simple workouts, mindset tips, and real-life inspiration to help you feel stronger and more confident. 💪✨

You’ll also get first access to new sessions, challenges, and updates (like my marathon adventures this weekend!).

receive my newsletter
https://sambianco.com/newsletter-opt-in

30/05/2026

Just 2 weeks to go until myself and 7 other friends are taking part in the south coast mighty walk marathon.

Last walk is tomorrow, 22 miles. We have managed all our long walks but perhaps not the other walks.

I think none of us realised how intense the long walks would be, but glad that we got them in.

Thank you to those that have already contributed. If you'd still like to sponsor me below is the link.

20/05/2026

Let me tell you a little bit about the classes in my current class schedule:

Pilates - mat based
Monday & Thursday 9.15am, Wednesday 7.45pm
A mat based pilates session, to encourage slow controlled movement of your body. Helping to strengthen deep core muscles. Suitable for all levels.

Pilates & Sculpt
Friday 10am.
A mixture of standing and mat based exercises. Working on toning the body and improving strength and mobility. We will be using bands and body weight. This is a full body workout, suitable for all levels.

Strength
Wednesday 9.15am & Thursday 6pm.
A class to help strengthen the body using a mixture of body weight and bands. This is a full body workout that we will progress as the term goes on. Suitable for all levels,

Pelvic Floor class
Monday 12.30pm in the studio, Monday 8pm online. This is a course designed to help you reconnect with the pelvic floor. This class will re educate you on connecting with your pelvic floor without a single kegel exercise. We will use props, breathwork and a lot more. Perfect for those afraid to perform certain exercises due to leakage.

All face to face classes are held in my studio in Hove, max of 4 people per class. If a class situation is too intimidating I can work with you 1 to 1. All classes are 45mins long.

17/05/2026

New term classes released, starting Monday 1st June

Small studio, maximum of 4, free on road parking. All classes are 45min long. If you have a friend or 2 interested, there is potential to add a new class.

Mixture of classes- pilates, strength, pelvic floor. More chance to add a quick lunchtime workout for those working from home.

Also limited availability to offer 1 to 1 sessions. Helping women thrive through menopause, pelvic floor issues and strengthening weakened areas.

WhatsApp 07955 820234
Email [email protected]
Sam Bianco - Fitness & Wellness Hove

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