Raise Pilates

30/09/2024

Think of this post as a reminder.

I need to as well.

With my 'other job', I am spending more time than ever sitting down. When my full time work was teaching Pilates, sitting down was a treat! Now, movement is a treat.

Even 10 minutes before or after the working day has made a huge impact on how my body feels. I have had to be a lot more strict with myself since my back injury and MAKE the time to do it.

But it is so important so PLEASE join me and make time to move, particularly after a day stuck at a desk. 💻⏱🔋

28/09/2024

It's Saturday!
This means that I will be running with these two loons! I say running - I am not a great runner. I just go faster than a walk really! But I enjoy the fact that I have a body that can move me in this way as I experienced months of not being able to!

And Pilates helps me recognise the imbalances that I have, just as we all do. It also gives me the body awareness to know what I can do to improve them. These are just two of a myriad of positives that Pilates can bring to us.

Want to find out more? Do Pilates!
Happy weekend you lovely lot!

04/09/2024

Love these texts from clients - and I loved this one as we really worked on some super functional movements and it was incredible how well Vanessa did. And then she took that wonderful work back home and used it to clean the bathroom!

01/09/2024

Welcome to September!
How do those words impact you?

The school summer break is coming to an end. The summer is calling it a day. The dark is drawing in more quickly as the days get shorter. When I wake up it’s still cloaked in night.

For some of us September is a new chance to make a change. A fresh start. Perhaps because of the new school term and the newness that we experienced year after year.

For some of us it marks the end of summer. And with the change in season brings sadness as the knowledge that autumn is coming and we are heading into 6 months + of cold wet and darker weather is ahead.

I have a mix of feelings at this time of year. It is not the end of summer. In fact there are still going to be days when the sun feels warmth. The change of colours in the park and the cosy evenings give the days a fresh appeal. And with the children returning to school gives us a little more headspace

So this September I am not going to be making any rash plans to make huge changes. I will be consistent with the exercise. Keep trying to improve my nutrition and keep the balance between work and the rest on an even keel.

Have you got any September resolutions?

26/08/2024

I am so sorry that I have been rather missing in action. In May, I suffered a lower back disc injury that was a complete accident and one that left me somewhat broken.

I was pretty immobile for a while, not sleeping, not being able to walk, do Pilates or do anything of any use around teh house. So more than ever, I understand the pain, physically and mentally, of lower back pain.

It has taken time, persistence and the support of friends and family to get me back to this point. As well as the patience of my current one to one clients and the wonderful Wednesday morning Gentle Pilates class. They allowed me to teach on an office chair sat at my desk rather than moving with them! Thank you.

And it has all just shown me how linked our body and mind is. The last couple of years have not been the easiest and alongside a change in my wor with the addition of a desk bound role and this has obviously taken a toll on my body.

I was obviously shutting off what my mind was nudging me to take heed of. I needed to dedicate more time on switching off and moving for myself. To make it a priority. A no excuses mentality about that. And now I need to keep that front and centre.

And when I look around me and speak to my clients, friends and connections, I see this everywhere. And it's given me the incentive to get back on social media and share the importance of Pilates to balance the body and mind, the need to balance work and life, the necessity of rest and activity.

So here I am. Back and ready.

09/08/2024

Many of you know that I work for a small but mighty and much needed charity Been There
We are seeing huge waitlists for our lived experience mentoring for those who are struggling with their mental health around body image. So and included. 61% of us struggle.

As with all charities right now we are in desperate need for funds. Our CEO Tessa Peters is walking 61k tomorrow and I’m asking if you can spare a few quid, I would be so grateful if you could support her.

22/04/2024

Hi everyone, can you please take 30 seconds out of your day to nominate Been There to win £5k!
Only 5 days to vote. Please share far and wide. Very grateful for your support!!

https://health.movementforgood.com/

Help us to help more people who desperately need compassionate, empathetic and relatable body image support by nominating Been There to win £5,000 from !

Just 20 seconds of your time could help so many more people to build a healthier relationship with their body image. Nominations close this Friday 26th April.

Nomination link: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08JG4n0

The more nominations we receive, the more likely we will win the draw! Please share this link with family, friends and on social media.

Thank you for your support!

11/03/2024

Pilates is all about building strength, aligning your posture, and boosting your flexibility, and we know that it's a wonderfully gentle yet super effective workout. While joining a class gives you that awesome feeling of being part of a community, there's something special about one-to-one Pilates sessions.
I offer the Kingston community one to one classes in your home so here is why One to One may be the way to go!

09/03/2024

Mother's Day for me this year is one without a Mum physically with us.

But I wanted to use this opportunity to ask if you would consider supporting the campaign for

Some of you will know that Mum was given "weeks" in April '23 and for the following 5 months before she died, she suffered.

And her family suffered.

It was hellish.

We don't allow our pets to be left in so much pain that they scratch off their skin.

We don't see our dogs unable to sit or even still when pain means that they are pacing, all day and night.

We wouldn't prolong the life of a confused, distressed and terminally ill cat.

It just wouldn't happen and I heard this from staff at the Home where she was being cared for.

Watching someone change in front of you, physically and mentally. Her cancer gave her dementia type symptoms and her last months were anything but easy and peaceful. Whilst we were grateful for the care home where she ended up being, we know that for them, it was a challenge to give her the death she deserved.

Now, I am not suggesting that she would have chosen to go earlier than she did. I wouldn't do that. I don't actually know, for sure, what she would have chosen. But what I do know is that she should have been given the choice.

I am hoping that you will consider getting on board with this campaign. I have made a donation to the campaign in memory of Mum this Mother's Day in the hope that when it is my time to go, I can do so with choice, and dignity.

06/03/2024

Teaching Pilates always brings me joy and I love to see my clients physically 'unravel' in front of my eyes. And it's always a wonderful thing to receive thanks in a message after a class. I know I am teaching fewer group classes now but I cherish my Wednesday mornings with the dedicated and kind and committed humans. Thank you to them for giving me that joy week after week. This is a community that I am so proud to have created and be a part of.
Thank you

04/12/2023

Can you relate to someone who is struggling with their mental health around their body image?
Could you volunteer 1 hour a week to chat, via text in App, to support someone on their recovery?
If so, please do sign up to .app’s free webinar tomorrow at 12:30.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/been-there

13/11/2023

today.
Yes, we all need to be kinder to each other - my goodness, the world needs that right now. But don’t forget the kindness that you need to show yourself.

We can control this.

It’s not easy.
This modern life asks so much of us.

Being successful, busy, smashing it at work, wearing the latest trends, subscribing to ALL the Apps, being the best parent, child and sibling, keeping a clean house, and having a loving, equal relationship….

It’s enough to send any of us into a spiral of inadequacy, constant striving and disappointment.

So give yourself the target of being kind to yourself at least one moment of every day this week. Whatever being kind means to you ❤️

Comment below on what you’ll do for YOU this week. ⬇️