The Elysian Life

24/03/2026

Strength, mobility, built like popeye. Yes please

Fitness Experts Say Pairing Pilates With Strength Training Is a Faster Way to See Results

24/03/2026

Let’s reset expectations for a second…

Pilates is not fast.
It’s not chaotic.
And it’s definitely not about chasing the burn.

If you’ve come into Pilates expecting a high-energy, sweaty, cardio-style workout—you might feel like you’re “not doing enough.” But here’s the truth: Pilates works on a much deeper level.

It’s about:
– Regulating your nervous system
– Building true, internal strength
– Developing coordination and control
– Creating a clear connection between your brain and your body

It’s the practice of asking your body to do something… and it actually doing it.

That takes focus.
That takes patience.
That takes practice.

And no—it’s not about being a “Pilates princess” in a perfectly matched set, racing through as many reps as possible on a reformer. That’s performance. Pilates is practice.

A little history for context…
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates as a system—originally called Contrology. The goal wasn’t just movement, it was mastery of movement. Every piece of equipment you see—the reformer, the wonder chair, the ladder barrel—was designed with intention: to support, challenge, and ultimately improve your ability to perform the mat work.

Because here’s something that often gets missed…
The advanced mat repertoire is the goal.

The equipment isn’t the destination—it’s the bridge.

Modern Pilates absolutely has its place. It’s made the method more accessible, more visible, and for many, more enjoyable to begin with. But classical mat Pilates? That’s where the depth is. That’s where the intelligence of the system really reveals itself.

So if your class feels slower… more precise… more detailed…
Good.

That’s where the real work is happening.
That’s where your body starts to change—not just how it looks, but how it functions and feels.

Pilates isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing it better.

22/03/2026

Come & join us on a Friday night.

I ensure the class is for beginners through to intermediate.

Pilates is such an amazing way to strengthen and reconnect to your body.

Bring your mat and join us.

Book here

https://bookwhen.com/sarahwilkins

13/03/2026

REFLEXOLOGY PILOT STUDY

In 1989-1990, I was involved in a pilot study to determine the efficacy of reflexology in treating dysmenorrhea. 
The results were very positive, as evidenced by the quote. It was during this time that I realised the value of being able to locate and interpret the various types of reflex textures. It was through this study that the techniques of A.R.T. originated.
Some interesting factors were noted, including an increase in endometrial circulation.

‘In the management of chronic pelvic pain, reflexology is an invaluable and often essential tool.

The evidence would suggest that for the treatment of common menstrual pain, reflexology is the best, non-invasive, drug-free treatment.

LIndsay McMillan F.R.C.O.G.
Consultant Gynaecologist

Explore, dream, discover

13/03/2026

Most people think reflexology just relaxes the feet.

But something much more interesting is happening…

🧠 Your brainwaves are changing.

When you arrive for a treatment your brain is usually in Beta — the busy state linked with thinking, stress, problem-solving and constant mental chatter.

As reflexology begins, the brain starts to slow down.

🌿 Alpha waves appear first
The body begins to relax, breathing slows and stress hormones start to drop.

🌙 Then many people drift into Theta
This dreamy, floaty state is where the body focuses on repair, emotional processing and nervous system healing.

💤 Some people even reach Delta
These are the slow brainwaves normally seen in deep sleep — where the body carries out its deepest restoration.

This is why during reflexology you might:
✨ feel heavy or floaty
✨ lose track of time
✨ feel like you’ve had the best nap ever

Your body has shifted from “fight or flight” into “rest and repair.”

Your feet may be the focus…
…but reflexology is helping reset the entire nervous system.

Have you ever drifted off during a treatment? 👣💚

06/03/2026

You’ve been thinking about it for a while now… wondering if Pilates might help, but not quite ready to commit. Maybe you’re worried you’re not strong enough, flexible enough, or that it’s just another thing you’ll start and stop. But here’s the truth: real change doesn’t happen from dipping in and out — it happens through commitment. This 7-week Pilates course (£60) is designed to give your body the time it needs to truly start changing. And the best part? You’ll feel the difference before you ever see it.

Over seven weeks you’ll begin reconnecting with your body — teaching it how to move the way it was designed to. We’ll gently build strength from the inside out, helping your body finally do what you’re asking it to do. Those little niggly aches and pains that have been hanging around for far too long? This is where you start waving them goodbye.

This isn’t about lifting heavy weights or pushing yourself in the gym. It’s about reclaiming your body, your confidence, and your power. Learning to respect and trust your body again. If you’ve been on the edge wondering whether to start… maybe this is your sign. Seven weeks from now, you’ll be so glad you did.

Contact me today to book your spot. We start on Monday xx

01/03/2026

Although it was the end of term 1 at Hodnet there are still 2 pay as you go classes available to anyone who is looking to try classical Mat Pilates from the ground up.

Weston under Redcastle Tuesday’s 10am
Ashley Fridays 6pm

If you are looking for commitment to yourself and your practice I have a couple of spots left in Hodnet. Mondays 5:30pm & 6:45pm plus 1 on a Saturday 9pm.

Message me directly if this tickles your pickle.

26/02/2026

Plantar Fasciitis: Why the Problem Might Not Be Your Foot

Plantar fasciitis affects far more people than most realise. And while it’s commonly treated as a foot problem, in my experience — through years of working with clients, alongside physical therapists, strength & conditioning coaches and podiatrists — the issue very rarely starts in the foot itself.

More often, it begins higher up the chain.

Start with the Glutes & Hips

Many of us today have weak glutes and underactive hips. When these muscles aren’t doing their job:
• The knees don’t track optimally
• The ankles compensate
• The foot loses its natural rolling pattern during gait
• Load distribution changes

Over time, this altered biomechanics can place excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, it may be worth focusing on training your glutes properly — hard and heavy, with good form. Strengthening and activating the hips can help “course-correct” the entire downward chain and restore more natural movement patterns.

Don’t Forget the Top of the Chain

Another area sometimes overlooked is the atlas vertebra (C1) — the top cervical vertebra that supports the skull. If alignment here is slightly off, it can influence overall weight distribution and postural balance through the body. That imbalance may eventually show up further down — including in the feet.

For some people, starting at the top by consulting a qualified chiropractor can be helpful before working down the chain.

Manual Therapy Support

You may also have heard of Active Release Technique (ART) — a patented soft-tissue treatment method used by some chiropractors and manual therapists. It focuses on relieving tension and adhesions in muscles, fascia and nerves, and has been used alongside chiropractic care to support people dealing with plantar fasciitis.

⸻

The Bigger Picture

From what I’ve consistently observed, plantar fasciitis often emanates from dysfunction higher up the body. The foot is simply where the symptoms show up.

Address the hips.
Strengthen the glutes.
Assess alignment.
Support soft tissue health.

Sometimes relief comes not from treating where it hurts — but from correcting where it starts.

This is not medical advice. This is anecdotal insight gathered from years of clinical observation, conversations with physical therapists, strength and conditioning professionals, podiatrists, and my experience as a reflexologist working with clients.

25/02/2026

3 more spots in Hodnet, Mondays 5:30pm
7 week course £60.
Message me to join us. Xx

21/02/2026

We start on Tuesday.

It’s Pilates a go go.

Mondays - Hodnet
Tuesdays - Weston under Redcastle
Fridays - Ashley
Saturdays - Hodnet