Caroline Hooper. Chartered Physiotherapist

17/12/2025

Many of us find it stressful the festive season approaches. Finding a few minutes to focus on our breathing can help us relax and sleep better. This can help reduce muscle tension, pain and can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure

We have focussed on breathing for performance and relaxation in my fitness classes this week.

Here are some ideas that are worth trying so you can practice and see what suits you best.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/ #

11/12/2025

This week in my fitness classes we were focussing on our “core muscles”. The key is not just about strengthening our trunk, we need to think about what constitutes our “core”… ie our trunk, pelvic floor, diaphragm, hips, shoulders.
It’s also about relaxation and most importantly coordination.

Anyone wanting to read a bit more about these muscles might find this helpful:

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

10/12/2025

Some interesting information on the importance / effects of sleep vs exercise.

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/sleep-vs-exercise-benefits_uk_6937f28be4b017bef48f70ac?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAOmL1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeQPCjuQnMbfFZ0j_K1r_zytaXRHLXxR4lVL_oa9PiU_C_Q-hPENds3IJcg0Q_aem_KWXXZPhlQO7DSWpBRpbfQA =1765281776

A new study says it may have answers.

04/12/2025

We can get stronger at any age if we we work on progressive resistance training. Minimal equipment is needed if we use our body weight to do so.

We do this and more in my weekly fitness classes.

It's never too late to start focusing on strength gains.

26/10/2025

Have you heard of “exercise snacks”? These are short sessions of moderate to intense exercise lasting under 5 minutes that can be easily interspersed into our day . Examples could be going fast up / down stairs, jogging on the spot, squats, lifting some weights…

This study looking at other studies showed that exercise snacks as little as twice a day resulted in meaningful improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness in adults and in muscular endurance in older adults.

Have you had an exercise snack today? If not get up & have a go, it’s easy.

Authors: Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, Marcos Quintana-Cepedal, Boris Cheval, Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Irene Crespo, Hugo Olmedillas Why is this study important? Physical inactivity is one of the most pressing global health challenges of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (...

24/10/2025

Did you know that in the uk alone 30-50% of us has lived with pain for 3 months or more ?

This fabulous hot off the press collaboration between pain scientists, clinicians and most importantly people living with pain is well worth watching and sharing with others

A recording of our livestream event on 15 October 2025.Pain Education for the Nation is for anyone living with or supporting someone with pain. In this webin...

18/10/2025

On I am resharing this invaluable article by Dr Vonda Wright

“Fifty-one percent of humans are born with ovaries. As the ovarian production of estrogen diminishes in midlife and ultimately stops, it is estimated that more than 47 million women worldwide enter the menopause transition annually. More than 70% will experience musculoskeletal symptoms and 25% will be disabled by them through the transition from perimenopause to postmenopause….”

The good news there is help available, appropriate activity/ exercise modification being an important component of this 💪

Fifty-one percent of humans are born with ovaries. As the ovarian production of estrogen diminishes in midlife and ultimately stops, it is estimated that more than 47 million women worldwide enter ...

17/10/2025

I find this concept very helpful and use it with my patients and class participants. I helps give a guide on levels of exercise intensity suitable for people with pain.

13/10/2025

If you want to exercise at home & don’t have a set of weights here are some great ways of using household items in place of weights for strength training from .

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPvRyTYDGLE/?igsh=MTQ4NDJtM2t6dWg4eQ==

06/10/2025

“Millions of Britons struggle with musculoskeletal conditions. Now, a study has found two one-hour classes a week in a gym, led by a rehabilitation specialist, have a huge impact and there are calls for the NHS to make physical activity a standard part of treatment”

👉 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/05/two-hours-exercise-week-reduces-joint-pain-gp-nhs?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social_img&utm_source=Facebook =1759735160

I can’t offer these for free, but my low cost classes aimed at all age groups fit this spec exactly

If you would like to attend a taster class face to face (Verwood) or via zoom please pop me a message.

🔗to Caroline Hooper. Chartered Physiotherapist website here https://www.caroline-hooper-physiotherapist.uk/services-1

Study looks at how workouts can help those with hip, knee and back pain – and benefit UK economy to tune of £34bn

06/09/2025

I preordered and have started reading the book “Unbreakable” by Dr Vonda Wright.

It is aimed at women to help us age well through lifestyle and activity. Having said that much of the information is appropriate for men too.

I will be sharing some tips here and in more detail by fine tuning our exercise programs and progression in my weekly fitness classes

03/09/2025

What an inspirational lady 🏋️‍♀️