Not many people know that Pilates was actually names after it's founder - the late great Joseph Pilates (1883-1967).. although he originally called it Contrology. He was definitely a determined man; overcoming significant childhood illness (asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever) and even internment in WW1 by the British (he was German) to dedicate his life to building health through movement, breathing and building core control. And I'm a bit of a fan!!
Here he is putting a group through a pretty vigorous set of mat exercises (albeit sped up a little 😂😂).
I spotted a few of our class faves in there... and judging by those leg circles... I'm assuming this was the phase when he was working with dancers from New York ballet 😱😱😱😂😂
So thank you Joe... for the gift of Pilates - I know my back, my balance, my joint stability and overall health would be in a much worse state without you. And I'm pretty sure my clients (past and present) would agree! ❤️❤️❤️
Ps. I've seen waaaay better hip stabilisation in our side lying leg kicks in class!! 😘😘😘 Esp the one that collapses part way! 😂😂
#josephpilates #matworkpilates #essencerevivewolverhampton #essencepilates #essencepilatesathome #ilovepilates❤️ #joepilates #pilateswolverhampton #backhealthwolverhampton #corestrengthwolverhampton #fitnesswolverhampton
Gratitude... one of the healthiest habits you'll ever build... and one of the most valuable skills I'm teaching my kids.
But don't take my words for it. The science speaks for itself - and there's a lot of science around the physiological, neurological and psychological benefits of gratitude. It's so much more than just a "nice to have"...
On a grotty dull soggy October day, it's not always easy... but here are just a few of the things I was grateful for today. And they're always there, we just need to look for them!
#gratitude #gratitudeattitude #buildingresilience #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #healthymindhealthybody #wolverhamptonhealthcoach #essencerevivewolverhampton #worldmentalhealthday #worldmentalhealthawarenessday #gratitudehabit #buildinghealthyhabits
So movement is my thing... now... but it DEFINITELY hasn't always been that way.
I was "that" kid who would do anything to get out of PE (I once had a period that lasted a month to avoid games/ swimming). I was NOT sporty or into walking or really anything until my early 30's. And that's not an exaggeration (just ask my mum! 😂).
So I get it. You struggle to set aside prescribed "fitness" time. You'd much rather be on the couch. You lack motivation - especially at this time of year.
And yet, you know it's soooo good for you physically! You generally feel better when you do move. AND... now we're telling you it's also wonderful for your mental health;
- increasing feel good endorphins in the brain
- releasing the stress hormone cortisol
- improving sleep
- reducing the risk of depression
- releasing anger and tension
- boosting self esteem
So... what if you just found more ways to move in your day to day life? Seeing those mundane bits of your routine as chances to move... and what if you exaggerated that movement... and killed two birds with one stone? (Nb. No birds were harmed in the hanging out of this washing... 🐦🐦🐦)
#mentalhealthawareness #healthcoachwolverhampton #healthybodyhealthymind #justmove #movementismedicine #boostingendorphins #reducecortisol #stressmanagement #movetofeelgood #pilateswolverhampton
Definitely a Coconut Dal kinda day...
With Storm Nigel running amok outside (and following a very soggy muddy school run) it's time to whip up a batch of this.
This is the time of year when our immune system really needs support - let's face it, September arrived like a slap in the face! Back to 100mph just at the time when the light levels are falling (less Vit D), less fresh air for most people, colder temperatures and for so many of us an associated seasonal dip in our happy hormones. The colds and viruses start to do a little dance as they get us firmly in their sights.
Some serious soul food is needed - not only to soothe and warm us, but to nourish our immune system and calm down the inflammation that may be gathering pace in our bodies.
I take no credit for this recipe.. it's a slight twist on a well loved #hemsleyandhemsley recipe - officially titled "Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Milk and Kale" (search it to find the recipe)- but in our house it's simply #coconutdal and it's a family fave.
We tend to miss out the chilli (we usually add it later to taste as the kids have low tolerance) and swap the Kale out for wilted spinach (also added later). And double the quantities to make a massive stock pot full for the freezer.
🧅 Onions - loaded with Vit C and a number of antioxidants including Quercetin with known cancer and blood sugar regulation benefits
🧄 Garlic - anti-viral sulfurs to protect against cold and flu
🧡 Ginger - gingerol with its anti inflammatory and anti-microbial effects
💛 Tumeric - curcumin for calming down inflammation and soothing our digestive system
🌴 Coconut Oil and Milk - antimicrobial and antioxidant
🍚 Red Lentils - packed with B Vits, Zinc and Magnesium
🌿 Fresh Coriander - anti-inflammatory, packed with Vit K and helping protect against brain cell damage
🍃 Spinach - high in Iron and Vit C
💕 Fennel Seeds - anti-viral properties and gut health boosting
Natures pharmacy rolled up in a delicious
Day 10 - Final one of Stability September
And we're going out with a bang (well... a cup to be precise... 😘)
This is a tricky move - but it has to be said, I have been mightily impressed with the execution of this one in class. Part balance, part stability (they kind of go hand in hand) we set the bar very low for this one and expected much clattering of cups... but you know what? My fabulous classes have done pretty well and most people have managed a few arm sweeps.
Top tips for this one...
1) don't look at your cup (it will wobble and it will distract you)
2) do soften the knee (and ankle) you are standing on rather than locking them
3) absolutely DO engage your core and feel those muscles stabilise you like a corset wrapping around
Good luck! 💕
#stabilitytraining #stabilityseptember #pilateswolverhampton #essencepilateswolverhampton #cupbalancechallenge #essencerevivewolverhampton #posturecorrection #corestability #balancechallenge #pilateswithapole #standingononeleg #corestability #anklestrengthening #boneloading #corestrength #balancepilates
Day 9 - Stability September
Taking our hip hinges to another levels with the pole today.. for added stability! This is always such a great move for both stretching and strengthening the whole posterior chain of muscles. The addition of the pole ensuring ultimate spinal stability while we do it... and giving you some brilliant feedback throughout!
Take great care of you already have lower back issues (and stop if you experience any pain) but if you do give this one a go, make sure you fully engage your stomach muscles and glutes as you come back up to standing.
#stabilitytraining #stabilityseptember #pilateswolverhampton #essencepilateswolverhampton #hiphinges #essencerevivewolverhampton #posturecorrection #corestability #balancechallenge #pilateswithapole #polestability #posteriorchain #glutestrengthening #backstrength
Day 8 - Stability September
Posture Posture Posture today... with a little simple standing stability work. Grab yourself an old football or a tennis ball - and get rolling!
#stabilitytraining #stabilityseptember #pilateswolverhampton #essencepilateswolverhampton #essencerevivewolverhampton #posturecorrection #corestability #balancechallenge #pilatessmallball
A selection of our marvellous Monday Chair-Based Pilates warriors; who very kindly agreed to me filming them in only their second ever class. I'm in awe of the determination and inner strength of the whole class - which includes people with Osteoporosis, Parkinson's, MS, newly replaced Hips and Knees... These inspirational individuals let nothing stand in their way and never lose sight of improving their health and mobility in ways that are accessible to them. Ps. We have a good giggle and chat along the way! Monday 11:30am - Bradmore Community Centre£34 for the 4 week term - equipment provided. Contact Natalie to book your space or to ask any questions you may have - 07740 353604 #chairbasedpilates #chairpilateswolverhampton #seniorpilateswolverhampton #seniorfitnesswolverhampton #essencepilates #essencerevivewolverhampton #pilateswolverhampton #wolverhamptonfitness #backhealthwolverhampton #healthcoachwolverhampton #mobilitytraining #seatedpilates #seatedpilateswolverhampton #reducedmobilitywolverhampton #mswolverhampton #parkinsonswolverhampton
Day 7 - Stability September
The pilates roll up WITH a plastic cup on your head? It may sound like madness... it definitely started out as a happy accident (that's what you get when you take your somewhat competitive hubby along to your live class)... and it may look like some kind of student drinking game.. but it's turned out to be a great class challenge that has showcased some incredible control and stability in the live classes this week! And it has to be said several of them demonstrate this way better than me! 🥰🥰🥰 #proudteachermoment
If you've already mastered the #pilatesrollup definitely take it to the next level with this version!!
#stabilityseptember #pilateswolverhampton #plasticcuppilates #plasticcupbalance #pilateswithacup #pilateschallenge #stabilitytraining #stablejoints #corestability #spinearticulation #essencerevivewolverhampton
Day 6 - Stability September
Back for week 2 and hopefully a little cooler this week.. so we are back with the Pole!
We're making use of some #hiprolls again today but in a very different way to last weeks move.
Go steady and listen to your body. 💕💕
#stabilityseptember #stabilitytraining #stabiliseyourself #stabilitypilates #corestability #pilateswolverhampton #shoulderstability #essencerevivewolverhampton #essencepilatesathome #wolverhamptoncorestrength #healthcoachwolverhampton #injuryprevention #posturecorrection #pilatesforeverybody #pilatesforposture #healthwolverhampton #fitnesswolverhampton #pilateschallenge #pilateswithapole #polestability #pilateshiproll #broomhandle #broomhandlepilates
Day 5 - Stability September
How's that stability coming along? Hoping you're starting to see some improvements and getting some feedback from your beautiful bodies!
We're back with the ball today... 🥰🥰🥰 and just some simple hip rolls - nice and gentle in this heat!
Go steady and listen to your body.
#stabilityseptember #stabilitytraining #stabiliseyourself #stabilitypilates #corestability #pilateswolverhampton #shoulderstability #essencerevivewolverhampton #essencepilatesathome #wolverhamptoncorestrength #healthcoachwolverhampton #injuryprevention #posturecorrection #pilatesforeverybody #pilatesforposture #healthwolverhampton #fitnesswolverhampton #pilateschallenge #fourpointkneeling #tabletoppose #squidgyball #pilatessmallball #pilateshiproll
