Mary Hitchings Pilates

28/04/2025

The most wonderful stretch on the wunda chair!

After a weekend of running, cycling and then a morning session of weight training my body definitely needed this!

20/03/2025

Love this stretch for my spine using the Roll-Up Bar on the Tower!

Such a great way to create gentle traction and help decompress the spine.

Throughout the day, gravity, poor posture, and movement patterns can cause spinal compression, leading to stiffness and discomfort. These decompression stretches are especially beneficial for scoliosis, as they help lengthen the spine and, when combined with directional breathing, can even assist in derotating the rib cage—pure magic! ✨

Want to learn more stretches like this? Get in touch! 👌

12/02/2025

Back pain? Poor posture? Want to feel stronger and move better?

1:1 Pilates Equipment sessions tailored just for you.

✔️ Personalised expert guidance
✔️ Effective, low-impact movement that gets results
✔️ Private studio in Norwich

Limited spaces – Book your FREE consultation today!

Start your journey to a healthier spine today! Whether you’re managing scoliosis, back pain, or other spine-related conditions, contact me for a free consultation and personalised guidance.

31/12/2024

Happy New Year! 🎉

May 2025 be filled with happiness, health, and exciting opportunities. Here’s to embracing new adventures, achieving your goals, and making unforgettable memories!

#2025

18/11/2024

I am thrilled to announce that I passed my final teaching exam yesterday for the Comprehensive Pilates Training!

I am proud to join the family and am looking forward to many future training opportunities ahead

A huge thank you to .lamberti, the amazing faculty team , and the teachers for your help and support throughout my journey 🙏🏻

Special thanks to and for being such great friends and sources of support ❤️

A big thank you to for your guidance and for giving me the opportunity to practice in your studio, 🤩

15/09/2024

Ever wonder why body proportions and limb length matter in Pilates? 🤔 They can completely change how certain exercises feel!

With long legs and a shorter torso, moves like the Teaser are seriously tough for me. 😅 My hip flexors have to work extra hard to hold up those heavy legs! It’s all about adapting exercises to suit your own body and developing strength/flexibility in areas that might need a little extra help.

Practicing the Teaser on the tower has really helped me develop the strength to do it on the mat.

Remember, Pilates is a journey, and every body is a different shape and size.

Who else finds this one challenging? 🙋‍♀️

19/03/2024

Day 19 of and the exercise is Jackknife!

12/03/2024

Day 12 of and the exercise is Swan Dive!

This exercise is a deep dive into core strength, spinal flexibility, and muscular balance

06/03/2024

Day 6 of and today’s exercise is the single leg stretch!

27/11/2023

Completed my Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training with BASI Pilates UK this weekend.

Thank you to all the amazing teachers and other students who have helped me on my journey so far!

If you are interested in learning Pilates please get in touch. (It is a great addition to your yoga practice too!)

18/09/2023

Are you a mouth breather or nose breather? 😮‍💨

Nasal breathing offers a range of physiological and health benefits, including:

🌿 Filtering and Humidification: The nasal passages contain hairs and mucous membranes that help filter out contaminants, pollutants, and pathogens. They also humidify the air, making it more suitable for the lungs.

🌿 Increased Oxygen Absorption: Nasal breathing allows for better oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. This can increase oxygen absorption in the lungs.

🌿 Diaphragmatic Breathing: Breathing through the nose can promote deeper, more diaphragmatic breathing, which is beneficial for the lungs and overall oxygenation. Also helps improve your overall posture.

🌿 Production of Nitric Oxide: The sinuses produce nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a vital role in increasing circulation and
delivering oxygen to cells more efficiently. Nitric oxide also has antimicrobial properties.

🌿 Reduced Dry Mouth: Breathing through the mouth can lead to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental issues and bad breath. Nasal breathing keeps the mouth closed and helps maintain oral health.

🌿 Better Brain Function: Some studies suggest that nasal breathing can improve cognitive function and memory.

🌿 Promotion of Calmness and Reduced Stress: Nasal breathing can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness and relaxation. It can help in reducing stress and anxiety.

🌿 Regulation of Air Temperature: The nose helps regulate the temperature of the inhaled air, either warming or cooling it as needed before it reaches the lungs.

🌿 Enhanced Sleep: Nasal breathing can help reduce the chances of snoring and sleep apnea, leading to better quality sleep.

🌿 Support for the Immune System: As the nose filters and humidifies the air, it also captures and neutralizes pathogens, supporting the body’s immune response.

10/09/2023

Yoga on tomorrow morning at 10am-11am

(In place of the Friday class this week)