 Hello from my mat to yours, Over the past 10 weeks…(I’ve lost count to be honest!), I have returned to doing my exercise in the morning, and the effects have been a surprise. I was suffering from daily hip pain (my nemesis, for years) and since I had stopped my regular home workouts, the pain had returned. I was trying all sorts of different stretches and massages and resting etc. but the pain and discomfort was not going away. I was on Facebook one day, and this video popped up of this very fit chap saying that if we did ‘X’ a hundred times a day, we would have a flatter stomach…well we all know that one movement will not cause that to happen…but I thought, hey, let’s see….so I clicked on another of his vids and he was demonstrating another movement, and again, he was saying, ‘do this 100 times a day’ etc. etc….So, I decided to put together a selection of his exercises, that he claimed would reduce stomach fat (not to mention strengthen the legs and buttocks), and I embarked on a new thirty minute exercise routine (one month before my holiday to Crete). I had my suspicions that the pain in my hips was due to weakness, but I thought I was doing enough to help…seems I wasn’t, because, after just a few sessions of completing my new routine, my hip pain had gone! I was finishing each session with a ten minute yoga stretch routine also, so this will have helped, no doubt. Because I had pain, I was cautious about doing it daily, as I was thinking…will I cause more aggravation? But I didn’t. It came as a surprise to me, to discover that I was able to repeat the high number of reps each morning, and although, tough (and still are a challenge some mornings) my fitness and strength improved relatively quickly. It highlighted for me the importance of a regular routine using the same exercises as an important way of tracking my progression, and enabled me to ‘feel’ when I was becoming stronger. I gradually added more into my routine (but kept it to forty minutes max), and now manage to add some squat holds after I’ve completed my 100 reps. The pain in my hips has gone, and I have seen a significant improvement in my overall core strength and upper body. I have no shoulder pain either, which was also a concern of mine (I have a torn tendon in my right shoulder, for those of you who don’t know my story) and I have got a flatter stomach! I am really enjoying carrying out my regular routine, and because I have to count my reps, my mind is unable to wander, so it really becomes a movement meditation, as it concentrates my mind. I have also been doing it outside as much as I can, which also has a significant impact on my wellbeing. I have attached the link to my Instagram video, of some of the movements I have been doing. These movements seem ‘safe’ for me to do each day, and really get my blood pumping around my body, help to focus my mind and get me ready for the day! I include Pilates abdominal and back exercises too, and although they are simple exercises, when done well and consistently, they really do strengthen my core (fancy that!). For you, you might need a different set of movements, but the point is, do them each day. Choose some movements eg. jump rope for one minute, push-ups x 15, plank for 1 minute…etc….but keep up your routine as best you can consistently for a month, and you will see a difference in your fitness…and if you don’t, well, you could up the ante! If you decide to commit to a movement practice each day, I’d love to hear about it and if you’d like some help devising a suitable plan, email me and we can arrange that for a small fee 🙂 Click the link to watch a preview of my routine https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-qELHGIpAr0wHvw830eh–NVNp8QMZEi5gu0I0/13(100%) New Term is underway! Tonight’s Pilates class is back at the United Reformed Church, in BLS village, 7.15pm. Last week, I had some new faces to meet, which was brilliant! Hello to my new participants. It was a pleasure to teach you last week and I’m looking forward to seeing you later. Do, remember that if you have paid for a block of seven classes, you can attend either of the three classes during the week. Pilates class timetable: Monday 7.30pm – The United Reformed Church, Bolton-le-Sands. Thursday 7pm – Same hall as above. Saturday 10am – The Old Boy’s School, BLS. Please bring a mat and a small looped resistance band. You can purchase these on Amazon or from the local dance shop on the prom. I recommend a fabric one instead of a latex band, as they are more comfortable around the thighs! See you in class soon! Natalie United Pilates |
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