I've had lot's of people who come to my classes having suffered with sciatica in the past and were told by their GP that doing Pilates or core strengthening exercises might benefit them. As sciatica can be caused by a variety of reasons it’s important to check with...

I am absolutely exaggerating the photo above. Most people do not have a perfect posture and so there are four posture types that deviate from what's classed as normal (as demonstrated above!). I'm secretly always looking at the way people stand and move in my classes...

If I had to pick just one favourite Pilates exercise, I think it would have to be the Shoulder Bridge. I love teaching the Pilates Shoulder Bridge and practicing myself. It’s included in almost all of the Pilates classes I teach each week, for beginners and the more...

Pilates exercises on all fours such at Cat Pedals and Leg Pull help to improve the flexibility and strength in your wrists and hands. I find a lot of people struggle in this position, particularly those who have a computer based job, because of the extra load placed...

I've been hearing from lots of my Pilates class members that they have been spending time outside gardening over the last few weeks. A little pottering around the garden can be a good workout and a chance to unwind, relax and have some time to yourself. However it can...

It's true, you are what you eat! Your body is constantly repairing, healing and rebuilding it's cells. Its the nutrients from the food that you eat that form the structure and function of your bones, joints, skin, hair muscles, digestive system and brain. Alongside...

I've been going to a mindfulness meditation class for the last couple of weeks. Thankfully we haven't had to sit on the floor, crossed legged and chanting for hours at a time. Instead it's been really interesting learning various techniques to help focus your mind on...

Many people start a Pilates class in order to improve their posture. We know that slouching in a chair, hunched shoulders and wearing high heels all day can affect posture but why is it important to have good posture? Here are 5 reasons to have good posture: Reduced...

We often use spikey balls in my Pilates classes to release tension in the body and help us to move more easily. It's an easy tool to use and many of my class members like noticing the immediate effects.....even if there are some moans and groans whilst using the...

Improving balance and being more steady on your feet is just one of the ways Pilates can help you. In my classes we practice standing exercises every week, many of which challenge balance whatever your ability or age. Here is a way to measure your balance. It's a test...

It’s hard to pick out just one best Pilates exercise but there are a few that I make sure I include into every class in one form or another. One of these is the squat. Although not specifically a ‘Pilates exercise’ as you’ll see people do this at the gym or in an...

My class members often tell me how they have their best night's sleep after going to their Pilates class. Sleep is so important for our body's to function properly. It helps with energy levels, concentration, the immune system, memory, weight loss but it's often...

In my classes I try not to confuse people with the jargon that can go along with Pilates but sometimes there is no getting away from using ‘technical terms’. Here’s a guide to understanding some of the common catchphrases used in Pilates. How many do you know already?...

Well, not exactly! Doing Pilates alone will not help you lose a significant amount of weight. Pilates works to strengthen your core, deep lying muscles and to stretch tight muscles. This can help to improve your posture which can make you look slimmer. Even though...

Do you get cramp in your Pilates class? It’s not uncommon for me to hear a shriek across the room, someone suddenly grabbing their toes or getting up to dance around the room. I’m sure we have all experienced cramp before and although it’s usually harmless it can be...

No doubt if you haven’t started already then you will be out soon enough, along with the crowds, looking for presents for your family and friends. But have you thought about how it might affect your body? Carrying heaving shopping bags incorrectly can pull and shift...

Winter seems to be the hardest time to keep yourself motivated to exercise. As much as I love Pilates and exercising sometimes all I feel like doing is staying in the warm, feeling cosy with a hot water bottle and my duvet! When it’s dark and cold outside our...