Louisa Harris Pilates

Why are Reformer Pilates Classes so expensive?

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:46:25 GMT

Why are Reformer Pilates classes so expensive?

Well firstly everything is relative I guess and we all need to consider what budget we may have and what our priorities are but Reformers themselves are not cheap pieces of equipment.

There are various manufacturers but in my studio I use Balanced Body Equipment, their cheapest new reformer is over £3000, with more expensive models and add-ons well over £4000. That's not even inclusive of delivery from US or customs/import fees!

Many studios have more than one piece of equipment, maybe a Cadillac, these can be over £5000 new or maybe a Reformer/Cadillac Combination which can be over £8000 new or perhaps a Chair, these can be over £2000 new.

I'm lucky to have all of these amazing pieces of equipment in my studio and extremely fortunate to have been able to purchase such excellent quality equipment second hand from colleagues who have loved and looked after them as much as I do.

Even if you have the kit, you need to know exactly what you're doing with it otherwise it can be extremely dangerous to apply additional load or instability to a joint, the spine or the body as a whole. This is another reason why Studio sessions are often taught as 1:1, 2:1s or small groups, as opposed to larger groups you may find for matwork classes - it's essential that the teacher can keep a close eye on everyone for their safety!

Learning to train on the studio equipment doesn't come cheaply either. Some teachers may complete a comprehensive training program that covers Pilates matwork and studio equipment. Other teachers, myself included, may begin with matwork. My matwork training with the world leading Body Control Pilates costs approx £2,600 in course fees, plus more in travel, time for studying, supervised teaching, assessments etc. Thereafter there are fees for insurance and membership of a professional body are due and there are a huge variety of CPD options available and since completing my initial qualification in 2009 I've spent thousands of £s and hours on further training for teaching with matwork props and looking after special populations plus related qualifications in order to deliver the safest and best possible experience to my clients. I've also invested at least £1500 in specialist teacher training to safely teach using the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair.

It's certainly a good job that I love what I do and I'm very lucky to get to share that with an amazing and lovely bunch of loyal clients!

www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/Studio

Summer Pilates

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 15:15:47 GMT

Summer Pilates: MK Inspiration & back to Stoke Hammond Face to Face!!

Hello! Hope you're keeping well! It's been great to enjoy sunnier days and get our classes outside again at Place Eight Wellness!

Can't believe it's been over a year since last blog post, sorry! Time certainly flying by!

MK INSPIRATION AWARD - PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

Wow, what a wonderful surprise to learn about a few weeks ago and huge thanks for the nomination, I've no idea where it came from but thank you if it was from any of you lovely lot! Thank you also if you've already voted for me and sorry to keep going on about it!

If you'd like to support me in the Female PT/Coach Category please vote!!

Here's the link: http://mkinspirationawards.co.uk/vote/

Scroll down to Sports Section and Select Vote Now

You can find me in the Female PT/Coach Category

Thanks so much for your support!

RETURNING TO STOKE HAMMOND!

Thank you all for completing/feedback on my recent survey to help plan our classes after half-term. From this I have received much more interest in Monday Face to Face classes in Stoke Hammond so this is what I'll start with for the summer term as detailed below. We'll try the hybrid option and I hope it works well for everyone, if not I'll look to set up an additional online class if needed on another day/time (perhaps Weds 10.30am/10.45am start tbc).

Majority of Wednesday daytime classes prefer to stay online, there is some limited interest in Wednesday evening classes Face to Face in Stoke Hammond, will see how Mondays go and assess level of interest and consider again once planning for classes to resume in September.

FULL WEEKLY MATWORK TIMETABLE
Summer Term resumes from 6th June

Mondays - Stoke Hammond MK FACE TO FACE (from 13th June onwards)/ONLINE CLASSES

Existing classes Face to Face places full or almost full
Better availability on NEW Beginners Induction workshops and beyond

9.15am Intermediate
10.30am Gentle / Improvers (Osteoporosis friendly)

12 NOON BEGINNERS FACE TO FACE ONLY

6.15PM BEGINNERS FACE TO FACE ONLY

7.30pm Mixed Level Pilates & Yoga Fusion

Wednesdays - Zoom
9.30am Mixed Level ZOOM
12 Noon Yoga for Pilates People (45 mins) ZOOM TBC
6.30pm Mixed Level ZOOM
8pm Mixed Level ZOOM

Fridays - Place Eight Wellness Studio , Swanbourne STUDIO or OUTSIDE ON THE COVERED DECK IF WEATHER PERMITS
9.40am - Mixed Level
11am - Yoga for Pilates People (45mins)
12.00pm - Beginners/Improvers

PRICING
Pilates matwork ONLINE Zoom 1 hour - Max 12 people per class
£9 when block booking, £11 drop in

Pilates matwork FACE TO FACE 1 hour at Stoke Hammond - Max 8 people per class with 3/4 people joining via Zoom 1 hour
£12 when block booking, £15 drop in

Pilates matwork FACE TO FACE 1 hour at STUDIO/OUTSIDE at Place Eight Wellness
£12 when block booking, £15 drop in

Yoga (Hatha) for Pilates People
40-45 mins ONLINE Zoom class, will be £7 going forward if block booking, £10 if drop in please
40-45 mins FACE TO FACE CLASS, will be £10 going forward if block booking, £12 if drop in please

BOOKING FACE TO FACE STOKE HAMMOND, PLACE EIGHT WELLNESS & ONLINE CLASSES
All matwork bookings are available here, please book directly or let me know if you need any help: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/3102/courses

You can also always access latest schedule and booking links via my website if needed: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/

BEGINNERS INDUCTION WORKSHOPS IN STOKE HAMMOND FACE TO FACE ONLY

These are one off sessions on Mon 13th June but will continue term time if there's enough interest.

MON 12 Noon Beginners/Refreshers Induction session: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/3102/events/2483043

MON 6.15pm Beginners/Refreshers Induction session: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/3102/events/2483044

Thank you so much as always for your continued support, both on and off the mat - it's very much appreciated and I'm so happy to have you all as part of our Pilates community!

Many thanks
Take care
Louisa x

Pilates - May already!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:48:01 GMT

Pilates - May already, Outdoor classes, Equipment Studio re-opening PLUS Pilates and Nutrition Event!!!

Hello and hope you're all doing well.

Outdoor classes - currently Mon and Fri daytime, PLUS Mon eve after May half-term!

It's been an exciting half-term so far and brilliant to return to outdoor classes on Mondays at Westfield Farm, Great Brickhill as well as on Fridays at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne.

Huge thanks to Westfield Farm and Place Eight for sharing their beautiful outdoor spaces with us! Amazing to be able to see people in 3D again!! Hopefully we have plenty more sunshine in store for us over the coming months!!

After the May half-term, from 7th June our Mon evening 7.30pm Zoom class will be moving outdoors at Westfield Farm too! Can't wait!

Pilates Equipment Studio reopening from 17th May 2021!!

At last, after having been mainly closed since the official opening of my studio early last year I can't wait! Limited availability initially for 1:1 and 2:1 sessions but I hope to be able to open up more slots as restrictions lift.

Please see here for more info: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/Studio

Get in touch if you're keen to find out more or book yourself a session!

Summer Pilates & Nutrition Event Wellness Event

Saturday, 5 June 2021 - just a few spaces left!! We'd love you to join us!!10:00 am 1:00 pm

Only £50 for a blissful morning!

Join us at Place Eight Wellness, as we embrace the warmer months with a morning of Pilates, Nutrition…oh and wellness treats!

You’ll be welcomed with a nourishing cold pressed juice before joining the wonderful Louisa, as she helps you to connect to your breath, release tension, increase mobility and build strength and resilience through body and mind. Attention will be devoted to the spine and posture, as well as shoulders, hips and our peripheral joints to ease away aches and pains.

Following this, take your tea, get comfy and join Louise Lambert-Day, Naturopathic Nutritionist and owner of Place Eight Wellness who will talk about the importance of taking care of our gut and what we can do naturally, through foods.

Finally, as we can all do with a little treat from time to time, you’ll leave with our little Wellness goody bag! A few small treats worth over £20 RRP, to help keep you well x

EVENT INFO & BOOKING: https://placeeightwellness.co.uk/events-calendar/zw5jjpoy9zau0y1w1k48bcq815lpds-8wltl-tfrrr-my72m

This event is in collaboration with:

Louise Lambert-Day - Naturopath, Functional Nutritionist and owner of Place Eight Wellness.

Louisa Harris - Body Control Pilates teacher and owner Louisa Harris PilatesWe can't wait to see you!!

Are you interested in classes over the Summer holiday period?

If so, please let me know if you haven't already so I can assess interest and work out a suitable timetable, probably reduced from our term time one.

Classes from September onwards - please share your thoughts...

I know some of you enjoy online, some prefer in person sessions outside or hopefully eventually back into a studio environment, or maybe a hybrid of in person/online - I'm beginning to try to plan for us for the Autumn and beyond so I'd appreciate your input of what may be your preferred options for around that time please.

Thanks so much for your support and look forward to seeing you again soon, whether in person or online!

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - weeks 4 and 5 update including news booking system going forward!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:08:29 GMT

Pilates - weeks 4 and 5 update including news booking system going forward!

Hello!

Hope you're doing well. We're coming up to our last week of the current block of classes before we take a 1 week break for half-term.

Thanks to many of you for testing out Gymcatch already to book your classes after half-term - details include in weeks 4 and 5 emails. If you need any help or for me to go through it with you perhaps after class next week please let me know.

Sorry I didn't include Zoom links in my email last week as I was focused on telling you about Gymcatch for bookings going forward and I wasn't sure if anyone was reading my weekly email anyway but it seems you were - they're included in week 5 email if needed and will stay the same for Gymcatch bookings for the time being which hopefully helps. Currently no change to Vimeo links either.

Any interest in a weekend online class?

I know some of my clients are struggling to attend live classes during the week while juggling home schooling. Class recordings are available but I wondered if there would be any interest in a weekend class? Either occasionally (monthly) or more regularly (fortnightly/weekly)? If interested please let me know as well as if you have a preference on whether Saturday/Sunday and approx time that may suit you. Will see what I can do depending on level of interest!

Fundraising Update

Thanks to fundraising from 2 Cosy Night In online workshops in Jan we've raised £84.50 which I topped up to £100 for the Henry Allen Trust - thanks so much for your support.

Looking forward to our Sleep Beautifully Workshop this Sunday 7th Feb at 8pm and seeing some of you there!

Next we have, Galentines - Valentines Roses party for the girls!“Galentine’s party” - Fundraising Friday 19th Feb at 8pm (the alternative to Valentine’s for you and your gal pals).

Invite as many friends as you like!

All guests will receive a lovely Neal's Yard Remedies pamper pack in the post ahead of time with all the products they’ll need to follow along with our live chat and demo on Zoom that evening.

Bookings will close 12 noon on Thursday 11th February 2021

I'll keep you posted on future events but next up will probably be Frankincense focus with Ageing Well and Stressing Less. If this interests you please let me know as well as if you'd prefer an evening or daytime slot.

Really interesting article��

Rehydrate your fascia too as we do every class!�� Motion is lotion after all! ��

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9211641/Why-drinking-lots-water-not-best-way-stay-hydrated.html

Have a good weekend and week ahead!

Many thanks

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - week 3 - what do you need for you?

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:53:33 GMT

Pilates - week 3 - what do you need for you?

Hope you're all doing well?!

Thanks so much for joining me this week and being patient with the Internet blip at my end this morning! Always wonderful to see you and love it when pets and kids get involved too! Hope your practice helps you feel better, it's keeping me going right now!

Take a moment to consider and try to address what YOU need at this crazy time! Do let me know if I can help in any way or if there's something you'd like me to include or address in your Pilates classes/on demand resources or to cover on my social media for you.

Youtube channel - playlists!

Following some requests I've had a sort out on my YouTube channel and you can now access the following Playlists:

Matwork classes 30mins+

Slinky spine - spinal fluidity and low back release

Happy hips - focus on helping hips feel happier

Movement snacks - shorter balanced sessions

Neck and shoulder release

2020 Client homework

2020 March Matness

Hope this helps you find what you're looking for to keep moving (and sane!) between our sessions together!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQoDXGq5r1EIZQkWYrluzg/playlists?view=1&sort=dd&flow=grid

Subscribes and likes hugely appreciated - thanks so much!

Please let me know what else would be helpful for you too?

POSTPONED - Winter Wellness Event at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne

We were hoping to run this event in December then January and well now, who knows but we'll keep our fingers crossed that it may be possible around Easter and become a Springtime event and will let you know nearer the time!

Tumeric Latte receipe - as discussed with Mon 7.30pm class this week and courtesy of Louise at Place Eight Wellness

'Life is better with turmeric'... and the list of health benefits endless! It's now cold and miserable enough outside to start making this amazing drink again. I like it with coconut milk as it works better with the earthy taste of the turmeric but any nut milk is good.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The addition of the coconut oil (which is optional) not only gives you a shot of great fats but also helps the absorption of the turmeric.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀350ml almond or coconut milk⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀¼ tsp ground turmeric⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀¼ tsp ground cinnamon (or 4cm of fresh sliced turmeric root)⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀¼ tsp ground ginger (or 2cm fresh sliced ginger)⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀½ tsp vanilla extract⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀1 tbs coconut oil ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀1 tsp maple syrup or honey⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

☀grind of black pepper⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk constantly over a gentle heat, ideally with a milk frother if you have one. It will froth more without the coconut oil. Once hot, strain if using fresh root, pour into mugs and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon to serve.⁣ Enjoy!⠀

Hope you can ease up on the juggling and enjoy your weekend.

Take care

Louisa x⠀⠀⠀⠀

Pilates - week 2 of Lockdown 3.0

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:04:17 GMT

Pilates - week 2 of Lockdown 3.0

Hope you're all doing well! So glad it's Fri-yay!Woo hoo! We made it to Friday! You all definitely deserve a hug and to give yourself a pat on the back. Thank you all for joining me this week - it's so wonderful to share our time on the mat together. We have over 300 videos available on demand on Vimeo to date!

FREE Online wellbeing events coming up!

Contact me with any questions or to book as limited spaces are available or to request a free New Year Wellbeing Guide and sample as a treat by post!

It’s a lovely way to get together and enjoy a treat!

Cosy Night in - Winter Wellbeing: Sunday 24th Jan and Thurs 28th Jan at 8pm.

Fundraising for The Henry Allen Trust

Enjoy a cosy home spa experience and a good natter while releasing tension using wonderful Neal's Yard Remedies Organics Products - a perfect combination!

A samples pack and brochure will be provided to you by post in advance of the event.

Grab yourself a cuppa (or bubbles!) and enjoy some well deserved self-care for only 30-45mins to relax and unwind!No obligation at all but 25% of any sales from this event will be donated to The Henry Allen Trust.

Bookings will close 12 noon on Sunday 17th January 2021.

Sleep Beautifully event: Sunday 7th Feb at 8pm

Sleep helps our bodies to repair and our minds to process our thoughts and actions from the day, all of which affects our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Shake up your evening routine to help you fall into a blissful sleep with our ultimate bedtime ritual.

All guests will receive a lovely Neal's Yard Remedies pamper pack in the post ahead of time with all the products they’ll need to follow along with our live chat and demo on Zoom that evening.

Bookings will close 12 noon on Thursday 4th February 2021

Galentines - Valentines Roses party for the girls!“Galentine’s party”

(the alternative to Valentine’s for you and your gal pals).

Invite as many friends as you like!

All guests will receive a lovely Neal's Yard Remedies pamper pack in the post ahead of time with all the products they’ll need to follow along with our live chat and demo on Zoom that evening.

Bookings will close 12 noon on Thursday 4th February 2021

***Latest special Skincare Rituals Bundles special offers - https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/area/shop-online/category/save-20-ritual-collection/ ***

Pilates - first week back to classes in 2021 and Lockdown 3.0

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:53:15 GMT

Pilates - first week back to classes in 2021 and Lockdown 3.0....

Hope you're all doing well and have been able to re-adjust to our latest lockdown, homeschooling again etc! It means my little helper is keen to put in an appearance before/after daytime Zoom classes as he loves to see you all (and have a break from school work)! Thanks so much for your patience!

I know homeschooling can be a challenge for some of you to join your usual class, kids are welcome to join you if it suits you and your family (could cover PE for the day?!). I'll upload the recording to Vimeo asap after the live class so hopefully that's ready whenever you are and you're always welcome to swap to class another day or maybe an evening session if helps - just let me know when to expect you.

Even though we wish we could share the same space together it's been brilliant to get back to Zoom classes again with you all this week. Hope you all feel a bit better for it too!

If you've got a pain in the neck (not talking about partners, kids, family at home!!) ��these videos may help give you some quick relief!��

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPOpk-6SZEk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn72z1CPjBU&t=3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPLCYN1d6VY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dn2Nkxt8bw&t=27s

Complete playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPVekgLNoh_Lz6m87jChEOq_5VGFSrxzW&fbclid=IwAR0LWEH4xdiOah1aAPUxtaL3FDXzActGRBASRTRC58An4hjxyooRnFZNDtA

Please let me know how you get on!

Any subscribes, likes most welcome - if I get to 100 subscribers (currently at 76) I can start to do more with the channel!

Thanks so much ��

Give yourself a moment to breathe and connect to yourself whenever you need it.

I'm determined to make time for my own practice even if it's messy and imperfect as it's the only way I can hope to keep going and sane-ish! Yesterday my 40 min practice was done in about 5 chunks inbetween homeschooling ��, making lunch �� admin ⌨ deliveries at door �� etc.. .

There's 291 videos on Vimeo for you to make use off on demand!

Take care of yourself however you can and if you need to vent/share I'm here if you need a chat ��

Winter Wellbeing Support with NYR plus 30-40% with Winter Sale!

Treat yourself or someone else to the gift of Winter Wellbeing with NYRO Winter Sale! While stocks last!Message me if you need any help or advice, I can order for you or you're welcome to browse/order direct:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/.../category/sale-40-off-gifts/

Winter Wellbeing online workshops coming soon - watch this space or get in touch for more info! Thank you!

Mediation Support

Exciting news from lovely Sonia at RestoreU https://restoreu.co.uk/ I'm very much looking forward to this program to keep accountable with my Meditation practice, which I'm not yet so disciplined as with my Pilates practice! ��‍♀️��If you're keen to find out more or to join please contact Sonia directly here: https://restoreu.co.uk/contact-us

Sonia at RestoreU mind & body….��‍♀️��‍♂️

I’m offering an 8 Week Meditation & Mindfulness program, taking you through various meditations, mindfulness exercises and mindfulness meditations.

This 8 week program is open to all levels from beginners to seasoned meditators - making time for you each week and prioritising your mental health is so important.

What is included in this package:

-Access to a private facebook group

-A new live meditation each week posted directly onto the facebook page (so you access it any time that suits you.)

-Q & A sessions

-Support and guidance

-Every week you will be invited to join a 30 minute zoom session, where you will be guided through the meditation of the week. (several options will be available each week and you can just choose which you can attend.)

Cost: £80 (50% of this will be going to charity)

I am taking part in RED January challenge, which is to set a fitness goal for January, as a great way to start 2021. So the charity I have chosen to support is Sport in Mind (RED January’s official charity).

My fitness goal is to begin running again…….and to also do a mix of Yoga, Pilates and PT during each week alongside my mediation practice.

This program will begin on Monday 11th Jan, if you would like to join please let me know and I will add you to the group.

Let’s support each other.

Keep meditating!!

Sonia x

Wishing you a cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

Many thanks

Take care and stay safe

Louisa x

Pilates - Happy New Year!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 13:27:14 GMT

Pilates - Happy New Year!

Well, what a year it’s been for us all in so many different ways! This time last year we had no idea really how the coming year was going to shape up! I hope that you've had a good Christmas break and have been able to connect with loved ones in some way, whether in person or online.

I'm sorry that we can't get back to in person classes at either my Equipment Studio or at Place Eight Wellness just yet but we can keep Zooming for now!

Thank you ��for sharing the journey with me and being in our Pilates bubble, whether you’ve stuck with me throughout or dipped in and out either online, outdoors, studio, Place Eight Wellness or whether it’s been a while since we’ve connected - the last in person classes at Stoke Hammond Village Hall, Aspley Guise and Dunstable studios at the end of March seems so long ago!

Although it's been a tough year I think we should all congratulate ourselves of how resilient we've been throughout.

Here's a quick run down of highlights for me. Please share yours too if you wish!

��Opened up my own Pilates Equipment Studio in Great Brickhill in February - then closed/opened around lockdowns!

��Rapidly transitioned matwork classes to Zoom during the first lockdown in March which was a huge adjustment for us all

��Built up an extensive library of Zoom class recordings on demand via Vimeo - 281 to date!

��Did first livestream charity classes on Instagram and Facebook which was terrifying but for a good cause!

��Re-branded my business in my own name and created my own website (huge thanks to @Agnieszka Young for the tech support)!

��Held special outdoor classes in the beautiful space at Westfield Farm over the summer holidays

��Moved to new matwork location at wonderful Place Eight Wellness in Swanbourne from September

��Supported 3 fabulous Body Control Pilates trainee teachers to become fully qualified themselves

��My Neal's Yard Remedies Organics sideline has been a huge support while the studio has been closed and I've been able to use the account to fundraise for local causes

��My fabulous clients have helped to raise £680 for Willen Hospice and £420 for the Winter Night Shelter MK this year from donations for gratitude classes I've offered

Can’t remember where I heard this but it seems appropriate: “2020 was not the year we had everything we ever wanted but the year we learnt to appreciate everything we already had”.

Whether you're a past or present client, or colleague, thank you all for your support over the past year whether it's a connection in person at class or online interaction and inspiration.�� It's a pleasure to have you in class and see the that your Pilates practice can make. I've loved hearing how aches and pains have improved or even gone completely, how everyday tasks and range of motion is so much easier.

For me the true power of Pilates is in the difference it can make to our lives outside of class and help to keep us doing whatever else we love to do.

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year, hope it's a better one for us all. Please keep doing whatever makes your heart sing without caring what anyone else thinks about it!

You're already amazing so continue to take care of yourself so you can keep shining and sparkling away!

Take care and stay safe,

Louisa ��x

Pilates Christmas and year end wrap up!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:40:16 GMT

Pilates Christmas and year end wrap up!

Well, what a year it’s been for us all in so many different ways! This time last year we had no idea really how the coming year was going to shape up!

Thank you for sharing the journey with me and being in our Pilates bubble, whether you’ve stuck with me throughout or dipped in and out either online, outdoors, studio, Place Eight Wellness or whether it’s been a while since we’ve connected - the last in person classes at Stoke Hammond Village Hall, Aspley Guise and Dunstable studios at the end of March seems so long ago!

I started 2020 full of optimism and excitement about being able to open up my own small Equipment Studio at Westfield Farm in February. My boys were also happy for me to move out my Reformer etc from our space at home and had great plans for it to become a man cave - they’re still waiting as I’ve been lucky enough to have that space still available for running our Zoom classes from! After only being open for a few weeks we had to close up at the end of March and fully move all sessions on to Zoom. Originally I’d never have wanted to teach online but I’m so grateful it was an option for us and once we’d all got the hang of it I think it’s been working really well. We had audio issues and device positioning issues to resolve but we did it! I also started recording the classes early on and saving them to Vimeo so there’s now quite an extensive library available (281 videos to date!!) for your home practice so no excuses over the Christmas holidays and Vimeo links and password reminders have also been sent where applicable!! I’m so happy to still see so many of you each week and I have a good view of you when Zooming from home as I have my laptop screen mirrored on a large TV! It’s given us all positive focus and a little sense of normality and routine during these challenging times.

This time also provided me with an opportunity to reflect and I decided to step out from The Pilates Workshop umbrella I’d been part of for most of my Pilates career and re-brand my business in my own name of Louisa Harris Pilates, I also created my own website www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk and learn at lot! Mainly by getting stuck in with plenty of trial and error and with help from a great friend who is much more technically inclined than me!

Westfield Farm have been so supportive throughout and generously shared their beautiful outdoor space with us over the summer holidays when we were permitted to run small group outdoor classes. Every class was so special if the rain held off to see you all in person again after such a long while, to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and cloud watching!

As September and back to school time approached I considered our options for returning to indoor group classes and like many of you I didn’t feel comfortable returning to a village hall environment I looked into other possibilities and was lucky enough to discover the wonderful Place Eight Wellness in Swanbourne. A perfect modern, clean and airy venue with a stunning indoor studio space as well as a beautiful outdoor decked space for our sessions. Small groups of up to 6-7 were permitted within the space available and it was great to get back to those in person classes and we even managed a beginners daytime course too. Teaching with the visor/mask plus extreme cleaning regimes proved a little challenging at times at Place Eight Wellness as well as at the Equipment Studio at Westfield Farm. We were due to resume after the October half-term but then had Lockdown 2.0 so reverted back to being fully on Zoom for matwork and the Equipment Studio had to close again too. I started my first online course for Beginners too, a few of which were due to begin in person at Place Eight Wellness - they’ve done amazingly well over the last few weeks! As it’s uncertain what the situation will be for us all in the New Year I’m planning that the matwork timetable will remain on Zoom for the first half-term of 2021 and we’ll have to see how everything goes.

I’d have loved to have been able to teach 1:1s and 2:1s at the Equipment Studio once Lockdown 2.0 was lifted in early December but had discovered that teaching and mask wearing plus excessive usage of cleaning products had really exacerbated my asthma which had settled (and I’d managed to avoid the steroids) while solely Zooming again. I hope that I can open up again for private sessions in the New Year and will be in touch with my regulars asap in the New Year if so. If we remain in Tier 3 only 1:1s would be permitted, 2:1s would only be permitted if from the same household/bubble.

I am also delighted to report that Flavia from Happydemic Pilates has recently begun using the studio for her 1:1s on Tuesday afternoons/evenings, it’s lovely to share the space with a colleague again.

At the start of the year I’d been lucky enough to work with 3 lovely Body Control Pilates student teachers that many of you met, Florence, Barbara and Lisa - so glad that we had plenty of time together in person before Lockdown and moving fully online and thank you so much for sharing your classes with them to build up their supervised teaching hours. I’m delighted to report that they have all now passed and are fully fledged teachers themselves, I wish them every success and happiness with their Pilates journey!

My Neal’s Yard Remedies Sideline and Online Winter Spa event in January!

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris

I only joined NYR 3 years ago to shop for my own stuff at a discount but have had the pleasure of sharing that as well as special offers and sales with many of you over the years. You all loved the calming room spray I'd use before class at the village hall or studios, the scent was Rose and Geranium like the Women's Balance Aromatherapy blend. This little sideline has been a real help to my business while the studio has been closed and it even managed to raise £100 for St Luke’s Church in Stoke Hammond from a recent online event so thanks to many of you also for your support with this too.

I’m planning to schedule a free (probably fundraising) online Winter spa event (45-60 mins) during January (probably from w/c 11th January 2021 onwards) - if you’re keen to join please let me know, as well as if daytime or evening would be your preference or maybe you’d be interested to get one arranged for your own group of friends and family and enjoy some host benefits for yourself.

Booking system to come...

I’m hoping to implement an online booking/scheduling and payment system for classes and private sessions during the New Year which I hope will make things easier for you as well as less admin and reconciliation for me - will keep you posted!

Fundraising Update

I held a Gratitude week during May half-term by offering my weekly timetable of classes for free to take the opportunity to thank all my active Zoom clients for their support through lockdown. There was absolutely no obligation at all for payment during this week but clients were invited to make a donation in lieu of usual class fees if they wished to support Willen Hospice and the Winter Night Shelter in MK. This was repeated during the last week of the Christmas term too when group block booked classes only cost £2 per class instead of £8 - (I’d tried to work it out evenly between studio and Zoom classes before we were fully back to Zoom again). I also offered a free Beginners online workshop in November and welcomed donations in lieu of class fees there too.

Thanks to your amazingly generous support I’m very happy to say that we’ve raised £680 for Willen Hospice and £420 for the Winter Night Shelter MK which I’m sure will be a great help to these worthy local causes

Willen Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Winter Night Shelter MK: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Christmas wishes

If you haven’t already done so it would be a huge help if you could please add a review for me on Google here https://g.page/louisa-harris-pilates-mk/review?rc and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQoDXGq5r1EIZQkWYrluzg

Please also connect with me on social media if you wish to:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisaharrispilatesmk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisaharris.pilates/

Can’t remember where I heard this but it seems appropriate: “2020 was not the year we had everything we ever wanted but the year we learnt to appreciate everything we already had”.

Whether you're a past or present client, or colleague, thank you all for your support over the past year whether it's a connection in person at class or online interaction and inspiration. It's a pleasure to have you in class and see the difference that your Pilates practice can make. I've loved hearing how aches and pains have improved or even gone completely, how everyday tasks and range of motion is so much easier. For me the true power of Pilates is in the difference it can make to our lives outside of class and help to keep us doing whatever else we love to do.

Thanks for bringing your Christmas spirit to class with great tops, jumpers, socks and extra accessories - certainly helped me to feel less of a grinch!!

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful cards, kind words, Christmas gifts and wishes - I really do appreciate every one.

I wish you a peaceful Christmas break with all the special people in your life and wish you every health and happiness for the year ahead.

Hoping to be offline more over the Christmas break! We resume again week of 4th Jan and I'll send out a reminder about start of term for all classes nearer the time!

Take care and stay safe,

Louisa x

Pilates Elf's 12 Days of Christmas!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:00:02 GMT

The Pilates Elf's 12 Days of Christmas!

The Pilates Elf is back! Getting all Christmasmassy!

"On the first day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, exercises to mobilise our shoulders beautifully."

The super Shoulder drop, a great way to learn to isolate movement around the shoulder joint and release the tension we all tend to hold in this area.

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with knees bent and neutral pelvis
Arms lengthened up in line with your shoulders, palms facing inwards towards each other
Either one arm at a time or both together, breathe in as you reach the arms up (try to avoid hunching shoulders up to your ears), breathe out as you melt the shoulders back down towards the mat/floor (keeping the arms lengthened and trying to avoid the shoulders creeping up to your ears and keeping the neck soft and released too)

"On the second day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, exercises to mobilise our hips and challenge our centre perfectly."

The humble single knee fold, to work on our pelvic stability and hip mobility.

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with knees bent and neutral pelvis
As you breathe out and engage your centre float your bent leg up as far as you can without losing your the neutral position of your spine and pelvis you begin with
Ideally shin parallel with the floor but if you need to it's ok to soften the shin as long as maintaining stability around your centre
Breathe in to stay as and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged enough that the shape of your spine doesn't change as you lower the leg down with control
Alternate sides and you can build up to 8 reps each side

"On the third day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of spinal fluidity."

The sensational spine curl, if hamstrings are tight it may help to mobilise hips and stretch the hamstrings beforehand. M y video on YouTube may help: https://youtu.be/HhgwQ65oftE

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with knees bent and neutral pelvis
Breathe in to stay and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged and begin to tilt your pelvis, and peel each vertebrae up one at a time until your pelvis is neutral in a raised position. The tips of your shoulder blades will still be in contact with the mat
Breathe in to stay
As you breathe out melt the spine back down to the mat one vertebrae at a time
You can build up to 8 reps

CAUTION

If you have osteoporosis or disc related low back pain spinal flexion may be contraindicated. Instead you can keep the spine and pelvis neutral and bridge up in one piece without spinal articulation.

"On the fourth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of core stability."

The splendid Single Leg Stretch.

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with knees bent and neutral pelvis
As you breathe out and engage your centre float your bent leg up as far as you can without losing your the neutral position of your spine and pelvis you begin with (shin parallel with the floor)
Breathe in to stay as and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged enough that the shape of your spine doesn't change as you bring your second leg up with control to a double knee fold
If no osteoporosis or low back/neck pain, you have the option to add your curl up (chin tuck first!) and reach your right hand to right ankle and left hand to right knee
Draw the right leg in towards you and the left leg lengthens away at approx 45 degree angle then continue to exchange hand and leg pattern so then left hand to left ankle and right hand to left knee with right leg extending away
If performing without curl up same leg pattern but hands will reach outside of knees and legs to lengthen up higher
After 6-8 repetitions each side return to double knee fold position, lower the head/upper body back down to the mat (if applicable) and maintain control through your centre as you lower the legs down one at a time
If you have osteoporosis or disc related low back pain spinal flexion may be contraindicated. Instead you can keep the head down and legs higher as mentioned above.

"On the fifth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of low back release."

The delicious hip roll! Sounds like I'm on about food again but I promise I'm not!

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with neutral pelvis, knees bent, legs and feet together. Arms in a low V position palms facing upwards
As you breathe out and engage your centre let your pelvis, legs and feet peel over to one side with control, keeping the width across your upper back and shoulder blades in contact with the mat - try to keep inner edge of your feet together as if they're both in one big shoe!
You can either keep your head centred or let you head turn to the side away from your legs (e.g. legs to right, head turns to left then vice versa!!)
Breathe in to stay and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged as you return your legs (and head) back to the midline
Aim for 6-8 repetitions each side.

"On the sixth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of leg strength and stability"

The sensational spine curl from day 3 ramped up by having your feet on a full foam roller!

As before if hamstrings are tight it may help to mobilise hips and stretch the hamstrings and my video on YouTube may help: https://youtu.be/HhgwQ65oftE

Lying in relaxation position (semi-supine) with knees bent and neutral pelvis, arch of feet on roller (press down rather than away)
Breathe in to stay and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged and begin to tilt your pelvis, and peel each vertebrae up one at a time until your pelvis is neutral in a raised position. The tips of your shoulder blades will still be in contact with the mat.
Breathe in to stay
As you breathe out melt the spine back down to the mat one vertebrae at a time
You can build up to 8 reps
If you're feeling brave and not too crampy in hamstrings feel free to add a single knee fold too and keep pelvis level!

CAUTION

If you have osteoporosis or disc related low back pain spinal flexion may be contraindicated. Instead you can keep the spine and pelvis neutral and bridge up in one piece without spinal articulation. The knee fold addition is possible as long as alignment and technique spot on!

"On the seventh day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of thoracic release and mobility."

So beneficial to get the upper back loosened with thoracic rotation as it can become so stiff, the rotation will help to give your shoulders a break!

Lying on your side, line your back up with the edge of your mat, have a large cushion (approx. 3 inches) behind your head (as your head will roll), your neck is in line with and level with the spine, your arms are extended in front of you, palms facing each other, at shoulder height. Your shoulders should be stacked over each other, take care not to let your upper body roll forward or back. Try to lift out of the supporting/underneath shoulder rather than slump on it.
Stack all your bones on top of each other: feet, ankles, knees, hips. Bend both knees in front of you at an angle of approx 90 degrees; your pelvis is still in neutral, don’t let the waist sink down towards the floor. It may be helpful to use a small cushion or overball between the knees.
Inhale to prepare, exhale to centre, inhale as you open your top arm to the ceiling, leave the arm in the same position in relation to the body, exhale as you rotate from the ribs, the arm only moves because the ribs are moving, don’t let it drop back and lead the movement. Your head follows the movement, keep looking at your hand.
Inhale to stay, exhale as you keep centred and rotate the ribs and arm forward and then close the arm to return to your start position.
Aim for 8-10 repetitions each side.

"On the eighth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of hip extension and mobility."

Sorry my photographer (hubby!) cut my lower leg and foot out of shot!

So beneficial to extend the hips and strengthen the glutes!

Side lying forward and back legs:

From your arm openings starting position, lying in straight line on your side, if possible for you, remove your head cushion, stretch your underneath arm under your head, resting a smaller cushion on your underneath arm for your head.
Keep your legs in chair position but remove any cushion or overball that you may have had between your knees.
Your pelvis is still in neutral, your waist should stay long on both sides, don’t let it sink towards the floor, keep the hip bones level.
You can rest your upper arm/hand lightly in front of you (fingertips on a cushion if more comfortable) without letting your upper body roll forward of back.
Inhale to prepare, exhale as you centre and lengthen the top leg away from you, keep it hip height throughout and start off with it line with your hip.
Inhale to flex the foot and exhale to kick the leg forward as far as you can without tilting the pelvis.
Inhale to pause and softly point the foot and exhale to sweep the leg back as far as you can without arching your lumber spine.
Aim for 8-10 repetitions each side.
You may prefer to do your side lying rotation (Day 7) and side lying legs on one side then change sides.

"On the ninth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of strength with four point kneeling".

Set yourself up in four point kneeling with knees under hips and arms under shoulders, ideally inner elbow creases facing each other and spread out fingers. Press yourself up and away from the floor keeping the width across your shoulders and your spine and neck in neutral.
If wrists uncomfortable in this position you could make fists and weight bear on first and second knuckles (not thumb) with inner elbow creases facing each other or come on to elbows with hands together and just do the legs part of following exercise.
As you breathe out and centre slide one leg away without disturbing your pelvis or shifting body weight from side to side. If you can maintain stability you can add a lift of the leg whilst maintaining lumbar and pelvic stability.
Option 1 to add an opposite arm slide and lift to the leg slide and lift whilst. maintaining lumbar and pelvic stability
Breathe in to stay and as you breathe out lower and slide the leg and/or arm back to your start position with control.
Option 2 to add on that you slide one leg away as you exhale and centre, curl toes underneath you in contact with the floor. Opposite arm can slide and float away at the same time, inhale to stay and exhale as you add thoracic rotation and an arm circle (like a chalk circle movement) whilst maintaining lumbar and pelvic stability.
Return to 4 point kneeling before switching sides.
Sit back into rest position/child's pose and circle or shake out the wrists if needed.
Aim for 6-8 repetitions each side.

"On the tenth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of upper body extension".

Cobra prep and full:

Set yourself up lying on your tummy, use a small cushion or folder towel under your tummy if your low back needs more support.
Arms at a right angle with thumbs roughly in line with your nose, curl your head so your forehead rests on the mat (use a small cushion if needed)
Legs a little wider than hip width and turned out from the hips.
As you breathe out engage your centre, and nudge an imaginary marble away with your nose as you uncurl your upper back leaving your elbows and forearms in contact with the floor, try to avoid pushing yourself up with your arms but instead lift your upper back up from the frame you've made with your arms with a sense of width across your shoulders. Inhale at the top whilst maintaining enough control of your centre and exhale as you peel your upper back down to the mat.
Option only if you have a happy back (please avoid if low back pain) is to take your spine further into extension by extending the arms as you come up.
Aim for 6-8 repetitions.
Once you've finished, sit back into rest position (child's pose) or roll on to your back and hug your knees into your chest.

"On the eleventh of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of even more spinal mobility".

Set yourself up in four point kneeling with knees under hips and arms under shoulders, ideally inner elbow creases facing each other and spread out fingers. Press yourself up and away from the floor keeping the width across your shoulders and your spine and neck in neutral.
If wrists uncomfortable in this position you could make fists and weight bear on first and second knuckles (not thumb) with inner elbow creases facing each other or come on to elbows with hands together.
As you breathe out and centre round your spine into a lengthened and even C curve, including a pelvic tilt and a chin tuck.
As you inhale return to your neutral 4 point kneeling start position.
Sit back into rest position/child's pose and circle or shake out the wrists if needed.
Aim for 6-8 repetitions.

"On the twelfth day of Christmas Pilates gave to me, the gift of lateral flexion".

This could also be done in a comfortable seated position as the Mermaid/Merman/Merperson (!!) position may not be suitable for niggly knees or hips.

Start kneeling and then move your pelvis off to one side, widen the bent legs as much as you need to for comfort. Pelvis to be as level as possible (although one side slightly lifted) and spine lengthened and lifted from your centre.
Inhale as you float up your right arm, exhale as you reach up and over into your side reach.
Inhale to stay and exhale to return to your start position.
Repeat the above with your left arm.
Aim for 6-8 repetitions then swap leg position to other side if in Mermaid position and repeat.
rallel with the floor but if you need to it's ok to soften the shin as long as maintaining stability around your centre
Breathe in to stay as and as you breathe out keep your centre engaged enough that the shape of your spine doesn't change as you lower the leg down with control
Alternate sides and you can build up to 8 reps each side

THANK YOU AND SEASONAL GREETINGS!

Pilates - last week of Christmas term coming up!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:10:50 GMT

Pilates - last week of Christmas term coming up!

Hi Everyone

Hope you're all doing well and have had a good week.

Updates for this week

Week of 14th Dec is our last week of term and the year before we have a 2 week break from live classes but plenty to keep you going on Vimeo!

Booking forms for next half-term resuming on Zoom for now from the week of 4th Jan (for 6 weeks at £48 please) were issued this week and links below if needed.

I am considering implementing a new online booking and payment system in the New Year which will hopefully make things easier for all of us - will keep you posted on that!

Christmas!

I may not be able to resist our 12 days of Christmas Pilates style next week - can't wait!! Get yourselves as Chrismassy as you like (or not!). Not sure if the Pilates Elf will re-appear this year!

I’d love to take some class pics too as we approach the end of term if you don’t mind but if you do please let me know.

If you have time after the following classes I’ll keep the Zoom sessions open and we can go and grab a cuppa (or alternative), get comfy and all have a chat before signing off for the year.

Mon 14th Dec 10.30am - 11.30am - continue from class c.11.30am or jump online if you’re free

Mon 14th Dec 7.30am - 8.30pm - continue from class c.8.30pm or jump online if you’re free

Weds 16th Dec 9.30-10.30am - continue from class c.10.30am or jump online if you’re free

Weds 16th Dec 8pm - 9pm - continue from class c.9pm or jump online if you’re free

Fri 18th Dec 10.00am - 11.00am - continue from class c.11.00am or jump online if you’re free

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organics - fundraising for The Henry Allen Trust

Raising money this week for this very local charity - The Henry Allen Trust - they work so hard to bring happiness to families facing childhood cancer. If you need any Neal’s Yard Remedies products or are finishing up some Christmas shopping (or starting it!) please do consider placing your order on this link below between 11th-15th December. I will be donating my 25% commission earned before Christmas https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/party/W001594405

Free direct delivery with orders of £40 or more with £10 of that being donated!

Thank you so much to all my clients for your loyal support through these challenging times, I'll never forget it and am eternally grateful.

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat next week (or soon!)!

Many thanks

Take care and stay safe

Louisa x

Pilates - updates and possible help with your Christmas shopping!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:08:41 GMT

Pilates - updates and possible help with your Christmas shopping!

Hope you're all doing well and have had a good week.

Updates for this week

I've been so proud of you all - technique looks fantastic from my vantage point so huge well done to everyone!

Our Winter Wellness morning at Place Eight on 13th Dec will be rescheduled to 31st Jan - those booked on should have received an email about it from Louise at Place Eight Wellness today too.

Pilates Gift Cards

Vouchers are available if you'd like to give the gift of Pilates and/or drop hints for yourself!! Full price 1:1 studio sessions will become £45 per hour, from £40 per hour, early on in 2021 but gift vouchers can be purchased for £40 in 2020, to be worth £45 in 2021. You may wish to add a stocking filler Neal's Yard Remedies gift with the voucher - just let me know and we can work something out. I will continue to offer a discount for studio sessions if you block book and pay for your matwork classes and will firm up the details for that when re-opening.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organics - fundraising update / FREE delivery on website orders this weekend

The recent online Pilates and NYR fundraising event generated a £100 donation for St Luke's Church in Stoke Hammond which is fantastic - huge thanks to all of you for your support.

If you need to order anything for yourself or to send directly as a gift there's free delivery on website orders from midday today until midday Mon 6th December.

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris

Funky feet with spiky ball - video 6 mins!

Please find a short video reminding you of the standing balance/squat sequence we've done at the start of class this week to help release ankles, knees, hips and backs if you'd like to review at home: https://youtu.be/SUrdqeLoB8c

As always, any subscribes or likes to the YouTube channel are very welcome! Hope you find it useful and please share it with anyone who may benefit.

Christmas!

As we approach December and Christmas time feel free to get into the spirit of things if you want to and brighten up our Zoom classes and cheer us all up - Christmas socks, jumpers, accessories, decorations etc very welcome. I’d love to take some class pics too as we approach the end of term if you don’t mind but if you do please let me know.

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat next week (or soon!)!

Many thanks

Take care and stay safe

Louisa x

Pilates updates as we emerge from Lockdown 2.0

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 16:10:30 GMT

Pilates updates as we emerge from Lockdown 2.0

Hi and hoping this finds you all well.

Updates as we emerge from Lockdown 2.0

Obviously we’ve all seen/heard news of changes in Covid guidelines coming through after lockdown. I’ve been absorbing detailed guidance from my professional body, Body Control Pilates, and considering the best way to proceed.

All group matwork classes will stay on Zoom until the end of term, up to the break for the Christmas holidays.

I’m discussing options concerning our Winter Wellness morning at Place Eight on 13th Dec and will keep those of you booked on informed asap.

I’m not planning on re-opening the Equipment Studio at Westfield Farm until the New Year due to personal health issues, family reasons as well as concerns for my clients attending as cases seem to be increasing rapidly in our area, but if anyone is in desperate need please do let me know and I’ll do my best to help.

Going into the New Year I need to plan a way forward for us all but I think we’ll all need to see how everything is going and any changes that may come through as the situation changes.

My initial thinking is that it would be best to keep the matwork timetable on Zoom at least for the first half-term of 2021, especially if restrictions may tighten up after Christmas and if we're fluctuating between different tiers. I hope to begin to open up the Equipment Studio in the New Year if we’re permitted to do so and to look at options for resuming some in person matwork sessions. Please keep talking to me and let me know what options you may feel comfortable with as the situation evolves.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organics - fundraising

On a separate note I’ve held 2 online Neal’s Yard Remedies and Pilates events this week which have been lovely, these have been in order to raise money for St Luke’s Church in Stoke Hammond - 25% of any orders placed will be donated, which is 100% of sales commission. The link is open until Fri 27th November at 6pm if you wanted to add anything. Alternatively let me know and I can order/donate on your behalf.

I’m considering doing an online fundraising event with a different theme each month (approx) going forward into the New Year so if you’d like to get involved to help support any charities close to your heart please let me know. In December I’m planning to support The Henry Allen Trust.

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/party/W001575473

Closes Fri 27th 6pm

Thereafter you can shop direct here:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris

Just message me if you’d like me to include any orders for current fundraising over the weekend.

Super Simple Seated Pilates Exercises - video

I also did a quick recording of the seated exercises we did during the event which you can find here: https://youtu.be/qM3Az87KYjs

Any subscribes or likes to the YouTube channel are very welcome! Hope you find it useful and please share it with anyone who may benefit.

For those of you that attend my classes I've added the recording to all Vimeo Showcases (folders) too.

Christmas!

Week commencing 14th Dec will be the last week of term.

If you have time after the following classes I’ll keep the Zoom sessions open and we can all go and grab a cuppa (or alternative), get comfy and all have a chat before signing off for the year.

Mon 14th Dec 10.30am - 11.30am - continue from class c.11.30am or jump online if you’re free

Mon 14th Dec 7.30am - 8.30pm - continue from class c.8.30pm or jump online if you’re free

Weds 16th Dec 9.30-10.30am - continue from class c.10.30am or jump online if you’re free

Weds 16th Dec 8pm - 9pm - continue from class c.9pm or jump online if you’re free

Fri 18th Dec 10.30am - 11.30am - continue from class c.11.30am or jump online if you’re free

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat next week (or soon!)!

Many thanks

Take care and stay safe ��

Louisa x

Pilates - Take a moment for YOU!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 13:54:17 GMT

Pilates - Take a moment for YOU!

Hope you're all doing well and have had a good week.

Feeling pretty Zoomed and Vimeo'ed out at the end of the week but it's definitely been a highlight to have our first Pilates baby Zoomer join us Weds evening as well as your cats and dogs getting stuck in too!

I wasn't feeling very well at the start of the week (just a bit under the weather, nothing serious) without enough energy to teach 2 classes consecutively, huge thanks to my Mon 9.15am class for being so understanding and joining the later Mon 10.30am group this week, it was very much appreciated. Big thanks also to my Weds 8pm class who have often had their class evening moved around throughout our time online which has also been a huge help. Thank you to all of you who inspire me to keep going each week too by showing up and working so hard, love seeing you all and feel so proud of you all!

Delighted to welcome a few new joiners to our classes over the last couple of weeks - it's a very different experience to start your Pilates practice online but you're all doing brilliantly!

Trying to look for the positives during these challenging times and one of those is that I'm determined to make time regularly for my own studio practice... and keep the springs warm at the studio while it's closed until I can welcome you back! This is only possible as thankfully schools open this time round, phew! Another positive is the Pilates connections that we share too!! Hope you can carve out some time for yourself too, it's so important, perhaps more than ever right now.

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat next week (or soon!)!

Many thanks

Take care and stay safe

Louisa x

Pilates - here we go again, Lockdown 2.0

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:09:43 GMT

Pilates - here we go again, Lockdown 2.0

Hope you're all doing well and managing to adjust to Lockdown 2.0

Do you think I've got enough plants to keep me company for Zooming yet?! The big one stabbed me in the eye when trying to move it out of the studio yesterday and I managed to fish out a piece of leaf! �� Don't think it wanted to leave either! ��‍♀️ the �� has got to go as it's getting a bit smelly! ��

It had been amazing to be back to in person matwork classes at Place Eight and to open up my studio at Westfield Farm for 1:1s and 2:1s over last half-term - I've been so sad to close the studio doors to clients again for our next lockdown. For me this equates to a loss of 8 to 10 hours work and income per week. I had a real wobble on Sunday and felt like curling up and hiding away from it all when trying to figure out the best way forward and trying to re-organise everything quickly but am getting back on track now.

Wanted to update you and thank you all so much with your support for our Fundraising for Willen and the Winter Night Shelter this year, so far we've raised £630 for Willen and £370 for the Winter Night Shelter which I think is incredible - thank you all so much!

Willen: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Night Shelter: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

I'm trying to to look for the positives at the moment and I'm so lucky to be able to move the rest of my matwork schedule over to zoom though, no excuses for not getting on with my tax return, aiming to finish further study coursework and I've been wondering what I can do to help others through this time and have come up with:

FREE Pilates for Beginners Online workshop via Zoom - open to all but numbers limited

( Donations welcome for Willen or Winter Night Shelter but no obligation)

Mon 9th November at 6pm

I was planning to start this at Place Eight on the same date so have moved it over to Zoom and opened out to anyone who may be in need so please feel free to pass on to family/friends as I have a couple of spaces left. If anyone else is interested please ask them to email me by Sunday so I have a chance to send the Enrolment form and Zoom links. I haven't been advertising this on social media as I don't have the energy right now for time wasters but those genuinely interested are very welcome to get in touch!

Time for You FREE (Seated) Pilates and Pamper Online Event - open to all but numbers limited

Date/s tbc probably Tues and or Thurs daytime from w/c 16th Nov onwards

(Hoping I'll be able to use this as a local fundraiser too but will confirm details once fully organised)

Been thinking about what I can do to help others either working from home or feeling isolated at home over the next lockdown period and just wondered if anyone would be interested?

If so would daytime for a tea/coffee break work or you would prefer evening?

Please let me know if so and will try to get something organised soon.

Pilates tension release from your chair ��‍♀️��‍♂️ plus some self-care with an Organic Mini Facial Experience using wonderful Neal's Yard Remedies Organics Product. ��

(Pack to be sent to you by post in advance of the event) ��

Only 30-40 mins out of your day to give you an energy and mood boost during the daytime or to help you relax and unwind in the evening!

Thank you so much to all my clients for your loyal support through these challenging times, I'll never forget it and am eternally grateful. Take care ��

Pilates - Happy Halloween and we're back next week!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:53:55 GMT

Pilates - Happy Halloween and we're back next week!

Hope you're all doing well and are having a good half-term. It's been good to slow the pace down a bit this week but after tackling the very overdue job of clearing out our loft I think I'll be very happy to go back to work next week! You may be grateful to have dodged my broomstick and pumpkins Halloween class this year!!

We have a 7 week block of classes at a reduced price for this block only, £50 for Zoom (instead of £56), £65 for Studio (instead of £70) this is because I'd like to offer all of my last classes of the block before Christmas at half-price as a small token of gratitude to you all. No obligation at all but should you wish to make a donation in lieu of full class fee please I'd be grateful for any donations to local causes, either Willen Hospice and/or the Winter Night Shelter:

Willen: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Night Shelter: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Thank you so much for your support to these very worthy causes.

Just to give you a heads up and the option for priority early booking for our Winter Wellness Pilates and Nutrition morning as below as currently there are only a few spaces left available and we haven't begun advertising beyond my contacts list as yet!

Winter Wellness Event - Sunday, 13 December 2020 - 10:00 am 1:00 pm

£50

Join us at Place Eight Wellness, as we embrace the colder months with a morning of Pilates, Nutrition…oh and wellness treats!

Full details and booking available via this link:

https://placeeightwellness.co.uk/events-calendar/zw5jjpoy9zau0y1w1k48bcq815lpds-8wltl-tfrrr-my72m

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat next week! Our Pilates is all treats, no tricks at all!

Many thanks

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - Happy Half-Term!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 09:08:34 GMT

Pilates - Happy Half-Term!

Hi Everyone,

Hope you're all doing well - another week and half-term has flown by!

I'm certainly ready for a little break and the opportunity to slow down a bit and catch up with myself over half-term! As I mentioned to those of you I saw on Friday I'm feeling really tired as you can see from photo above too! Keen to have a break from hearing my voice as well as cleaning and mopping everything in sight!

I've been considering recently the importance of connections in our lives, especially at this time and I'm truly grateful to all of you for the Pilates connection that we share - whether that's online or in person. I'm also feeling lucky and grateful to Westfield Farm and Place Eight Wellness for their support, help and encouragement over recent months too. But, ultimately the most important connection we can all have is to feel connected to ourselves in both mind and body which I hope that our Pilates practice together helps you achieve. You have the tools at hand to reconnect to yourself with your breath and movement whenever you feel the need.

Please make use of the vast library of classes available to you on Vimeo to keep up with your practice either over half-term or between your usual classes. If you need a reminder of how to access please ask.

Pilates Equipment Order

I will be ordering some equipment over half-term so if you'd like me to add anything for you for free delivery to class or locally please let me know by Sunday 25th October. Full details below as well as information about how to order with direct delivery to you if more convenient. https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/matwork-equipment

Pilates and Nutrition Sunday morning mini retreat experience at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne - save the date!

13th December, 10am-1pm

We're just finalising the details and will follow with more info asap - I will give you early access to booking once available asap - hopefully within the next week.

Neal's Yard Remedies Online Zoom Workshop - CANCELLED

Thurs 8pm 29th October

Due to lack of interest this event has been cancelled but should you like to receive a free little treat of samples instead either at your next class or via post please let me know.I will also be placing an order early next week so if you'd like me to add anything for you with free delivery to class or locally please let me know by Sunday 25th October.Full details

here: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris

Wishing you a lovely weekend and hopefully a rejuvenating half-term and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

Many thanks

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - let's roll with it! Weekly blog as we come up to last week of this half-term

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:41:01 GMT

Pilates - let's roll with it! Weekly blog as we come up to last week of this half-term

Hi Everyone

Hope you're all doing well.

Another week has flown by! I think many of us have been feeling tired and fatigued at this time and I hope your (foam) 'rolling' with your classes this week has given you a chance to nourish both mind and body.

So sorry for audio issues with Mon 10.30am Zoom class and that I had to shout at you all instead! Thanks so much for your patience and bearing with me. We were so lucky to enjoy another outdoor class at Westfield Farm on Tuesday and were even able to remove a few of the layers we'd bundled ourselves up in and see the sunshine too! On Wednesday evening Zoom classes we had some pets photo bombing but their owners persevered!

Booking forms for the next block were sent out yesterday. In the event of any further restrictions being applied to Place Eight Wellness Studio classes I'd revert to Zoom again if necessary but will deal with whatever may come up and obviously keep you all informed.

Neal's Yard Remedies Online Zoom Workshop

Thurs 8pm 29th October

Would you like to MOT your skincare routine and try some products to better suit Autumn conditions? Our skin needs a little extra attention at this time of year so if you would like to join me for a free workshop with all products provided by post (or delivered to you at your class) ahead of time, do drop me a message asap to book your place. We will learn a home facial routine and I can also provide a preview of some of the Christmas gifts available too if you're feeling festive!

Pilates and Nutrition Sunday morning mini retreat experience at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne - save the date!

13th December, probably from 10am

We're still working out the exact details while considering ever changing government guidance and will follow with more info asap.

Wishing you a warm, cosy and restful weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

Many thanks

Take care

Louisa x

Treat your body and mind with the kindness you'd show to a friend!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 10:04:24 GMT

Treat your body and mind with the kindness you'd show to a friend!

Hello and hope you're all doing well.

In consideration of World Mental Health day I believe we should all treat our body and mind with the kindness we would show to a friend rather than berate ourselves for any perceived shortcomings. Consider all the things our body has enabled us to do and our mind has enabled us to experience. With care, consistency and positivity we are all incredibly capable beings! Our mindful movement practice together is more important than ever to help support us at these times and our classes are a safe space for you to be you. I know I talk a lot but I'm always happy to listen too!

This week was a little milestone for me as I have now uploaded over 200 Zoom class recordings to Vimeo! I didn't record the first few when we switched rapidly to Zoom during initial crisis mode but we've all shown our resilience in adapting and making the best of the times we find ou rselves in. If anyone has said to me last year that I'd be teaching so much online, I'd never have believed them!

I'm enjoying the balance between our in person matwork and studio sessions as well as our Zoom classes although I'm looking forward to taking a short break for the October half-term week of 26th October 2020. We have 2 more weeks of the current block of classes with booking forms and details to come soon!

We're also discussing and planning some half-day, probably Sunday mornings Pilates and nutrition retreats and Place Eight Wellness - I'll keep you all posted once the details are confirmed!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

Take care x

Pilates - let's take a breath!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 15:30:38 GMT

Pilates - let's take a breath!

Hello everyone!

Hope you're all doing well and able to escape the rain and cold!

Amazing in person and online classes for the full Pilates body experience (thanks Donna from Weds 9.30am group for coining this phrase - I love it!) this week and brilliant to get started with some new matwork beginners at Place Eight too!

Please remember that if you're unable to attend your Matwork class at Place Eight you're welcome to join a Zoom class instead and if you're unable to join your usual Zoom class you're welcome to swap to another one (please check spaces with me first) and/or catch up with the Vimeo library of class recordings. The class recordings are complementary if you block book your matwork classes - links and passwords can be found on the booking form for your class or please just ask me if you need a reminder! Almost 200 videos now!!

This week I've been reminding most of you of our full lateral Pilates breathing as well as the technique of box breathing which I hope is a helpful tool for you to draw on whenever you need it:

Position yourself comfortably with length through your spine
Inhale for a count of 4
Hold for a count of 4
Exhale for a count of 4
Pause for a count of 4

In classes we have done only 5 or 6 rounds and it's amazing how quickly this breathing technique can induce calm. You could spend longer doing it and maybe play with the number of counts, either less or more - whatever feels comfortable for you.

We have 3 more weeks of the current block of classes and I will soon begin organising classes for after half-term.

If any of you think you may wish to change from Place Eight classes to Zoom, or from outdoor classes (not sure how much longer these will be possible due to current weather conditions!) to Place Eight classes please let me know asap as studio spaces are limited and I will soon need to establish whether to continue with the new beginners daytime Place Eight class or whether to incorporate beginners into existing classes. It's amazing to teach matwork in person again but there's a lot of work involved making it feasible at the moment and it needs to be viable - thanks so much for your understanding!

Wishing you a warm and cosy weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

T ake care

Louisa x

Pilates - here comes Autumn!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:01:41 GMT

Pilates - here comes Autumn!

Hi Everyone

I hope you're all doing well, time still flying by! We've been so lucky to enjoy a couple more outdoor classes at Place Eight and Westfield Farm although we've needed to head indoors towards the end of the week!

Certainly being kept on my toes with changing requirements to comply with most weeks and trying to get used to teaching indoors with visor which makes me sound like a dalek and is quite challenging to demo with in certain positions! Still working on improving audio for Zoom classes from Place Eight and hopefully getting there! Thank you all so much for bearing with me as we navigate through these challenging times together!

From now on whether attending at Westfield Farm Studio or Place Eight, QR Codes are available so please scan to check in using the NHS Covid-19 App at either location from now on. Thank you!

For those of you attending Place Eight classes, Louise, the owner of Wellness Centre may try to pop by to our classes to take some action shot photos to help with marketing my classes there - if you don't feel comfortable with this please let me know. If any of you wish to sign up to Place Eight Newsletter to learn more about the other services available you can do so here: https://placeeightwellness.co.uk/ Scroll down the page to 'Start your journey here section' and there is a button saying 'Sign me up'.

Huge thanks to Weds 8pm Zoom class who've really helped me out by swapping our class day on a fair few occasions over the last few months! Back to Weds for now!

I also have some new Beginners 4 weeks courses coming at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne - details below, please pass on to anyone you think may be interested. To date 1/2 spaces remain in the daytime class and evening class is currently fully booked with a waiting list open. Thank you!

NEW BEGINNERS DAYTIME 4 WEEK COURSE!! Before half-term!

Mon 12.15pm

28th Sep, 5th Oct, 12th Oct, 19th Oct

Only 7 spaces available with investment of just £40 for the 4 week course

1/2 SPACES AVAILABLE!

NEW BEGINNERS EVENING 4 WEEK COURSE!! After half-term!

Mon 6pm

9th Nov, 16th Nov, 23rd Nov, 30th Nov

Only 7 spaces available with investment of just £40 for the 4 week course

FULLY BOOKED WITH WAITING LIST OPEN

Looking ahead to Christmas (sorry!!), Neal's Yard Remedies Organics have some gorgeous Christmas gifts available if you're more organised than me!

Details here: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/area/shop-online/category/christmas-gifts/

Also some lovely natural hand sanitiser products, including sprays, soaps and lotions if your hands need some extra tlc with all the washing/sanistising especially as it's getting cooler.

If you'd like me to notify you or any sales, special offers or free direct delivery offers please let me know - I may set up a WhatsApp broadcast group to share details. Also if you'd like a hard copy brochure/samples, I can either bring to your next class or pop something in the post to you.I'm still planning to do a Zoom NYR Facial/Skincare workshop - probably during October half-term week and will confirm details nearer the time.

Have a lovely weekend and look forward to seeing you on the mat again soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - classes outside and new Beginners courses coming to Place Eight!

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 10:18:56 GMT

Pilates - classes outside and new Beginners courses coming to Place Eight!

I hope you're well, it's been pretty full on now a couple of weeks into the new term and school and my new class schedule - I'm loving seeing everyone in person and online and enjoying the mix of studio, matwork, online, indoor and outdoor sessions! It's been lovely to see a few more of you in person again after all this time!

We've been so lucky to enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces available at Westfield Farm and Place Eight over the last week - keeping fingers crossed for many more opportunities!

For those of you attending Place Eight classes, Louise, the owner of Wellness Centre may try to pop by to our classes to take some action shot photos to help with marketing my classes there - if you don't feel comfortable with this please let me know.

I also have some new Beginners 4 weeks courses coming up at Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne - please pass on to anyone you think may be interested. To date 4 spaces remain in each class. Thank you very much!

NEW BEGINNERS DAYTIME 4 WEEK COURSE!!

Mon 12.15pm

28th Sep, 5th Oc t, 12th Oct, 19th Oct

Only 7 spaces available with investment of just £40 for the 4 week course

NEW BEGINNERS EVENING 4 WEEK COURSE!!

Mon 6pm

9th Nov, 16th Nov, 23rd Nov, 30th Nov

Only 7 spaces available with investment of just £40 for the 4 week course

I'm feeling tired and less inclined to ramble on as much as usual!!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon!

Many thanks

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates wonder women (or superman!) or Mermaids (or Merman!) this week!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:24:52 GMT

Pilates wonder women (or superman!) or Mermaids (or Merman!) this week!

Hi Everyone

As well as usual Pilates kit PLEASE BRING A HAND TOWEL TO ALL CLASSES NEXT WEEK!!!

I hope you're well, it's been a surreal week with the first full week back to school as well as my classes this week but really wonderful to see you all whether that's at my Equipment Studio, Place Eight Wellness or Zoom!! Hope that back to school or work transitions are going well for you too! Picture is of me looking dishevelled and relieved after Friday classes as well as coming to the end of first week of whatever passes for 'normal' during these times!

Amazing that some of you have joined online from holiday locations as well as persevered with reconnecting on different devices when experiencing technical difficulties - thank you so much!! Hope you've enjoyed the 4 point kneeling table top exercise which I think we can definitely re-brand as Wonder Woman or Superman at these times, as well as the lovely variation on the Mermaid/Merman lateral stretch we began working on at the end of our last block!

During my first class at Place Eight I discovered rapidly that attempting to combine Studio and Zoom sessions together doesn't work for me even if would make economic sense at this time - I would rather give 100% of my attention to the class whether we're in the same space together or online!

I'm getting used to teaching 1:1 and 2:1 studio sessions with cotton face masks on and as you all know I talk A LOT!! The visor is working better for matwork classes as it is easier to breathe while talking so much! Although demo-ing is a little tricky with the visor in side lying or prone, figuring it out as we go!! Zoom has been a lovely break from masks/visors and sanitising everything in sight! We had a few audio issues with a Zoom class from Place Eight on Monday but I'm pleased to report it was great today so hoping it was just a Zoom blip on Monday morning and that we're all back on track from now on!

In case you were concerned following Boris's announcement about the rule of 6 at Wednesday's briefing, exercise classes are exempt as long as Covid secure, which we are at Place Eight. Place Eight has advised we could have up to 8 in the matwork studio, I'm experimenting with mat layout and think that I may stick to max of 6/7 clients plus myself in the space. If you're interested here is the link to the guidance and exceptions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

Huge thanks to those of you who have already paid for the current block of classes, if you haven't already done so I'd really appreciate it if you could do so prior to your class next week as it really helps get on top of endless admin! Thank you!!

Thanks so much for your support!

Have a lovely weekend and take care!

Louisa x

Pilates Autum term and musings!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 17:10:46 GMT

Pilates Autumn Term and musings!!

Hoping that this finds you and your families well and for those of you already (or soon to be) settling back to school into school that everything is going well.

It certainly seems as if Autumn, Keats' "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" is arriving, (although super happy if Summer may make a quick re-appearance next week!!).

It appears symbolic that the last few months have really been a time to reassess what elements of our life and routine serve us or not. So as we begin to emerge I feel ready to let go of some things to make space for new growth personally and professionally!

With that consideration, I'm sorry to say goodbye to the Dunstable Studio for now but wish my colleagues and clients there (and everywhere else!) every happiness with their classes and life in general!

Our outdoor classes over the summer were amazing but as the weather changes we're relocating a short distance away to Place Eight Wellness, Swanbourne for some Monday and Friday classes. I'm looking forward to settling in and welcoming many of you to the beautiful studio as well as getting back to our Zoom sessions and seeing some of you for Studio sessions over the coming term!

You can find full timetable here: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/Matwork

Can't wait to see you all soon whether it's at the Studio or on Zoom - thanks so much for being in my Pilates bubble!

Have a lovely weekend!

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates - end of Summer classes! Put your feet up for the long weekend!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:13:05 GMT

Pilates - end of Summer classes! Put your feet up for the long weekend!

Wow, another summer holiday almost over and we're rapidly approaching Autumn term!!

Thank you all so much for showing up for your practice with me on your mat whether on Zoom, outside classes or in the studio. It's so important for us all to look after our body and our mind during these times and I really hope that your Pilates helps you achieve that.

Even though it's been challenging to keep going at times, I'm so grateful to all of you for motivating me to organise, plan sessions and show up for your classes - it's been a really motivating focus for me too throughout and beyond lock down.

Huge thanks also to Westfield Farm for generously sharing their beautiful outdoor space with us for summer holiday classes, every class was so special when we were lucky enough to have the weather on our side!

As you all know, there are no Zoom or outdoors classes next week as I'm getting ready for my son's return to school, re-opening my equipment studio and trying to catch up with myself in advance of the Autumn term.

Please make use of the ever growing library of Zoom class recordings on Vimeo, I will add a reminder of the link and password to class booking forms which will be coming to you very soon so please keep a look out for them, or ask me if you need a reminder before then. Sorry they are coming later than usual, I've been working out the details with our lovely new venue for Monday and Friday matwork classes including in person and Zoom sessions, Place Eight Wellness in Swanbourne as well as discussing options with Caron regarding Weds eve classes.

Here is our new timetable below for next term beginning from w/c 7th September for 7 weeks. I will be sending you the booking form/s and details for your current class or any other class/es you have expressed interest in. Please complete the booking form/s (or confirm via email) asap to confirm your sessions.

If you are attending in person sessions for the first time since lockdown:

Please complete and submit the LH Pilates COVID-19 Supplementary Questionnaire (Form CVSQ) 24-48 hours prior to your next session in the studio with me using this link - you are only able to attend in person after submitting this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jOX9jn95aHRkgCRVkGfkY7SVCu0BWcydPHhy3nEKmDw/

I've written a Covid Policy covering our Outdoor classes, Studio sessions and our imminent return to matwork and will continue to update it. Please take a few moments to read it and familiarise yourself with it, you can find it here:

https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/enrolment/covid

Please note that masks are required to be worn in communal areas at Place Eight Wellness - it is optional in the studio space itself, I will probably be wearing a visor.

TIMETABLE from w/c 7th September for 7 weeks

Mondays - Place Eight Wellness Studio, Swanbourne

9.15am Intermediate STUDIO

10.30am Gentle / Improvers ZOOM with possibility for few in STUDIO places

7.30pm Mixed Level STUDIO with possibility for a few joining via Zoom

Tuesdays - Westfield Farm, Great Brickhill Pilates Equipment Studio Private 1:1 and 2:1 sessions

(Reformer/Cadillac/Chair/Mat)Within School hours

11am Mixed Level OUTDOORS GREAT BRICKHILL - only if weather suitable, cancelled without Zoom back up if not

STARTING FROM 15th SEP and NO CLASS 29th SEP - 2 places available!

Wednesdays 9.30am Mixed Level ONLINE ZOOM FULL

6.30pm Mixed Level ONLINE ZOOM

8pm Mixed Level ONLINE ZOOM (moves to Tues 8pm once per month, exact dates tbc to group)

Thursdays - Westfield Farm, Great Brickhill Pilates Equipment Studio Private 1:1 and 2:1 sessions

(Reformer/Cadillac/Chair/Mat)Within School hours

Fridays - Place Eight Wellness Studio, Swanbourne

9.15am Mixed Level STUDIO

10.30am Gentle / Improvers ZOOM with possibility for few in STUDIO places

PRICING

I'm pleased to confirm that I'm now able to harmonise pricing and terms and conditions across all my classes for the Autumn term onwards (inc Wednesday evening sessions where payments can be made directly to me please in future please) as follows:

Zoom

£8 when block booking, £10 drop in

Complimentary secure Class Recordings provided via Vimeo

In person group matwork classes at STUDIO

£10 when block booking, £12 drop in

For all in STUDIO group matwork classes you will need to bring your own mats, cushions and any small equipment you may wish to use with you. I have a small amount of equipment left available to hire so please let me know if you'd like to borrow anything.

Outdoor group matwork classes

£10 drop in rate but spaces to be booked

Monthly Vimeo Access

£5 per month

If attending more than 1 class per week your second Zoom class is available at half-price if spaces are available - please enquire if of interest.

Please make payments by BACS on or before the first class of the block.

Max Studio spaces of 8.

All classes have max of 12 whether in person or on Zoom or combined.

Catch up classes for any missed sessions available on Zoom only and to be booked in advance please.

Wishing you all a lovely long weekend and looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Thanks so much for being in my Pilates bubble!

Take care

Louisa x

Louisa Harris Pilates - almost the end of our Summer classes!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:30:23 GMT

Coming up to our last week of Summer classes!!

Hope this finds you all well.

Unfortunately the weather has thwarted our outdoor classes again this week, we only managed the Mon 9am class outside this week, which was wonderful, and the rest had to revert to Zoom. Thank you all so much for your understanding and flexibility switching between outside and online classes! If anyone had said to me last year that I'd be teaching online lots this year I would never have believed it but I think we've all become really adept at making it work really well, thanks for being willing to experiment. It's so amazing to see the progress that you've all made over this period and I hope your practice helps keep you strong in body and mind through these times.

Next week is our last week of the current block of classes, as mentioned I will then be taking a week off w/c 31st Aug as it's Bank Holiday Monday that week and my son is returning to school which will be a big adjustment. I'm also re-opening my equipment studio from 3rd September which is exciting!

All group classes will resume from w/c 7th September for 7 weeks - booking forms to follow soon!

Stoke Hammond clients - please read important email sent this week too!

Neal's Yard Remedies Online Workshops possibly coming soon

Even though feeling tired and in need of more sleep (having a little lie down on my mat before morning classes!) in the photo above, my skin feels amazing thanks to a lovely online facial workshop with a colleague yesterday evening! We cleansed with frankincense, deeply moisturised with sensitive soothing serum, refreshed eyes with reviving white tea eye gel, and applied more moisture with re-hydrating rose and the one pot wonder wild rose beauty balm! Hoping to offer my own free online workshops to my clients soon too, samples to use to be provided in advance of workshop by post - let me know if you'd fancy joining me?

Have a lovely weekend and looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates and here comes the rain this week!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:47:29 GMT

Pilates and here comes the rain this week!

Hope that this finds you and your families doing well.

We started off the week well for the first couple of outdoor classes at perfect temperature but unfortunately our luck changed near the start of our second Monday evening class and for this morning's one! Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility. Will have to try and figure out a sun dance for outdoor classes for the week ahead!! Thank you to all of you who joined me and worked so hard for some very hot and sweaty Zoom classes this week - phew!!

SURVEY

Thank you all so much for your input into survey sent out last week - it's been really helpful to hear your views to begin to plan a way forward. If you haven't yet completed it and still wish to comment please feel free to do so:

HERE'S THE SURVEY

https://forms.gle/fcnhuLwa37vXKEDv5

I imagine the timetable next term will be very similar to our current Summer holiday timetable - we have 2 weeks left. I won't be running any group classes week of 31st August it's Bank Holiday Monday and my son is due back at school that week which will be quite a readjustment for us all! I'm also re-opening my equipment studio on 3rd September - can't wait!!

Following some requests I'm also planning to try and fit in a drop-in outdoor class which will be cancelled if poor weather, rather than revert to Zoom. Once I have an idea of possible days/times I'll email those concerned so we can agree best option.

To date I've had 45 responses with only approx 30% keen to return to Village Hall, with the rest preferring outdoor or Zoom options.

HIRE OF MATWORK EQUIPMENT

If you've expressed interest in hiring my equipment previously used at the Village Hall I've sent you a follow up email and GoogleForm so you can let me know exactly what you'd like. Except from washing the used bands it's all been cleaned and sorted and I'll either give it to you at Outdoor classes next week or contact you to arrange pick up or drop off.

HALF-PRICE 1:1 STUDIO SESSIONS FOR CURRENT CLIENTS IF BLOCK BOOKING GROUP CLASSES - AVAILABLE AT MY WESTFIELD FARM STUDIO ONLY , MK

Studio due to re-open 3rd September 2020

Offer valid from September until end of 2020

Thank you also to those of you who've expressed interest in these 1:1 Studio sessions. I'm just working out my schedule here too but generally have some availability Tuesday and Thursday daytime and occasionally (e.g. once per month) at weekends. If you'd like to get something booked please message me to arrange.

A little shorter and sweeter today but I'm flagging a bit, think lack of sleeping so well through the heat earlier in the week has caught up with me so grateful it's a little bit cooler!

Thank you so much for your input and support!

Have a lovely weekend and look forward to seeing you soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Louisa Harris Pilates - Planning for September onwards

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:17:35 GMT

Pilates Planning for September onwards

Hope that this finds you and your families doing well.

It's been brilliant to see a few more of you in person for our Monday outdoor classes and I'm looking forward to the rest of our outdoor sessions and keeping everything crossed for perfect (or at least dry!) weather!!

I'm trying to plan a way forward for us and prioritising those of you attending during and prior to lockdown before opening out availability and advertising to any new joiners. I would really appreciate your input asap so I can shape a schedule and class offering that can hopefully suit and support us all.

I will begin planning based on responses here at the end of next week so I'd be grateful if you could submit this survey asap and ideally by 13th Aug please. I understand that some of you may be away/offline, so even if later to respond please do come back to me when you can - thank you!

ZOOM

When lockdown began classes were swiftly moved to Zoom and we have all adapted to make this work really well. I'm very happy to continue our Zoom classes as understand that many of you feel more comfortable with classes online at this time. Classes continue to be recorded and uploaded to Vimeo (150 to date!!) where you have secure access to view at any time (if block booking).

OUTDOOR CLASSES

Over the summer holidays small group outdoor classes have begun in a private field at the same location as my equipment studio - Westfield Farm, Mill Lane, Great Brickhill MK17 9BG. It has been amazing to see people in person again at such a beautiful location. I hope that as long as weather permits we will be able to keep these going beyond the summer holiday period and may look into options for providing some kind of shelter or shade for us with a semi-permanent structure. In the event of poor weather conditions we will revert to Zoom as a back up.

INDOOR MATWORK CLASSES

I am hoping in time to have my own matwork space available for us but it will not be ready in the short-term. We have the option of returning to the small room at Stoke Hammond Village Hall on Mondays but due to social distancing requirements I can only have 5 people per class which is 50% less than before lockdown.

Also the hall no longer employs a cleaner so I will be cleaning before, between and after classes. My professional body has advised that floors should be mopped and the room aired for 15-30 mins between classes.

It is also recommended to bring your own mat and small equipment with you to classes. Social distancing would be maintained between clients and myself and no tactile hands on teaching is permitted. There may also be a requirement for myself and clients to wear face masks and I may also need to wear a visor.

Due to the issues mentioned above I imagine I would need to increase prices to £10 per person for class of 5 and block booking would be essential to keep consistent class bubbles. Any missed sessions could be caught up with online classes or class recordings only.

I was also considering offering 1:1 Equipment Studio sessions at half-price (currently £40 reduced to £20) monthly for those block booking either in person matwork classes, outdoor classes or Zoom classes.

Before return to any in person classes it is necessary to complete a LH Pilates COVID-19 Supplementary Questionnaire (Form CVSQ) which will be sent to you via GoogleForms.

HIRE OF MATWORK EQUIPMENT

I am hoping to be able to retrieve and deep clean my matwork equipment stored at the village hall since lockdown shortly and wondered if it may be useful for any of you to borrow items during this time.

If so I could bundle as follows:

1) Small cushion/Large cushion, Small (green) and/or large (blue) overball, hand weights, ankle weights

2) Full foam roller and/or half foam roller, Pilates magic circle

I would require a small deposit, such as £5 per bundle to be paid via BACS please during the period of the hire which would be reimbursed when equipment is returned.

I am going to wash used bands again and they can be added if required or I have a roll of pink (light resistance) or purple (medium resistance) bands at home and cut extra long (mat length) and they cost £5 new. You are welcome to borrow any of the green folding mats too if of use to anyone.

Priority for hire of matwork equipment would go to those block booking sessions on first come first served basis.

If you wish to purchase your own equipment: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/matwork-equipment

You can find Covid policy here: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/enrolment/covid

DUNSTABLE STUDIO

As far as I know that studio should be able to open in September, as soon as I have more details I will share with those of you that attend the Friday classes.

ASPLEY GUISE STUDIO

I'm not aware of any plans to re-open just yet so I'm assuming classes will continue via Zoom for now and will advise those of you that attend the Wednesday classes once I know more.

HERE'S THE SURVEY

https://forms.gle/fcnhuLwa37vXKEDv5

Thank you so much for your input and support! Have a lovely sunny weekend and look forward to seeing you soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Summer Pilates classes outside! Our first time!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:23:06 GMT

Summer Pilates classes outside! Our first time!

Brilliant to be back to classes this week and amazing to see these gorgeous ladies in person for our first outdoor class today - especially after Monday's outdoor classes were rained off! Made me feel a bit emotional after the last few months apart/online. The weather was most definitely on our side and it was fantastic to teach people in the same space again even if challenging to be hands off without any tactile cues!

Wonderful to use cues directing movement to the sky ☁️ or to the earth �� for real too to feel the sun and perfect breeze on our mat. I definitely need to remember to bring my hat next time!

Big thanks to my Equipment Studio Landlord for sharing this perfect private outdoor space with us!

I've been lucky enough to teach outside previously during Pilates retreats in France but in England only ever taught outside before when there was a double booking with a kids' party at the village hall! ��‍♀️

Keeping everything crossed for good weather for the rest of our summer outdoor sessions!! �� Zoom sessions ongoing and as a back up for rain!

Wishing you a weekend full of sunshine!��

Thanks so much for your support and your commitment to showing up on your mat!

Take care ��

Pilates resumes next week for Summer Holidays - outdoors and online!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 10:02:12 GMT

Pilates resumes next week - outdoors and online!

Hello!

Hope you're doing well, I've missed seeing you all this week but I've had a productive week at home and work - I've studied and successfully completed assessments for the Franklin Method Fascia Trainer for the Lower Back which I'm looking forward to sharing with you!

I've also written a Covid Policy covering our Outdoor classes, Studio sessions and eventual return to matwork. Please take a few moments to read it: you can find it here: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/enrolment/covid

For those of you joining Outdoor classe s - thank you so much for completing the LH Pilates COVID-19 Supplementary Questionnaire (Form CVSQ) send via GoogleForms/email.

To date I've received 15 replies back so 6 more to come. If you haven't already done so please complete and submit asap as it's a condition of return to in person sessions to keep everyone safe.

For Outdoor classes next week, here's the address: The Studio Westfield Farm Office, Mill Ln, Great Brickhill, Milton Keynes MK17 9BG

You come down the farm entrance lane and turn right, you can either park at the first building on the right or at the field opposite the main building - I'll look out for you.

Please arrive and be parked and ready 5 mins before the start time of your class so our group can walk to the field together.

Please bring your own mat (you may also wish to bring a towel or blanket to put underneath it), cushions (or equivalent), any small equipment you'd like to bring with you and a bottle of water.

Let's hope we'll also need suncream and sunglasses too!

There are toilets and handwashing facilities available.

In the event of poor weather conditions I'll be in touch asap and we'll revert to Zoom or I'll make a class recording available to you if Zoom not possible.

Don't forget Pilates for Prizes!!

I've only had one person enter a few times so far so they're definitely in it to win it!

I've had 2 new YouTube Subscribes but their account details don't permit me to see names so if it's you please let me know by Saturday 25th July!

Full details here: https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/pilates-practice-wins-prizes-plus-mask-tips

Thanks so much!

Have a lovely weekend!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Pilates practice wins prizes!! Plus Mask tips

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:30:23 GMT

Pilates practice wins prizes!! Plus Mask tips

Hope this finds you well.

As usual time has flown by and we've made it to the summer holidays! Once lockdown was announced classes were switched over to Zoom within 24 hours and I've kept the timetable going throughout since then thanks to your commitment to getting the hang of Zoom and showing up for your practice regularly! It's been lovely to share our spaces at home together and I've loved meeting your family and pets, especially when they get involved too! It's been amazing to still be able to see many of you online each week and it's really helped motivate me to keep going through these challenging times and I am eternally grateful to you all!

I'm doing some Franklin Method for the Lower Back training via Zoom this coming Fri/Sat/Sun - approx 4 hours per day but I'm really looking forward to getting deeper into the content as I've loved the pre-course work so far. I will miss seeing you all next week but am feeling completely depleted and just need a little Zoom break and some offline time to get back on track and tackle all the jobs at home I haven't got round to yet!

Pilates practice wins prizes!!

While we have a short break from the Zoom classes I'd love to motivate you to keep up your practice with the large library of class recordings on Vimeo and/or YouTube videos. Full details below.

Ways to enter:

Be a current Zoom Pilates client and take a photo of you practising with either my Vimeo or YouTube videos and send it to me with a few words about how your Pilates and homework practice helps you (you have been emailed Vimeo links and passwords previously and they can also be found on summer classes booking forms/emails if needed or let me know if you need a reminder)
Extra entry if you post your photo/s and comments on Facebook or Instagram and tag me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisaharrispilatesmk & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisaharris.pilates/ (as many times as you like!!)
Extra entry for Google Reviews submission: https://g.page/louisa-harris-pilates-mk/review?rc (this is such a huge help for small businesses)
Extra entry for YouTube Subscription https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQoDXGq5r1EIZQkWYrluzg (currently at 61, if I can get to 100 subs I can change channel name to my business name)

1st prize: private studio session at my MK Studio

2nd prize: half price block of group mat classes (Sep 2020 onwards, excluding weds 6.30pm/8pm)

3rd PRIZE: Gin/Wine/Non alcoholic alternative (requested by Weds eve class!!)

18th-25th July 2020 Inclusive

Winners to be drawn 26th July 2020

Hope you have fun with it - thanks so much for your support!

Tips for Mask wearing

As it's likely we all have to get used to wearing masks I thought I'd share this video which may be helpful for some: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6GQTMT43QI&fbclid=IwAR33XSmJrr7Edxx3RbSDfqq09SjViibNHBYnCTEXePit96zpN81wT844dsQ&app=desktop

I've found it easier to breathe more comfortably when wearing a slightly thinner cotton mask (made by the incredibly talented Julie - thanks so much!!).

It may also be helpful to practice inhaling and exhaling through the nose and another tip I've picked up is to pause for 1 or 2 seconds after your exhale before inhaling again as it enables the temperature of your breath to decrease a little before you inhale again.

Please feel free to share any tips you've come across too!

Take care and hopefully we can all enjoy some sunshine over the next week or so!! x

Our Pilates Summer Plans and Caged Lion book about Joseph Pilates

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:47:13 GMT

Our Pilates Summer Plans update and Caged Lion book about Joseph Pilates

Hello and hope you're all doing well.

Thanks so much for letting me have your input regarding summer timetable.

You may have heard in Government briefing yesterday that gyms can open from 25th July, I am still planning to stick with online/outdoor group classes over the summer holiday period as below.

Next week commencing 13th July is last week of current block and then I will be taking a week off. We'll then resume from 27th July for 5 weeks as follows:

Summer Timetable

Mon 9.00 Intermediate OUTSIDE

Mon 10.30am Gentle/Improvers ONLINE

Mon 6.15pm Mixed level OUTSIDE

Mon 7.30pm Mixed Level OUTSIDE

Weds 9.30am Improvers/Intermediate ONLINE

Weds 6.30pm Mixed level ONLINE

Weds 8pm Mixed level ONLINE

Fri 9.00 Mixed level OUTSIDE

Fri 10.30am Gentle/Improvers ONLINE

Max 5/6 people for outdoor sessions - bring own mat/SMALL equipment

Max 12 people for interactive online sessions

Booking forms/info sent by email for all classes (except Weds eve classes tbc) on Weds 8th July. If you haven't let me know whether online or outdoor works best for you please do and will send you the relevant class info.

Equipment orders were placed Thurs 9th July and due to arrive with me Mon 13th July - I'll contact those of you who've ordered items once they arrived and I've sorted them to arrange payment/collection.

Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and his legacy

I've recently finished reading this great book about the man behind the method and highly recommend it if it interests you too and if anyone local to me would like to borrow my copy please let me know. The analogy of Joseph Pilates as a Caged Lion seems fitting for us in our current times, perhaps feeling caged during/post lockdown life but I hope that your Pilates practice can enable you to find joy and freedom of movement in whatever internal circumstances we may find ourselves in. Thank you as always for your commitment to show up on the mat for your practice.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of sunshine and maybe haircuts if you've not enjoyed one already!!!

Take care

Louisa x

Summer Timetable Planning and Equipment orders!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:31:57 GMT

Summer Timetable Planning and Equipment Orders!

Hope that this finds you well?

Summer Holiday Timetable

As we've been discussing at Zoom classes this week, we have 2 weeks left of the current block of Zoom classes before the Summer holiday period (although I may need a week or two off myself!). I'm beginning to plan the timetable for this period which will be a mix of Zoom classes as well as some outdoor classes, subject to level of interest. The outside sessions will be held on the same site as my Equipment Studio, between Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill. There is a large tennis court sized secluded grassy area available with access to toilets/sinks nearby if required. Parking is also available, you would need to park a short walk away from class location. I will meet everyone at an agreed time and lead you to the class space. Currently max 5 people permitted per class with full social distancing and no tactile cuing. You would need to bring your own towel, mat, cushion and any small accessories you may have with you and hopefully also suncream and sunglasses!! Here is the address, it's 5 mins by car from Stoke Hammond.

The Studio, Westfield Farm Office, Mill Lane, Great Brickhill, MK17 9BG

So, if you're currently Zooming with me please let me know if you'd like to continue with that or if you'd be keen to join an outdoor class over the Summer holidays (if you haven't already via Zoom chat) by Weds 8th July.

If you're not currently Zooming but used to attend classes prior to lockdown please let me know if you'd be keen to join an outdoor class by Weds 8th July .

Private outdoor matwork sessions also available at this location, hopefully we will be permitted to return to studio sessions soon!

Outside classes will be priced at £8 per class and need to be booked and paid for (ideally by BACS if possible) in advance please. In the event of poor weather conditions classes would either be moved to Zoom or rescheduled.

This is my initial expectation of summer timetable but it may change based on your feedback and input.

Monday 9.15am - Intermediate - Outdoor class - possibly at slightly earlier time maybe 9am

Monday 10.30am - Improvers - stay online

Monday 7.30pm - Outdoor class - possibly at slightly earlier time

Wednesday 9.30am - Mixed - stay online

Wednesday 6.30pm - Mixed - stay online

Wednesday 8pm - Mixed - stay online and likely to be Tues 8pm alternate weeks as discussed with group (exact dates tbc once summer schedule confirmed)

Weds 8pm 15th July class to move to Tues 14th July - huge thanks to the class for your flexibility, it's a huge help and very much appreciated!

Friday 9am - Outdoor class tbc

Friday 10.30am - Mixed - stay online

I can add extra Outdoor or online classes depending on demand so please let me know your preference if you haven't already done so by Weds 8th July. Thank you!

Pilates Equipment Orders

Pilates Equipment now available from Physical Company using my affiliate links - full details on website and links here https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/matwork-equipment

If you're local to me in Stoke Hammond and would prefer for me to order items for you to collect from me (socially distanced - I can leave outside my house when know you're due to pick up) please let me know what you'd like by Weds 8th July as I intend to order on Thurs 9th July.

Thanks so much as always for your support!

Have a lovely weekend and take care!

Louisa x

What a scorcher this week! Weekly blog update

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:36:38 GMT

Here's a reminder of lovely Le Pelot retreat in France from last year - should have been back there with a wonderful group this weekend!

Hope you're doing well - thank you all so much for showing up for your classes in this heat!!

I should have been back at beautiful Le Pelot in France for a Pilates Retreat with a wonderful group this weekend, sorry to be missing it but hope we may be able to do another one in future!

Zoom blips this week!

It's been one of those weeks Zoom - wise for Monday and Friday classes!! One client had lots of internet issues but so glad she persisted and was able to reconnect eventually on a different device/account! In another Monday class Internet at my house went down completely for a couple of mins, thankfully it was during a hip roll and my clients weren't left hanging in a precarious position. Phew!! As I was recording the class to upload to secure Vimeo showcase per group as normal, Zoom picked up the chatting once I'd gone until I was able to reconnect. It was lovely to look back and see/hear uncut catch up between clients! On Friday my internet dropped for a moment and I had to leave Zoom and reconnect and then it was thankfully ok!

Regardless of occasional technical challenges I'm so impressed at how everyone has committed to their practice and works so hard. You're all awesome from my vantage point! ��

Onwards and upwards! It will be nice to get back to teaching without random evaporation of either myself or others during the class once we can and measures are in place to keep us all safe!! Awaiting Government guidance and timelines for possible resumption of indoor classes with interest! I'm very grateful for our online work and believe it's definitely here to stay although it may well evolve too.

YouTube

6 videos were added last weekend and 1 today covering the following:

High kneeling 6 mins - get spine moving in all directions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytKhzDgpZI&t=1s
4 point kneeling 4 mins - tail swish and cat: h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7svRrxhnvo&t=4s
4 point kneeling 3 mins - hip work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ava_NOEBIdw
Relaxation position 20 mins - matwork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=199F0kV79Uw&t=2s
Side-lying 17 mins - side leg work, side lying rotation & prone extension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTWHo_8c_k0
Relaxation position - 9 mins - relax and release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0BLl8mOfMg
Standing - 13 mins - energise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWF9oTw2EsI

Hope you find this helpful, little and often always better than nothing at all!! It's my intention to try and add 1 short video to YouTube each week if possible and those of you that attend class always have the class recordings available securely on Vimeo too.

I'd be so grateful for any YouTube subscribes, likes and shares! I currently have 59 subscribers. If I can get to 100 I get more options available to develop the channel including being able to have the name in page link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQoDXGq5r1EIZQkWYrluzg

Thank you so much for your support as always!

Hope you can enjoy the sunshine while it lasts! ��

Have a lovely weekend and look forward to seeing you soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Put your feet up this weekend! Weekly blog!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:45:08 GMT

Put your feet up this weekend! Weekly blog!

Put your feet up this weekend! Weekly blog!

Hope you're keeping well and having some time to put your feet up in some shape or form this weekend?! I'm enjoying a few minutes on the tower after teaching as pictured - so lucky to still have this at home to play with but I can't wait to get back to the Equipment Studio soon!

It's been wonderful to hear your feedback this week, so thank you so much! For example it was amazing to hear that hip range of movement has increased and balance has improved bringing more ease to daily activities.

Well done to all of you for consistently showing up for your practice! We've been balancing our strength and mobility work alongside some much needed tlc massage and release work which seems to have gone done well. It's a pleasure to share it with you all. If you attend Zoom classes you have access to class recordings on Vimeo (99 videos uploaded to date!!) and I'm trying to record some more content for YouTube this weekend based on our classes from this week.

I'm continuing to plan behind the scenes for our safe return which I hope will be in some shape or form from September, obviously keeping an eye on Government guidelines and advice from my professional body as well as noting what has and hasn't been working for my overseas colleagues as they begin to open up again ahead of the UK.

Summer sessions - outside?

I've been very kindly offered use of outdoor tennis court spaces in both Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill by lovely, generous clients so I'm thinking about possibly arranging some small outside classes over the summer holiday period - if you'd be interested please let me know. I could retrieve and clean my mats and equipment from the Stoke Hammond village hall but you may need to bring some of your own too.

Online sessions will remain too. I may need to take a week or so off over the summer hols to complete some training I will be doing as well as all the stuff at home I haven't done yet (!) but otherwise intend to keep things going if you'd like to do so too - again please let me know what works for you!

Enjoy your weekend and I'll look forward to seeing you soon! Happy Summer Solstice!

Thank you and take care,

Louisa x

Neal's Yard Remedies June updates & offers!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:01:10 GMT

Neal's Yard Remedies June updates & offers!

Neal's Yard Remedies June updates

Just to let you know of current offers in case you'd like to treat yourself or someone else!!

FREE Wildflower Seed Packet* when you spend £30 / €34.50 on our beautiful honey and orange Bee Lovely range

Help save the bees by sprinkling these Friends of the Earth Wildflower Seeds. Plus 3% of sales goes to charities that help Save the Bees!

Full details available here: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/area/shop-online/category/free-wildflower-seed-packet/

Create the perfect well-being blends with this introduction to aromatherapy

The perfect introduction to aromatherapy. Discover how to use, measure and blend for a variety of uses. With a Base Oil and Mixing Bottle included, you’ll be creating your own blends in no time at all.

Includes:

Organic Orange Essential Oil, 10ml
Organic Lavender Essential Oil, 10ml
Organic Palmarosa Essential Oil, 10ml
Base Oil, 50ml
Little Book of Essential Oils
Mixing Bottle
Aromatherapy Bespoke Blending Kit now only

£20 / €23 (Was £32 / €36.80)

Full details available here: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/area/shop-online/category/aromatherapy-bespoke-blending/

Business Starter Kit offer - only £60 and available until 9am Mon 22nd June

Becoming an Independent Consultant with Neal's Yard Remedies offers a great opportunity to start a career that is ideally adapted to these challenging times. Flexibility and homeworking are built into the impressive package we can offer you to build your own business and income from home.

Kit includes:

FULL-SIZE PRODUCTS

Calendula Cleanser
Rehydrating Rose Toner
Reviving White Tea Face Mist
Frankincense Hydrating Cream
Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Bee Lovely Gift
Lavender Essential Oil
Mandarin Essential Oil
Bee Lovely Hand Wash
N atural Defence Hand Rub
Starter Kit Tea

BUSINESS TOOLS

Vanity Case
Spatulas
Headband
Order Pads x25
Host Planner x10
W elcome Card
Party Invite Cards x50
Catalogues Main x10

Contents may vary

This exclusive Business Kit offer is available from noon Friday 19 - 9am Monday 22 June 2020 *

Full details available here: https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris/area/become-a-consultant/

Feel free to contact me with any queries.

Thank you and take care!

September planning and weekly updates!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:31:57 GMT

September planning and weekly updates!

September planning: Studio/Online polls

Thank you all so much for your poll responses and comments during discussions at class this week.

From Facebook poll 58% were keen to stay online and 42% to return to the studio and on Instagram 7% would like to stay online and 93% are keen to get back to the studio!

I heard loud and clear from our class discussions that the majority of us are keen to get back to studio sessions if made Covid secure, so this gives me the green light to get planning for a safe return for us all (I've done a Prevent Covid-19 Online course this week to begin to inform planning considerations). I believe online sessions (Zoom/Vimeo) are definitely here to stay though, my ideal would be that I can teach/stream at the same time so that those who are shielding or living with someone at high risk still have the option to participate from home. Also if anyone has a temperature or not feeling 100% on their class day they could join remotely instead to help keep everyone safe. I'll keep you posted as we get clarity on official guidelines over the weeks ahead.

Also considering the possibility of some outdoor classes over the Summer holiday period and will let you know details nearer the time.

As I previously mentioned last week, it's likely that guidelines will stipulate that you may need to bring own mat and equipment to classes. I know many of you are well stocked up for your online classes already, if you need anything else please hold on for couple more weeks as I am in the process of setting up an arrangement with the Physical Company which I hope will give you a discount on direct purchases with them.

Next week's timetable - slight change that Weds 17th June 8pm class is moving to Tues 16th June 8pm (log in details remain the same)

No change to Weds 6.30pm class which will be on Weds 17th June as usual.

Thank you so much to the class for moving it around to enable me to participate in my global Pilates coaching group which has been a lifeline through these times!

No problem if you need to switch classes but please let me know first so I can keep an eye on numbers - thank you!

New Zoom links for Friday morning class from next week

Details on weekly email!

Website

As you know I'm rebranding my business on my own name and have been busy creating and updating my new website. I've recently updated my Home page https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/ and About Page https://www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/about and would love you to take a quick look. I've added some Google Testimonials to the Home Page and would always welcome more if you wouldn't mind - here is the link https://g.page/louisa-harris-pilates-mk/review?rc or if you wish to email me and I can add your words to the website.

Thanks so much for your help with this as it's huge help for a small business.

Please also free to add any comments, questions or feedback on the blog posts in comments section below each blog.

YouTube & Vimeo

Please make use of these resources and if you haven't already please subscribe to YouTube channel and make use of the secure Zoom class recordings for your class stored on Vimeo - if you need a reminder of link and password please let me know.

Thanks so much and looking forward to seeing you soon:)

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Take care

Louisa x

Wow! How is it June already?!!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:29:34 GMT

How an earth is it June already and 11+ weeks ish in this bizarre situation?

How an earth is it June already and 11+ weeks ish in this bizarre situation?

Hope that you're doing as well as you can during these challenging times. It's wonderful to see you all on Zoom and my son certainly loves checking in with all the morning classes and testing Mummy's patience?!! Thank you for being so welcoming and friendly to towards him, it's certainly much more appealing seeing you all then getting on with home school!

Anne (pictured) certainly brightened up our Wednesday morning class with her amazing anatomical body suit!

We've been playing with turn out a bit this week in standing and side lying and I completely understand that it may be a love/hate thing for some of us! Let me know how you find it please. We've also dabbled with some Franklin method techniques in Wednesday and Friday sessions this week which I hope you found helpful.

Over the past 10 days I've committed to my own practice for 15-20 mins each day and have felt so much better for it so I'm hoping to film some more shorter but full workout sessions soon for you all too but finding it hard to fit in at the moment so please bear with me.

Fundraising update

I'm delighted to confirm that to date £295 has been raised for Willen and £165 for the Night Shelter. Hopefully we can support these charities at various stages throughout the year with further fundraising efforts.

Willen Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Winter Night Shelter MK: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Thank you to so many for your generous support, it means so much to our local charities.

Next steps...

We're still awaiting official Government Guidance about when we may be able to open up again and what regulations and procedures would need to be in place. At this stage it's anticipated that in person groups would be smaller so could have more space between mats, masks may well be required and it may be necessary to bring your mat and small equipment. As I've previously mentioned I had in mind to consider the possibility of returning to in person sessions from September and that online sessions may well continue alongside that. I'd really appreciate your views with this planning so even at this stage please could you let me know if you think you'd be keen to remain online with Zoom or get back to the Studio from September - I will try to add a poll on social media and/or you can comment below here on the blog with either ONLINE or STUDIO to give me an idea please. We can also discuss at class too. Thanks so much!

Hope you have a lovely weekend and looking forward to seeing you the mat soon!

Take care

Louisa x

Gratitude week update, new block and next steps

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:41:42 GMT

Update at the end of Gratitude week, new block and next steps

Gratitude week update

As many of you know, this half-term week (week of 25th May 2020) has been Gratitude week! I wanted to take the opportunity to thank my active Zoom clients for their support through these challenging times by offering my weekly timetable of classes to them for free this week. I'm so grateful to each and everyone one of you!

Donations, without obligation, have been welcome in lieu of class fees to Willen Hospice and the Winter Night Shelter. I'm delighted to confirm that to date £255 has been raised for Willen and £105 for the Night Shelter. Links are below if anyone else wishes to support these worthy local causes:

Willen Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fu ndraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Winter Night Shelter MK: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Thank you to so many of you already for your generous support, it means so much to our local charities.

The Pilates Workshop 24 hour Live stream event on 24th-25th May 2020

I'm also pleased to confirm that this event has to date raised approx £25k for Cancer Research UK!! Thank you so much for your support, it was great to see familiar names pop up during my live stream class (it helped calm my nerves!!) and we're overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

For those of you using Vimeo I have added a recording of my class in every class showcase folder.

You can also find the recording here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UhlO6F1NK0&t=360s

Any other requests for YouTube videos welcome, just let me know what would be helpful for you.

Next block starts week of 1st June for 7 weeks

Same timetable and Zoom links as previously

Mon 9.15am

Mon 10.30am

Mon 7.30pm

Weds 9.30am

Weds 6.30pm

Weds 8pm

Fri 10.30am

For those of you Zooming please feel free to let me know if there is a certain area you'd like to work on, a piece of Pilates equipment you'd like to use more or any other ideas that may help improve your Zoom class experience.

If anyone who hasn't yet Zoomed with me or hasn't Zoomed for a while, you're very welcome to resume - just get in touch and we can get that organised and arrange a refresher session if needed.

Next steps

Obviously the situation we're in is continually evolving. I am hopeful that we may be able to return to some in person matwork and studio sessions from September (as long as my son is back to school then too!) but it's likely to be a different experience. We will obviously discuss and work out the details well in advance. I also anticipate that the online sessions will continue for some time too, alongside any possible phased return to the studios. It is currently permitted to have 1:1 training outside but still keeping distance, perhaps later on small groups may be available outside too but if it's not safe for us to return to tactile teaching I can't see much more added benefit to this than the Zoom sessions. Anyway, I welcome your thoughts too as we go along.

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic - Free Delivery this weekend!

If you need to stock up or treat yourself on any NYR items there's free delivery from 9am Fri 29th May until 9am Mon 1st June:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/louisaharris

Thanks so much for your support!

Have a wonderful weekend and hope you can enjoy the sunshine!

Take care and stay safe

Louisa x

The week ahead is Gratitude week!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Sun, 24 May 2020 13:52:03 GMT

The week ahead is Gratitude week - a chance for me to say thank you to you!

The week ahead is Gratitude week! I'm taking the opportunity to thank my active Zoom clients for their support through challenging times by offering my timetable of classes to them for free this week (week of 25th May 2020), I'm so grateful to you all!

Absolutely no obligation at all for payment during this week but if you wish to make a donation in lieu of your usual class fee I have set up just giving pages to support Willen Hospice and the Winter Night Shelter in MK and the links are below:

Willen Hospice : https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Winter Night Shelter MK : https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Thank you to so many of you already for your generous support, it means so much to our local charities.

The Pilates Workshop Live stream event on Facebook/Instagram 12pm Sun 24th May - 12pm Mon 25th May

LIVE NOW!!! My slot is at 7pm Sun 24th May would love to see you there as feeling a bit nervous!!

Exciting news! The teachers from the Pilates Workshop studios in Dunstable, Harpenden, St Albans and Milton Keynes/Leighton Buzzard, along with the help from friends of the studio, are going LIVE on Instagram for 24 hours. I am also hoping to simultaneously stream my class only to my own Facebook page as long as technology holds out! I am also hoping to record this class and will probably share via YouTube and/or Vimeo after the event.

From 12pm Sunday 24th May to 12pm Bank Holiday Monday 25th May, The Pilates Workshop will be LIVE - on the hour, every hour - guiding you through a variety of activities, including Pilates and yoga.

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Recent events have led to many of their annual fundraising activities being postponed. They need us now more than ever.

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/the-pilates-workshop-24-hour-live

Join us LIVE from 12pm Sunday 24th – 12pm Monday 25th May

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thepilatesworkshopuk/

Thank you so much for the support!

Mindful Movement Musings on World Meditation Day

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Thu, 21 May 2020 14:51:23 GMT

Mindful Movement Musings on World Meditation Day

As you probably know, the dictionary definition of to meditate is to focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.

If you know me, you'll probably know that I'm generally a busy bee �� and very often doing rather than focusing on being! This is why for me a mindful movement practice, such as Pilates, Yoga or something else is so important. ��‍♂️��‍♀️ You're so fully focused on co-ordination of your breath, alignment, possibly engagement of your centre as well as a movement pattern so this hopefully gives you enough to think about and a much needed opportunity to have a much needed break from the constant chatter buzzing around in your mind, or if this just me??!!

Whatever practice calls you it's so important to give yourself a chance to connect mind and body and focus your attention on yourself, your full and wide breath, how your body feels and where you may be holding tension to give yourself an opportunity to release it! Tune in and listen!��

Obviously recent times have been challenging for all of us and some days are easier than others. It has given me the opportunity to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and being grateful for my boys and our home and taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature in our garden and nearby on our local excursions! Yesterday I was so excited to see one of our first roses this year in bloom! Swipe if you'd like to see it! ��

Take care of yourself and hope you find a few minutes just for YOU! ��

Don't forget @thepilatesworkshopuk live this weekend can help! There is an exciting non stop 24 hour live event of Pilates, Yoga and Dance classes from a fabulous team! Raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK.

My mat class is at 7pm UK time and I'd love to see you there!

Also hoping I will be able to stream my class to my Facebook page too! ��

Full details and timetable here��: https://thepilatesworkshop.co.uk/cancer-research-24-hour-pilates-marathon/

Thanks so much for your support!

Take care ��x

Next block & Gratitude week PLUS Livestream TPW Instagram event 24-25 May

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Tue, 19 May 2020 12:01:42 GMT

TPW 24 hour Live Event

Next block plus Gratitude week!

The week ahead w/c 18th May is the last week of current block of classes. All booking forms/dates for the next block were sent on Thurs 14th May by email but let me know if you need me to resend. Zoom links per class will remain the same as hopefully that makes it easier for everyone!

Weds eve groups - I know the booking forms may have been a surprise so sorry if complicating anything but was just trying to simplify my admin! You can either complete and submit the form and it creates the register for me or just reply by email.

w/c 25th May would normally be half-term with Bank Holiday Monday but I'm proposing to continue the current timetable through this week and I'd like to offer this week to you for free as gratitude for your support and for sticking with me and my classes online at this time, I really appreciate it!

Willen Hospice: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates

Winter Night Shelter MK: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louisa-harris-at-louisa-harris-pilates1

Rebranding

You may also have noticed that I'm re-branding my business in my own name and as always I'd be so grateful for your continued support, either by engaging with me on social media, by subscribing to my YouTube page and/or leaving a review on Google (please search Louisa Harris Pilates) or sending me your feedback/photos of you doing your Zoom sessions/Vimeo homework with me if you're happy for me to share them! I've been busy building a website last few weeks but hope to create some more YouTube content too soon but it's more motivating with subscribers and engagement!!

www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisaharrispilatesmk

Instagram: louisaharris.pilates

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQoDXGq5r1EIZQkWYrluzg

Please review on Google here - https://g.page/the-pilates-workshop-mk-lb/review?mt

The Pilates Workshop Live stream event on Facebook/Instagram 12pm Sun 24th May - 12pm Mon 25th May

Think my slot should be 7pm on Sun 24th May but line up/schedule tbc!

Exciting news! The teachers from the Pilates Workshop studios in Dunstable, Harpenden, St Albans and Milton Keynes/Leighton Buzzard, along with the help from friends of the studio, are going LIVE on Instagram for 24 hours. I am also hoping to simultaneously stream my class only to my own Facebook page as long as technology holds out! Quite nervous about first live stream event so it would be lovely to see a few familiar names pop up if you'd like to join! I am also hoping to record this class and will probably share via YouTube and/or Vimeo after the event.

From 12pm Sunday 24th May to 12pm Bank Holiday Monday 25th May, The Pilates Workshop will be LIVE - on the hour, every hour - guiding you through a variety of activities, including Pilates and yoga.

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/the-pilates-workshop-24-hour-live

Join us LIVE from 12pm Sunday 24th – 12pm Monday 25th May

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thepilatesworkshopuk/

Thank you for the support!

Zoom classes

Fri, 01 May 2020 15:32:32 GMT

A quick transition to Zoom classes! (and a peek behind the scenes in photo above!)

Louisa Harris Pilates is renown for our safe and effective teaching with the majority of our teachers certified by Body Control Pilates (http://www.bodycontrolpilates.com/).

As of 25th March 2020 we already applied good hygiene practices at our studios and classes but had stepped these up over the last month due to increasing concern about Covid-19. As we're all aware the Government guidelines began to change over the last week or so and as soon Boris gave advice for everyone to reduce and avoid all non essential social contact we knew that we had to act quickly to move our classes online. Our team worked together and decided that Zoom would be a good solution for us and within a day or so of Boris's advice we began to shift our existing class schedule online.

Uptake has been amazing, our clients are so grateful to be able to continue with their classes and to interact with their class mates and teacher as usual, especially so when self-isolating and now in lockdown. It's a welcome distraction for us all to work on our mind and body connection at this time. We're maintaining our usual strong principles of a max of 12 people in a class and as all of us (clients and teachers) are becoming more proficient Zoom users our teachers are able to check their client's positioning and alignment as well as to offer alternatives where needed for any specific health conditions or movement restrictions. If our teacher's schedule permits and there are class spaces available we're keen to welcome beginners but they need to complete our Enrolment form for health screening so we can ensure that the exercises in our lesson plan are appropriate for the needs of all participants.

Here's some feedback from Barbara:

"Just a note to say I thoroughly enjoyed zooming on Wednesday evening and felt so good after doing the exercises!

The use of the roller has given me so much more release in certain areas, especially threading the needle! I’ve done it both evenings since and my back feels great.

I thought the zoom class worked really well and I did feel like I was in the room with you. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for you to keep your eyes on everyone from a distance but I think you’ve done this really well, offered so many cues and mods for everyone."

Louisa Harris SH NEWS Interview

Fri, 01 May 2020 15:24:20 GMT

Here is an extract of an interview from SH NEWS (Stoke Hammond Village Newsletter) from September 2019 if you're interested to see how I came to become involved in Pilates!

As a firm believer in the health and well-being benefits of Pilates I am delighted that this month’s article focuses on Stoke Hammond’s own Pilates teacher.

EARLY LIFE

Louisa was born in Watford as the only child of two only children. Her father had his own garage where he did both mechanical and bodywork repair on cars and her mother dealt with all the administration. When she went to secondary school her mother went to work in a solicitor’s office. Louisa loved school and especially enjoyed Music and English. Outside school she played, “any woodwind instrument I could get my hands on” but especially the clarinet and saxophone in she has a grade 8 qualification. Surprisingly, (her words) she was not especially good at sports or PE. Following A levels in Music, English and Theatre Studies Louisa went to Lancaster University to study English Literature with Linguistics and Music. In 1999 she graduated with a 2:1.

CAREER - before Pilates

On leaving university Louisa worked in publishing; she was intending taking a PGCE and going into teaching but then discovered Human Resources ( HR) and went on to become an HR manager completing the professional qualifications and becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). During that career Louisa worked for CreoScitex, a printing company, Cable and Wireless and Rhodia, a French manufacturing company now known as Solvay since its purchase by a Belgian organisation. The last position involved travelling every week to different sites across the UK as well as to Paris, the company’s corporate headquarters. As a result of a stressful business life Louisa started to suffer from neck and shoulder pain. Despite seeing a number of practitioners Louisa found that as soon as she slipped back into old movement habits the aches and pains returned. Then she discovered Pilates and found it made an amazing difference because it helped her to move better all of the time rather than returning to her old bad habits and so she continued her Pilates practice for a number of years. Unfortunately work continued not only to be stressful but also to become increasingly negative as she had to manage restructuring and site closures as manufacturing continued to suffer in the UK. Feeling she needed something to counterbalance the negative aspects of her work Louisa decided to train to teach Pilates both to further her own interest and to share with others so that they could benefit as she has done from what she describes as this incredible method of staying active.

PILATES

In 2008 Louisa began to train part-time with Body Control Pilates completing the course in 2009 to become a Level 3 Matwork teacher. Initially she taught a few classes around her work schedule during evenings and weekends as well as teaching her work colleagues at lunchtimes. Then in 2011 she took a period of maternity leave during which her son Alex was born. A return to HR work on a part-time basis together with teaching some Pilates proved too much to juggle when combined with the needs of a very young child. Eventually Louisa was fortunate to have the opportunity to leave corporate life in 2016. Since then she has focused on her own Pilates business which she fits around family life. Louisa commented that she counts herself very lucky to be able to turn her passion into her own small business and to have had the opportunity to meet many more people locally than she otherwise would have done. Following a request by Donna Page and a “bit of a false start” – ie pregnancy and the birth of Alex - the classes properly started on Sunday mornings in November 2012. Louisa is very pleased that most of those who started with her then at the Community Centre are still attending now either at the Monday morning or evening Intermediate classes. From starting with that one Stoke Hammond class in 2012 Louisa now has five on a Monday (three daytime and two evening classes!” She also teaches at studios in Aspley Guise and Dunstable and at a dance studio in Berkhamsted as well as offering private induction and rehab sessions. As well as matwork Louisa is now qualified to teach exercises on the Reformer, an amazing piece of equipment developed by Joseph Pilates. Louisa has done an extensive amount of continuing professional development over the years. Her portfolio now includes: small equipment such as overballs, toning circles, bands and the foam roller. She also teaches antenatal and postnatal pregnancy classes, children, and people with osteoporosis, scoliosis, low back pain and golf related ailments. Although she enjoys working in a variety of locations Louisa admits that she would love, one day, to have her own studio.Before leaving corporate life Louisa completed qualifications in Sports Massage Therapy. She doesn’t have much time to use it now as the Pilates work keeps her so busy but she says that the training really helped expand her knowledge and enhance her approach to Pilates. As if all that wasn’t enough Louisa also let slip that she is now also a Supervising teacher for Body Control Pilates so students spend time with her at her classes to complete their teaching practice hours as part of their training.

New website!

louisa.pilates@gmail.com (Louisa Harris) — Fri, 01 May 2020 15:24:16 GMT

New website!

Well, I've learnt a lot setting up my new website, mainly by getting stuck in with plenty of trial and error and with help from a great friend!

How do you prefer to learn new things? Do you research and plan first or dive in headfirst like me?!

Hope you like and it find it helpful? If you have any questions or would like more information please let me know. Any future blog subjects you'd like to delve into?

After all this time on my laptop I definitely need some Pilates to re-balance my mind and body!