Fabulous last day at the studio before the summer break and Rohit is doing a fantastic long stretch on the Reformer! ๐ช๐ผ๐ช๐ผ๐ช๐ผPilates is not just for girls! The guys can benefit hugely too and Rohit has been so consistent with his practice for over 2.5 years and it's really paid off!๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
Absolutely incredible work in studio sessions this term - massive well done to you all! Please keep up the good work with your home practice over the summer! ๐โ๏ธ๐
A high speed peek into our last Zoom class this morning before the Summer break!๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ๏ธ๐
I feel like I talk and move this fast and yes I think I did standing balance on same side twice - definitely ready for a break! I haven't said knee drop your shoulders yet - but there's still time! ๐๐คฃ
Wrapping up another fantastic term of Pilates in Stoke Hammond yesterday! ๐โ๏ธ
Here's a little peek ๐ into our 3 Monday daytime classes and 2 evening classes (we missed some of you away today!). ๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ
Extra thanks ๐๐ป to daytime classes being so supportive and welcoming to our student teacher this half-term.
Thank you ๐๐ปall for joining me and being so fabulous! ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป Amazing work and progress all round! Please keep up your matwork practice during the holidays and look forward to seeing you back on the mat from 8th September!๐ Thanks so much for your support and have a great summer!๐โ๏ธ๐
We did it!
Huge well done to this lovely lot - Donna, Michelle, Emma, Agnieszka, Fiona, Jana, Liz & Mary! ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ฎ๐โค๏ธ
Started at 10pm and 10 miles took just under 3 hours 20mins, even quicker for our herd leaders Michelle & Emma!
Thanks so much for your generous support for @willen_hospice
Got home about 2.15am and spent a few mins rolling and stretching on the mat before collapsing into bed! My legs and feet know about it today! Reformer has helped but don't feel like doing many steps today!
Hope you have a lovely weekend! ๐โ๏ธ
Finally time to put my feet up over half-term and have a break with my boys!
Thank you all for such fantastic work this half-term and for bearing with me while poorly - much better now!
Ready to recharge before heading to Sicily ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐น next week for Pilates holidays with @flavoursholidays and this time I'm taking some of you with me - I can't wait to share it with you! ๐ค
Have a wonderful long weekend/half-term ๐ฌ๐ง ๐ค๐ปweather stays ok! ๐
It's that time again! Countdown to the Midnight Moo (my 7th I think!!) for Willen Hospice 2025 on 20th June!! It's a bit earlier than usual this year! 5 or 10 miles around MK starting at 10pm! We have another Fab team too! Jana, Fiona, Donna are joining us! Hoping we'll see more Michelle and Emma to join our Pilates Moo-vers too ๐ฎ๐๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ฆข๐
Here's a few pics from last year and previous years including walkers re joining this time! Thanks so much and looking forward to sharing this Moo with you!
๐คAnyone else joining? Look forward to seeing you there, it's always such a fun night!
Thanks so much for your support so far and if you'd like to contribute to our fundraising efforts you can find the link below and in bio
https://donate.willen-hospice.org.uk/pf/louisa-harris-79e2f
๐๐ป๐
Wishing you a lovely long weekend and Happy International Pilates Day! ๐ฅณ
Huge thanks to Joseph Pilates' incredible work which was so ahead of his time. So grateful for the benefit of his work on my own body.
This mindful movement is so powerful, it has helped me through so much, including pregnancy and labour plus rehab after a car accident. It's an absolute privilege and inspiration to share the work with my amazing clients in our studio sessions and matwork classes, to see their incredible results and the difference their practice makes to their lives.
Please be kind to yourself and take at least moment for yourself today to breathe fully and ideally squeeze some Pilates practice in too!
If needed plenty of ideas for you on my YouTube channel too, link in bio!
Take care ๐
Last day, Day 31 of March Matness today! The push up! A culmination of Joseph Pilates's repertoire.
After a road traffic accident in summer 2013 (which wasn't my fault!) I suffered a left wrist dislocation and distal radius fracture (radius was shattered). The fracture was unstable and even after time in plaster required surgery to fixate it. Unfortunately I also developed complex regional pain syndrome (crps) which complicated rehab and recovery. It was an awful time and I was very lucky to receive so much help and support from family and friends. My son was tiny at the time and changing nappies etc one handed was a challenge! My wonderful clients used to pick me and my equipment up so I could still teach their class while I couldn't drive!
Truly grateful that Pilates and Osteopathy enabled me to Return to Life and even get close to some sort of push up!
The journey may be hard but every little bit of progress adds to up to something significant!
Thank you for sharing the journey with me! ๐๐ป๐
For March Matness @marchmatness Day 30 - Control Balance #controlbalance
Another challenge for me and my heavy bottom! ๐คฆโโ๏ธ๐คฃ
๐Happy Mother's day (England) to all the amazing mums doing a brilliant job every day, and especially to the mums who combine being Dad too. Also thinking of those who are missing special people and feeling that loss today, hope the good memories bring some comfort. Hoping everyone can enjoy their day ๐
Happy March Matness Day 29 - Rocking
#rocking
Today it's Rocking, another one I rarely if ever teach as I'm cautious about amount of load/compression into lumbar especially if thoracic extension limited.
Instead I prefer Diamond press with 1 leg quad stretch option as I go through in the video.
โ ๏ธ Avoid if Osteoporosis, low back pain, issues or restrictions with hips, knees or ankles!
Thanks to Pilates for helping us cope with rocky times!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 28 - Seal
#seal plus #crab but haven't added that one this year as never teach it!
Today it's Seal, my son's favourite Pilates exercise! Good fun to bring everything together. Try to open legs from hips rather than flappy feet! Feel free to add sound effects if you like!
โ ๏ธ Avoid if Osteoporosis and low back pain
Thanks to Pilates for helping us be playful and rediscover our inner child!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 27 - Boomerang
#boomerang
Definitely another work in progress for me but good to have fun with it. Bringing together all the elements we've worked on so far through March Matness. I was very guarded here to try and avoid bashing my feet on either end of the Cadi!
โ ๏ธ Avoid if Osteoporosis and low back pain
Thanks to Pilates for helping us be playful and smiling!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 26 - Side Bend
#sidebend
Definitely challenging and building strength in shoulder girdle, your centre and laterally flexing the spine.
Due to my metal mickey wrist I prefer to stay on elbows for this one but classical version is on extended supporting arm.
Thanks to Pilates for helping to lift and lengthen us!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 24 Part 2 - Leg Pull Back #legpullback
Lift and support from your centre and powerhouse to avoid sinking in your shoulders and wrists! These can be a struggle for my metal mickey wrist (surgically fixated after distal radius shattered following RTA 12 years ago) but strengthening my shoulders has really helped.
This has only been made possible thanks to the surgical skills of @buckshandexpert, huge amount of rehab and maintenance support from @luton_osteopath and @carolinemusgrove41 and of course Pilates helping me to Return to Life!
Thanks to Pilates for helping to lift us up!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 24 Part 1 - Leg Pull Front #legpullfront
Lift and support from your centre and powerhouse to avoid sinking in your shoulders and wrists! These can be a struggle for my metal mickey wrist (surgically fixated after distal radius shattered following RTA 12 years ago) but strengthening my shoulders has really helped.
This has only been made possible thanks to the surgical skills of @buckshandexpert, huge amount of rehab and maintenance support from @luton_osteopath and @carolinemusgrove41 and of course Pilates helping me to Return to Life!
Thanks to Pilates for helping to lift us up!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 23 - Swimming
#swimming #marchmatness2025
Today it's Swimming, working on our extension of our hips, spines and shoulders as we're all swimming through choppy waters at times. Makes me think of Dory ๐๐ in Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...!" This exercise certainly makes us look like a wind up bath toy once you get going! ๐๐ธ๐คฃ
Thanks to Pilates to help propel us forwards and upwards!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 22 - Hip Twist/Hip circles
#hiptwist
Definitely another challenge for abdominal strength, spinal length and hip flexor endurance. Suits me better to have elbows down rather than lengthened arms.
Thanks to Pilates for always giving us options and choices about what's right for our bodies!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 21 - Teaser
#teaser
Definitely a challenge for abdominal strength, spinal length and hip flexor endurance. I suppose such a challenge is symbolic the times we're still living in ... but like the teaser we will rise up again!
Thanks to Pilates for keeping us strong in body and mind and able to endure whatever comes our way!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 19 - Jack Knife
#jackknife
Today it's Jack Knife and not my strong point (my heavy bottom strikes again! ๐คฃ) the Cadi is definitely my friend to help here!
Definitely best to try these inversions with a teacher to help you and AVOID if Osteoporosis or Low back pain or neck issues.
Thanks to Pilates for keeping us moving every which way!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 18 - Spine Twist
#spinetwist
Today it's Spine Twist! Working on sitting tall and spinal rotation and to co-ordinate your movement and breath to get rid of the old air in the lungs to make space for new fresh ๐คair.
Thanks to Pilates for helping us to sit tall, breath fully and rotate our thoracic spine!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 17 - Shoulder Bridge
#shoulderbridge
Today it's Shoulder bridge, continuing to build on the foundation of your spine curl and building glute strength!๐ I prefer to keep spinal in neutral and to avoid lumbar extension as that suits my body better.
Thanks to Pilates for strengthening back line of the body and mobilising our hips and spine!
Happy St Patrick's Day too! ๐๐
Happy March Matness Day 16 - Scissors & Bicycle
#scissors #bicycle
Lots of abdominal strength required as well as hip mobility and co-ordination! I have stuck with my favoured foam roller alternative rather than including the classical version this time!
Thanks to Pilates for providing amazing opportunities for hip mobility and co-ordination!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 15 - Neck Pull
#neckpull
Lots of abdominal strength required as well as an appreciation of neutral and C shapes of the spine plus plenty of articulation.
Just stay with neutral hinge aspect for Osteoporosis and you may prefer to sit in long frog/diamond shape of legs than lengthened.
Thanks to Pilates for helping us to lengthen and strengthen to sit tall!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 14 - Double Leg Kick!
#doublelegkick
I start with Dart as prep for this one. Now let's kick ourselves in the butt with both legs or just continue to be kick ass! Great for hip extension, glute and hamstring strength as well as spinal and shoulder extension as you progress with the exercise.
Thanks to Pilates for helping us counteract the effects of our forward flexed lifestyle habits!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 13 - One Leg Kick/Single Leg Kick
#onelegkick
Happy day 13 of March Matness!! It may well feel at times as if the world is still giving us a kick in the butt but perhaps we can just get it over with and do it ourselves?! Great for hip extension, glute and hamstring strength as well as spinal extension as you progress with the exercise. A great position to use for reading/screen time for yourselves and those around you!
Thanks to Pilates for helping us counteract the effects of our forward flexed lifestyle habits!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 12 - Swan
#swandive
Happy day 12 of March Matness!! Today it's Swan Dive but we start off with Cobra prep. Spinal extension so important for us all to counteract the amount of time our spines spend in a flexed forward position! My back generally prefers thoracic extension and this is an important step for everyone to discover to avoid dumping load and pressure in the lumbar spine. Think more about the length of your spine rather than how high you may or may not be lifting!
โ ๏ธCaution for Osteoporosis or low back pain - you may prefer to stay with thoracic extension rather than including lumbar extension
Thanks to Pilates for counteracting the effects of our forward flexed lifestyle habits!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 11 - The Saw
#saw
Today it's The Saw combining spinal rotation and flexion which is quite loaded for the spine so only tackle this one if able to sit tall (prop up if you need to). Another movement that helps us to fully exhale so we can take a fuller inhale.
โ ๏ธNot suitable for Osteoporosis or low back pain
Thanks to Pilates for helping us to sit tall, mobilise our spine and breathe fully!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 10 - Corkscrew -alternative and preparation
#corkscrew
The full exercise does not suit my body well so I've shared a lovely alternative instead!
โ ๏ธNot suitable for Osteoporosis or low back pain
Thanks to Pilates for keeping our ego in check as well as keeping our practice evolving!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 9 - Rolling like a Rocker
#rockerwithopenlegs
Building on rolling like a ball and the shape you made with yesterday's Spine Stretch forward but with the challenge of extended legs which can be a tricky if hamstrings are tight!
โ ๏ธNot suitable for Osteoporosis and Caution if back pain/conditions
Thanks to Pilates for keeping things interesting and providing challenges to work through!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy day 8 of March Matness as well as International Women's Day!
Today it's Spine Stretch forward! Working to sit tall and lengthen and mobilise your spine in flexion as well as using the movement to expel the old air out from our lungs enabling us to fill it back up with fresh air ideally! You may need to prop yourself up with a block or cushions if hips are a bit tight and/or keep the knees bent if necessary.
โ ๏ธNOT suitable for Osteoporosis and Caution if low back pain - perhaps do a neutral lengthened hip hinge forward instead
๐Thanks to Pilates for helping us to sit tall and huge thanks to my amazing female family, friends, teachers, colleagues and clients for your constant support and encouragement, you help lift me up so much and the world is such a better place when we can help each other.๐๐ค
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 7 - Double Leg Stretch
#doublelegstretch
Building on yesterday's Single Leg Stretch and great to strengthen your centre and work on your alignment and co-ordination!
โ ๏ธHead down (supported if necessary) and legs higher than shown for Osteoporosis and Caution if low back pain.
You could also support head with hands in curl up position.
Thanks to my Pilates community for lift each other up when we need it.
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 6 - One Leg Stretch - Single Leg Stretch
#onelegstretch
Great to strengthen and massage your centre and work on your alignment, co-ordination and stamina!
โ ๏ธHead down (supported if necessary) and legs higher than shown for Osteoporosis and Caution if low back pain.
Thanks to Pilates for helping us to learn to keep going even when the going gets tough!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 5 - Rolling back - Rolling like a ball
#rollingback
Some days we may feel like curling into a ball but let's try to roll with it for today. Using our strong centre to support and mobilise our spine in flexion, in a lengthened C curve.
โ ๏ธNOT suitable for Osteoporosis and Caution if low back pain.
โ ๏ธDO NOT land on the neck!
Thanks to Pilates for helping us to roll like a ball rather than a brick, keeping us in touch with our inner child and to feel playful while massaging our spine!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 4 - One leg circles!
#onelegcircles
Today it's leg circles! Fabulous for oiling ๐ช๐ขour hips and working on our pelvic stability. If it's not possible to have legs lengthened and raised you can do with a bent leg too. Great to support either a bent or a straight leg with a band too.
Thanks to Pilates for helping to keep our hips healthy and mobile!
Have a lovely day! ๐
Happy March Matness Day 3 - Roll over!
#rollover
Here is the video! See how the studio work of legs in straps and short spine massage (1st video) is so helpful to assist you in the matwork version of a roll over (2nd video).
Put your feet up and gain perspective! ๐ When things get a little topsy-turvy, why not join in?!
This one is a challenge for me, I don't think my body proportions are on my side for the roll over - heavy bottom! ๐คฃ๐คฆโโ๏ธ My back or neck are not always fans either! Using a overball or roller under the pelvis can help get that initial lift and recently I'm preferring to hold the uprights on the Cadi or Tower too. Working on the reformer is a huge help and support too. If it's a new one for you it's best to work on with a teacher to help you get this one organised and avoid compression in your spine or neck.
Thanks to Pilates ๐๐ป for giving me a challenge with this continuous work in progress! It's good to see things from a different perspective though!
Have a lovely day! โ๏ธ๐
Happy March Matness Day 2 - Roll up!
#rollup
Here is a little video!
Essential to find the lengthened C curve of your spine and articulate your spine within the range that you can control from your centre. This was one such a milestone for me postnatally, it took a look time for my diastasis recti to heal as I had a huge bump (looked like I'd swallowed a gym ball!!) so thanks to Pilates I was able to eventually do a roll up again. I remember excitedly telling my hubby about it and showing him a demo but sadly he didn't really share my enthusiasm!
Have a lovely day! ๐
We're off... March Matness Day 1 is the 100.
Make it you're own! Post whiplash my neck isn't super happy in unsupported flexion for long so I may support my head with my hand/s. You can always have legs higher or bent in a double knee fold, or bring your bent legs down so feet are on the mat. Maybe try 1 knee fold and opposite arm reach pulses as a great prep
Another positive sign of Spring ๐ท๐ผ is imminent! ๐
It's that time again! March Matness is almost here! In case you're not aware, it's a global celebration of Joseph Pilates original matwork series @matchmatness
I usually participate in some shape or form - but I may not have the energy or capacity to create completely new content this time round so will at least be sharing some from previous years which I hope will be helpful for you.
If you're super keen to get going there's a link in the bio with a breakdown of options for each exercise as well as March Matness classes to play with at home!
Enjoy!
Sometimes we may revisit some variations of the exercises during our matwork classes - we'll see how we go!
Please feel free to share your thoughts and insights as we go!
Have a lovely weekend! ๐ค๐ปโ๏ธ๐
Hope you're doing well, Happy Valentine's Day to you!! ๐๐นShow yourself some love and care!
This session was inspired from a previous Self-Love Valentine's Pilates & Yoga Retreat Event - taking care of your neck, shoulders and entire spine to help you open your heart with more ease.
Covering: Relaxation position/Semi-supine, Side-lying, prone and four-point kneeling.
It's just over 30 mins! Hope it's useful - let me know how you get on and if you need any help! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐๐งโโ๏ธ
Here's the link and you can find it in bio too: https://youtu.be/zPFxnIfpkYw
Almost made it to half-term, phew! Finishing studio move over the coming week ๐ค๐ป - please wish me luck and see you on the other side! Have a good weekend and week ahead! ๐
๐ธ๏ธOn Wednesdays at 9.30am and 7.30pm we Zoom!
These sessions are ideal if we have had the pleasure of working together in person at some point so I already know you and any individual needs you have or issues you may be working on.
They're also a great catch up option if you can't make your regular matwork class, PLUS there is a huge library of class recordings available on a complementary basis to my regular matwork and studio clients! Perfect for extra practice and to take me with you on your travels!๐ป๐ฉ
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are for marvellous Pilates matwork!๐งโโ๏ธ
Every Pilates class with me will help you connect to your breath ๐ฌ, release tension๐โโ๏ธ, increase mobility๐ ๐โโฌ๏ธ and build strength and resilience through body and mind!๐ช๐ง
We devote plenty of attention to the spine and posture, as well as shoulders, hips and our peripheral joints to ease any aches and pains.
Most classes are currently full with waitlist except:
๐ธ๏ธMon 12noon class in Stoke Hammond
๐ธ๏ธ2 spaces available - get in touch if you'd like to join us or find out more!
Happy Fri-Yay and weekend ahead! ๐
๐ฃPilates 1:1 & 2:1 Studio Sessions!๐ฃ
๐Studio Between Stoke Hammond & Great Brickhill๐
Heard about Reformer Pilates and wondering what all the fuss is about?๐ค
Try it for yourself to find out! Plus Cadillac and Chair!
Always plenty of feel good strengthening, mobilising, lengthening & smiles at sessions entirely bespoke to your needs from comprehensively trained, qualified and highly experienced teachers!
โญSessions with Louisa Tuesday and Thursday daytimesโญ
Investment for 1 hour 1:1 ยฃ50 or 2:1 ยฃ60.
Get in touch for more info or to check availability if you'd like to use the power of the springs to move better and feel better!
www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/Studio
PLUS!๐ฃ
โญMonday Matwork classes in Stoke Hammondโญ
โญWednesday Zoom Matwork classesโญ
โญFriday Matwork classes Place Eight Wellness Swanbourne โญ
www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk/Matwork
Hi! ๐๐ป Hope you've had a good week so far and that it's not been too painful getting back into some kind of routine this week!
If you're new here, welcome! I'm Louisa, a Pilates Specialist, teaching since 2009 (goodness feeling old!! ๐คฏ๐ฒ), including matwork and studio equipment! My mission is to help people move better to feel better, every body is welcome and able to benefit from adding the feel good functional movement of Pilates to your life!
Here's a little peek๐ into our marvellous movers during matwork classes at Place Eight Wellness today!๐งโโ๏ธ Will tell you about studio sessions next time!
If you're interested to get moving you can find my matwork schedule and available spaces below or do check out my extensive resources on YouTube which includes a Beginners Essentials Playlist as well as plenty of movement snack ideas: https://www.youtube.com/@LouisaHarrisPilates
๐Mondays - Stoke Hammond MK FACE TO FACE CLASSES/Zoom๐
๐ธ๏ธ9.15am Intermediate / Zoom option - FULL
๐ธ๏ธ10.30am Gentle / Improvers (Osteoporosis friendly) - FULL
๐ธ๏ธ12noon Improvers - 2 SPACES
๐ธ๏ธ6pm Beginners/Improvers - FULL
๐ธ๏ธ7.15pm Mixed Level Improvers/Intermediate - FULL
๐Wednesdays - Zoom๐
๐ธ๏ธ9.30am Mixed Level ZOOM
๐ธ๏ธ7.30pm Mixed Level ZOOM
๐Fridays - Place Eight Wellness Studio, Swanbourne STUDIO๐
๐ธ๏ธ9.40am - Mixed Level/Intermediate - FULL
๐ธ๏ธ11am - Improvers - 1 SPACE
Have a great weekend, keep warm ๐งฃand take care๐
Hi!! ๐Hope you're keeping well and have had a lovely Christmas break!
You're probably already being bombarded with marketing for 5 minute wonders regarding health & wellness jumping on the New Year's resolutions bandwagon - I believe it's the small and consistent sustainable habits that can be a real game changer!
My annual message at this time of year is that there's ... Absolutely no need for a new YOU because you're wonderful just the way you are! In fact, maybe be even more YOU!
Happy New Year!!๐
Yet again, what a year itโs been for us all in so many different ways! It's been a busy one with a full schedule of matwork classes (Mondays Stoke Hammond, Wednesdays Online, Fridays at Place Eight Wellness) ๐งโ and 1:1/2:1 studio sessions (an average of around 100 clients every week!) as well teaching wonderful Pilates Holidays in Tuscany, Sicily ๐ฎ๐น & Marrakech ๐ฒ๐ฆ with @flavoursholidays
๐๐ปThank you for sharing the journey with me and being in our Pilates community. Whether you're a past or present client or colleague
It's a pleasure to have you in class and see and hear about the difference that your Pilates practice can make.
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.
If you haven't yet joined us but are keen to be kind to yourself and incorporate some nourishing, functional, feel good and mindful movement for you may want to check out my YouTube Channel for a Beginners series as well as movement snack ideas for different areas of focus: https://www.youtube.com/c/LouisaHarrisPilates
๐ hope it shines bright 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! ๐
Take care,
Louisa ๐
www.louisaharrispilates.co.uk
Wishing you and yours a Wonderful Christmas๐๐
and a very Happy New Year๐!
THANK YOU AND SEASONAL GREETINGS!
That's a wrap - all matwork classes and studio sessions finished for this year!!
๐๐ปJana for the ๐ธ Mon evening!
Big thanks also to the lovely ladies that joined me for our Pilates Christmas Lunch on Weds 11th Dec at the Dolphin in Stoke Hammond - time flew by with such great company and delicious food!! Let's hope we can make this an annual event! ๐
Thank you for continuing to welcome our student teachers into classes, both in person and online, they gain so much from spending time with you all!
Whether you're a past or present client or due to join me in the New Year, just a quick message to thank you all for your support over the past year. It's a pleasure to have you in class and see and hear about the difference that your Pilates practice makes.
Great to hear how you're sharing your Pilates gems with your family at home too! For me the true power of Pilates is in the difference it can make to our lives off of the mat to help keep us doing whatever else we love to do.
Please keep up your nourishing movement practice during the holidays, little and often is always better than not at all! There should be almost 1000 ๐คฏ recordings on Vimeo by the end of term (if you're a current matwork or studio client access is complimentary - ask me if you need a reminder of access details) and there's plenty on my Youtube channel too - Please subscribe!! Thank you!
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.
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!
I'll look forward to seeing you back on the mat very soon, whether online, in person.
Many thanks
Take care
Louisa ๐
Pilates Christmas Tree ๐efforts this year for Stoke Hammond Christmas Tree Festival this coming weekend ๐ 7-8th Dec at St Luke's - it's looking beautifully festive already so do check it out if you can:
๐Sat 10.45am-4pm
๐Sun 11am-3pm
Free entry with refreshments available too! ๐
Big thanks ๐๐ป to my Mon Stoke Hammond classes who let me take festive pics this week for the Tree too, really brightening things up alongside my longstanding Pilates Elf ๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโ๐ ๐คฃ baubles!! ๐
It's Fri-Yay!!๐ Seeking out any sunny spots I can! โ๏ธ
So ready for the weekend after a great week back to matwork classes and studio sessions!
Thank you all for joining me and making your shoulders soften, hips happier and spines slinkier!
On this Black Friday ๐ and during the season ๐ ahead , please support small independent businesses, wellness & movement teachers, creators & artists etc where you can. Even if you're not in the market to purchase, your engagement on social media is hugely helpful for small businesses. Feel free to share your recommendations of your favourites below too! ๐๐ป
Thanks so much ๐ and have a lovely weekend! ๐
Pilates moments in the paradise of Marrakech @flavoursholidays
Such a capable group! It has been such a joy to meet everyone and spend time together on and off the mat this week!
Part 5
Looking forward to getting back to my studio and classes and seeing you all next week! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐
Sorry I can't bring the sunshine back for you! We'll have to create our own! ๐
Happy Halloween! ๐๐ป๐งโโ๏ธ๐งน
Not really getting in to the 'spirit' of things so much this year as having a little break over half-term but here are a few pics from the last few years!
New half-term block of classes and studio sessions starts next week! No tricks just plenty of nourishing feel good movement treats!
Anyone fancy a Broomsticks class next week??
๐งน๐งน๐งน
Looking forward to seeing you soon! ๐
๐๐ปThanks for another wonderful half-term of Pilates! So proud of how brilliant and capable you all are!
๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
NO CLASSES NEXT WEEK for HALF-TERM - please dust of your mat and use Vimeo in the meantime!!
We're back from the week of 4th November!๐
Thanks so much for bookings already received, if you haven't yet booked, please do so or message me asap. You can find full info in email reminder sent just now!๐ง
Studio Equipment
A local colleague of mine will be selling some barely used professional quality Pilates matwork equipment, once she sends me the details of what's available I will let you know as I'm aware that a some of you are interested in a few props!
Seasonal Shopping
If you're keen to be more organised than me with any seasonal shopping, lovely Michelle from our Mon 6pm class, provides some gorgeous personalised crafts and gifts, you can have a browse here:
https://www.facebook.com/personalisedgiftsbyAnnaandMichelle
Have a great weekend and half-term week ahead!
Definitely ready for a little break! It's been a long half-term!
Many thanks
Take care
Louisa ๐
Thanks to lovely Fiona for keeping her practice going while I was away in Sicily ๐โ๏ธand keeping accountable by sending me proof that definitely made me smile!๐
I wanted to share the Happy Monday vibes with you!
Looking forward to our roller classes this week and counting down to a little break over October half-term!
Every week classes are running 1 zoom class is recorded and available on a complementary basis to all active clients. It's a great way to get in extra practice, to take me with you on your travels and for you to keep moving when I'm away too!
๐ฒ๐ฆMorocco is a country that has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by Arab, Berber, African, and European civilizations. Marrakech is a city that showcases this culture in its traditions, arts, and religions. The architecture of Marrakech reflects the Islamic, Andalusian, and French styles, in the mosques, palaces, and gardens. The cuisine of Marrakech is a fusion of Moroccan, African, and Mediterranean flavors, and the famous mint tea is a refreshing drink.
The scenery of Morocco is also stunning, and Marrakech is a good base to explore it. The High Atlas Mountains are visible from Marrakech and offer scenic hikes, waterfalls, and rural retreats. The green valleys and oases around Marrakech are dotted with palm trees, olive groves, and almond orchards. The arid plains and deserts near Marrakech are home to nomadic tribes, camel caravans, and ancient kasbahs. The Atlantic coast is not far from Marrakech and has sandy beaches, fishing villages, and surf spots.
Morocco and Marrakech are destinations that will amaze you with their culture and scenery. They are places where you can discover new things, have fun, and make memories.
I cannot wait to offer a relaxing week-long Pilates ๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ retreat ๐ 16-23 November with in Marrakech and if you fancy joining me for some winter โ๏ธsun there are a few more spaces available!!
All Pilates abilities are welcome, including Beginners - groups are small enough so we can really bespoke everything to your individual needs. As well as 10 Pilates lessons during the week we'll also be able to explore markets, mountains (including an optional guided walk into the Atlas mountains), the Medina, the Majorelle Gardens as well as staying at a luxury villa with our own host and private chef!
If you're keen to find out more please check this link:
https://www.flavoursholidays.co.uk/pilates-holidays/marrakech-morocco/
Or call the UK Flavours office on Tel: 0131 343 2500 to speak to Caroline or Gareth for full information
Flavours are a long established and reputable UK based travel company and specialist in providing solo traveller holiday experiences.
Just thinking about World Mental Health Day and wanting to encourage you to take a little time and care for yourself and those around you.
Self care is not selfish, it is absolutely necessary for all of us to help us thrive and care for those around us too.
I'm so lucky to have found Pilates and in more recent years Yoga and indoor cycling, as my main means of self-care - the complete mindful focus required on breathing, centring and moving really should use all your concentration so at least the other chatter in our minds has to step aside for a while and give our brain some much needed respite!
Moving well and re-establishing our mind-body connection is so valuable, to give us confidence in ourselves and to feel in control of our body rather than at its' mercy. It has really helped me cope with many challenges in life over the years!
We are all a work in progress and should try to talk as kindly to ourselves as we would do to our friends and family.
I've been grateful today that my son is back to school so I can teach my studio sessions as well as my own practice.
Try to take a few minutes to slow down each day, focus on one thing at a time! We're surrounded by distractions and it's tempting to multi-task every minute of the day but utterly exhausting!๐ด
Find yourself a comfortable space and focus on slowing down your breathing, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ Notice sounds, sights and textures around you.
Appreciate and find time for fresh air and the nature around us.๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ Nourish yourself with good movement, as well as healthy food and plenty of water.๐ฅฅ๐ฅ๐ Express gratitude each day for what you do have in your life, it's the simple things that can make such a difference.๐ Play your favourite song and sing and/or dance your heart out!๐๐บ Read, I prefer reading off screen but know I'm old school! I love to read before fiction before bed and find it really helps me switch off.
๐คWhat would you add??
Take care of yourself and feel free to connect and talk to me, talk to those around you and find more sources of support here: ๐
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-heal
On Wednesdays we Zoom ๐, morning and evening. The morning class is recorded and available on a complementary basis to all active clients.
Super grateful ๐๐ปthat so many of you still join me online, it's been a great way to keep our practice consistent and to take me with you on your travels - as the lovely Donna is demonstrating poolside in Spain!๐
Wow! What a fabulous week to wrap up my time in stunning sunny Sicily this year!๐โ๏ธ
Another amazing group of strong, capable and inspirational women! Sooo many laughs๐คฃ and no subjects๐คญ off limits! We enjoyed our time at a beautiful seaside villa and wonderful trips to Modica, Sampieri Beach, Scicli (extra special for Montalbano fans!!), Siricusa and Noto.
We were spoilt rotten by our fabulous chef Massimo who prepared delicious food ๐ suitable for everyone's dietary requirements. Beans on toast for tea will most definitely be a come down!
It was also an absolute pleasure to meet our wonderful host Omar who is absolutely a very good human๐๐ป, a fount of knowledge๐คฏ about his county and beyond and a really lovely guy!
I've enjoyed lots of Italian ๐ฎ๐น practice and made so many mistakes and learnt a lot!๐คช
I hope I cross paths again with all the amazing people I've met over the last couple of weeks!
Safe travels and Happy Sunday!
Looking forward to seeing everyone back at classes and the studio this week! ๐
What a wonderful week of Pilates in sunny Sicily with @flavoursholidays and a lovely group of inspiring ladies! We were looked after amazingly well by our fabulous host Mihaela and incredible chef Pina!
We enjoyed Pilates outside by the pool with beautiful birds flying overhead in the evening.
Fantastic trips to Siricusa, Noto, Sampieri beach and Modica which was a favourite with everyone!
Delighted to be part of the @flavoursholidays Pilates teaching team!
Thanks to Georgie for featuring me in the recent Flavours magazine as well as for choosing a pic with my eyes open! ๐คฃ
Heading to stunning Sicily ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐น at the weekend for 2 wonderful weeks with lovely guests!
Huge thanks to Trevor & Nikki @move.better.academy for looking after most of my matwork classes while I'm away!
Also ๐ฒ๐ฆ Morocco 16th Nov
2025
๐ฎ๐น Sicily 1st June
๐ฎ๐น Sicily 8th June - private week just for my clients and only 1 space left!!
๐ฎ๐น Puglia 27th Sep
๐ฎ๐น Puglia 4th Oct
Will pop link in the bio if you fancy a browse!
Better keep working through my to-do list and get packing!
Have a great weekend! ๐
Happy face in the sunshine as I had a chance to squeeze in a quick Reformer session just for me before heading home, and last time for me to be there for a couple of weeks too!
Amazing work from all my studio clients these past few weeks, it's been such a pleasure! Keep up the great work while I'm away and look forward to catching up soon! ๐
Hi and hope you're keeping well.๐ป
Can't believe we're heading towards the end of the summer holidays โ๏ธ - hope you've had a good few weeks! I'm so honoured that so many of you have joined me over the summer holiday period either online, at Place Eight or at the studio - thanks so much!๐๐ป
I'm certainly looking forward to getting back to the full schedule of matwork classes and studio sessions, and seeing you all from tomorrow 2nd September! It's feeling Autumnal ๐๐ and I'm definitely ready to resume some semblance of routine!
It's a busy half-term coming up too! 3 weeks with me and then while I'm in Sicily with @flavoursholidays for 2 weeks Trevor @movebetterfitness will be looking after most of my matwork classes - thanks so much Trevor!
After shivering amongst the sunflowers ๐ปthis weekend I am definitely looking forward to some Sicilian sun!! ๐โ๏ธ๐ฎ๐น and can't wait to share it with a bespoke trip just for my clients in June 2025! Then I'll be back with you for 3 weeks before October half-term!
See you back on the mat soon and good luck with all the back to school shenanigans!! ๐๐ป๐
My first weekend off of the summer holidays was well spent @bodycontrolpilates on the Cadillac 2/Tower course! It's been a while since I've been to BCP HQ so it was lovely to be back with a lovely group of teachers and fabulous tutors Sam for day 1 and Sarah for day 2. All of the studio equipment is amazing but I absolutely love the Cadi/Tower work, it feels great in my body and I love sharing it clients at the studio too! Luckily I have a Tower at home and a full Cadillac at the studio and I can't wait to play with the repertoire!
Hope you're having a lovely weekend too! ๐โ๏ธ
Wow, we've made it! End of Summer Term! ๐ Plus there is actually some sunshine!! โ๏ธHope you're there or almost there too!!๐ค๐ป
It was great to finally get outside at Place Eight but it was a hot and sweaty morning for me! Definitely needed a Matchaโ๏ธ boost and a delicious celebratory end of term cake๐ง from @placeeightcafe Thank you! ๐๐ป๐
So much going on this term it's been a bit of blur, 2 week long holidays in Tuscany and 1 week in Sicily with Flavours ๐ฎ๐น, otherwise usually around 20 hours of teaching looking after 100 people each week, in matwork classes face to face and online as well as private studio sessions!
Thank you ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป all so much for joining me, I'm so lucky that you all make it such a pleasure! Loveโค๏ธ hearing what a difference your Pilates ๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธmakes for you, it's such a powerful tool to take care of yourself and you deserve every moment!
I'll be teaching a reduced schedule for 4 out of the 6 weeks break which will include studio sessions, Weds 9.30am and 7.30pm Zooms and a Friday 10am Summer Special class at Place Eight.
Looking forward to a change of routine and a bit of break! Also have a Pilates Cadillac training weekend at Body Control Pilates coming up and I can't wait!
The Pilates Studio offers way more than Reformer, although it's a fabulous piece of apparatus too!
Next term will wrap up the season with 2 weeks in Sicily๐ฎ๐น.
I've also been organising my 2025 dates with Flavours which includes a private Pilates holiday week just for my clients - I've shared the details with those of you who have already expressed an interest and will include more info in my summer newsletter which is coming up next on my to do list (and is a much more fun job than the tax return!!).
Have a lovely weekend and summer holiday period!๐โ๏ธ
Take care and look forward to seeing you back on the mat soon! ๐
We did it!๐ #jointheherd
Donna & Amber set the pace to 5 mile point where they wrapped things up with Liz too!
Jana and I didn't dare take a portaloo pitstop, we had to keep going! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธThat didn't stop Barbara and Vanessa though who soon steamed past us and finished about 5 mins before us! We came in at about 3 hours 18 mins! Luckily just a little bit of drizzle close to the finish line!
Very happy to get home and get trainers off for quick foam roll before bed before 3am! Hoping for a quietish day today ๐ฅฑ๐ด
Thanks to all your amazing and generous support we've raised ยฃ1,115 so far!
Thank you so much! ๐๐ป๐๐
Hope you have a lovely weekend! X
It's my 6th Midnight Moo #midnightmoo2024 #jointheherd this evening! Looking forward to walking ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ with lovely Jana, Barbara, Vanessa, Donna, Amber and Liz and really hoping it's not chucking it down the entire 10 miles! ๐ค๐ป
Thanks so much to the lovely ladies joining me tonight and to those of you who have joined me in previous years too ... Marita, Jenny, Shelley, Fiona, Donna, Mimi and some of you have even joined on more than one occasion.๐๐ป๐๐๐ฎ๐ถโโ๏ธ
It's getting harder each year as usually in bed by 10pm so no longer a night owl๐ฆ at all these days, just a boring exhausted pigeon! ๐ฆ (thanks Menopause!) Also hoping hip injury (in New Year) rehab holds out - thank goodness as always for Pilates and the wonderful @carolinemusgrove41๐๐ป
I started joining the Midnight Moo in memory of a lovely friend and Pilates colleague Sue who was cared for by Willen ๐ฆข and always think of Sue during the walk, as well as so many other people in our community supported by Willen every day.
Maybe see you there? Have a great night! ๐ฅณ
You can see my mat and props ready when I get back, hopefully before 3am ๐ฅฑ๐ด
Please support our fundraising if you can.
Link bio๐๐ป
Thanks so much for all your generous support - over ยฃ1000 so far!! ๐๐๐ป๐
Being a silly Moo at classes today as we get ready for our MK Midnight Moo this coming Friday! @willen_hospice ๐ฆข #jointheherd
Thanks so much for the support so far! ๐๐ป๐
Our dream team of Jana, Barbara, Vanessa, Donna, Amber, Mary, Liz and I are so grateful for your generosity! Over ยฃ700 raised so far! If you'd like to support us please find the link in the bio above ๐๐ป
Please keep your fingers crossed ๐ค๐ป that the weather improves too! Really hope it's not a soggy one!
Thanks so much! ๐๐ป๐๐ถโโ๏ธ๐๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ฎ
Have a great day and week!
It's that time again! Countdown to the Midnight Moo for Willen Hospice 2024 on 12th July!! 5 or 10 miles around MK starting at 10pm! We have our biggest team this year! Jana, Barbara, Vanessa, Donna, Amber, Mary & Liz are joining us! ๐ฎ๐๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ฆข๐
๐คAnyone else joining? Look forward to seeing you there, it's always such a fun night!
๐คAny recommendations for cow ears headbands or cow print leggings?? ๐ฎ๐
Thanks so much for your support so far and if you'd like to contribute to our fundraising efforts you can find the link in the bio ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐
What an amazing week at beautiful @valata_minusa in Sicily with @flavoursholidays! ๐ฎ๐นโ๏ธ
Fabulous Pilates group that took on board all my feedback and tips, incredible to see progress everyone has made in their movement awareness both on and off the mat! ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
We were so brilliantly looked after by wonderful Catherine โค๏ธ as our host and lovely Carmela as our incredible chef! ๐๐๐
Valata Minusa Villa is stunning with a real Sicilian flair everywhere, we even got to enjoy fabulous trips to Modica, Siricusa, Noto & Sampieri!
As always sad to say goodbye to my lovely Pilates group and fantastic cooks this week but hope our paths cross again! ๐๐ค๐ป
Can't wait to be back to Sicily in the Autumn!
Have a lovely rest of the weekend and hopefully see you all soon! ๐
What an amazing week in beautiful Tuscany with @flavoursholidays! ๐ฎ๐นโ๏ธ
Fabulous Pilates group with 100% attendance that took on board all my feedback and tips, incredible to see progress everyone has made in their movement both on and off the mat! ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
We were so brilliantly looked after by wonderful Margherita โค๏ธ as our host and Barbara as our incredible chef! ๐๐๐
San Luigi Villa is stunning, amazing views everywhere you look and we even got to enjoy fabulous trips to Volterra, San Gimignano, Firenze and a local Vineyard!๐ท๐ฅ
Sad to say goodbye to my lovely group at the airport but hope our paths cross again ๐ซ๐ค๐ป but looking forward to meeting new guests for the coming week! ๐
Have a lovely weekend! ๐
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