I love London in the Summer

What a glorious day... a nice morning run with the dogs, managed to have a laugh with our accountant (my books weren't that funny!) and now its decision time.... sit in the sun or go back and tidy up accounts as requested - or I could just do some pilates practice as starting a new STOTT PILATES matwork course tomorrow at the CENTRAL YMCA. The course has been full for months so if you are wanting to train as an instructor, the next available free course is October.. talk to the sales team at YMCAfit to get your place. Enjoy the summer sun

Pink Ribbon Program

After completing the Pink Ribbon Program for instructors, Im raring to go. It is a pilates-based therapeutic exercise programme for post operative breat cancer patients. This programme is not instead of physiotherapy but to be done in conjunction with physiotherapy starting 6 weeks post operation. The programme has designated exercises that comes in a small book that is given to the patient so that she can continue her exercises at home. There are 3 phases for the rehabilitative style programme with phase 4 being added after the initial 6 weeks programme. I am wanting to get a class up and running in the Islington area for local people. I have already contacted Whittington Hospital and Royal Free, however I do want to keep it in the Islington area. Depending on the size of the programme, I may start approaching local companies for support to help pay for the booklets and additional merchandise which will be given to the patients when they sign up for the 6 week programme.

If successful, I would also like to continue with a follow-up class that will keep the flow going and of course additional improvement and function especially around the shoulder girdle area. Anyone wanting 1-2-1 exercise can then consider doing personal training with me using pilates equipment to focus on increase strength and flexibility further.

Im currently reading all the research so that I know exactly what happens during each surgery which allow me to ensure that I am delivering the correct advise to each individual. I will also ensure that I evaluate each individual person with a range of tests and a questionnaire prior to starting the classes. This all takes time and money so you can see why I will be looking at accessing any local companies who would like to support a great local cause.

Anyone interested, please let me know xx

Pilates 4 Pleasure

Smiling and laughter is all part of what makes participating in pilates great - you too can have a smiley grin likes these guys!!!



... and where would we be without the lovely George... and of course his fellow lepricorn!

... it can even turn your hair pink!

This is what we lovely to see happy, smiling clients before and after enjoying a pilates session with @pilatesontherun.

Mat Course July 2011

Another course has finished and here we have the 'stars' of the show!



Ricky and Suzanne performing the modified hundred.








Chrissy and Stana performing a modified Obliques Roll Back... obviously a modification from the lovely Brigitte!
How very yoga!






Adam and Brigitte with that hand position again! Spine Twist I believe!








The picture isnt very good so guessing I believe Hollie is teaching and Julie is performing the Double leg Stretch or are we half way through the slow double leg stretch!?







Suzanne teaching Ricky the half roll back - need to get some articulation in that lumbar there Ricky!

Roxie and Agi performing the double leg stretch...

Hollie and Julie performing the Neck Pull prep...

So there we are another 12 STOTT PILATES trained instructors... I hope you can all put your course into practice. The more you practice - the better you will be... Remember always be open to learning - as everyday I learn a little more - I realise how much I DON'T know!!

It's time for you guys to put in the hard work over the next 6 months prior to your exam. Good luck xx

Leg circles on foam roller with tower - July

Leg circles on the foam roller is a fabulous exercise to challenge stability as well as many other lower body muscles. The pictures show Tina using leg springs from the tower as well but you can easily do this without the aid of springs!

The first picture here shows the modification of one leg circles again with or without the tower. This is a fabulous exercise to challenge uni-lateral stability.


Modifcation: 1 leg circle on foam roller with tower

Here you will see the leg circles. Firstly keep legs adducted and press down to one long diagonal line as far as stability can be maintained, then abduct legs and circle back to start position.



This should also be reversed.




With the 1 leg circle ensure that the supporting leg is either in table top or on the floor, keeping the knee facing the ceiling and parallel. You may want to think of the inner thigh connection to help the pelvis maintain stability.



Enjoy this exercise of the month!

Friday 15th July

STOTT PILATES Ante and Post Natal workshops on Friday 15th July... if these are full then we may need to add more dates on soon - contact YMCAfit 020 7343 1850 for details of these and other up and coming workshops!