New online timetable
So many people rely on regular exercise to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, combat health conditions and improve mental health. With present circumstances, it is harder to maintain a usual routine with gyms and health centres temporarily closed.
So many people rely on regular exercise to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, combat health conditions and improve mental health. With present circumstances, it is harder to maintain a usual routine with gyms and health centres temporarily closed.
As of this week, I am launching a new online timetable to bring some of my classes into the comfort of your own home. These classes are suitable for all ages, abilities and require no equipment. All you need is a device to access Zoom in order to participate with the class.
Every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday I will be running online yoga classes that focus on posture, flexibility and strength whilst enabling you to relax and stretch. On Thursday evenings, I will be running online fitness classes that are aimed at keeping active during this lockdown period and will focus on body weight activities.
If you would like to find out more about my online classes, or have any questions, please get in touch via the contact page. Alternatively, if you would like to book your place today, please visit the booking page where you can either sign up to a one-off class or book a discounted block of ten.
Look forward to seeing you in class (virtually) soon!
Five back exercises to try at home
Having a healthy back is vital for every day life and can be improved through regular exercise and staying active. I’m a strong believer in mobilising the spine to stretch (and release) tighter areas through engaging the muscles correctly to provide support.
Having a healthy back is vital for every day life and can be improved through regular exercise and staying active. I’m a strong believer in mobilising the spine to stretch (and release) tighter areas through engaging the muscles correctly to provide support.
Even if you suffer with back pain, you should still take part in physical activity to ensure the back muscles do not lose their strength. If you have a tense, stiff or sore back, you should still complete a regular exercise routine that enables you to mobilise and strengthen your back to aid recovery.
Below are five essential back exercises that I perform daily. If you regularly sit for long periods of time in front of a computer, commute, slouch or have muscular imbalances or stress, then give these a go.
Wide child’s pose
This pose gives relief to the mid and lower back by opening the pelvis and taking the body weight away. It also allows a subtle ankle, knee and adductor stretch.
Extended child’s pose
This pose opens the pelvis slightly by stretching into the outer glute, as well as opening the side of the back to under arm. It’s a lovely stretch.
Up and down cat
This stretch opens up the individual vertebra disks and increases the circulation to the spinal nerves.
Baby cobra
This exercise uses your own body weight to strengthen the full back chain of the body. It’s a very subtle movement, but brings us away from a slouched posture and rounded shoulders.
Bird dog (opposite arm/opposite leg balance)
This posture is surprisingly tricky when you imagine you have a glass of water on your back! It makes the body engage with the back and tummy (core) muscles at the same time. They work together to keep you balanced and strong in your back.
If you’d like to find out more about these exercises, or have a specific back problem, please get in contact with me.
My five recommended health & wellness reads
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Here are a few health and wellness books that have had an impact on me for different reasons. On the rare occasion when I get time, I love nothing more than sitting down with a book and a cup of herbal tea. Nowadays whilst rushing around, I try to get my fix through audiobooks or podcasts. I’d love to hear about other self-help books - get in touch to recommend your own.
The Little Book of Hygge, by Meik Wiking
Everything about this word resonates with me, in particular the focus on ‘coziness of the soul.’ Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. I have gone through my life not putting much emotional attachment to objects and loving the little things.
I love the little things in life that give me a sense of being content; hygge.
How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy, by Paul Chek
This was one of my first recommended reads coming into the personal training industry and over the years it is a book that I continue to refer back to, as well as re-reading several times. It drew me in with its holistic approach to exercise, not just the aesthetics of having muscles. The book also takes into consideration nutrition, movement, lifestyle and stress alongside physical training, which has always been my own approach since starting out.
Living Yoga, by Christy Turlington
When I was starting out practicing yoga, I was given this book as a present. It was very different to my other yoga text books or anatomical books, as it was feminine and spiritual without being too heavy on religion. It was a great starting point that fuelled my curiousity.
It shows what yoga can be for so many people, adding balance to the world around us.
Not a Diet Book: Lose Fat. Gain Confidence. Transform Your Life, by James Smith
I have followed and listened to James Smith for a while, both through podcasts and his videos on social media. Although I was unsure about his approach initially, I give this guy a huge high five for being both himself and also for quashing a lot of fitness fads and factually incorrect advice that is out there in the public domain.
The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne
This is a book that I was introduced to several years ago. It is based on the belief of the law of attraction, which claims that thoughts can change a person’s life directly. This is an approach that I try to life my life by and helps inform a lot of decisions on a day-to-day basis.
The book is now a best-seller and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Workout songs for Valentines Day
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share a few love themed workout songs. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be sharing some other essential songs for workouts. What are your favourite songs for Valentine’s Day?
Click on the songs below to play on Spotify.
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash
New class
As you may have seen from my recent social media posts, I am launching another class in Wickford from the 6th March 2020. This will be the second of my classes to run in Wickford; I also teach at Everyone Active every Thursday evening at 8pm…
As you may have seen from my recent social media posts, I am launching another class in Wickford from the 6th March 2020. This will be the second of my classes to run in Wickford; I also teach at Everyone Active every Thursday evening at 8pm.
The new class will be every Friday morning at 11.30am - 12.30pm at Talents Theatre School, on the Heron Trading Estate. Talents Theatre School was founded in 1973 and has been a mainstay in the heart of the Wickford community ever since. Founded by Miss Hazel Ann Ellesse, she now runs the school with her daughter and a number of other fully qualified professionals.
This class is available to all abilities and ages, so whether you practice yoga regularly or are just starting out, it is open to all. The class is Sivananda Yoga, which is a classical and holistic approach to Hatha Yoga which stretches and tones the whole body.
There are limited spaces available for the first of these classes on the 6th March. Click on the link below to book your place
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hatha-yoga-class-tickets-93962589635
