Welcome to this week’s Newsletter — which is focusing on the Energy in, Energy out balance. If you have ever started the day feeling like a sprinter out of the blocks, only to find yourself flagging mid-morning then Your Whole Self this week is looking at small tweaks that help us feel steady all day, banishing sugar highs or sofa slumps, without the need for another coffee!!

We are still working with our Summer Timetable, so this week there are Face-to-Face Classes with Jenny at Rempstone on Thursday night and Friday morning, and with Jane at Old Woodhouse on Friday only. 

Remember we have opened up some spaces starting in September in our Beginners Class with Mary on Wednesday mornings at our Rosebery Street Medical Centre, Loughborough venue. The class starts at 10.30am, so if you are interested in beginning Pilates, or maybe just wishing to return after a long break, please get in touch — just reply to this Newsletter — for details. If you are starting Pilates from scratch, please read this blog for information.

Online Classes run as normal this week.

Energy in, Energy out

This week I want to talk about Energy in and Energy out!

Have you ever felt like your day starts at 100 miles an hour and you are unstoppable … until about 11.15am when suddenly a nap in an armchair is all you can think about?

When you feel like this, it’s your body telling you your energy balance has gone a bit wobbly. 
 

People often say to me I don’t know where you get your energy from and I think we tend to think of energy as something we either have or don’t have, but really it’s a constant exchange. Energy comes in from food, hydration, rest and recovery, and energy going out through movement, daily activity, stress and mentally processing things. 

The problems occur when the ‘out’ starts to outweigh the ‘in’ for too long. We then start to feel more tired, cranky, and often this is when we reach for a quick fix, either sugar, caffeine, biscuits, and even alcohol. These all feel initially comforting. Unfortunately all these fixes have a short term boost and then send us on an energy rollercoaster instead of keeping things steady. 
 

I’ve been feeling a bit like this lately, so as part of the changes I am making, I thought I would share them with you, so here’s some ideas for us all to try to smooth out the ride:

1. Fuel steadily — aim for balanced meals and snacks that combine protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbohydrates. Think: apple slices with nut butter, oatcakes with hummus, or Greek yogurt with berries
2. Hydrate often — I am always talking about this one, dehydration can make you feel sluggish and foggy, so keep your water bottle close. Add lemon, cucumber, or mint if plain water bores you
3. Move mindfully — little bursts of movement through the day can wake up your body without draining it. Standing, stretching, or walking for 5 minutes can work wonders (see my Exercise of the Week above)
4. Rest with purpose — even short pauses can refill your tank. Step outside, close your eyes, or take a few slow breaths — I have even taken to have an afternoon nap when I can. 

Why does this matter? Balanced energy means fewer crashes, better focus, and more enjoyment in your day. Fueling, moving and resting well keeps your mind sharp, mood steady and body ready for whatever comes next. 

Have a good week everyone — keep looking, moving and feeling good.

With love and support,

Jane xxx