So what did 2025 teach me? Certainly on reflection I have learned a lot about resilience, the body under stress, and the power of connection. Rather than focusing on ‘lessons learned’, it’s more about what I have observed from living and teaching.
When Life Feels Bigger Than You
Resilience for me
has been quiet, unglamorous, and invisible. I have learned that it isn’t about pushing through at all costs. It’s been about slowing down, adapting, and doing what I can with what I have on any particular day. It’s easy to normalise teaching, caring, working, functioning while things can feel overwhelming, and it takes courage to keep moving forward without having all the answers — but it is possible to keep moving forward.
What Stress and
Worry Do To The Body
I have discovered that the body keeps the score — even when we try to ignore it. I know that lots of the JTP-ers have had a tough year, experiencing things which have come along unexpectedly to test you. And it’s important to recognise that prolonged worry shows up physically — in tension, with pain, shallow breathing, and fatigue.
Stress and worry tightens the body and narrows the breathing, and the emotional load becomes the physical
load. It can affect sleep, digestion, immunity, and recovery. It’s important to recognise that the nervous system needs signals of safety, not just ‘rest when you are already exhausted’. Within Pilates and mindful movement we can use it as a support, rather than a fix: a way to listen to the body rather than override it.
The Myth of “I’ll Be Fine”
Ignoring stress doesn’t make it disappear — never downplay your own stress
particularly while supporting others. Don’t carry on and try to brush it off. I’ve done it and it doesn’t work. All that happens is a delayed impact when we don’t acknowledge it. We can start to notice and name stress earlier to encourage rest sooner, kinder choices, and this will lead to fewer flare-ups later. It’s not about fear, it’s about raising awareness and learning to care for yourself.
The Year I Was Reminded That I Don’t Do
This Alone
Community has definitely proven to me to be a form of medicine. I have always worked on developing the JTP Pilates community, providing consistency, shared spaces, familiar faces — friends and family who offer support in small, everyday ways. A simple message to check in with how we are doing can make all the difference and realising that you aren’t alone.
Connection can help to regulate the nervous system and lift emotional load, so for those in the
JTP family who are really going through tough times, I want you to know that the JTP community is here, you are seen, and we have your back. Community doesn’t need to be loud or even constant, sometimes just knowing someone is there, sharing space, moving alongside others, quietly, sharing laughter or even silence. It’s the belonging that supports wellbeing, just as much as movement does.
What I’m Taking Forward in 2026 and
Beyond
A gentle, hopeful closing:
- continuing to listen to the body earlier
- valuing rest, connection and adaptability
- staying committed to movement that supports life, not overwhelms it.
Wellbeing isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying connected to yourself and others as life unfolds.
Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to sharing Pilates and wellbeing together in
2026 and beyond.
Keep looking, moving, and feeling good.
With love and support,
Jane xxx
