Welcome to this week’s Newsletter, and here we are in September, the start of a brand new JTP year. I hope you will continue to enjoy your Pilates classes with us, and if you are still wondering whether or not to give us a try, why not check in with what is available in either our Online or Face-to-Face Classes.

This week we are starting to look at Autumn, and we are preparing our mind and body for the seasonal change. Our bodies go through their own seasons just like nature — there are times of growth and activity (our spring and summer) and times of rest and renewal (our autumn and winter). Take a look at our Exercise Of The Week and Your Whole Self this week, as the challenge is learning to notice which season you’re in and adjusting your movement, mindset, and self-care to match.

Face-to-Face Classes are all up and running now with a full timetable taking us through the next few months. We have opened up some spaces in our Wednesday Beginners Class, with Mary in Loughborough, so if you are curious about discovering how Pilates will benefit you then reply to this Newsletter to book yourself a free taster class. 

Online Classes are continuing as normal and this week there is a new feature on the Live timetable — a Pop-Up Special — on Thursday 11 September, at 10am, I will be teaching a Pilates class using hand weights. This will be Live in Zoom, and between 30 and 40 minutes duration. The link will be on the Live timetable in the members’ jtp.zone website. I hope you will be able to join me. 

A new Pop-Up Special will be dropping into the members' timetable every few weeks this year, and they will be an opportunity to get all those Pilates small props out and start using them. It won’t be the same prop every time: it could be a mindful/meditation session, or focusing on relaxation and stretch, it could be a core focus or activating those glutes. I will always notify you in advance of what the class will be about here in the Newsletter, so you know whether or not to mark it down in your diary. 

Step into September

Plus don’t forget the Step into September with Jane programme… running throughout the month: 30 days, 30 Pilates workouts, 15-30 minutes of movement everyday.

JTP Book Club

After a busy month, I am still reading My Friends by Fredrick Blackman, however here are a couple of books I have added to my reading list which I think some of you will enjoy:

• The Wedding People by Alison Espach
• Meet me at Rainbow Corner by Celia Imrie

Believe it or not our bodies go through their own seasons, just like nature. There are times of growth and activity which tend to be our Spring and Summer, and times of rest and renewal, our Autumn and Winter. The challenge is learning to notice which season you are in and adjusting your movement, mindset and self-care to match, so that you can continue to function in the best possible way. 

Just because we are in September it doesn’t necessarily mean your body’s season is Autumn, however. I have always loved the months of September and October and actually feel my energy levels going up. I love the colours on the leaves in the trees, I love the temperature (generally) getting a little cooler, fresher — I can feel it lifting me up and I always look forward to it. So for me I am in a period of growth and activity. 

However, I know that for lots of you it will feel very different. The days are getting shorter and this alone can affect energy levels, so rest and renewal is where you sit and you will be looking for a different rhythm.

We can honour these rhythms by following our natural feelings: 

• some days our body craves strength and challenge
• other days it needs gentle stretching and restoration
• and sometimes, it simply asks for stillness

Mindfulness can help you tune into your body’s cues without judgement. Rather than pushing through every day at 100%, you start to notice when you need to adapt. Please don’t see this as giving up when you feel you want to take things easy, though — it’s simply respecting your body’s natural cycle so you can keep living well for the long term.

A useful mindfulness moment for example could be: 

• taking one minute today to sit quietly
• noticing your energy — does it feel high, low, or somewhere in-between?
• maybe choose one movement or act of self-care that matches your “season” today

So why does this matter, why is it important to tune into your season?

Because when our energy, mood, and physical needs change with the seasons, as long as we don’t ignore it, we can work towards preventing burnout and frustration. 

This week, take some time to listen to your body’s rhythms, respond appropriately, and see if you find your motivation and enjoyment growing.

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

With love and support,

Jane xxx