This week I want us to celebrate the Quadriceps and all they do for us. Our quads are a group of four muscles to be found at the front of the thigh, and are responsible for extending the knee and flexing the hip.

They are powerful muscles and we should celebrate them and exercise them because they are crucial for so many daily movements: walking, climbing stairs, standing from sitting and so on. Plus, if you participate in sport, they are used a lot for jumping, kicking, squatting. Because of this they can be prone to injury and strains, and — as they help support the knees and hips — if they become weakened it can lead to limited mobility and function. 

I demonstrate three exercises for you to use to help maintain strength and function for the quadriceps and, because they are powerful, the quads are your Ta-da celebration for the body this week.

As with every Exercise of the Week, keep away from pain, work appropriately for your body, and if you have any questions please message me.

Here is the video.

The Big Ta-da!

During September we had the Step into September challenge — 30 days, 30 Pilates workouts, which was aimed at getting everyone motivated to get back into movement following the summer. It was an online programme full of recorded classes for everyone to do at a time convenient to them. 

I realise that online classes aren’t for everyone, but I wanted to share one of the JTP family’s story regarding online classes, and a bit of a Ta-da moment for both of us.

Deirdre was dead set against online classes. She felt they would be isolating, not the same as being in the room, and just “not for her.” Fast forward a little while, and after a hospital procedure she couldn’t get to her Face-to-Face classes. So she gave online a go — and guess what? She’s now a proper convert.  It gave her connection, routine, and movement exactly when she needed it most. For her, it was a huge shift, not just physically but in confidence and mindset too.

This is what Deirdre has to say about jtp.zone Online Classes:

After my September challenge session last night I had a bit of a poke around the jtp.zone website and found all sorts of great stuff.  At the time I thought I just hadn't looked hard enough but now realise that you have actually rejigged the site! Thumbs up from me!

When Covid started I tried online classes and hated them. But I've come to realise that what I hated was the feeling of isolation that lockdown created and somehow an online class just magnified this feeling. 

Making enough floorspace is still an issue but I'm working on it!!

You help keep me fit and mobile... thank you! When I look at friends of my age who either can't or don't keep mobile it reminds me to get up and MOVE....and if I don't then very soon I won't be able to.  

Deirdre

It was a Ta-da moment to celebrate, because Deirdre had dismissed online as not being for her but actually it is a turn around of how she feels about them. While they won’t replace her joy of Face-to-Face Classes, they support and enhance the benefits from keeping moving and keeping fit. 

This might seem like a small win, but all wins are worthy of celebrating. Some are small, others are big, bold, and worthy of jazz hands — the look what I can do! moments.  We can relate them to other things we do, not just physical movement. Completing a knitting pattern for me and then wearing the garment is my Ta-da moment, but walking further than you thought possible, or realising your aches and pains aren’t nagging you anymore, or whizzing down the longest, fastest, zip wire, all bring us joy and deserve a pat on the back, a celebration.

Think back to your last Ta-da moment. Maybe it was recent, maybe it was years ago. Close your eyes, replay it in your mind, and notice where that pride lives in your body — your chest, your smile, the way you sit a little taller. That feeling is worth revisiting.

Why It Matters?
Celebrating big wins boosts your confidence, builds self-belief, and fuels your motivation for whatever comes next. Without that celebration, progress can too easily go unnoticed — and you deserve to notice it.

To close this week’s Newsletter, I wanted to tell you about a flashback I had to a year ago — when the JTP Family came together at Nanpantan Hall, Loughborough to celebrate 25 years of movement together. That was one of my biggest Ta-Da moments ever, celebrating with all of you. Every time I am reminded of that day, I remember the feelings of joy, love and happiness that we all shared, and the investment everyone made into a wonderful experience. It still gives me a warm glow when I think about it.

Have a good week everyone — keep looking, moving, and feeling good, and don’t forget to celebrate those Ta-Da moments.

With love and support

Jane xx