NEWS
We jumped back into our online classes last week, with a mix of Facebook Live and Zoom sessions. Even though it still feels quite new, I think it is getting a little easier to use and very soon it will feel like we have always used it... fingers crossed!
I am getting some lovely feedback from those participating in the sessions — here are a few messages sent to me this week:
“Thanks Jane for the lovely class today, I wasn’t able to join you live, but I did it later and it was exactly what I needed ...”
“Thank you for the wonderful stretch and mobility class today ... perfect for me after my morning cycle ride and hour of weeding in the garden.”
“Brilliant class this morning Jane, just loved it. Felt so thorough and balanced!”
I have to confess to really enjoying teaching the online classes ... of course nothing can beat being in the same room for close up observation and hands on correction where needed, but we are all adapting to a different way of communicating and practising our Pilates. The Facebook Live class feels a little different
because I cannot see you, but certainly in Zoom I love the fact I can see the movement you are achieving and can still coach and help you feel the benefit of the exercises.
Last week I also added a little tutorial about taking care of your shoulders, and the surrounding muscles. Look out for more of these as I feel it is a great opportunity to focus in on some of the problem areas in the body to try and keep us all moving with more freedom and confidence. I will also be adding some
sessions in to include small equipment for those of you who have invested in various bits and pieces over the years.
I know that some of you have a home Reformer, and I will definitely be adding a Reformer session into our online timetable.
The online programme continues to be a work in progress, and I am working hard to try and continue to bring Pilates into your home during this period of lockdown, in the best way possible.
I just want to remind you that as from 1st May all details about our online Live classes, as well as access to all recordings of them, will only be found either in our JTP Zone Facebook group page or our new JTP.Zone website. You will only have access to these if you are on our Monthly Payment Plan.
Regarding the brand new JTP.Zone website, you will be given a username and password to give you full access. We will be starting to email everyone individually to provide you with all these details, starting with those of you who don't use Facebook. If this is you and you have let us know, please look out for that email later this week. Other clients will be emailed later.
Exercise Of The Week
This is the last week that links to our recorded online classes will be listed here, as from 1st May the links will be available only on our JTP Zone Facebook group page, or on the new JTP.Zone website, so will only be available to those who have joined and paying the monthly £10 membership.
Video links to recorded classes from Monday 20th Saturday 25th April:
As with all Exercises Of The Week, you should work at the appropriate level for your body and keep away from pain.
YOUR WHOLE SELF
This week the contribution has again been written by my son George. In one of our many FaceTime chats we were comparing notes on how long it takes to get things done, for me due to taking care of Keith and helping him, and how I am having to be more patient and allow more time. But also for me all the new
technology and working out how to create an online programme and use all the different forums available.
For George he is in a similar position with similar challenges, and so I will let his words explain. It is something that will possibly resonate with many of you during this period of lockdown, particularly if you share your life and home with people who are not fully fit and who may need extra care.
“Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.” Plato.
Many of us right now are stuck at home caring for somebody who is vulnerable. I personally have a wife who is 37 weeks pregnant, a mother-in-law fighting an ongoing battle with cancer, and a father-in-law who suffers from dementia. I should say I’m not totally alone in this, as although my wife is pregnant
she is healthy, and my sister-in-law is also at home with us, so help is always available. However, the situation is not an easy one.
The most difficult part for me is the way in which every day tasks get done. For one thing the way in which certain tasks have to be done is not what I’m used to, which isn't the most frustrating issue, and certainly one I can adapt to. The most frustrating thing is the time it takes to do basic tasks. Even a simple task that would only take me a few minutes on my own, can take hours.
This often leads me to feel frustrated and it is tempting for me to push in and just take over and do it. However, if I actually did this it would be discouraging, demeaning, and would cause a lot of upset to the people around me at a time when we need to be supportive of each other. So when I
read Plato’s quote it reminded me that it doesn't matter and it isn't important how slowly things get done, it is more important to encourage and support the fact that at least things are happening. It is more important to exercise patience and understanding no matter how long it takes, because even slow progress is still progress.
