We had a mini celebration at the weekend, as this month my Pilates Studio has been open for 20 years...

 

At the start of the year I had planned to have a big celebration and have a fund raising garden party, a repeat of something I did 7 years ago when I raised money for MacMillan Nurses.

 

However, that is not going to happen now, so me and Keith had a mini-version at home in isolation.

 

I ordered a vegan takeaway — a Green Grazer box — from Green’s Catering Services, based in Loughborough, and they very kindly sent a bottle of Prosecco — for me only — I hasten to add. So on Saturday afternoon, Keith and I enjoyed an ‘indoor’ picnic, and I enjoyed a glass of bubbles … or two.

 

A Return To Physical Classes?… No Sign Yet
Those of you who play golf have been able to enjoy a return to the golf course over the last week, keeping to the social distancing rules and only playing against one person.

 

Regarding a return to physical group Pilates classes, I just want to say that we have no recommendations for this at this current time. Some of our venues have been in touch to say they will not be taking any group class bookings until at the very earliest September, which sort of sets the tone. We will keep you informed of any changes, but at this time I am working hard to try and improve the online classes available to you, so that you can stay connected and continue to exercise in a safe way, in the comfort of your own home (see below).

 

Online Classes
Talking of online Pilates classes, remember to check this week’s timetable (with links) which is available on the jtp.zone website. If you’re not currently a member, and would like to join our online classes, there’s more information about how our online Pilates classes work, and how to join on the jtp.zone home page.

 

New online classes planned for the timetable over the forthcoming weeks will use small props such as the Foam Roller, the Resistance Band and the Soft ball. If you don’t have these props already, you may decide you want to expand your home workout equipment, and all of them can be bought online. Please don’t worry if you don’t have these props, as I will also add in some classes where all you need is a towel, or two tins of baked beans!

 

All of last week’s online classes were recorded and are now available on the jtp.zone website for you to do again, or — if you missed doing them live — you have access to them at any time of the day or week, as often as you want.

 

This will be at 11.30am on Wednesday 20th May, and Susan will be chatting all things peri/post menopause and how this affects our exercise and fitness plus she will be taking any questions you may have.

 

It is a live talk, held in Zoom, the link can be found on our jtp.zone website under Special Events, and I will post the link in the private Facebook group JTP Zone. 

 

I do hope you can join Susan as I think this will be really interesting and informative.

I often give this exercise as an alternative to swimming if class participants are not able to lie in a fully prone position (face down and flat).

 

The main aim of the exercise is to challenge the deep stabilising muscles that support the lower back and pelvis.

 

If you have problem weight bearing into the wrists, you could try the first two or three repetitions in this quadruped position and then come down to rest on the forearms.

 

The video is here.

 

My grand-daughter is late...

 

I probably should have expected it: George was late 27 years ago; and Amy (my daughter in law) was also late arriving into this world.

 

As things have been going this year and with her delay it would be easy to start worrying about what’s to come, and whether or not everything will be ok. Particularly as we really don’t know how long we will be waiting for. One thing for sure is, she will arrive when she is ready!  

 

Yet is all this waiting such a bad thing? Maybe not, it’s giving her Mum and Dad time together to appreciate this exciting time as they head towards becoming parents. It is also giving George, my son, time to appreciate what he already has, time to look back on how far he has come and reflect on what he has accomplished, as two years ago he was struggling with anxiety and depression, and unable to see a future for himself at all.

 

Time to take stock like this can help to build determination. Yes, once the baby is born he will have a level of responsibility that he has never experienced before and face challenges he has not encountered before. However, reflecting and appreciating what has been accomplished already is a great way of building an inner strength and confidence.

 

Everything we go through and face in our lives can only help us to know that we will be ok, we will manage, we will cope. If we can turn the waiting and wondering about what is to come into reflection and appreciation of what we have achieved and what we already have, we will find a level of calm, confidence and strength in our ability to live life.

 

 

Have a great week everyone — stay healthy, stay safe...

Jane xxx