For some of us having a friend or partner who shares the same motivation and goals to have a stronger, healthier and fitter body can help us stay motivated with an exercise program. Pilates is no different, having a friend by your side during a workout or group class can be the one thing that makes you get out of bed in the morning or motivates you to go after work even when you’ve had an exhausting day. As most of us will know as painful as it is to start your exercises session you’ll always feel better after.

Good Posture: everyone knows we need it, but do you know why we need it?   What causes us to have bad posture anyway?  The second question is easier to answer, it’s gravity.

From the moment we are born we have this force pressing down on us, compressing our joints and increasing the curves of your spine making you slouch and predisposing you to all sorts of pain and problems.  All you need to do is look at many older people who have been suffering under gravity for much longer to see the negative effects!

So why is it we need good posture?  Well our entire body is a complex system of muscles, bones, joints, fascia and organs, each element has its place and each element effects the functioning of the entire system.  Everything in the body is co-dependent and works synergistically, certainly not like I learnt anatomy at school or even university.  When the body has poor alignment and posture it compresses and impairs the function of the entire body. 

(more…)

As we count down to the end of September I find myself daydreaming more and more about the hillsides of Tuscany (and its fine vineyards…) and the legendary cuisine of Italy which I shall be enjoying in a few days time… In the last few weeks I have been putting extra effort into my fitness training to prepare my body for the likely calorific onslaught, that plus I need to fit into my suit for my brother-in-laws wedding. Last time I put the trousers on it was a wee bit tight…

(more…)