Mel’s Pilates and Yoga

I’ve truly been enjoying my reformer journey so far.
My love of my which I use for my own practice and for doing one-to-one sessions from my home. I have also been practising in other studios, such as which is a beautiful studio. I have been enjoying a few classes there and learning a lot from doing them as well as classes with Tara and, of course, really looking forward to getting the reformers in at the end of this month .wellness in Toft.
People ask me what the difference is between Matt and reformer Pilates and which is preferable.
I would say they are both equally valid but in a different way. While Pilates principles from the match can be utilised on the reformer, the way you feel it in your body for many exercises can be different. Reformer can be hard from a resistance point of view but can also be supportive and in that way it’s particularly good for orthopaedic conditions or injury. Matt Pilates is more reliant on your own body weight and can be even more challenging in some ways. However, both can be practised with modifications and progressions and are suitable for all levels. If you haven’t tried one or the other, why don’t you give both a go and make the comparisons. I’m so pleased to be teaching both and practising both. I’m also happy to be teaching and practising Yoga which I think goes hand-in-hand with Pilates. Which ever practice you choose and whichever is your favourite just make sure that above all you have fun doing it.

Today I undertook a pre & postnatal + special populations course for the reformer.
I have done pre-and post and special populations for Mat Pilates many years ago and the principles are basically the same. However, there are some other safety considerations when it comes to using the reformer. During the trimesters of pregnancy, many women want to continue to move and strengthen their bodies in preparation for the birth.
Everybody is different and when fatigue and hormonal changes kick in then it’s very often difficult to even contemplate exercising.
Also, if the body changes to a point where you can’t exercise in the same way or as much as you would like to, it can also lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration. There are so many different scenarios to consider. While pregnant we are opening up the body in preparation for birth and then postnatally aiming to tighten everything up after the event. Adding orthopaedic conditions, injury, osteoporosis and hypermobility to the mix brings other issues. This makes the job of the instructor sometimes challenging but also very satisfying and interesting. Above all helping people to exercise safely is key helping people to regain confidence during an after pregnancy is also important.
I enjoyed looking at these issues on this course today with Natalie Charles. , revisiting some subjects which I already knew about and also looking at issues when applied to the reformer. I really love that it’s always something new to learn in this job and it really is an ongoing journey.

When I embarked on my latest training venture, ie. Reformer Pilates.I did ask myself why I was putting my myself through all that nerve wracking work and self analysis, self doubt, not to mention being scrutinised and critiqued all over again. Why do it to myself? Did I really need to do it? Do I really want to do it? Do I really feel inspired and motivated to do it at my age? I think the answer to the question is that there is always a curiosity which needs to be fulfilled. There is always something new to learn and I don’t think you really ever stop learning.Just looking around my office at some of the books I’ve collected in the last few years. I can see the thirst for wanting to learn more right before my eyes. No, I haven’t read all these books from cover to cover some of them I’ve only dipped into and there are more. Under my bed, in the lounge, in the loo, some read,some unread some on my “to read” list. Will it ever end? In some ways I hope not. It’s the curiosity that keeps me motivated and makes the job interesting - indeed it is much more than a job. It is a lifestyle. Anyway, enough of that I’ve got to go now because I’ve got some reading to do…

If you’re considering trying Pilates and/or yoga for the first time or returning after a long break, please contact me to discuss how we can work together. You can lose confidence if you are out of a routine or simply feeling unfit. If you’ve suffered an injury or recovering from surgery, cancer treatment or perhaps you are postnatal. All of these things can impact you physically and mentally. Pilates and yoga can also work together as a total wellbeing package. Body and mind in harmony. DM me or email me. Details via my website. Link in bio.

As a busy Pilates instructor and yoga teacher, it’s often difficult to make time to do your own exercise regime. People often ask me what I do to keep myself fit. Of course I do Yoga and Pilates, but I try to keep moving in as many different ways as I can and I always have done. As I’m getting older, I find it even more important. Don’t do less as you age, try to move more! Exercise often gives you more energy and motivation.You may start off not feeling in the right mood or frame of mind, but you ALWAYS feel better for moving. Being outdoors in fresh air also helps mentally. It lifts your spirits when those endorphins kick in.There’s nothing quite like that runner’s high.
I also do reformer Pilates, cycle, swim, do HIIT, strength and circuits classes and weighted walking with my husband when running isn’t an option. I really don’t feel the need to slow down at my age. Those I teach will know that “Keep moving” is my mantra.

This August has seen Mel’s Moves in the garden for yoga and Pilates. I’ve loved teaching my loyal group of yogis and Pilates lovers outside in nature. There’s nothing lovelier than hearing birdsong whilst in savasana.
It’s been great while the mornings have been warm and sunny.
I wish I could do it more often but I know I’m going to be back at the village hall in September as the weather becomes less predictable . I will look forward to doing it again next Summer. We will keep going while the sun shines.
If you’d like to join us, please book via the website (link in my bio) or DM me for more information.

I was apprehensive about teaching reformer Pilates. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to teach it or not or if I’d even have time to do it. Teaching mat Pilates and yoga completely fills by schedule at the moment. However, it seemed like a natural progression. The course has been intense but I have really enjoyed the in-person workshops. Still not sure which direction I want to take with it but I’ll see where it takes me. Absolutely loved working with this lovely group this weekend and I’m really looking forward to more.

Loved sharing my garden (before it got too hot) with lovely yogis this morning.
We celebrated the Summer Solstice with lots of heart opening poses and sun salutations.
Open your heart to the power and light of the sun. It’s the perfect time to embrace change. Not to over exert and lose energy but to go with the flow and only do the things that really make you happy.