The word “core” and “core stability” sit deep in a sea of myth and inadequate understanding about human movement, even in health and fitness spaces. I say this as a comprehensively trained Pilates teacher, osteopath and clinical educator with lived experience managing a severe spinal injury.
A variety of techniques can help our nervous system back into balance. The relaxation response is one of the simplest because it works like a braking system to brings our body and mind back into a state of equilibrium.
Almost every day, I hear someone talking about their core, usually stating that they need to strengthen it or that having a stronger one [core] will cure their back pain… mmm [sigh]. Here’s a recent example; a new patient, let’s call him mister B, shared with me that his trainer had told them they needed… Read More Core stability, demystifying the misonception
Proper alignment can help your body move in a way that’s efficient and intelligent, it can reduce the risk of injury and prevent wear and tear on joints. Standing well has other benefits too, our respiratory and digestive systems are more efficient when the body is aligned, and we can appear more confident.
I was recounting a story in one of my classes recently about a man complaining about his struggle to find a parking space after a stressful drive to his “lovely health club”, where he jumped on a treadmill and walked for 30 minutes before driving home! Mmm, I know his part of the metropolis is blessed with… Read More Walking, are you getting the real benefits?
As an osteopath and Pilates teacher movement is always the first and most important goal I consider in my treatment plan. We need to get blood and other body fluids moving to naturally lengthen, contract and relax muscles. With the simple aim to create strong, flexible bodies and building resilience for everyday activities.
Delayed-onset muscle soreness or DOMS is exercise-related muscle pain, which often peaks a day or two after the event. It is known as muscle fever, a beautiful exotic explanation to describe the distinctive muscle pain and soreness that nearly everyone experiences after intense or unfamiliar exercise. Muscle fever is a meaningful term because DOMS makes… Read More Delayed onset muscle soreness, explained.
Movement matters are the blog sections dedicated to getting you moving. Exercise hacks (*) are 5 -10 minutes offerings of simple home movement or ‘exercise’. Taken from my toolbox of somatic movement, osteopathic practice, Pilates exercise repertoire, personal and clients favourites. * Life hacks refer to shortcuts or methods that increase productivity and efficiency, our… Read More Movement matters: Exercise hacks for neck and shoulder tension
Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of the body and under constant stress. It’s easy to take them for granted, they hang around at the end of our legs, trying to adapt to being jammed into a pretty but often ill-fitting shoe or being smothered inside socks and trainers. They may take… Read More Feet, friends or foe?
Movement matters are the blog section dedicated to getting you moving. Exercise hacks (*) are 5 – 10 minutes offerings of simple home movement or ‘exercise’. Taken from my toolbox of somatic movement, osteopathic practice, Pilates exercise repertoire, personal and clients favourites.
My regular pilates clients know that I am not a fan of static stretching unless there is a particular issue that needs managing. I um and ah about this in class, as it’s not part of the Pilates repertoire, and we can work on muscle length and range of motion during a well-balanced Pilates session… Read More Stretching: Does it increase flexibility?
Do you leak a little urine when you cough laugh or sneeze? Half of the women over the age of 50 with experience some symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, with 1 in 10 women by the age of 80 undergoing surgery. Worryingly, about a third of these women will need more than one operation. A… Read More Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Slow deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful, relaxation technique to quiet the mind and release tension from our body. It’s easy to learn and can be practised almost anywhere providing a quick and easy way to get stress levels in check.
Thriving, inside and out 