Louise

As we get back into our normal work routines after the holiday period, for many this means a return to sitting at the desk for long periods. It’s important to be mindful of making time for some movement to help combat aches and pains. Start your week off feeling your best with these easy back stretches. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, tension, or just want to improve flexibility, these movements can help release tightness and reduce discomfort.

1. Child’s Pose – Perfect for lengthening the back and calming the nervous system.
2. Spinal Twists – Gently release tension in the lower back and hips.
3. Knees to chest - simple stretch exercise to also target the lower back and hips.

Consistency is key! Taking just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference in how you feel. Join me on a Friday morning at 9am for mat pilates for more of this lovely stretching and strengthening.

How quickly time flies…

In 2021, I decided to start teaching Pilates in my church hall in London… why? because I had taught clinically and used it with patients and knew how beneficial it can be and how important it is to simply... just get moving. Whether due to injury/illness, pain, perception of the difficulty of the exercises or accessibility, some people thought that Pilates just wasn’t for them. Pilates IS for EVERYONE. It has many great benefits some of which are:

➡️Improving activity and awareness of postural muscles and pelvic floor
➡️Improved flexibility and mobility
➡️Allows you a time to focus on the connection between mind and body
➡️Improved balance and coordination
➡️Teaches breathing techniques to promote relaxation and to help normalise breathing patterns whilst moving.

Having moved abroad and embraced an expat life… Pilates took a back burner although I always hoped I could find my space, my community again. Finally, after nearly two years abroad this is coming to fruition. Thanks to .coreconnect who is finalising the opening of her beautiful, new space where a variety of pilates and yoga classes will be held, I shall be starting a Friday morning back to basics Matwork pilates class. So, if it has a been a while since you have been on the mat or you are totally new to it and would like to give it a try, please send me a DM and stay tuned for the start dates for classes.

It is Monday, the beginning of a new week and it can also be the time when we vow we will start moving our bodies again… be that at the gym, in a class, in the pool etc..However, one very easy way to get moving is walking. Granted that in the Dubai summer heat you’ll have to pick your timings wisely(early mornings and late nights) , so as not to melt, or just take it indoors on a treadmill or in your home or office even! Walking has multiple benefits, from helping to reduce blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease, helping to burn calories whilst also improving joint pain and stiffness. It’s also FREE!

All you need to start walking is a sturdy pair of walking shoes and then one foot in front of the other- your body will thank you for it😊.

Moving to a whole new country will remind you of that…

I’ve been quite quiet on here as settling into a new location, routine, work and life has been challenging to say the least! In so doing, however, it’s helped be to learn alot about myself. Trying to stay focussed on the goals you want to achieve whilst still mindful of enjoying the present is a balancing act. I miss family and friends, including my pilates regulars back in the UK but there’s also still an excitement to discover what can be achieved here in Dubai in general.

So in 2024, there will be more from me on health and wellness and hopefully including more pilates too. Had some great conversations with hubby and also our good friend over this festive season about the future … greater things are to come!

Seasons greetings to you and yours! Just a few pics from our last classes from this year. A big thank you to all those who have chosen to progress on their Pilates journey with me this year..Strive to Thrive Pilates will be taking a change of direction in the new year from🇬🇧 to 🇦🇪, so watch this space for further updates . In the meantime, however, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year !!

Thanks to .saf for a great freestyle pump class- cardio and strength in one. I needed that little nudge to get moving today and training with the work friends was the one💪🏾. Sometimes you have to mix it up.. sometimes , sometimes pump lol! How did you get moving today?

Hi all, so I’m offering a couple of beginner/ post natal taster sessions particularly for mums who haven’t done any or very little pilates before. These will be on the next two Wednesdays.

These taster sessions are beginners classes focussing on the mums and little ones are welcome to come along for the ride! If you’ve not tried Pilates before this is a great opportunity to do so at a discounted rate. You will be able to get moving, stretch and strengthen and not worry about childcare. Numbers are limited so book as soon as you can. There is plenty of space for carriers, buggies and anything else your little one may need to keep them happy and occupied etc. You will need to bring your own mat and small towel. Booking is online via the link in my bio.

Please DM me for further info, pricing and/or any other queries. See you soon.

Louise :)

It’s been an absolute blast teaching these lovely ladies Pilates at Bells Garden community centre. Hopefully, when the new centre is up and running, we will run another course again. You’ve all done so well, even when we had the 40 degree heat! Let’s see what 2023 brings!

If you're getting back into exercise for the first time in a while, here are some gentle reminders.
- Know that it's good to start slow
- Don't compare yourself to others
- Slow progress is still progress
- You've got this!

On Sunday 2nd October I’ll be speaking at the brilliant ‘So We Rise’ Event organised by . I’ll be talking about all things Pilates, healthful movement and well-being alongside other amazing speakers covering topics such as aromatherapy,meditation and yoga. A few tickets are still available on eventbrite so get involved and don’t miss out! See my bio for the link to book.