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Hello September!

Here’s a few updates and a quick run-down of what lie ahead for September 2023

Female-focused:

My work has been largely female-focused for a while now but I recently decided to make it official!

hands

It doesn’t mean I will never work with men, but my primary goal is to help women move more and feel better, so that is where I will be putting all my attention going forward. From sports & pregnancy massage, to safe & effective online fitness and one-to-one training, everything will be geared towards the specific needs of the female body.

I’m really excited to have this fresh focus as we head into the tail-end of 2023 and beyond…

Professional development:

Recently someone asked me if I like what I do and I have to admit that I gave a pretty non-committal answer because in that moment I was feeling a bit low. But I went away that weekend and kept thinking about the question, and realised that YES I absolutely do like what I do, but I have sometimes felt frustrated by it because I haven’t always structured my work it in a way that allows me time for growth.

And then I had a lightbulb moment!

I realised I needed to get out of my own way…so from now on, Wednesdays* will be my day for professional (and personal) development, where I can study, enjoy my own fitness and create space for my business to evolve.

I have several courses already purchased (some of which I have not even started!) so I am excited to be resuming one of those next week, focusing on fitness for menopausal women.

Watch this space!

(* I’ll still be teaching Pilates on Wednesday evenings at 7pm – it isn’t going anywhere!)

What’s on in August:

You can find all the class descriptions and booking details here

Find details about how Pilates is the perfect class to complement your other activities, and see booking information here

The new term of in-person Pilates classes starts on Friday 8th September, bookable as a block (up to 8th September) or on a week-by-week basis.

Further details about how massage can help to support your body, can be found here

Personal training:

To round off the updates for September, a reminder that I also work with women on a one-to-one basis, offering bespoke fitness programs to help you achieve a specific goal or focus on your individual needs. You can find out more here

Here’s to a brand new month, and a smooth transition into autumn!

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August 2023

Current mood – where did the UK summer go?! & is it really true that people are leaving the excessive heat in Europe to come and holiday in the rain here?? #weirdweather

I’m just back from a two week break – one week in a rainy Peak District and one week working in my garden – and I’m looking forward to easing gently through the rest of the summer. I love August because even though I no longer have school-age children, I still love all the ‘schools-out’ vibes – I can usually squeeze in some long weekends for a bit of impromptu camping & walking; and everyone generally seems a bit more relaxed, less pressured & more carefree (possibly not those of you with small people at home 24/7).

Outside of work, my plans for August mostly involve sitting outside by my fire-pit, finding a bit more stillness in my life. I’m very good at being busy with a garden project, but now it’s done I realise that I need to make time to enjoy the space I have created. As soon as the rain has passed, I’ll be there!

I hope that you also find time for some slow-living this summer. Even if (or especially if) you are busy with family or travel or work, it is so important to gift yourself some time to be, to relish the moment and enjoy the pause.

What might that look like for you? How can you plan in advance to set aside that time?

Here’s what’s on for August, if you’re looking for ways to keep moving

Online fitness for women

We start with ‘week one’ classes on Monday 7th August, running all the way through to ‘week four’ which finishes on 31st August.

Things don’t necessarily feel easier or harder on any particular week (because it really depends on how your body responds to different stimuli) but in general terms week one classes are ‘back to basics’; week two classes tend to involve different timings or a specific body area; week three classes tend to be a bit more dynamic; and week four classes might include more balance work or more intense moves.

Having said all of that, ALL classes are self-paced – meaning that you can push yourself as hard or as little as you like – and I always offer variations so that you can get the best workout for your body. And all classes are low impact – kind to your joints and pelvic floor – because we need workouts that work for us!

  • 40-fit Mondays @ 7pm – it’s always good to get a Monday workout in your week
  • metabolic fitness Tuesdays @ 7am – a really good start to your day!
  • functional fitness Fridays @ 7am – a perfect way to start the weekend…

All sessions via zoom – live and recorded so you can fit your fitness into your summer schedule. Find further details here

Please note:

  • Monday 28th August is a bank holiday but the 40-fit class will run as usual at 7pm
  • Functional Fitness on Friday 1st September will move to Thursday 31st August – still at 7am

Pilates

Online class Wednesdays @ 7pm – sessions continue throughout August, delivered via zoom so you can join from the comfort of your own home or from your holiday location?! Sessions typically include a mixture of core & back strengthening exercises, movements for mobility and flexibility, and some great glutes strengthening moves. But maybe more important, each class will give you an hour for yourself…

Sessions run as live classes on zoom, but are recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person Pilates classes are back on Friday 8th September! Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall 8th September – 21st October (inc). Booking is now open – details can be found here.

Classes are kept small to give you the best experience whether you are new to Pilates or have practiced before. The venue is beautiful, and easily accessed from neighbouring villages and the A21.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all or would like to buy a trial session to see how you like the class.

Sports & clinical massage for women

I recently had a ‘massage’ from my 5 year-old grand-daughter! She had lined up some soft toys on the shelf on the face cradle which was cute. As she walked around the table she got down on the floor to smile up at me through the hole! She asked me if I ever did that for my clients…you can rest assured that there will be no such surprises during your treatment!!

I offer treatment for:

  • soft tissue injury or overuse issues
  • general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain
  • pain conditions in pregnancy (hip/low back pain, shoulder & neck tension can all be relieved safely with pregnancy massage; you will be propped and comfortably supported by as many pillows as you need; this is most definitely the time to look after your changing body!)
  • post-operative scar tissue
  • oncology patients (at any stage of your treatment, in consultation with your medical team)

I have a massage treatment room at my home in Cranbrook and offer massage appointments at the following times:

  • Tuesdays 3pm-9.30pm
  • Wednesdays 12.30pm-6.30pm
  • Thursdays 2pm-8.30pm

Appointments can be booked here but please email me to discuss your treatment before booking if you have any questions about how I may be able to support you.

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July 2023

(what’s on ?)

I’m finally set to take a break from work from the middle of the month! In spite of the unexpectedly fast delivery of my passport I am not heading anywhere too far away, but I’m looking forward to a week of walking in the Peak District followed by a week of something else (to be decided!)

However, it’s not holiday-time yet so here’s what is going on with tmf this month.

Online fitness for women

All classes are running as usual up to and including Friday 14th July:

ALL the online fitness classes are self-paced – meaning that you can push yourself as hard or as little as you like – and I always offer variations so that you can get the best workout for your body.

  • 40-fit Mondays @ 7pm – it’s always good to get a Monday workout in your week
  • metabolic fitness Tuesdays @ 7am – a really good start to your day!
  • functional fitness Wednesdays @ 7am – a perfect way to start the weekend…

All sessions via zoom. Find further details here

While I’m away, subscription members will have access to three new pre-recorded classes in the membership area. I will vary the formats a bit so you have something new to enjoy while I’m away. These pre-recorded classes will take the place of your week 3 sessions and week 4 will happen at the start of August once I get back from my break…

Pilates

  • Online class Wednesdays @ 7pm – this session will run on 5th & 12th July and then have a two week break, resuming Wednesday 2nd August. Details here

    Subscription members will be able to access previous recordings in the membership area as usual while I’m away, and will also have access to the three pre-recorded fitness classes too.

In-person classes will be back on Friday 4th September. We meet in the very beautiful Kilndown village hall at 9.30am (term-times only). Booking is now open – details here. If you usually attend these sessions and find yourself missing them over the summer, why not join us on Wednesday evening on zoom instead?

Sports & clinical massage

I offer treatment for soft tissue injury or overuse issues, general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain.

I am also certified to offer pregnancy and post-natal massage, work with post-operative scar tissue and provide oncology massage.

I have a massage treatment room at my home in Cranbrook. Massage appointments in July are available on the following dates & times:

  • Tuesdays 4th & 11th July 3pm-9.30pm
  • Wednesdays 5th & 12th July 12.30pm-4pm
  • Thursdays 6th-13th July 1.15pm-8pm

Appointments can be booked here but please email me to discuss your treatment before booking if you have any questions about how I may be able to support you.

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June 2023 – what’s on when?

After a few weeks doing WAY TOO MUCH in the garden every weekend, I’m determined to let things slow down a little bit in June. I had a fabulously ‘slow’ weekend away, staying off-grid in a shepherd’s hut for two nights, and it was just what I needed.

But back to the work stuff, here’s the class timetable and everything you need to know about clinical massage availability for the coming month:

Online fitness for women

The classes gently progress as the month continues. Things don’t necessarily feel easier or harder on any particular week (because it really depends on how your body responds to different stimuli) but in general terms week one classes are ‘back to basics’; week two classes tend to involve different timings or a specific body area; week three classes tend to be a bit more dynamic; and week four classes might include more balance work or more intense moves.

Having said all of that, ALL classes are self-paced – meaning that you can push yourself as hard or as little as you like – and I always offer variations so that you can get the best workout for your body.

  • 40-fit Mondays @ 7pm – it’s always good to get a Monday workout in your week
  • metabolic fitness Tuesdays @ 7am – a really good start to your day!
  • functional fitness Wednesdays @ 7am – a perfect way to start the weekend…

All sessions via zoom. Find further details here

Pilates

  • Online class Wednesdays @ 7pm – join from the comfort of your own home for core & back strengthening exercises, combined with movements for mobility and flexibility, and some time for yourself

This session runs as a live class on zoom, but it is recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person classes are back! Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall up to (& including 14th July). Booking is now open on a week-by-week basis – details here. This term we are going to focus on core stability and some great trigger point release work.

Sports & clinical massage

Treatment for soft tissue injury or overuse issues, general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain. I am also certified to offer pregnancy and post-natal massage, work with post-operative scar tissue and provide oncology massage.

I have a massage treatment room at my home in Cranbrook (see below) and currently offer massage appointments at the following times:

  • Tuesdays 3pm-9.30pm
  • Wednesdays 12.30pm-4pm
  • Thursdays 1.15pm-8pm

I had a bit of a massage room swap this week! We’re now back in my original massage room, where there is more space and beautiful light levels. I can’t wait to welcome you to the new space.

Appointments can be booked here but please email me to discuss your treatment before booking if you have any questions about how I may be able to support you.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more about my classes, one-to-one fitness sessions or clinical massage.

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Sliding into June!

weekly updates for w/c 29th May 2023

We made it through to the THIRD bank holiday in May! I am loving the abundance of spring right now but will be really glad to get back to some more normal weeks as we slide into June.

Here’s everything you need to know about classes and massage availability for the coming week:

Online fitness for women

  • 40-fit Monday 29th May @ 7am – whole body circuit with a single weight – no need to miss out just because of the bank holiday! Get up and at it early and then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you choose
  • metabolic fitness 30th May @ 7am – a burnout session #IYKYK!!
  • functional fitness 2nd June @ 7am – 3D movement with some balance/single leg options

All sessions via zoom. Find further details here

Pilates

  • Online class Wednesday 31st May @ 7pm – join from the comfort of your own home for core & back strengthening exercises, combined with movements for mobility and flexibility, and some time for yourself

This session runs as a live class on zoom, but it is recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person classes resume after half term – Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall. Booking is now open for the new 6-week term (9th June-14th July inc) – you can book the whole block or on a week-by-week basis – details here

Sports & clinical massage

Treatment for soft tissue injury or overuse issues, general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain. I am also certified to offer pregnancy and post-natal massage, work with post-operative scar tissue and provide oncology massage.

Availability for next week is as follows:

  • Tuesday 30th May – 3-9.30pm
  • Wednesday 31st May – 2-6pm

Appointments can be booked here

Please let me know if you would like to discuss any of the classes, or one-to-one fitness sessions, or to find out more about how massage can help you feel better in your body.

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re-entering

Just a quick post to let you know that everything is gradually changing as we emerge out of 2020 and into the longer light days ahead.

The past 14 months have been an adventure that probably none of us wanted to take, but I think it has also been a huge opportunity for growth on so many levels. As we head back into the wider world again, I am determined not to lose the lessons I have learned along the way, which means that I am taking gentle steps for myself and taylor-made fitness. You can find out more details below, and I will update regularly as things evolve:

Fitness classes:

Online classes have been a fantastic way to stay connected and stay/get fit and I am happy to say that they are here to stay!

There will be some in-person classes too but ‘fitness mornings’ will be staying online so that you can workout in your own home, either at 7am with me, or by catching-up with the recordings later in the day.

Pilates sessions will be available as in-person and online classes so you can choose the best option for you. There will also be some occasional in-person workshops throughout the year.

In-person classes will follow COVID-safe guidelines, with social distancing between clients, no shared equipment, and no hands-on contact from me

Personal training:

Over the next few weeks we will start to transition from online to in-person personal training, but the online option will still be available for those who prefer it, those who are not local, and those who like to train at times when I can’t get to them!

Online personal training has been really successful but it will be good to see clients face-to-face again. Training will need to be held in an open, spacious area, with good ventilation, preferably outdoors, and social distancing will apply.

Sports massage:

One of the casualties of the past year has been my massage space!!

In March last year, I turned my spare bedroom into my ‘zoom-room’, which meant that my massage room became my overflow space for all the things that used to be in my spare room! My office has recently been moved into the studio space, leaving that room free as a my new massage room…

I’m currently finishing off a complete redecoration so that when I start offering sports massage again, the new space will be a calming area for your treatment.

As soon as I am back to hands-on practice I will let you know!

Please get in touch if I can help:

If you are interested in returning to in-person Pilates classes, looking for online fitness classes, keen to know more about personal training, or want to be the first to know when I’m back at my massage table, please get in touch by email: jane@taylormadefitness.biz

In the meantime, there will be website updates in the coming weeks so check-back soon

Jane

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New online class timetable

We have a shiny, new online class timetable which comes into effect from Monday 6th April!

pilates mat

It may evolve over the coming weeks (I have a couple of extra sessions up my sleeve!) but your new online sessions are currently scheduled as follows:

  • Mondays
    • Fitness Pilates 8pm
  • Tuesdays
    • Kettlebell Express 7am
  • Wednesdays
    • Metabolic Effect Bootcamp 7am
    • Fitness Pilates 7pm
  • Fridays
    • Kettlebell Express 7am
    • Hi-LI Fitness Circuit 9am
    • Fitness Pilates 10am

All classes are booked online.

When you book a class, you will also receive a link to access the live recording afterwards so that you can ‘attend’ at a later time if your prefer. Live recordings will be available for 7 days after the class.

kettlebell upright row

Payment can be made as a one-off booking or via a monthly class pass subscription which gives unlimited access to all sessions.

  • subscription details can be found here
  • classes can be booked here

I look forward to seeing you in the taylor-made fitness virtual studio very soon.

Let me know if you have any questions at all Jx

If you need to set yourself up for home exercise, read my guide about what you might need here

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COVID-19 updates

(updated 21st March 2020 – changes in purple text)

Please find details below regarding changes being made to taylor-made fitness in light of the current situation with coronavirus COVID-19. For the latest Government advice on coronavirus, please click here

I am currently in the process of updating my website to reflect the changes that have been made to taylor-made fitness with regards to coronavirus COVID-19. Please bear with me until everything is fully functional again!

Fitness Pilates and Hi-Li fitness circuit classes:

With effect from Monday 16th March, all in-person group classes have been temporarily suspended and will be delivered as live-streamed or pre-recorded sessions. I have set up a virtual studio in my home so everything is good to go. I will be adding a variety of class options in the coming weeks – please let me know if there is anything you would like me to include.

Please try to carry on with your regular movement practice at home – even if we can’t be in the same space, we can still be collectively exercising at the usual times – physically distant but socially cohesive!

I am going to make a change to the way class bookings are made during this period, so that you will have more flexibility while your finances may be less certain. With effect from April 6th, I will offer monthly subscriptions which will give you access to all my live-streamed and pre-recorded online classes. I hope that you will be in a position to continue supporting me during these changing times, so that taylor-made fitness can still be there to support you once everything is more settled.

I had planned to take a week off 6-13th April but this is currently under review as I’m not sure where I’d go!! I will keep you posted nearer the time and set-up the classes accordingly.

Wellness walks:

At present, I am planning to continue with the Wednesday morning walk as usual and will add an extra walk session on Fridays (details below). In these difficult times, assuming we are not symptomatic, we can all benefit from getting outside and breathing fresh air.

Managing our mental health will be even more vital over the coming weeks and walking is my favourite way to do that. I will be walking and you are welcome to join me if you’d like to.

  • Wednesdays 9-10.30am – meet outside The Old School Hall, Back Road, Sandhurst, Kent – wear wellies or suitable walking boots as all potential routes from here are muddy at present! Dogs welcome.
  • Fridays 9-10.30am – meet by Iden Green pavilion – this will be a circular loop along the quiet lanes; less muddy but also less off-lead options for dogs.

We are lucky to live in a rural setting where we can be outside and away from direct contact with others, even if we are walking in a small, spread-out, group. Here is an article about whether it is still safe to walk, in case you have any concerns: coronavirus and walking

Please note a change to the start time on Fridays (9am instead of 9.15am)

Please do not attend a walk session if you have any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined here or have been in contact with anyone who has these symptoms

There is no charge for these sessions but if you’re planning on joining us please email/text me on the day so that we know to wait for you before setting off. For your own peace of mind, please bring hand gel if you have any as there are no hand-washing facilities available (except puddles perhaps!)

Personal training:

Personal training sessions will continue to be delivered in-person although the following processes will be followed:

  • clients will use their own mats and equipment for their sessions – I will no longer be bringing any items with me and will build sessions around whatever equipment clients have access to
  • I will use hand gel before and after each session as well as using anti-bac wipes on the controls of my van
  • sessions will take place outside at safe distance; where this is not possible we will need to move to live-streamed sessions

PT clients must notify me if they have any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined here or have been in contact with anyone who has these symptoms.

I will be in email contact with individual clients to agree how to proceed and we will continue to review as the situation develops. In the event that clients think they have been potentially exposed to the virus, personal training sessions will need to move to live-streamed sessions. Obviously the same applies if I think have been exposed to the virus.

Sports & clinical massage:

We now have guidance from the Sports Therapy Association which is as follows:

“After spending most of the night reviewing the current Governmental guidance, I have arrived at the conclusion that now is the time to cancel all non urgent appointments and unnecessary social contact , as we are not classed as Allied Health Professionals – that means all clinic appointments, home visits, pitch side commitments and training nights. I’ve shared multiple sources of information over the past few days all of which classifies our role as high risk. I hope that we can look back in several months and say we were wrong and guilty only of overreacting.” Gary Benson Founder of STA

In line with this guidance I feel that my decision to stop offering hands-on treatments from Monday 16th was the best one to take.

Please rest assured that even though I cannot treat you in person at this time, I am still available to offer help as required via online and telephone contact. As well as creating some general self-care release videos that you can use at home, I am also able to offer individual guidance via Skype or Zoom so please reach out if you need my help.

If you have an existing massage voucher, the expiration date will be extended accordingly.

My commitment to you:

This business is my livelihood and my only source of household income, so for sure these are scary and worrying times, as they are for many of you I know. But, more than being my income, this business represents my heart & soul and I am feeling very sad and worried about what might happen to it right now. I know I’m not alone. I know we will get through this. But I’m taking a moment to acknowledge the sadness too.

Today I have been lifted up by the emails & texts of support from all of my lovely clients – thank you so much, it means the world to have that contact. Thank you for your on-going support in uncertain times.

Please keep in touch. Please keep walking. Please (if you can) keep to your usual class schedule at home. Please look after yourselves and your loved ones. Please take time to look up at the sky and plant your feet in the soil. Please take time to lie on the floor and breathe deeply.

I am going to try to keep myself busy creating class content for you and I’ll send regular emails so that you have plenty to keep you busy too. I also plan to complete my L4 Sports Massage course (which is all online) so that I’ll have new skills to share soon. If I get really stir-crazy, I might pack up my dog and a tent and go off-grid for a while…

Hopefully I will see some of you on walks but if not I am here if you need anything – fitness ideas, massage self-care advice, online support, virtual cake & coffee mornings, shopping errands…please shout if you need anything from me at all Jx

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Gift vouchers

I’m not ready Christmas this early in the year, but I have had some questions about gift vouchers so here are the options available in case you like to get organised in advance.

massage therapy

Massage gift vouchers & packages:

Regular massage offers many benefits including reduced pain, improved mobility, stress-reduction, better sleep and a sense of general well-being. Giving the gift of massage will definitely improve your popularity!

I have three options available for sports massage vouchers –

I have created a 4 session package which is great for someone who has an on-going soft tissue concern, where an initial course of several treatments within a shorter space of time will help to reduce symptoms.

This voucher will give the recipient four treatments over the course of 10-weeks, taken at intervals to suit their schedule, and it will earn you a whole lot of brownie points! If you are buying this as a Christmas gift, the voucher can be dated to start from 6th January 2020

I also offer a 10 session package which can be a gift voucher for someone else, or a gift to yourself! I have a special offer available when one of these options is purchased by 29th November, giving 11 sessions instead of 10 at no extra charge.

If you are buying it as a Christmas gift it can be dated to start from 6th January 2020; if you are nearing the end of a current block of 10 sessions, the start date can be amended to follow-on immediately afterwards, so that you can still take advantage of the 11 for 10 price.

I can also set up a gift voucher for any specific amount to be off-set against future treatments. Please get in touch to arrange this bespoke option.

taylor-made fitness

Personal training packages:

I have recently introduced a 10 session package for personal training and this can also be purchased as a gift voucher. Please make sure your recipient will appreciate your gift before purchasing! Please get in touch to discuss and purchase this bespoke option.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all about any of the voucher options or packages available Jx