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.