advanced pilates (just a short note) 00:23:14 on Thursday, October 22 2009

I will keep this brief as I don't want my blog to turn into a thoroughly pilates-esque "monoblogue".  But simply to say that this last weekend I spent in london, completing my Advanced Pilates training.  And just as I mentioned a while back that it may be, it was indeed challenging - but also great fun.  I was exhausted - last week was madly busy and I am overdue for a weekend off - but I trained with a great bunch of people including some familiar faces from previous training weekends, and the work we did was superb. 

I taught on monday and tuesday mornings - and I tried out some of the advanced stuff on my classes.  Bless them, they did their best to rise to the challenge.  Anyone who presumes that pilates is a soft option should have been there and found out the truth.  Ha! 

What was that I was saying a couple of blogs ago about how effort gets results?  Well it's true, and not just in pilates....

Al

power stretch 00:09:31 on Thursday, October 22 2009

Since I started turning up to Power Stretch classes on a monday night, I have always loved them.  It's not a hugely popular class but I think that it is a treasure and those who don't go along are missing out.  What better way to round off what is surely the longest day of the week than to step into a bubble of calm, stretch out, release tension, and lengthen aching limbs.

I remember my first classes, less than two years ago, when I turned up and loved the stretching but also felt frustrated that I was not one of the flexible people, and my back muscles felt so restricted, my hamstrings were tight, and my balance - well, it was wobbly... And to have an oober flexible and wonderful instructor, Becky the dancer, who could bend in every direction - well I looked on and wished I could do half of what she can do. 

I'd never been a flexible person.  But I am now - relatively speaking - and I love it!  It just goes to show, a little and often makes the world of a difference.  I can bend and stretch in ways that I have never done before  - and whilst I still look at what I can't do and want to do and have yet to do, the difference in 18 months is remarkable.  I am stronger, bendier, and I feel better for it. 

Since Becky went on maternity leave in the summer, various instructors have provided cover.  In the last few weeks that's been me three times.  The first time, I was nervous and I don't doubt that it showed - but it was okay nonetheless.  The next time was a whole heap easier - and this monday it was lovely.  I enjoyed it, and those who were there did too - we had a very happy, powerfully stretchy hour

Unknown to me, one of the participants this monday was herself a gym instructor, who works for REPS (register of exercise professionals, of which I am a member now of course!) and has been in the industry for 20 years.  At the end of the class she gave me awesome feedback.  Apparently my class was spot on, perfect choice of music (an important part to my mind) perfect atmosphere, great stretches, effort and effect.  That made me smile - alot - it meant alot. 

I went down to reception to sign off my session, and whilst there another participant was taking the time to fill out a feedback form... and the feedback was good.  Cor!

The gym have now asked me to cover the class on a regular basis, for the forseeable.  Never thought that would happen when I first started pitching up to it as not very flexible novice member all those months ago.

The challenge for me, is to keep it varied, challenging, welcoming, dynamic, and fun.  I'm up for that!

Al

fitness yoga 00:04:47 on Monday, October 12 2009

When I signed up for the training course, I realised I would be taking alot on.  Intensive training, in the midst of a really hectic time for me.  Last week I was travelling to schools as far afield as Manchester (that's ~5 hrs each way from here) and next week I am working with individual clients and reams of paperwork at home, teaching in the gym in Hastings, as well as giving presentations in Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire... then a weekend of Advanced Pilates training follows, in London. 

But I did it - and it was good.  Yesterday and today I to-ed and fro-ed to Edenbridge to take part in Jayne Nicholls Freestyle Fitness Yoga training, and I am chuffed to bits to have got through it and walked away with a piece of paper that confirms that I passed, and am now qualified to teach this practice. 

There is alot on Al's plate at the moment, but I'll get through it - I don't have a choice!  Whilst I am thoroughly weary and am counting the days down until I get a day off (12 days to go I think!) I am doing the things that I wanted to do - and I am hoping to open new doors in the process.  Fitness Yoga is an awesome practice - it is fun, challenging, rewarding and fulfilling.   I hope I can go on to develop the confidence, style and magnetism I am aiming for, to show others what it has to offer.

Effort brings results.  Hopefully.

Al

toasting 23:49:15 on Sunday, October 11 2009

For the second evening this autumn, tonight I lit the woodie, and the cottage has filled with warmth and cosiness.  Which is just what the doctor ordered - on a cold wet sunday night what could be better than curling up on the sofa with candles glowing, billy snoring, and music playing, by the fireside.

The embers are now glowing, my heart is warm.  Simple home comforts - sometimes you just can't beat them.

Al