How I left my Government job and became a Pilates Instructor!

For those of you that know me as just your friendly Pilates instructor, what you probably don't know is that I spent 15 years as a Performance Analyst for the Children & Family Courts.  Yes, I used to be a right geek - and I can write a pretty mean spreadsheet (nested 'if' statements the lot!) and provide you with a complete set of management statistical tools.  I had a very well paid and secure job, and one that I mostly enjoyed.  So what made me give up the security of a Government job with a good pension and all the perks of holiday pay and sick pay, and turn to the unpredictable-ness of self-employment?

It was a big risk, that is for sure, and I know many of you face the same dilemma.  What advice can I give any of you who are in a similar position, well I've been having a think and have come up with the following;

1) Reduce your risks as much as possible, get the right qualifications/certifications in what you want to do before you quit your job. Make the investments in equipment and training whilst you've got a steady stream of income, it's much harder to take it from your profits once self-employed.

2) Start off small, I just started with one evening class, and waited to see how it grew.  You will soon learn whether your proposed business is a viable option, if it is you will reach a tipping point - whereby you either stay as you are or take the leap and jump in.

3) Don't ever think it will be easy!  People only see the successes, they don't see the hard work of building websites, marketing, failures (yes, you'll have a few), building a client base - these things take time, years even - you just have to keep plugging away.  Duncan Bannatyne said in one of his books, that he would never invest in anyone who still held onto their regular job, because they didn't show the faith to invest in themselves, so why should he?  I agree with him, when it's your own business you have to make it work, you have no choice.

4) It's a roller coaster of emotions, owning and running your own business is not the same as working for someone else.  It belongs to you, and you have to try and not take things personally if someone doesn't like your product or service.  You can't please everyone, and you sometimes have to develop a very thick skin.

5) You will know in your heart if it's the right thing to do, and the right time to do it.  You have to get them both right, it might be the right thing but not the right time and vice versa - get them both aligned and the force will be strong!  Imagine where and what you want to be doing in 5 years time.

Is it worth it?  Most definitely!!  I'm now around most days for the school run, I get to see my kids much more - especially during the holidays....challenging at times, but fun most of the time.  I don't earn half as much as I used to, but you learn to live within your own means - did I really need as many clothes (I could live to be 100 and still not have worn all the clothes I have in my wardrobe)?  You have to reassess the important things in life.

I love my job, I get to work with and teach some amazing people, people who come through the door in massive amounts of pain, or are stressed, tired and just having a bad day - come to my classes and leave feeling rejuvenated and generally better about themselves.  People start to be able to walk taller, straighter and free of pain. What better way to spend my days than making people feel a bit better about themselves?  And teaching people that they have been given an amazing thing, their own body....I teach them to view that as a gift and something that should be treasured and nurtured.  I believe that movement is medicine, and everyone should learn how to move correctly and then move more!

So, if you're in the same predicament, weigh up you options and if the Universe is telling you something, then you should listen!

Jill x

PS

If you want to come to any of my Pilates classes in Durham (Langley Park or Willington) , workshops or retreats - then you can check out my website https://www.organicpilates.co.uk

The Olympics and Pilates - which of Team GB practice Pilates?

Hi

I don't know about you, but I am loving watching the Olympics 2016.  Seeing people who have made massive sacrifices to their lives for that one moment is just amazing to watch.  I did actually get up at 2am last Saturday to watch Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford and Jess Ennis-Hill; and I loved the two Brazilian gymnasts who on Sunday won silver and bronze medals behind Max Whitlock - it meant so much to them.

Anyway, whilst I was watching, I started to wonder how many of Team GB practice Pilates as part of their training program, so after a quick search on trusty Google, here are a few of the results;

1. Andy Murray - he did amazing, winning his 2nd Gold medal.  Loved how he put down John Inverdale (John asked him how if felt to be the first person (tennis player) to have won 2 gold medals - to which Murray replied - 'Serena and Venus have 4 each' - oops!).  Anyway Andy Murray is well documented to have credited Pilates with getting his back injury sorted after back surgery.  He still includes it in his regular training plan, along with a lot of flexibility work.

2. Bradley Wiggins - Sir Brad uses exercise balls and Pilates to keep his muscles resilient and keep his core strong.  

3. Tom Daley  He incorporates a wide range of disciplines into his training program including Pilates, Meditation and Ballet - all of which he has credited with him falling back in love with his sport.

4.Laura Trott - The top cyclist says that core work is very important for holding the position on the bike and preventing injury.  She regularly incorporates planks, side planks and exercise ball work to strengthen her abs.

So although Pilates is not technically a sport, it's not hard to see why so many successful athletes incorporate the system into their training programs.  Pilates focuses on alignment, balance and centre using deep core muscles - it's hardly surprising that it's the 'backbone' (ha!) of many sportspeople. When you regularly practice Pilates your strength creeps up on you, and you don't really notice it, as it is gradually built up via specific building blocks, it's only when you stop, and the aches and pains start to return - you realise how much good you have been doing for your body.

But you don't have to be a top class sportsperson to do it, you can do Pilates at any level - just make sure that you join a class with a suitably qualified instructor.

If you want to join my classes, then get in touch via the link below; https://www.organicpilates.co.uk/contact-us/

Hope to see you in classes soon!  

Jill x

Core Strength - what Rowing has taught me about Pilates.

Hi

Recently I was convinced to give rowing a try.  I train some awesome ladies (who are of a certain age), and they are absolutely some of the fittest people I've ever met - they are great examples of 'if you don't stop using it, you'll never lose it!'  Anyway they've been asking me for a while to give rowing a try, and finally last week I got round to it.

I absolutely loved it!  Firstly you are on the river in Durham, which is just beautiful, it's so peaceful and calm (when the wind isn't blowing that is - but that's a whole different story!), and you are concentrating so hard on getting your rowing technique right, that you forget about the stresses and strains of life, and the 'To do' list.

As a Pilates instructor, it's made me realise why all of the top athletes practise Pilates as part of their training plans.  Here are some of the reasons I was thankful that I do Pilates;

1. Getting the instruction to 'engage my lats' - I knew exactly where and how to do this.

2. 'Less is more' - I say this all the time in my classes, as it's not about the big movements, it's about focusing on engaging the smaller muscles, it often doesn't look like we're moving much at all. The same goes for rowing - the harder you try to row the slower the boat goes; relax and stop overthinking then things seem to work - strange that!

Me in action!

3. Core strength, oh my word, was I pleased that I've got this - not only does it massively affect the balance of the boat.  But if the movement comes from the core, then it makes less work for your arms and legs - thereby you have more strength and control in these muscles.

4. Balance - you certainly find out whether you have this.

5. Flow - in our classes we get into the flow when we have the control of the movement combined with the breathe - same in rowing.  This also makes us concentrate more - so great for switching off the mind!

6. Breath - I believe that the most important thing in any exercise program (and life!) is breath.
Joe Pilates said, 'if you learn one thing from Pilates, learn how to breathe' - this is absolutely true.  Every single person that I've ever taught Pilates to, when they first start say 'it's the breathing that's the hardest part' - it's so hard to breathe properly, and when you don't breathe properly you will never be able to engage your core properly and you will always hold onto tension.  As I always say there's a reason they teaching pregnant women how to breathe to give birth - strange that they don't teach anyone else!

Having said all of the above, I'm still aching especially in the glutes!

What I've learned or been reminded of is how beneficial Pilates is, not just for your everyday life, but for any sportspeople out there - YOU SHOULD BE DOING PILATES.  Not only will it help prevent injuries and improve your performance;
but it will help you to gain better control of your core, thereby releasing and allowing the big superficial muscles to do their job.  Your balance will improve as will your posture, and if you can learn correct breathing techniques then you will truly harness your Core Strength.

I'm in a quad for the first time tonight - I'll let you all know how I get on.....

Jill x

P.S.

If you want to join our Pilates sessions, or if you'd be interested in 1-2-1 or small group sessions for your particular sport, then get in touch via our contact form - https://www.organicpilates.co.uk/contact-us/

Summer Pilates Workout

I know that there are some ninja's out there, and I'm getting a lot of requests for a simple set of exercises to keep you moving whilst your away on your holidays.  So here you go, do these and they'll keep your spine mobilised and your core strong;

Warm Up - some big movements focused on the big muscle groups

Squats - 8 x normal, 8 x pulses - 2 x sets

Roll Downs x 4

Onto Mat - Shoulder Bridge x 8 with breath

Toe Taps  - x8

Single Leg Stretch  x 8

Scissor Legs x 8

Onto side - Torpedo x 8, then x8 pulses

Oyster - x8 with x8 pulses

Do the other side

Onto all fours - Table Top x 8

Onto front - Dart

Stretches

Cat Stretch
Threadneedle
Hamstring
Glute/Piriformis Stretch

Enjoy!!  See you all back in classes soon. Jill x

(This program is for people who have been attending classes previously.  Any exercise program should be supervised by a professional, or you should seek medical advice before you begin).

Fermented Goatsmilk - a cure for eczema?

Hi All

I said that I was going to keep you all up-to date with my progress regarding the 21day program of drinking Kefir in goats milk (basically fermented goats milk), thus replacing the nasty bacteria in my gut with super duper highly charged good bacteria.  Which would then (in theory) help with my eczema!

So I am nearing the end of my experiment now, and here are my experiences so far!

The milk arrives in a cooled box, with some rather fancy cooling device - which my dad promptly removed to use on footballers legs!  Anyway my fridge looked overloaded with the milk and it all looked quite daunting - a lot to get through;

Fully stocked fridge!!

I was particularly taken with the wording on the bottles that says 'I don't taste very nice on my own!'!!  So I was 'looking forward' to starting with a bit of trepidation.

Here's there reason I wanted to try something different.  I'm now 40 (and a bit), and have suffered from eczema to a lesser and greater degree all my life - I was born with it.  I can't remember a time when I wasn't covering myself in some cream or other.  I have used steroid based creams for most of my life, and my skin is now showing the effects of long term usage.  My hands, which have always been affected the worst, now look 10 years older than I do!  

So I decided to try the goat milk and lessen the steroids, it wasn't going to do any harm.

The first day I tried the goats milk - I used my Nutribullet and mixed the milk with strawberries and blueberries.  Due to the fermentation process the milk is quite fizzy, so when you take the lid off the top of the container it makes the gassy noise like when you unscrew a bottle of Coke - which is a bit weird at first.

When I first tasted it, it didn't actually taste too bad (this is considering I don't even drink cows milk due to the texture), but it was the smell of it that put me off and made me wretch a bit (I'm really selling this now).  It has a cheesy smell, which can be quite off putting first thing on a morning!  But I discovered that if I didn't breath in whilst drinking it (a skill I've discovered) the taste was ok, once you get used to it.  It is recommended that you have it first thing on a morning.  So I tried to imagine all the good bacteria going in and getting rid of all the rubbish in my gut.  I've now, actually got quite used to the taste.

As I'd stopped using the steroids - I expected my skin to get worse before it got better and my word it did!  I was absolutely covered and thoroughly miserable with itching and scratching - the below picture is my arms (which have never been particularly badly affected by eczema) after about a week.

I did cheat a couple of times with only a tiny bit of steroid cream - especially when the eczema started to creep up onto my neck.  But I have moisturised for England!!  I used the Moisturiser from the 'Chuckling Goat', but the pot honestly wasn't big enough to hit everywhere where I was having an outbreak - so I ended up buying a giant pot of Organic Coconut Oil and literally covering myself in it every morning and every night before bed.

So I have only half a bottle of goats milk left to drink and then I'm finished the 21 day course, do you want to see the result....?

Next blog post!

Jill x

For more info on the Kefir and Goatsmilk - see the below link;

https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk

It's been a while....!

Hi All

It's been a while since I updated my blog and loads of things (of a life changing nature) have happened in the past 6 months - including a close family bereavement, the family dog passing away and being made redundant!  One thing I've learned - life goes on, you only get one chance, so be as healthy as you can and enjoy your life!!

So, whilst I've been away, I've been reading loads of books on various health topics, and as a result I have become very interested in the bacteria in the gut and how it affects your health.  It's a very new area of research and scientists are only beginning to understand how the bacteria inside your gut plays an important part in vitamin absorption, and recent research suggests that certain bacteria in your gut can help you stay thin (or vice versa).

One area that interests me is how the bacteria in your gut affects your skin.  I have been a lifelong eczema sufferer.  I was born with it and throughout my life I have never really been totally clear of it at all.  One of the more annoying things about suffering with eczema is that it seems completely random - there is no predicting where or why an outbreak may occur. For most of my life I've used steroid creams to control it, however, I'm now getting to an age where using steroid creams is starting to show (my hands look 10 years older than me!). I've tried everything - literally, I must have spent a fortune on various lotions and potions over the years - but nothing really works long term.  

So one day I was listening to Radio 2 and a lovely lady came on talking about her goats milk and kefir (basically fermented goats milk!) and how it was really good for eczema, so I decided that I'd give it a try.  The irony is that for years my mum told me to drink goats milk, and also my best friends mum (who breeds goats) told me to drink it - I did try it, but I thought it tasted awful.  However, doing my research and being convinced that it was worth giving it a try, I decided to undergo the 21 day program.

So I am going to keep you updated on my progress....

If you're interested in finding out more information then here is the link through to their website;

https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk

Let me know if you have skin conditions and what has worked for them.

Jill x

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Escape the gloom - notes from our November Pilates Retreat in Spain

DAY ONE

The local town square

One dark, windy, wet, November morning 6 of us took flight from Newcastle airport, in the north east of England heading for Malaga, in southern Spain for our Pilates Retreat.  Malaga is reputed to have the best climate in Europe, being that it is just about as close to Africa that you can get whilst still being on European soil.  We left a dreary Newcastle in a howling gale, and landed in Malaga to a bit cloudy but warm breeze (about 18 C) - we swiftly started ditching the several layers of clothing that we had on.  It was just lovely to see the sun again!

We were picked up straight from the airport by our friendly taxi driver Paul and headed off to our final destination, Torrox, a small town in the foothills of the Sierra de Almijara in Anadalucia.

As the streets were too narrow to get the taxi right to the hotel door, we had to drag our suitcases the short distance to the hotel.  After a swift check in and checking out of each others' rooms (all very nice!), we had a bit of a walk around Torrox to get our bearings.  The town square formed the main area of the town, with the restaurants and cafe's based around the square.  A special mention must be made to the AMAZING cake shop, which incidentally also sold wine (€2 a bottle!?!?) and just about any other food supplies that were necessary.

The best cake shop ever!

So after stopping and having coffee and snacks in the square we headed to the cake shop  - after arming ourselves with cake, we headed back to the hotel to unpack and maybe think about unpacking our Pilates mats.

We had the use of the hotel's terrace for our Pilates sessions (and as we were the only guests of the hotel, we had the run of the hotel - the owners went out of the way to accommodate our requests (mainly for kettles and tea - being British after all!!).

The views from the terrace were amazing, and we enjoyed a lovely Pilates session and stretch in the open air with the sky above and the beautiful view of the mountains.  It was  so peaceful up there, only the sounds of the breeze and birds to disturb us.

View from the terrace

After a lovely stretch and relaxation, we headed back to our rooms to properly unpack and get ready for supper.  Supper for the first night was in the hotel, and I must say the food in the hotel was very good indeed, freshly prepared and extremely tasty.  As it was Marie's 'special' birthday we all enjoyed a bottle of fizzy stuff, compliments of the hotel.  After supper we all retired to our rooms as it had been quite a long day.

DAY TWO

We all woke up refreshed after a good nights sleep bright and early, and ready for another Pilates session.  As it was a bit too cold on the terrace first thing on a morning, we went into one of the suites and had our session there.

After breakfast we decided to go and visit some famous caves nearby at Nerja.  We arrived there and were surprised to find a Scottish piper in full regalia playing the bagpipes - we think he was practicing for Rememberance Sunday.  There was almost no-one at the caves when we got there (and it had one of the best gift shops, in which we all managed to buy something), so we got our tickets and headed inside.

There were a lot of steps and uneven surfaces, but it was well worth it, as the views inside the caves were spectacular, some of the best rock formations that we'd ever seen, the caves had been in use since pre-historic times and they had an amazing atmosphere.  We even managed a few side planks in there!  After a quick coffee stop, we caught the bus from the caves into the town centre of Nerja.

The 'Church Organ' at Nerja caves

Nerja is a beautiful town, right beside the sea, with some beautiful gift shops.  We spent some time exploring the alleyways and browsing the shops - as we were out of season the place wasn't crowded and the temperature was just right for walking around in. We stopped just off the town centre for tapas and drinks, we could not believe how cheap the food was in Spain (€30 between 6 of us for lunch, and that included drinks!).

Beautiful Nerja

After lunch we found a fabulous ice-cream shop and headed down to the beach, dipping our feet into the sea in November felt really good!  We could have stayed there all day, it was a really beautiful place and it was very much authentic Spain.

After a good look around and a bit more shopping we headed back to Torrox, and another Pilates session on the terrace.  It was really nice after walking around for much of the day to have a good stretch out, and just to be mindful of how lucky we were to be able to teach and practice in such a beautiful location.

Supper that night was in one of the local restaurants in the town square, and after another busy day we headed to bed.

DAY THREE

A beautiful morning and we managed to have our morning Pilates session on the terrace, which was so peaceful and relaxing.  After breakfast, we decided to head off into Malaga.  Lots of folks fly into Malaga, and from the drive from the airport, it looks quite uninspiring.  But the guidebooks told us not to look on first impressions, so we decided to give it a try.  We caught the local bus (which were always on time and very cheap), and set off down the mountain.  It took us an hour to get to Malaga, taking in the sights of Andalucia whilst we travelled.  The bus dropped us right in the centre, next to the harbour and a short walk from the old town.

First stop was the coffee shop (obviously - are you seeing a pattern emerge here?), and then we headed up to the old castle and fortress - The Alcazabar!  This turned out to be huge and an absolute haven of peacefulness and calm.  Every corner we turned there were beautiful gardens or water features and gorgeous terraces.  The views from here were wonderful too.

'The Alcazabar' - Malaga Old Town

Again, we could have spent all day there, but we wanted to see more of Malaga.  So after a food stop, we headed the short distance to the cathedral.  Which, as with most cathedrals' in Europe was truly stunning, with amazing architecture.

We then moved onto the Picasso museum, who was born in Malaga.  The museum was housed in a beautiful building, and it was extremely well organised, but I think the majority of the group decided that we were not fans of Picasso!  Maybe we just didn't 'get it', so the jury is still out on that one... :)

Malaga Cathedral

After another quick coffee stop we headed back for our bus, which again, was spot on time and set back off for our hotel.
We had a quick rest and then anyone who wanted too, joined in for another Pilates session on the terrace.

Supper was in another local cafe, and off to bed for an early start the next day.


DAY FOUR

We had decided that we all wanted to make the effort to get to the 'Alhambra Palace' in Granada, which was not too far from where we were staying.  So we had booked Paul (from our airport taxi), to get us there (as it was about an hour and half drive away).  We were recommended to get there early - so we had an early morning start, so no Pilates :(.    Paul turned up on time in his brand new mini-bus, and after driving down the motorway for about half and hour, the brand spanking new mini-bus promptly broke down!  So we were stuck in the mountains, with no phone signal, not knowing quite what to do!  Luckily the hotel had provided us with a packed lunch, so we weren't going to starve!  The Spainish Guardia turned up to move the bus off the motorway, and eventually Paul managed to call one of his friends to come and pick us up and take us to our destination.

Upon arrival that the 'Alhambra Palace' which is a World Heritage site, we managed to get in with no problems (even with the later than planned arrival).  The Alhambra Palace is basically another huge fortress and collection of palaces.  It is an amazing place, and the architecture is beautiful.

Taking time out in the 'Alhambra Palace'

We spent a good few hours exploring the palaces and the beautiful gardens.   We had lunch at the local 'pub' within the Palace grounds - where the waiter enjoyed our attempts to speak Spanish.  Marie almost got left in the grounds, as she had lost her ticket, which she needed to get out!

Another good gift shop was explored and then we headed back in our taxi.

Back at the hotel, it was time for our penultimate Pilates session, which we held on the terrace as the sunset over the mountains.  This was followed by a bit of wine on the terrace too!  Supper was in the hotel again, which was by far the best place to eat in Torrox.

DAY FIVE

We started with a final gorgeous chill-out Pilates and meditation session followed by breakfast.  A local masseur arrived and a couple of people had a massage.  We then spent the remainder of the morning packing our bags and getting ready for our departure.  We just had time for lunch in the square and then Paul arrived to take us to the airport.  Malaga airport has to be one of the nicest airports with some great shops.  So some final presents were bought, before we headed back to a cold, dark and wet Newcastle.

All in all, everyone agreed that they'd had a great time.  We had some good laughs and saw some beautiful sights; and of course, enjoyed some amazing Pilates sessions.  There was no pressure to join in two Pilates sessions a day, you choose. All levels are catered for, so don't worry if you've never done Pilates before.  You just need to bring your yoga mat - everything else will be provided. 

There will be another retreat, heading to exactly the same hotel planned for 9th-13th October 2015. If you would be interested in joining us, then let us know as there are limited spaces. 

Prices from £680 per person based on Half-Board for 4 nights. 
Included:

• Group Transfers (if arriving on the same flight as your retreat host)
• Accommodation at Hotel La Casa, Torrox for 4 nights on a Half-Board basis
• A minimum of 8 Pilates classes across 4 days

Friends and partners often wish to travel and not participate in the activities. Non participating group members are more than welcome and we offer a reduced price for them. Please contact us for full details.
In order to keep costs as low as possible, we do not include your flights as it is cheaper to book low cost flights direct with the airlines concerned, for those departing from Newcastle airport - we will advise which flight to book.

A deposit of just 15% of the retreat cost is payable to secure your place. Minimum numbers are applicable.  Please do not worry if you are travelling on your own, the groups are kept small and you'll soon make friends. 
If you are booking within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required.
Booking conditions apply once deposit is paid. 

For more information on your instructors visit their website www.vitalitypilatesdurham.co.uk.

*****VERY SPECIAL OFFER, we are pleased to be able to offer you this retreat at the amazing price of £600, for a limited time only - until end February 2015. ****** 
(after Feb it will revert to it's actual price of £680).

We can also offer a monthly savings scheme - so if started saving in Feb 2015 that would be 8 x £75 per month (not including flights, based on the offer price).

Get in touch to book, and take advantage of this amazing price, only 7 spaces available!

LIFE IS FULL OF ADVENTURES!

The stunning architecture at Alhambra Palace

Pilates on the terrace

Anchovies in the square

Side Planking - Nerja Caves

Nerja main street

Sunrise Pilates on the terrace

Nerja sea front

The food was amazing!