What consistent Pilates has done for my body

I’m almost nine months into teaching Pilates, and because it’s also been the most consistent I’ve been with my own Pilates practice for years, I’ve noticed some changes that have been really lovely to see, not just for myself, but in the people coming along to my classes too.

When I started teaching full time, I had just left three years in a full time PR and marketing role. Most of my working day was spent sitting at a desk, 9 to 5, usually at home. Before that, I’d always worked part time or had jobs that gave me a lot more flexibility.

Full time desk work, driving everywhere, the joys of rural life, and two school runs a day left very little time to actually move my body. I walked the dog and went to classes when I could, but overall, I was living a pretty sedentary lifestyle, and I really felt the difference.

I think that’s true for so many of us. We fit movement and exercise in when we can. Some people are brilliant at prioritising it, but I think we all have periods in our lives when other things need to come first. Exercise quietly slips further down the list, not because we don’t care about it, but because life gets busy.

And that’s why I think consistency matters so much.

It doesn’t have to mean exercising every single day or completely changing your lifestyle. It’s about finding something you enjoy, making it part of your routine and doing it regularly enough that your body starts to feel the benefits.

So, what have I noticed?

The biggest change for me has been my core strength. I can hold positions for much longer and work at a level that I simply couldn’t manage before. Movements that used to feel really challenging have become much more achievable.

My glute strength has also improved significantly, and this has made a huge difference to my back. I’ve struggled with my back for years. Yoga has always helped to ease the symptoms, but what I’ve realised I really needed was to build strength around my hips, glutes and core so my back wasn’t constantly having to do work that other muscles should be doing.

I’ve also noticed that my whole body feels stronger and more toned. I’ve lost a few centimetres, particularly around my legs and waist, and I’m starting to see more definition through my abdominal muscles too.

I don’t often talk about the aesthetic side of exercise because, for me, it’s never been the most important part. I much prefer focusing on how I feel, and I feel stronger than I have in years.

After four days of teaching classes, I’m physically tired. But it’s the good kind of tired. I feel like I’ve used my body, challenged it and given it what it needs. And I love that.

Why I’m sharing this

I’m sharing my own experience because I really do believe that regular practice makes a difference.

The more consistently you move, the more quickly you start to notice changes in strength, stability, mobility and how your body feels day to day. And I want to make that consistency as easy as possible for you.

I also know that winter can make getting out of the house harder. When it’s dark, cold and miserable outside, sometimes the only thing your body wants to do is get cosy on the sofa!

So, I’ve put together a little extra incentive for my winter Pilates series, which will run from November through to Christmas.

A little winter Pilates offer

When you book a block of Pilates classes, I’ll give you one class for free.

And if you fancy doing a second Pilates class in the same week, you can add it for half price.

It’s simply a little encouragement to keep moving, build some consistency and make time for yourself over the winter months.

You don’t need to be super fit, flexible or experienced. Just come as you are and we’ll build from there.

If you’d like to join me, just email me and we can get you booked in.

Think of it as a little commitment to yourself for the first half of winter, something that will leave you feeling stronger, more mobile and hopefully a little more connected to your body by the time Christmas arrives.