Summer is Here!
What do clients think of the first Retreat?…
Variety is the spice of life, so in contrast to a seaside location- looking at a gorgeous woodland setting for Retreat number 2. I’ll be test driving the chosen hotel and Spa element at the end of this month with my bestie. Fingers crossed that it lives up to my expectations- Hoping to be able to put forward the Pilates package for Subscribers and friends in July! The weekend date is to be decided but I am thinking this Autumn…
Qualification check…
For those that haven’t seen my qualifications (Steventon Studio wall) to teach both Classic Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates- here is a copy of my membership to Cimspa. What with so many new clients joining public classes as of late- I thought I’d share. There are lots of Pilates classes out there but always best to know that you are being taught by someone who has been classically trained- keeping alive the pure Joseph Pilates method!
Adding strings to the bow and all that… Always looking to refine, adapt and improve my skill set- love being a student-lol! My next stage in development is to complete Level 3 Cava. I hadn’t planned on doing this but whilst on holiday I received an email from HFE, who I completed both my Pilates training qualifications with. They invited me to apply for a job with them for an examining/assessor role. This was a surprise and something that I hadn’t really thought about but it did get the old grey matter working! I’m more than happy being my own boss and am not looking to work under a company umbrella but perhaps I could work as an independent Assessor from my own Studio…
This would enable me to train prospective Pilates teachers and be helpful in the future when I may need a little extra support in meeting the growing demand for this form of exercise!
Hence my next goal - to study for Level 3 CAVA qualification, alongside my P.G.C.E and PTLLS qualifications will open new doors in the future! I am now signed up and will be training with ‘Bright Pathway’. Exciting times ahead!
We welcomed a new addition to the Mason clan- two weeks ago- meet our 14 week old kitten- Pumpkin! He is a little devil- Studio clients will see him over the coming months- A bold little chap-lol!
Studying won’t be boring with my little helper- Pumpkin!
Thank you!
A big thank you to all those that did the pre recorded session whilst I was on holiday. The feed back received has been really useful and I will endeavour to take on board all the comments and suggestions for future filming. The overall feeling was positive and some have suggested that perhaps an online programme could be offered for those not coming to the Steventon Studio in August? I am mulling this over-not wanting to commit just yet as my work plate is pretty full! Watch this space…
Class Update
Mondays
Steventon Studio 121 and Circuit Training
Fully Booked
Tuesdays
Steventon Studio 121 and Didcot Civic Hall Evening Class
Fully Booked
Wednesdays
Didcot Civic Hall Morning Class-
Fully booked
Fleet Meadow Evening Class
1 space available
Thursdays
Steventon Studio 121 and Circuit Training sessions
Fully Booked
All Saints Youth & Community Hall Early Evening Class
Fully Booked
Arthritis and Pilates
I find it inspiring that more and more people are being drawn to Pilates to help with living with Arthritis. The wonderful thing about Pilates is that almost all exercises can be modified to suit each and every one of our bodies. Here’s a quick look at the benefits:
Low-Impact Movement
Pilates is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Improved Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Helps maintain range of motion and prevents stiffness in arthritic joints.
Strengthens Supporting Muscles
By strengthening muscles around affected joints (e.g., knees, hips, shoulders), Pilates can help reduce pain and joint strain.
Better Posture and Alignment
Reduces compensatory movements and poor posture that can worsen joint stress. Core Strength and Stability
A strong core provides better support for the spine and pelvis, reducing discomfort.
Mind-Body Connection
Controlled breathing and mindful movement reduce stress and inflammation—helpful for autoimmune types of arthritis.
Arthritis-Friendly Pilates Exercises
Pelvic Tilts
Target: Lumbar spine, core
How: Lying on your back, gently tilt your pelvis to flatten your lower back into the mat, then return to neutral.
Why: Improves lower back mobility and strengthens the deep abdominal muscles.
Knee Folds
Target: Hips, core
How: Lying on your back, knees bent, slowly lift one knee at a time into tabletop, keeping pelvis stable.
Why: Builds hip control and core stability with minimal joint strain.
Arm Circles (Supine or Seated)
Target: Shoulders
How: Make slow controlled arm circles while lying down or seated.
Why: Mobilizes shoulder joints and improves range of motion.
Dr Ellen J. Langer is Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, and widely known as the ‘mother of mindfulness’. She is the recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards and the author of twelve books, including her very latest, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.
In this episode with Dr Chatterjee she talks about how our mindsets directly affect our physical health, why much of what we attribute to ageing may actually be a consequence of our beliefs and the real meaning of mindfulness.
She has spent over 50 years conducting ground-breaking research showing that your thoughts have a profound impact on your body.
I could have listened to her all day- wonderful insight! Another long one but well worth the time to listen- enjoy x
To All Subscribers
I will be updating the Booking System for the Autumn Term in July. If you do not wish to retain your space within your chosen class then please drop me a line. Public classes are suspended during August and resume in September.
Summer Social
Looking forward to our end of Term gathering at Quod in Oxford on July 25th- table is now booked for our Cream Tea!
Wishing all a happy start to the Summer x