I hope you've had a wonderful summer and found some time to relax and recharge. As we head into a new season, it's the perfect time to get back into a routine and make some time for yourself. Whether you've been coming to classes for years or you're thinking of joining me for the first time, this is your opportunity to press reset, move your body with purpose, and enjoy all the benefits that Classic Mat Pilates has to offer.
Every class is a fresh start. There's no need to be perfect—just come as you are. Together we'll build strength, improve flexibility and posture, and leave each session feeling more balanced, energised and ready for whatever the week brings. I can't wait to welcome you back for another great term ahead!
Our Summer Social!
For those that missed on social media- here’s a few photos from our outing to the Ivy in Oxford for Afternoon Tea! A lovely time with you all x
Bow and Arrow spine twist
The foam roller prop helps your body recruit the deepest abdominal muscles to keep balanced, whilst working!
Was great to work with the Trio Classes this August in my home studio and all embraced the medley of Pilates Props over the 3 week block with focus and endurance! Thank you all for allowing me to share your images and great work!
All Subscribers going forward will be given a pack this coming week as we begin the Autumn Term. I have been able to produce our next online lesson utilising props that all are familiar with - so made planning much easier this time round!
If you could arrive five minutes before the start of your lesson this week to collect and sign for your props bag that would be much appreciated- Many thanks in advance
Dates for the Diary
Classes will not run on 22nd/23rd and 24th September (A video class will be provided for this week). Please drop me a line if you would rather have your Subscription on pause during this time.
There will no Studio classes or for Edmonds Park Pavilion clients on 1st October.
Xmas Social - Friday 4th December at The Swan (provisionally booked-Xmas menu to follow)
End of Term -18th December
New Term - Tuesday 5th January 2027
APP Update
The following Wunda Chair Exercises for Circuit Training classes will be on the APP for this week’s classes.
This podcast episode by Dr Rangan Chatterjee- resonated strongly for me as a subject close to home. I hope sharing it with my local community will be beneficial too…
Most of us assume that memory loss and cognitive decline are just part of getting older. In this episode, a world-leading neurologist says that’s simply not true. That, far from being inevitable, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases result from decades of metabolic damage – which we have the power to prevent and even reverse. I’m speaking with Dr David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist, six-time New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world's leading experts on brain health. And in this fascinating conversation, we discuss the single biological mechanism that sits at the heart of virtually every neurodegenerative condition, from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to long Covid and depression, and why understanding it changes everything about how you approach your lifestyle. David’s key insight is that our brain's own immune cells, called microglial cells, have the power to make or break our future brain health. Keep them in their protective state through diet, exercise, and metabolic testing, and we can safeguard our brain for life. Feed them with ultra-processed food and they will shift into a destructive state that drives neuroinflammation. We discuss how, exactly, ultra-processed food damages the brain, why metabolic health is the key to cognitive longevity, and why the diagnosis of Alzheimer's is really the end stage of a process that began decades earlier. The choices you make right now, in your 30s, 40s and 50s, are already shaping the brain you will have in your 70s and beyond. If this all sounds science-heavy, rest assured David approaches it, just as he does in his new book, Brain Defenders, with clarity and plenty of practical takeaway. He outlines the specific blood biomarkers he believes everyone should be tracking, including fasting insulin, homocysteine and uric acid, for a remarkable window into your long-term brain health. We discuss why knowing your numbers is one of the most empowering steps you can take, how to go about getting tested, and how to act on what you find. There is a great deal of fear around dementia, and understandably so. But what I hope you take from this episode is something David emphasises: we needn’t be scared because we have agency. The research is clear that lifestyle choices have a profound impact on your risk, and it is never too early, or too late, to start making them. This is one of the most distinct and important conversations I’ve had about the future of your brain, and I think you will find it incredibly useful, thought-provoking and, above all, hopeful.
A Quick Reminder About Grippy Socks
Just a little reminder from me to everyone attending my Reformer and Circuit Training classes — please remember to wear grippy socks during your session.
As everyone shares the equipment and my classes run closely together, I simply don't have enough time to fully clean every piece of equipment between clients. Wearing grippy socks helps me to maintain a cleaner and more hygienic environment for everyone, while also giving you extra grip and stability during your workout.
I have swung the furniture around in the Studio for a new look and hand gel is now on the blue cabinet tucked behind the gold lamp-lol!
Thank you so much for your understanding and for helping me keep MyPilatesFlow clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone. 💛
Classes Update:
There are a few spaces available for PAY AS YOU GO blocks this month in Didcot. Please click below to be taken to the booking page for Wednesday morning and evening classes and Thursday early evening. Tuesday evening is fully booked.
My Studio Classes for 121 Reformer and Circuit Training are currently fully booked. These sessions run on a Monday/Tuesday and Thursday during the day time only. I have a wait list for those interested- please drop me a line for more information.
Joseph Pilates & The Barrel
The Barrel – developed during the 1940s
Joseph Pilates developed his barrel apparatus as part of his original New York studio equipment. Archival material shows the Spine Corrector/Step Barrel repertoire dating from around 1945, although research into the original apparatus suggests that the development of his barrel designs evolved over a period of time rather than having one definitive invention date.
Joseph Pilates' philosophy was centred on developing a uniformly strong, flexible and well-controlled body. The Barrel became one of his pieces of apparatus for exploring these principles, particularly through movements that challenge spinal flexion, extension and lateral movement.
Meet the Clara Lite Pilates Barrel
And this is where Pilates history meets my studio today! I’m really excited to introduce the Clara Lite Barrel to my clients — a modern, lightweight version of the traditional Spine Corrector, bringing all those lovely principles of the original barrel into a form that’s practical and versatile for today’s Pilates studio. I particularly love the name Clara Lite, as it pays tribute to Clara Pilates, Joseph’s wife and teaching partner, who was such an important part of the early development and teaching of the Pilates method. Balanced Body also deserves credit for helping to preserve and evolve the traditional Pilates apparatus, creating contemporary versions that allow us to continue working with these wonderful pieces of equipment today. So while the Clara Lite may look beautifully simple, it has a wonderful Pilates story behind it — and I can’t wait for you to experience!
The Clara Lite Pilates Barrel is a versatile piece of equipment designed to support and challenge your Pilates practice. Its three main features are: spinal mobility, helping you explore movement and extension with support; core strength, creating new challenges for abdominal control and stability; and stretch and release, providing a wonderful way to open the chest, shoulders, hips and spine. A fantastic addition to the Studio, it allows me to layer exercises for different abilities and bring even more variety to your Pilates sessions.
