Stop Letting Mum Guilt Get In The Way Of Your Self Care!

You scroll through Instagram, whilst heating up your children’s dinner and you are bombarded with images of other mums with blow waved hair & impeccable makeup, cooking their children’s dinner from scratch… and BOOM Mum Guilt!

You sit down on the couch with a freshly made pot of tea while the kids are still sleeping….. Mum Guilt!

You organise a babysitter so you and your husband can have a date night…. Mum Guilt!

Does this sound like you?

Do you feel guilty when you are away from your kids, or even just thinking about taking some time out for yourself?

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A post shared by Maya Vorderstrasse (@mayavorderstrasse) on Aug 30, 2018 at 10:55am PDT

You, my friend, are incredible!

and you are so worthy and deserving of taking time for you!

Taking time out for you is NOT selfish, but necessary!

There is only so far you will get by putting everyone else’s needs above your own, and neglecting the one person that needs your attention the most.. YOU!

It’s time you STOP neglecting your needs, think of your self-care as a WIN for your family.
You will feel happier, fresher & more able to take care of the ones you love if you take care of yourself first and here’s how you will do it!

1. STOP comparing yourself to everyone around you.

Stop scrolling through Instagram and Facebook looking at what everyone else is doing, because that is not real life! That is their highlight reel, not reality. I’m sure if you were to see their blooper reel your perspective on things would be a little different!

2. Make a commitment to doing something for yourself on a regular basis.

• It could be 10 minutes to yourself while you drink your coffee

• 30 minutes to walk the dog

• Doing some meditation

3. Schedule Your You Time in!

Once you’ve worked out what your commitment is above

• sit down with your family/loved one’s and tell them why this is important to you then

• Work out a time when you can schedule this in as an appointment without interruption (maybe you wake up before everyone else, or maybe you do it once your husband is home from work)

• Write it down in your diary or schedule it into your calendar on your phone - Make this a non-negotiable. 

You’ve totally got this! This is your year to put yourself at the top of that to-do list, you are going to feel so much better for it!

Steph and the Pilates Team

xx
P.S.
If you need a guide or someone to help you keep your appointment with yourself, we can be your person!
Get in touch with us and organise your first session today Click here to send us an email

OR

try our INTRO OFFER- 4 Reformer Classes for 85* (*classes to be used within 2 weeks of first session)

3 Reasons Why Pilates Is The Perfect Addition to Your Running Training

You are runner ! You love your running. You could run for hours.

Every day, you get up, rain, hail or shine, (mostly rain in Ballarat) and you still go out running…Because you love it!

You enter fun runs to give you something to train for, but the one thing that you can’t help but fight, are those niggles you keep getting.

That bloody aching hip that means you’re hobbling for the first few km’s of your run.

That Achilles that makes itself known to you as soon as you set your foot on the ground each morning .

But Rain, hail, shine or injuries you still run!
You could go and see the physio about it, but you worry that they will tell you to stop running, or reduce your km’s and you don’t want to hear that so you just keep on going.
You keep running through the pain, you keep running as your times get slower and your running form becomes labored. 

I know you love to run!

But maybe it’s time you got smarter about the way you train?
Running is great! But doing it and only it, is repetitive wand can lead to niggles and injuries.
Adding a regular Strength-based training session into your week will help provide you with a source of cross-training, improve your weak areas and help reduce those niggles that are holding you back! 

Here are 3 Reasons Why Pilates Is The Perfect Addition to Your Running Training.

1. Pilates is a Full Body Workout!

Pilates is such an incredible way for you to add strength training into your running training cycle.
It’s a low load strength-based workout, focusing on your full body, which means we build strength in all of your body, especially the muscles you don’t use as much when you’re running and the ones you’d avoid if you did the workouts yourself at home! 

2. Pilates will keep you on the track and out of the Doctor’s office!

We know how much you just want to be out on the track running.
Pilates will keep you out there.
Our balanced classes will improve your muscle imbalances, lengthen what’s tight and strengthen what’s weak, keeping those niggles to a minimum. 

3. Pilates won’t leave your muscles feeling so heavy that you can’t run!

We know that you don’t want to be in the gym lifting heavy weights you don’t want your body to be sore and your legs to be so heavy that you can’t get up and run the next day! Our Pilates Classes are perfect for you, they are a low load workout and will have you feeling, taller and more able to take on your day or your next long run!

It’s time to stop pounding the pavements, stop limping along with injuries just so you can run each day.
because you know what happens next!
You end up having to take a break from running for a long time just to recover.

Keep yourself out on that track by being smarter with your training & adding in some Pilates Classes to your mix! 

Start Your Pilates Classes Today with our

INTRO OFFER - 4 REFORMER CLASSES FOR $85.

or

Join our next Intro to Pilates Course (Find out more HERE)

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team

Xx

How to Set New Year Resolutions that will stick in 2020!

2020 is just around the corner and you are starting to think about how you can reboot your health, set some goals and start the year off well!

BUT, you do this each year and you just can’t seem to make those new routines stick?

You start your new diet or your new exercise routine and you stop after a few weeks?

And then to make it even worse you start telling yourself that you are hopeless for not being able to see them through?Sound familiar?

Well, my friend, you are far from hopeless, actually you are FREAKING AMAZING!
The reason these things haven’t worked in the past is because you have been setting yourself Unrealistic goals!

BUT not this year! This year is your year to shine!

I’m going to tell you something you probably don’t want to hear…. Here goes…..

There are no quick fixes, there are no tricks and no special fancy diets that are going to help you achieve a healthy sustainable lifestyle.

Creating a healthy lifestyle is all about making small sustainable changes over time and allowing these to become part of your lifestyle.

And to help you do that here are my top 3 tips to help you create healthy habits that will last a lifetime!

Steer Clear of FAD DIETS

Let’s be super clear, fad diets do not work.

Whilst they may be successful in the short term, they are extremely difficult to sustain for long periods. Fad diets are centered around restriction and will often ask you to cut out or reduce certain food groups.

This means you won’t be getting all of the essential nutrients you need for a healthy body and life.

So what should you do instead?

Eat a healthy balanced diet.
Remember that food pyramid you learnt about at school, bring that bad boy back out and try to start fueling your body based on it’s recommendations (you can also read this great article hear for some tips).

So instead of starting a fad diet in 2020 commit to making some small healthy changes to what you are eating. For Example;

• Eat 3 pieces of fruit a day

• Reduce sugar intake by not adding additional sugar to any of my meals or drinks

• Cook dinners that are made with fresh foods (vegetables, meat, grains)

• Only have 1 soft drink a week

Don’t Go GUNG-hO with your exercise!

So you want to be more active, that’s great!

But maybe it’s been a while since you’ve exercised or maybe you’ve been regularly exercising for a and want to up the anti?

It’s important when changing your exercise routine to make small incremental changes, rather than going all-in right from 1st of Jan!

Here are 2 reasons why this is important!

1. Sudden and large changes to your exercise routine can put your body at an increased risk of injury

2. Making big changes to your routine can often be unrealistic and hard to sustain!

So, instead of going from zero to hero this Jan try Introducing your new activities slowly and then increase it steadily from week to week as you feel ready. Not only will this reduce your chance of injury but it will also make it easier to for you to form a habit and stick to it.

Try setting goals such as;

• Walk for 15minutes every second day

• Do 10-15 Minutes of Pilates every second day

• Change one low-intensity session (walk, or bike ride etc) into a higher intensity Eg. hill walk or a weight session

Pick Activities You Enjoy!

Now that you know you have to start out slow when you are introducing new exercises into your routine, the next important step is for you to pick activities that you enjoy!

Creating a healthy lifestyle is all about making changes that are sustainable for a long period of time. So there’s no point starting a type of activity or exercise that you absolutely dread doing.

Instead pick activities you enjoy, and if you’re not sure what you enjoy then maybe give a few different things a go and see what lights your fire!

Exercise doesn’t have to mean running or going to the gym, or box jumps or burpees (urgh burpees) it can take so many different forms, so get creative!

So this year when you are sitting down to set your New Year goals and resolutions, make it simple, pick exercises that you enjoy, start small and increase gradually and please No Fad Diets!

Oh and If you’ve been thinking about trying Pilates but are worried about making a big commitment,

try our INTRO OFFER - 4 REFORMER CLASSES = $85

OR

sign up below to receive 3 FREE Pilates Exercises straight to your inbox that you can do at home!

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team

Xx

5 Quick & Easy Ways to Get Your Exercise Mojo Back!

You started out on a roll with your exercise but you fell off the wagon, and the longer you went without exercising the harder it was to get started again. Sound familiar?

If you’ve taken a break from exercise, intended or not, you know that the struggle is REAL when it comes to getting back into your routine!

BUT, it’s time to dust off your active wear, climb out of that butt groove you created in the couch and get your exercise mojo back with our 5 simple and actionable tips!

1.Know Your Why!

It’s easy to forget the reasons why you enjoyed exercising or the benefits you felt when you aren’t doing it!
I’ll bet you can think of heaps of reasons you can’t or don’t want to get back into exercise though!

OUR TIP

Write Down all of the benefits of Pilates that you have experienced in the past!
Here are a few to get you started

• Reduced Stress

• More energy,

• Better sleep

• More time for yourself,

• A sense of achievement

• Feeling strong and fit

• Less pain

• Able to chase the kids around

Now stick them where you will see them often, like on your fridge or the toilet door, to remind you of all the awesome benefits you got from your Pilates routine!

Not only will this help you get your mojo back, but it will also keep your WHY front of mind! So,when the inevitable happens and, you’ve had a bad day or the kids are running an absolute muck, instead of cancelling your Pilates class you can look at that list and use it as your motivation!

And on those days especially, once you finish that class, give yourself a freaking reward sister!

2. Stop waiting for the Perfect Time- it doesn’t exist

How often do you tell yourself that you’ll book back into your Pilates Class when you have more time? OR When you aren’t working as much? OR when the kids sports die down?

It’s easy to tell ourselves that we will start again later, when the conditions are just right! But let’s face it, the conditions are never going to be right, there will never be a perfect time for anything.

OUR TIP

Just start!
Book that Class today and don’t let yourself cancel it!

3. Lower your expectations

If it’s been a little while since you’ve been to a class or exercised, then you’ve probably lost some of your strength and fitness.
You probably know this though and I bet you are still worrying that you won’t be as fit or as strong as you used to be.
Well, Stop that thinking, because it’s totally OK if you aren’t where you used to be!

It’s OK if things have changed. You don’t have to be The Best or The Fittest or The Strongest.

You just have to be where you are at this very point in time. Allow your workout to meet you where your fitness level is.

OUR TIP

Maybe attend a beginner class instead of an intermediate class, OR ask your instructor to modify some exercises for you.
Allow yourself to start again and build back up!

4. Motivation comes in waves - no one is motivated all of the time.

Motivation is a tricky one, I think we assume that people who exercise a lot have a never-ending supply of motivation, but that’s NOT true. What they do have is a habit and a routine!

So instead of trying to “find the motivation” to get yourself to class or to,instead, try to create a habit.

OUR TIP

Pre-book and prepay for your class,(you’re already invested this way)

Set an alarm on your phone or pencil your exercise into your diary and train yourself to work on autopilot!

5. Don’t be afraid to change your session!

Doing something is better than nothing! So don’t be afraid to change up your routine on those days when you are feeling extra tired and like you really don’t want to exercise.

You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel for exercising anyway!

OUR TIP

Instead of doing a really hard class, jump into an easier session.
Tell the instructor that you’re not feeling like your usual self and that you might take it a bit easier.

So when the time comes for you to re-start your routine again (NOW).
Remember! give yourself a break, allow yourself to start again and let your Pilates class meet you at the level you are at instead of the other way around!

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team
Xx

P.S

If it’s been a little while between Pilates classes, then we would love to help you get back into a routine and on the path to feeling happier, healthier and stronger.

You can book your classes here or maybe you need a little more support and guidance to get find your old fit, healthy & happy self, then our new Find Your Fit Course is definitely For you - read more about it here!

Everyone’s Fit is Different. How Do You Find Yours?

Pilates HQ can help you find your fit

In all aspects of life, we search for the right fit. Our clothes, our job, our friends, our home. We take the time to find what suits us. However, when it comes to fitness, it’s easy to get caught up in just one idea of what “fit” is - based on information from the media or someone we know. We can even get caught up on our former selves… (you know, the you before “life happened”). And based on that one idea, we judge ourselves to be unfit or worse, incapable of being fit.

But just like clothes, jobs, friends, homes, fitness is different for all of us. Some people need to run marathons; others get a great buzz from intense, sweaty gym sessions; and some people just want to feel good and know they can sail through their daily life with physical ease. Also fitness, just like everything else, is something that constantly changes, depending on where we’re at in our lives.

Pilates, Beginner, Fitness, Ballarat

So what is your fit? How do you find it and how do you achieve it?

Great news!! Pilates HQ is here to help. With our own Exercise Physiologist and Pilates Instructor Abby Byrne, we have developed the Find Your Fit course to help you find it, achieve it and best of all, maintain it.

Over the course of seven weeks, we will provide the tools you need to achieve your idea of fit, starting with determining what that idea is! Abby will work with you to:

• set your own goals

• overcome any barriers you’ve faced in the past

• teach you exercises suited to you that you can do at home

• empower you become active and stay active in your everyday life.

You will receive:

• a handbook to keep track of your progress

• discounts to beginner Pilates classes

• assessments along the way to keep you on track

• a home exercise program to follow on with during & after the course

• support, guidance and knowledge to ensure to achieve.

It’s a holistic program that puts you on track to achieve the level of fitness you want (not what someone else decides). It’s the perfect way to start your very own fitness campaign and discover (or rediscover) a stronger, healthier, happier you.

The Find Your Fit course kicks off at 11.30am on Thursday, August 8th.

The cost is $330 and all you need to do to sign up is click the link below, OR you can send us an email here.

Steph and The Pilates HQ Team

Xx

HQer of The Month - Tiana Pearce

June’s HQer of the month is Tiana!
Tiana is currently in year 11 at Damascus College and is our youngest HQ Member (By at least 10 years).

Tiana attended her first class at HQ as her Mum’s plus one on our “bring a friend” deal, and has now been doing Reformer classes twice a week for around 2 years.

Tiana’s Pilates skills have improved immensely since she first started, she now gives some of our more advanced exercises a go (with a little push from Steph 😜 ).

Read on to find out a little more about Tiana, her Pilates HQ Journey and how she felt about joining class with bunch of “oldies” (my words not hers).

Reformer Pilates Buninyong, Ballarat

What year level are you in at school and do you have any favourite subjects?

Photography and food is something I have a big interest towards, I have explored both these topics by completing VCE Studio Arts Photography units 3/4 this year with my theme being food. I currently have no idea what I want to do once I finish school but I plan to go to Uni and travel.

You come to Pilates twice a week, what other sports do you play or activities do you do?

This year is my 10th year playing netball, I’m currently playing netball for U21’s on a Thursday night for Dela Netball Club. I am currently working at The Red Door Pizzeria, this is my third year working there. I make pizzas and work in customer service.

What was it that made you want to do Pilates?

Mum was my major influence into starting Pilates by bringing me along to one of her classes so I could get a feel of what Pilates is all about. I never had any interest towards doing Pilates until I gave it a try.

Did you know what Pilates was before you started coming to Pilates HQ?

Before starting Pilates I really didn’t have any idea what it was, I thought it was some type of yoga.

Now that you have been coming to HQ for classes have you noticed any changes to how you feel?

After doing Pilates for a couple years now I have definitely noticed some changes not only in my physical appearance but also in strength. I feel fitter and healthier and believe it has helped me with my netball because I generally feel like I have more energy to get through a whole game.

You are one of our youngest HQers - did you feel ok going into a class with a bunch of older ladies? Were you nervous or scared?

I did feel a bit nervous going into my first class because I knew there would be no one my age doing it but then again I was excited to try something new. Now when I go to class each week I don’t feel nervous at all because I’ve gotten to know the people I’m around and I enjoy myself.

What is your favourite thing about coming to classes at Pilates HQ?

I enjoy knowing that whenever I come to any of my classes I walk in not knowing what to expect and what we will be doing during the class. I also enjoy the great atmosphere you feel as soon as you walk in, everyone’s always got a smile on their face and ready for a friendly chat.

Thanks Tiana for bringing your beaming smile to each class, it has been so amazing to watch your strength and confidence grow each week. we absolute love having you as part of our HQ Tribe!

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team

Xx

HQ-er of The Month - Kate Bond

This Month’s HQer of the month is Kate! Kate is a Primary school teacher and she loves seeing the growth her students make emotionally, academically and socially throughout their school years.
Kate Started out at Pilates HQ around 2 years ago after a suggestion from her Doctor, due to her Hip Dysplasia. When she is not Pilates-ing Kate can be found reading a good book, catching up with friends and family over a lovely meal and glass of wine or maybe even Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Barwon Heads.
Kate brings a beautiful calm energy to Pilates HQ and we look forward to seeing her in class each week. Find out all about Kate and her Pilates Journey below.

Beginner Pilates Classes, Pilates Buninyong

Kate, I know you are a teacher and that you attend Pilates once a week, but I would love to know what makes you you? What do you love doing when you are not doing these things?

I live in Mount Helen with my husband, Shane. We recently built a new house and moved in at the end of last year. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends, often catching up over a meal or glass of wine. I really enjoy cooking for others and have enjoyed many fun catch ups over the last few months in our new home.

Apart from my weekly Pilates class, I go to the gym three times a week and do a group training session with my sisters and some friends. Although I'm not the greatest at exercise, I find it easier to go with others as I usually find an opportunity to have a laugh (at myself or someone else)

I also love spending time at the beach and feel lucky that we live close enough that we can easily go there for a day. Shane and I have recently found that we enjoy stand up paddle-boarding and we always try to do that a few times over summer.

How long have you been a teacher for? What Year levels do you teach and why do you love what you do?

I started teaching in 2009 and have enjoyed many happy, fun-filled and rewarding days in the classroom. I currently teach a beautiful Grade 1/2 class and I taught Prep for many years prior to this. I have seen many of the children that I taught in Prep graduate from Grade Six and move onto high school. It is so wonderful to see the growth the children make academically, socially and emotionally in their school journey. I feel extremely grateful to be a small part of this journey.

What do you get up to when school holidays come around?

I enjoy travelling both in Australia and overseas and have been lucky enough to visit many interesting countries. If I'm not travelling, I like to spend time relaxing at home and catching up on jobs or projects around the house.

We also enjoy popping down to the beach for the day, no matter what the weather is like. One of my favourite places in the world to spend time at is Barwon Heads and we visit it often.

What lead you to want to start Pilates and why did you choose Pilates HQ?

A few years ago, I discovered I have hip dysplasia. My doctor recommended Pilates to help strengthen my body and I decided I would try it. I chose Pilates HQ as it was close to home and I had heard some great reviews.

Did you have any apprehensions about starting Pilates?

I was nervous about starting Pilates. I did not know if I would be able to do all of the exercises and had no idea how to use the reformer.
I find it's always daunting walking into a new place where others are already familiar, however, I did my first class with Steph one day in the holidays nearly two years ago and have been going to Abby's Wednesday evening class since then.

Initially, I was really impressed by how comfortable Steph and Abby made me feel as a newcomer to Pilates HQ, and I feel exactly the same about all of the instructors now.

What did you think Pilates would be like before you started and has that opinion changed now that you come each week?

I had a very vague idea of what Pilates was going to be like prior to starting. I had heard some friends talk about Pilates and had talked with them about it, but I found it very hard to understand how the exercises on the reformer worked until I tried them. In the beginning, when Steph or Abby showed us a new exercise, I would often wonder if my body was capable of doing it. Now, I feel confident enough to have a go. Depending on the exercise, I might even try the next level. I always appreciate Abby and Steph for correcting my technique, and for their tips and advice.

Have you noticed any changes or improvements since starting Pilates?

My body certainly feels a lot stronger all over. Before I started Pilates, my hip would often give way however, I feel this happens less often now. Another aspect I really appreciate is that I feel relaxed after my weekly class at Pilates HQ.

Do you have any favourite restaurants or cafes to visit in Buninyong or Ballarat?

I do enjoy grabbing a coffee and love to visit many of the different cafes that we have locally. I really like to pop into Fika when I'm in town. Often, on the weekend, Shane and I will head to a small cafe for a relaxing breakfast or brunch. We're also fans of a hot chocolate from the Chocolatto shop in Buninyong.

What are the main things you do as self-care?

I always have a book that I'm reading, although I usually read the most when it's school holidays. At the moment, I'm reading 'Any Ordinary Day' by Leigh Sales. Apart from reading, I have recently discovered that I'm a huge fan of jigsaw puzzles and we always have one in our living room. I find working on a puzzle both relaxing and satisfying at the same time.

What words of advice do you have for someone who is wanting to come to their first Pilates class?

Just try it - all of the instructors at Pilates HQ are amazing and accommodating. I find that they use their expertise to support and guide you through the exercises so that each one is achievable. I appreciate Abby and Steph for their positive encouragement and guidance throughout the class, and I'm sure everyone else does too

Well Done Kate on Your Pilates HQ Journey so far, we can’t wait to see all the amazing things that you do inside and outside of our Studio this year.

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team
xx

Our Top 4 Tips for Getting Back into Exercise After a Long Break

“I am so unfit.”
“I’m so inflexible”
“I am going to be so uncoordinated”

Do you ever tell yourself these things?
Well, you are not alone!, It’s what almost every new client of ours says. But, once they start they are always surprised By how much they CAN do and how coordinated they actually are!

Getting back into exercising after a big siesta can be scary, it can also be hard to know what sort of exercise is the best to do.
So, here are our top 4 tips on getting back to exercise after a bit of an exercise siesta.

1.Start gently

One of the most common things I notice as a physio are people who go GUNG HO!
They want to get fit and so they throw themselves into exercise, join a gym or boot camp or start running and they go from zero to 100 straight away. Then they end up injured and sore.

The best and safest way to get back into an exercise routine is to start out slowly.
- Start walking a small distance a couple of times a week.
- Join a fitness class once or twice a week and then rest on your other days

Whatever you choose remember to start slowly and then gradually increase your exercise from there.

2.Build Up You Strength

If you decide your goal is to get back into running, that is great! But it’s also a great idea to add in some strengthening exercises as well.

If you haven’t exercised for a while you most likely will have lost some muscle strength, tone and endurance, and whilst running alone is great, you will also need the strength in your muscles to help you go further and faster, and to help minimise the chance of injury.

HOT TIP
Start with Strength Exercises once per week and then try to build up to the recommended guidelines of 2-3 times each week.

3.Pick Exercise You Enjoy

Exercise is an important inclusion into everyone’s life, as it helps to combat chronic disease, as well as improves mental health.
For Exercise to be beneficial we need to be doing it most days (5-6 times a week), and to be able to maintain an exercise routine you not only need to create great habits, but you also need to find a form of exercise that you enjoy!

HOT TIP
If you aren’t sure what it is you enjoy, maybe try a few different things.
- Go for a ride with your family
- try a new class at the gym,
- try Pilates or yoga.

Whatever you do, find something you love, something you look forward to doing (most of the time) and you will be so much more likely to create a lasting healthy relationship with exercise.

4. Find the right people to guide you

Starting from scratch can be scary and you can often feel overwhelmed with information and questions like; What exercises should I do? How much should I do? How often should I do them?

HOT TIP
Rather than scour the internet for information (which can sometimes be misleading) find someone that knows all of this information and more, someone who can guide you safely on your exercise journey towards your goals.

Our team of instructors at Pilates HQ would love to help you to get back into the exercise game!
We love helping people find their feet again after a big break, and we pride ourselves on providing clients with a safe and welcoming environment.

We have lots of different class times as well as varying class levels and we would love to give you advice on where and how to get started.

Have a Read of Our Where to Start Page Here, and if you are still wanting to know more then Send us an email here OR give us a call on 0429578987 to find out more.

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team
Xx

HQer of the Month - Jo O'Kelly

This month we are shinning the light on the wonderful Jo O’Kelly! Jo is a busy working mum of three gorgeous Children, as well as an incredible Photographer (She actually did all of our staff photos!).

Jo started at HQ just over 1 year ago hitting the ground running with our January Deal and doing 2 Classes a Week. Since this time, Jo has been so incredibly consistent with her Pilates and as a result has showed great improvements in all aspects of her practice.
Read on to find out all the things that Jo loves about Pilates at Pilates HQ, her advice for fitting in exercise to a busy schedule and her tips on where to go in Buninyong.

“I don’t ever remember feeling as strong or as flexible as I do at this point in my life. ”

Reformer Pilates, Long Spine, Pilates Buninyong

Tell us a little bit about you. (You are a teacher, photographer, mum) what else makes you you! and what do you get up to when you are not doing all of the mum, teacher & Pilates things?

So, where do I begin and what do I choose to share with you all about ME??
I am who I am because of the strong foundation of my extended family. I learnt from a young age that what is most important in life is people and the relationships in which we hold, develop and treasure. So I invest much of my time and effort into the relationships that I am most fortunate exist around me. I have a gorgeous husband and three children whom I adore beyond words could ever adequately express. My children are aged ten, eight and four.

I work as a primary school teacher. I adore supporting children on their journey as learners.

I also work in the professional photography industry and continue with determination to develop my craft, always exploring new avenues to learn and to extend my own knowledge and skill set.

Why did you decide to try Pilates and what made you choose Pilates HQ?

I first became aware of Reformer Pilates when gorgeous Steph made contact with me for my photography service. This was in 2016. I admired from a far for almost 12 months as at the time I had allowed myself to live at the 'bottom rung of the ladder' and I guess in retrospect had chosen to place the needs and desires of others consistently before my own. Prior to having children I was heavily involved as a netballer at my home club in Birregurra.

I continued to admire Pilate's HQ via instagram and often sat on my couch in awe watching Steph do the most incredible things with her body in the video footage that she posted. In January 2018 I made the decision to improve my self care choices and to value what was important for me to be successful in all facets of life. I had really enjoyed the time I had spent with Steph whilst photographing her. I truly believed in her story and knew that I would feel most welcome and safe at her headquarters.

You started out doing beginner classes and you are now stepping up the challenge to advanced classes? (AHHMAZING BY THE WAY)

What have you liked about the intermediate & advanced classes?

I truly still spin out and some times laugh out loud during classes at what my body has become and is able to do. I love everything there is to a Reformer Pilates class. I love the challenge of moving my body with an instructors direction. I love most the strength and flexibility elements. I don't ever remember feeling as strong or as flexible as I do at this point in my life. Both the intermediate and advanced classes challenge my mind and body in the most positive of ways. I also love watching Steph and her team model an advanced movement. I smile at how incredible their own bodies are able to move and feel excitement at what my body might be able to achieve once I make my own attempt.

Were you nervous about jumping into the next level of class (eg. beginner to intermediate?) and if so how did you feel after a few classes at that level?

I don't remember feeling nervous as such. I did however question in my mind whether my body would be able to do what was expected in the advanced class. Mindset is crucial and it was necessary for me to spend time with my own mind preparing myself. I chose to attend the advanced class with a mindset of growth believing that I could be successful, perhaps not immediately, but that with continued effort I would achieve success. I choose to believe that I can master new poses, stretches and skills with grit, tenacity and determination and genuinely believe in my mind and my body.

Do you have any advice for anyone out there who might be considering jumping up to the next level of Reformer Class but is hesitant or nervous about it?

My advice would be to listen to the suggestions of our gorgeous Pilates HQ instructors. They are all skilled and so aware of our bodies. I encourage you to trust in their knowledge. I also encourage you to trust that if they suggest trying an intermediate or an advanced class that they will guide you every step of the way. I believe this to be part of the genuine beauty of Pilates HQ. The way our instructors monitor our movements and use of the machines, is testament to their skill level and commitment in supporting our bodies to be the strongest they can be.

Have you noticed any benefits or improvements since starting Pilates at Pilates HQ?

Goodness YES! Without word of a lie I have never felt as strong, flexible and toned as I do at this point. My balance has improved and I have even noticed an improvement with my posture. The strength I feel isn't exclusive to one area of my body either. My legs, arms, abdominal area, back and even my neck all feel stronger.

There is an additional benefit. This is one I hadn't considered. I can arrive at Pilates a little like a duck. When I refer to a duck I consider the analogy that 'on top of the surface of the water' I am mostly calm and poised, but 'under the surface of the water' my legs are paddling for dear life. My mind is often so full that I feel it could explode within seconds and I can feel all sorts of mixed emotions. The truth is that once class formally begins and I focus on the instructors voice, her guidance and then allow my body to move; my mind calms, my body calms and when I leave I feel much more in control. I feel much more in control of everything. It is the most wonderful feeling having Pilates HQ allow me to reset and resume a state of calmness, in addition to the physical benefits.

People often say that it is hard to fit exercise in and to make time for themselves, what are you secrets to fitting in your classes?
You are a working mum so we would love to know if you have any tips for other mums out there, when it comes to exercising with a busy life/kids?

This is a really important question. I could give multiple reasons why I could choose not to fit my two classes per week into my schedule. I don't believe I have any secrets. I have simply made a commitment. And when I make a commitment I keep it. Rarely do I make commitments for myself at a personal level, however, when I took some time to reflect I realised that I deserve this commitment. I deserve to feel strong. I deserve to feel balanced and I deserve to practise mindfulness. I deserve time.

We love supporting our little Buninyong Community & We know you do too Jo, so we would love it if you could give us a few Hot Tips

1. Where is Your Favourite Place for coffee in town?

I am not a coffee lover and so couldn't make comment about where you'll find amazing coffee in Buninyong. Jimmy (my 4 year old) and I have lunch on Fridays during the school term at Katrine's, Maggie and Kate. I adore her smashed avocado dish with pomegranates. Jimmy loves her chicken wrap.

2. What is Your favourite place to hang out with the kids?

There are so many places that my family and I enjoy in Buninyong. We love bike riding as a family in and around town, in particular the track around Desoza Park. It is tranquil and full of the most beautiful shades of green. We also love riding to and around The Gong.

If the kids could choose where our bikes would take us, they would choose Chocalatto every time. They adore Zach's spiders.

3. What is Your favourite spot in Buninyong to photograph?

I am most fortunate to open my blinds daily to the sun rising from behind Mt Buninyong. We often sit at our kitchen table admiring the Mount. Some days we see it in its full glory and other days it is hidden by low fog and cloud cover. We regularly reflect as a family about how fortunate we are to look out to such natural beauty when in the comfort of our own home.

Mount Buninyong Photography, Jo O’Kelly

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steph and her team for all that they offer at Pilates HQ. I personally feel so grateful to be a member of the Pilates HQ family. It is a beautiful place and one that Steph should feel incredibly proud of creating and nurturing. I look forward to continuing to care for my mind and body at Pilates HQ into the future.

Thank You Jo for bringing your beautiful bright personality and amazing attitude to our Studio each week. We truly are blessed to have you as part of our community and we look forward to seeing what you achieve both in and out of Pilates HQ in 2019.

Love
Steph & The Pilates HQ Team
Xx

Don’t let MenoPAUSE put a stop to living your life!

The benefits of physical activity during menopause.

It’s the M word every woman dreads. Menopause. Whether you’ve experienced it or not every woman has heard about this period of life, whether it be from their mother, sister, grandmother or even movies and social media. It’s commonly portrayed as the evil step sister to the reproductive period of our lives, characterised by stories of hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue and headaches.

So, what is menopause?

It’s a time during a woman’s life, usually between the ages of 45-55 years of age, when menstruation has ceased for a period of 12 months or greater. In the absence of ovulation the body fails to produce progesterone or oestrogen, two primary sex hormones. This can cause a number of side effects that you may be familiar with:

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• Hot flushes

• Night Sweats

• Fatigue and difficulty sleeping

• Irritability and poor mood

• Forgetfulness

• Lack of self esteem

• Aches and pains

• Lack of sexual drive

• Depression and Anxiety

• Increased weight or central adiposity

• Incontinence

And with all these symptoms the last thing you probably want to do is be active right?

Why becoming or remaining active during this time in your life should be a priority.

INCREASE BONE DENSITY

The lack of the female reproductive hormones, particularly oestrogen can directly impact your bone health. This is typically due to the protective role estrogen plays on our bones. This puts women at greater risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis and increases risk of fractures. (Women, we get it all right!)

BUT,  participating in weight bearing and strength exercise during this time can have great effects on strengthening and maintaining bone health.

Not only this, strength exercise has also been linked to increased muscle mass, weight management and a reduced risk of falls later in life.  

REDUCED WEIGHT GAIN & RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE

Changes in hormones, along with lack of activity due to menopausal symptoms can also result in weight gain, particularly in the abdominal region. Increased abdominal or visceral fat increases a person’s risk of developing many forms of chronic disease including: heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Exercise can have a powerful effect on managing not only weight, but all these risk factors through improving heart and vascular health along with increasing insulin sensitivity and regulating blood glucose levels.

BETTER PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

As hormone levels continue to decline, there are also a number of changes that occur in the genital region. These can include thinning and reduced elasticity of the vaginal wall along with atrophy of the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to continence concerns along with pelvic floor dysfunction. Gentle exercise targeted at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, such as Pilates, can therefore have a positive impact on not only reducing incontinence but also the stress and anxiety that can occur with such conditions.      
 

Ready to tame the menopausal beast?

Just a little activity everyday (at least 30 minutes) can assist with the management of menopausal symptoms and help YOU live the happiest and healthiest life YOU deserve. Not only for yourself but also for your family, partner and friends!  

Abby Byrne & The Pilates HQ Team

P.S - Stay tuned for details on our upcoming Women's Health Workshop this September

5 Key Ingredients to the Perfect Pilates Posture

Any one that has been to a Pilates Class before knows that there is a lot to think about if you want to achieve the Perfect Pilates posture. Tuck this under, stick this out, suck that in…. oh and don’t forget to breathe. It can all get a bit confusing, and sometimes overwhelming, especially if it is your first time in a Reformer Class. New machine, new space, new people and new posture…woah. Well, I am going to try to make it all a bit simpler and break it down into 5 Key Points.

When setting up your posture, the easiest way to make sure you have everything in check, is by doing a little body scan. So, lets start at the top shall we?

Start lying on your back with your knees slightly bent and feet on the floor and let’s scan from the head and neck first.

1.       Head and Neck Position

Gently tuck your chin towards your chest, as if you are holding a peach between your chin and your chest. You just want to hold the peach softly without squishing it.

Then imagine that your head is a helium balloon, and think of your head just gently floating above your shoulders

2.       Shoulder Position

With your arms resting by your side, reach your finger tips towards your toes letting your shoulder blades reach down your back. Then shrug the shoulder blades towards your ears. Once you have done this find a resting place half way between the two of these positions

Next gently open out through the front of your chest and feel the backs of the shoulders sink down into the floor.

3.       Rib Cage Position

Try to imagine that you have some heavy books resting on your ribs and let the base of your ribs sink into contact with the floor.

4.       Lower back position – Neutral Spine

To Find your neutral spine keep everything else nice and still and then gently flatten your lower back into the floor, reaching your tail bone to the ceiling. Then arch your lower back pressing your tail bone to the floor, creating space between your lower back and the floor. Once You have found these two positions come and rest half way in between, in Neutral Spine.

5.       Hip, knee and foot position

Finally, with a slight bend in the knees, try to make a nice straight line from your hip to your knee to your foot on both sides. And try to have your weight nice and even through both feet.

Once You have done all of this you have found your Perfect Pilates Posture, and it is time to activate those deep abdominals… and Breathe. But, that’s a lesson for another day.

This may seem like information overload to begin with, but I promise you, if you practice this, it will all become second nature soon enough.

Next thing you know you’ll be strutting the streets of Buninyong with the best posture ever!

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team

HQ CLIENT LOVE

The one thing we love most about seeing everyone's smiling faces  in class each week, is when we see people achieve something they didn’t think they could, or when we see how much people have improved since they first walked through our doors.

This month we would like to shine the spotlight on one of our HQ clients, Suanne Murdoch, and everything that she has achieved since starting Pilates Classes with us.

Suanne started coming to our classes around nine months ago with the aim of improving her posture and helping her aching shoulders. She began with beginner exercises, learning how to activate her deep abdominals and trying to get both legs into table top (in the air). Suanne has attended classes once a week, almost religiously since her very first session and in this time has improved so much.

In the nine months that Suanne has been coming to Pilates HQ, she has gone from attending beginner classes once a week, to now, being able to jump into an intermediate class, when the time suits. 

We had a chat to Suanne recently to ask her a few questions about her Pilates Journey so far.

 Why did you start Pilates?

 I was having trouble with my shoulders and lower back at work because I work at a desk all day. 

How long have you been doing Pilates for?

I started in March/ April this year.

What is your favourite thing about coming to classes at Pilates HQ?

 The laughs, comfortable environment, the new challenges every class brings and Steph for her caring nature and knowledge. Thank you. 

 What has kept you interested in Pilates and why do you keep coming back to class each week?

 Comfortable environment, the small personal sized classes, the challenges each class brings and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a class.

 What improvements have you noticed since coming along to Pilates Classes regularly? 

I can now get through a day at work without aching shoulders. I can get my legs into table top with no problems (this was impossible when l first started). The other bonus for me has been, l have dropped a dress size. This wasn't my aim but a great result. 

Anything else you want to add about your Pilates Journey so far?

I have felt very comfortable and at Ease at Pilates HQ. Thank you.

 

Well Done Suanne!

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST PILATES HQ REFORMER CLASS?

It can be daunting and scary thinking of starting something new, venturing into a new environment with people you don't know and machine's that look like they may be some form of medieval torture device.

Everyone who has walked into a new gym or studio has felt this way at some point. Perhaps if you knew what to expect before your first class, this experience would be a little less daunting.

Your First Visit to Pilates HQ

When you walk in the door you’ll see 7 Reformers, all lined up in rows and will be greeted with a smile from your Pilates Instructor. You will be asked to fill in a small pre-exercise questionnaire, so we can find out a little bit about you, and will be shown the Reformers. We will then explain a little about the Reformer and how to use it.  If you forget, it’s not an issue, because the instructor will be there throughout the class to help you along. The Reformer Classes run smoothly from start to finish aiming to get you moving and working on each area of your body.

The Class

You will probably feel a bit strange gliding up and down on the reformer for the first time, and will no doubt feel somewhat vulnerable the first time you put your legs in the straps. Don’t worry though. I guarantee you that everyone in the class is remembering back to the first time they did these same things and feeling reassured that they aren’t the only ones that found it weird and awkward.

BUT you will be comforted by the fact that the other people in your class were all once in your position.

And YES they did came back a second, third, maybe even tenth time.

 And YES they now look very comfortable on these strange machines.

And YES, this will be you in no time!

The longer the class goes on the more you will get used to the way the Reformer works and you will soon realise that the sweet Pilates Instructor who greeted you at the start of your class, is not as sweet as they seemed.

You will leave your class at Pilates HQ, surprised that such small movements could leave your muscles trembling.  You will feel energised and invigorated and will be excited to book your next visit, or two or three or more.

Soon enough you will be the person making those once weird and awkward movements look easy, smooth and fluid.

So come on in and try your very first class at Pilates HQ, I guarantee you we will try to make your Pilates journey as enjoyable as possible.

We can’t wait to see you soon.

Steph & The Pilates HQ Team