The reason many people take up mat-based Pilates is that they need to get their body into better shape. What was your motivation? Too many tasty treats over the holidays might have added a few kilos? Your sedentary job has finally taken its toll and you have lower back or neck pain? Or you just want to move more easily (without creaking!)… There’s no doubt that Pilates is great for strengthening and increasing the flexibility of your body. But years of practice and teaching have proven to me that it can do much more than that. Pilates promises to engage the mind-body connection in ways that c ..read more

For every woman, the pregnancy journey is a transformative experience that brings huge physical and emotional changes. It's a time when your and your baby's well-being is everything. And while it’s natural to be cautious, it's important to remember that staying active can have many benefits for expectant mothers.  This article explores the many advantages of incorporating Pilates into your prenatal and postpartum fitness routine.  But before we start, two things you must know about doing Pilates when you’re pregnant: It's important to note that not all Pilates exercises are suitab ..read more

Where is the pelvic floor (core)? The pelvic floor muscles are in the middle of the pelvis, between the tailbone and the pubic bone. The key function of these muscles is to support the bowel and bladder. How do you activate your pelvic floor? Sit comfortably with legs apart, about hip distance. Inhale to prepare, and while you exhale, imagine that you are trying to stop yourself from passing the wind. To be able to do this, you need to not only squeeze the muscles but also lift them. Repeat 10 times. Research has also shown that simultaneously engaging the transversus abdominis and oblique ..read more

Migraines are a serious pain! But research shows that regular exercise – like Pilates – can help reduce migraine symptoms.  Migraine is often misunderstood as being an occasional ‘bad headache’. It certainly is painful, but migraine is a chronic neurological condition that affects over 4.9 million Australians. About 30% of migraineurs suffer from a migraine attack from the age of ten.   The National Headache Foundation (US) advises that health and lifestyle changes can positively impact your migraine.  Diet, exercise, relaxation, mindfulness, sleep, stress management, and ..read more

Photo by Oksana Taran on Unsplash When it comes to popular lifestyle choices, Pilates and yoga are two of the most prevalent options. Both practices offer a range of physical and mental benefits, but they also have unique differences. In this article, we'll explore the five differences between Pilates and yoga, so you can determine which practice is right for you. Introduction to Pilates and Yoga Pilates and yoga are mind-body practices that improve physical and mental health. Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, while yoga dates back thousands of years to ancien ..read more

1 in 7 Australians suffer from arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. That’s around 3.6 million Australians, with the illness being more common among females.  Those who have arthritis will know the struggles of having the condition. It directly impacts a person’s quality of life by causing acute to chronic pain, physical limitations and mental health issues. As a result, many people with arthritis become withdrawn from social activities.  Despite the common misconception that arthritis affects mainly the elderly, arthritis can affect people of all ages. But i ..read more

In our last article, I wrote about why staying physically strong and active throughout life is important. But it’s not just crucial for your quality of life. Many of us are carers. We’re caring for our children, our partners, and often for our ageing parents. The so-called ‘caring professions’ – jobs in aged care, childcare, and medical environments – have grown exponentially. And it’s women who dominate these areas of work. According to international data, 88% of personal care workers are women. The importance of staying strong to take good care of others Thanks to modern medicine, good nutri ..read more

Why teaching Pilates has given me a purpose and a reason to keep my body feeling strong and flexible. Remember the first time you ever thought about old age? I do. My mum invited me to join her for a yoga class for seniors. I was in my 40s. I walked into a room full of ladies with white hair, but the yoga teacher, Marie, was the only person who still had black hair and a beautiful posture. Even more importantly, Maria was a flexible and very passionate teacher. She must have been in her late 70s. She was confident and demonstrated exercises with glamour and ease. That day, I decided I wanted t ..read more

A strong body is a healthy body. It’s vital as we age. Here are my top 10 strength exercises, sure to keep you strong and healthy in the future. A strong body is a healthy body – essential as we age. Being active and maintaining strong, healthy bones and muscles means we’re more stable. We move efficiently and avoid injury. It means we can enjoy our lives and do what we want. But the adage ‘use it or lose it’ is critical here. The fact is that Australian women are four times as likely as men to develop the bone disease. And half of all women over fifty are likely to suffer a fracture from fall ..read more

Not sure where you stand on New Year Resolutions, but I find it’s a good time to set a few intentions for the year ahead. Have you taken some time out over the summer to think about what your year ahead might look like?  I’m trying hard to avoid the usual cliched resolutions – drink less wine, eat less chocolate, buy fewer clothes, spend less time scrolling on my phone – though I think I should probably do those things anyway. This year, I’m setting my intentions for movement. Equip yourself to care for you and for those you love Perhaps it’s something to do with reaching a ‘certain age ..read more