Our gut plays a massive part in regulating so many hormones which affect our homeostasis – the regulation of the body’s functions such as temperature, blood pressure, pH levels, glucose concentration, and electrolyte balance. An imbalance in the gut can therefore affect us mentally and physically. If we want to talk about how we look and feel: a happy gut can support weight management, clearer, glowing skin and a boosted immune system with bundles more energy and stamina! Let’s look at some causes and effects of an imbalance in the gut, and how we can work towards a healthy gut ‘flora’! First ..read more

The Pilates focus on core strength, flexibility, breath and mindful movement is commonly prescribed by health professionals concerned with musculoskeletal problems as one of THE most effective forms of pregnancy rehabilitation and holistic health promotion for mums. It’s the go-to solution to sort out the physical aches, pains and issues relating to issues experienced by mums following childbirth and in the years beyond, as kids get bigger and more physical too. Pilates is the perfect tool recommended by physios, chiropractors and osteopaths in various clinical settings. Here’s why! I’m talkin ..read more

Have you got any niggly aches and pains, twinges and even weaknesses in key parts of your body that make physical activity/ playtime etc with the kids a bit uncomfortable – pain in your back, hips or knees for example? For me it used to be the thoracic/middle area of my back – twinges caused by hours of slumping over Baby O as I breastfed her.  We kind of feel we want to close in on them to make them feel comfy and nurtured, but we’re closing in shoulders and slouching, which is only going to aggravate and squish the vertebrae.  Pilates sorted me out.  I focu ..read more

Ever wondered why people bang on about strengthening your pelvic floor – here are a few reasons why we should strengthen our PV… The Pelvic floor is a sling of muscle & connective tissue running from pubic bone at the front to the coccyx (tailbone) at the back. The Pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs (bladder, bowel & uterus) it helps the body absorb outside pressure from lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing or jumping. it helps you controls the release of urine, poo and wind! a stronger PV could help to improve your sex life…meaning you might have more desire for fun between ..read more

Winter is the peak time for viruses, bugs and illnesses to lurk around, so I thought with my nutrition coach hat on I’d set about researching how to help recovery from stomach issues – for kids and adults. Might also help with the Christmas Overindulgences too! Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration. BRAT Diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and easy on the stomach. (I’m working out how to incorporate them together here! Banana rice pudding??) Ginger: natural anti-inflammatory pr ..read more

Major news! I’m now a Certified Nutrition Coach in addition to being a dance and Pilates instructor! I can now help my clients to achieve their body weight and shape goals through both fitness and nutrition. Many of us want to get a more toned stomach – and sit ups can form a part of the toning of the abs…but to burn adipose subcutaneous fat tissue, we need to build in a regular full body fitness plan to burn total fat and look at improvements in the diet to support that weight loss – a quick few sit ups aren’t going to cut it in this fat burning piece. That’s def where the 20 mins minimum of ..read more

I wanted to share an example of how The Love Of Dance has helped a wedding couple to meet their first dance dreams. There’s no one size fits all, which is why I tailor the process of teaching the basics of the ballroom styles to every couple, and develop the first dance with them along the way. I’ve been teaching first dance for almost 15 years (and dance for 20 years!), so I now rarely plan anything until I’ve had the first lesson with my couples – and it’s usually a beautiful process!   Real life first wedding dance couple E&J This superb photo below was sent to me by the absol ..read more

Did you see my #StoreCupboadChallenge? I made the most of every essential in my store cupboard and freezer and my Oddbox*, without doing a big supermarket shop for the week! I probably saved £40 on my food shop by only buying the milk/juice/bread/breakfast staples – oh and popcorn and jelly beans on a cinema trip (essentials, though right?).  I’ve done a lot of work to build up my store cupboard so I could still make sure we got the right nutrients for the week and I’d got some good meals left in the freezer from previous meals.  We’re a plant-based household, so it’s not l ..read more

Things I wish I’d have told my younger self… I’ve been talking about ensuring we don’t leave our health, and prioritising ourselves, too late. I wish I’d have started connecting with my body on a physical level during pregnancy. I practised hypno-birthing, which worked wonders for my mental health, but really wish I’d have continued moving, exercising, dancing (I got lazy) – and totally wish I’d have discovered Pilates sooner! Leanne Stitt of Doula Diary, and I have been talking about the importance and benefits of keeping moving during pregnancy to help for a quicker and healthier recovery in ..read more

I’ve finally named my Buckingham Pilates studio!  Introducing Pilates @ Juniper Lodge!I loved the idea of giving my studio that mountain lodge vibe, which led me to bring in my love of nature and those alpine views are not complete without fir trees Coupled with the fact it’s no coincidence that my tipple of choice is…GINand hey presto the name Juniper kept creeping back in to my contender list! I then started digging more into the name Juniper, particularly as I’m a massive essential oil geek. Love the way scent can transport the mind and elevate health. Lo and behold I discover how the ..read more