This week we’ve been including  our towels in our workout, not just for maintaining neck alignment but rolling them up and using them to open up the lower back and strengthen low abdominals and sliding them along the floor to help with stretches and improve flexibility. We ended the session recapping on the 10 minute routine learned last week, adding progressions. From the feedback I’ve had,  it seems the routine has been useful and popular.  70 people have downloaded it so far and many have managed to practise it at least once since last week-great!

Another beautiful day for enjoying the second class “Pilates for gardeners” at Hergest Croft Gardens. We were a full class again, and this week we focused on more safe movement patterns for doing those strenuous jobs in the garden such as digging and bending. The pilates poles were used to practise our techniques and thankfully the glass cabinets edging the walls of the drawing room, remained in tact! More core strength work and spine flexibility moves were included. The hot tip for the week- keep jobs varied and try to change the jobs you do in the garden every 20 mins or so. That way you use different muscles, and avoid the risk of injury. Gardening is a great form of exercise  if done with a a little care. So, care for your body as you care for your borders!    More good advise is available at http://www.physiocentre.co.uk/garden.htm  Happy gardening!

The first class started at Hergest Croft , Kington this week, especially for gardeners. It was great to see some familiar faces from my previous Kington class and to meet new people who share a passion for gardening and are keen to learn pilates. We had a back drop of the wonderful gardens and lawns of Hergest Croft. We focused on stretches for the back, exercises to keep the spine flexible, core strength, and techniques for safe ways to do those jobs in the garden such as lifting heavy pots and pushing heavy wheelbarrows.    The classes run until 17th July.  We had the maximum number of 12 this week but there may be spaces in future weeks as people take holiday breaks. Contact Jill if you are interested 01544 230262. Happy Gardening!

My regular classes have been focusing on the principle ISOLATION- identifying those weaker muscles in the body which need strengthening whilst stretching tighter muscles, to create balance. similar to the way in which guy ropes hold up a tent if the tension through each rope is equal.

This week we’ve focused on PRECISION of movement and how it improves our awareness of where our body is in space (proprioception). It’s been interesting and enlightening! Class members tested their precision with some simple, fun exercises at the start of the session and then again at the end, with most people noticing an improvement. It’s a useful skill we need in every day life and pilates helps us to develop it.

A new class starts at Hergest Croft Gardens in Kington, on Thursday 12th June. It’s “Pilates for gardeners” which is perfect timing for this 6 week course, which aims to keep backs flexible and cores strong during one of the busiest times in the gardening calendar. For more information and to book a place contact Jill Williams on 01544 230262 oe email :jillandrob1btinternet.com

Last week we started focusing on the 8 pilates principles, beginning with CONCENTRATION. It’s not easy to switch off from our mental chatter and give our bodies our full attention.  Pilates is described as the “mindful” way of moving and unlike most other fitness classes , requires our brains to be engaged in our workouts. Coordinating our breathing with our movements helps achieve this . So BREATHING has been the second principle which we’ve been focusing on this week, experimenting with how our breath can improve quality of movement.

Handouts accompany each session so if you missed either session, you can still read up on it if you wish.