 It was a lovely surprise to get the invite from the Specialist Nurses at the Eastern Care Services Team, NHS RD&E, about attending their event and delivering some demonstrations and information about Chair-based Pilates sessions and being involved in their community event for Carers in Tiverton. The event was designed to offer, anyone who works in the care sector, the chance to see what was available in their community. There are some great services out there - Petroc Beauty Therapists (offering hand and arm massages), a great company that offers arts and crafts for care homes, as well as Age UK Mid Devon (who provide some excellent facilities in the town for our local residents - including hot lunches, physical activities, as well as help with forms, benefits and so much more). There was a lot of interest in what we do and how our Chair-Based Pilates classes are helping so many people to increase their core strength, feel more mobile and flexible and to reduce pain.  Several care settings would love to incorporate Chair-based Pilates sessions into their activities schedule. Watch this space for more news on SPS delivering sessions to residents or out in the community! The HOG's went down well! People seemed to love it - or maybe they were too polite to moan like my classes do! ha ha! I met many fabulous people at this event. There are so many people working so hard every day, caring for other people, and that is incredible. People who are looking after their relatives at home, day in and day out, organising meals, cleaning , personal care as well as trying to hold down full time jobs and their own children and households. There are people working in care homes who work such long hours and have to deal with such challenging situations every day. I heard about how short staffed places were, how hard they tried to run fun and interesting activities to keep the residents entertained, trying to keep it fresh and involve everyone, even when the needs may be so very different from client to client. There are agencies in the community managing huge rural patches, taking people to appointments and activities, as well as making cups of tea and managing medication. A huge "hat's off" to all those people doing those difficult roles every single day. All in all it was a great day which, as usual, was a team effort! Thanks to super-star Penny for stepping in Thursday morning to cover my classes - much appreciated (and of course to save my Thursday morning sessions having an unnecessary week off - which I am sure they would be gutted about ha!). To Kirsty for burning the midnight oil, to get all the leaflets and materials delivered on time for the event. To Simone for linking in what we are both trying to achieve in Tiverton. And of course to Donna, as ever, for keeping everything going every day, managing a never ending inbox whilst still smiling! Feel free to share this blog post to highlight the unsung-heroes who work in care, and to promote all those local groups who are helping to make life better for those who need care. Ellie x
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What is it? The Hedgehog was originally intended for use as a foam roller and trigger point release tool. It has been developed by an incredible Pilates Presenter and Physiotherapist, Tracey Gjertsen, to be used for rehab, one to one and group classes as an entire programme of flexibility, stability, balance, power and strength. It is an incredible piece of equipment! The science? Myofascial Trigger Points are painful spots in the muscle associated with taut bands of muscle fibres that are felt when light pressure is applied. These areas can be tight and weak, and can result in loss of flexibility. Pain can be referred to other parts, due to restriction in circulation and pooling of waste material. You may experience symptoms such as dull aching, heaviness or burning, weakness, heavy or fatigued areas of the body. Keeping it simple, some trigger points can produce debilitating local or referred pain. Some trigger points don't produce any symptoms unless pressure is applied. They may not cause pain, but they are still problematic causing movement restriction and compensation patterns. After a trigger point is released, we then move the affected joints to restore balance, stability and strength. What does this mean in practice? We have used the Hedgehog in classes to release and to strengthen. Clients have experienced more movement in areas of the body that have been tight and tense for some time. They have noticed improvement in strength, flexibility and balance. "Great session - I love the Hedgehog" "My balance feels so much better as the weeks go on" "The hedgehog increased my flexibility" "Loved it on my feet" "Amazing relief for the tightness in my back - after just one session"
The workshop sessions: We will work through some release of tight spots in the body and do some strengthening exercises using the HOG. All the exercises can be modified or progressed as required (exactly like all our Pilates classes). You will be able to learn more about your individual concerns and how to improve them. There will be the option to place an order for your own Hedgehog - which you can use at home, in class or at further workshops!
These sessions include tea & coffee and cake at the end...you will deserve it! To book your place or for more information, please get in touch via email or facebook. This was a really interesting article that I came across about the "healing powers" of Pilates. From a knee injury as a child through to undiagnosed fractured ribs after a car accident later in life, she believes that Pilates was the reason she managed to avoid costly surgery and rebuild her life, pain free. I am really excited that we can now offer chair-based Pilates - which is great for those with mobility issues, spinal conditions or pre and post surgery. Recently I have been able to offer two clients these sessions; to recover from a knee operation and spinal surgery (before they were able to get back to their usual mat-based class). My passion is to help everyone and these new classes really are allowing us to do that. There are no limitations! Further details of the chair-based sessions can be found here. Don't forget to get in touch if you have any further questions or if you would like to book a seat!  "...Growing up, ballet was my life. I started dancing when I was 3 years old, and did everything from ballet to tap, as well as jazz and modern dance. By the time I reached middle school, I was dancing five hours a day, six days a week.
But in seventh grade, I got an itch to try something else. I didn't want to stop dancing, but I also wanted to be more like the other kids in my grade, so I decided to join the track team. My dance coach was NOT a fan of the idea, so I ended up keeping it a secret. You know when you’re a kid and you sneak out of the house, and you know you’re doing something bad? That’s how I felt when I joined track. Then, in the very first meet, I competed in a long-jump event, which involves sprinting and then jumping into a sand pit. When I landed, it felt like someone stabbed me in the knee. My stomach dropped—I knew something bad had happened. I knew I'd screwed up, and I was devastated. My mind started spinning—I knew people would be upset with me, and worse, I was upset with myself. I was dancing in The Nutcracker at the time, and I knew I'd have to drop out. When I saw a doctor, I learned I had torn my miniscus, and all my fears were confirmed. At 13, I realized I wasn't invincible. But I started physical therapy to help rehabilitate my knee, so I could hopefully dance again. But then, my physical therapist put me on a reformer—the machine that's used in Pilates training—and I thought: What the heck is this crazy contraption? It made my body feel so good—I could feel my muscles working, and I felt very connected to my body, similar to how I felt during dance. I actually started looking forward to PT—injury aside, I wanted to get on the reformer as much as possible. That was the first time I'd ever done something that wasn’t a performance sport. It was more about rehabilitation, and learning about all the intricate muscles that stabilized my joints. I loved it, it made me feel amazing. After my PT was complete, I went back to dancing. I also ended up joining a performing theater group in the Bay Area, and I traveled around California with them. When I was a sophomore in high school, I got into a summer program at CalArts. We were dancing all day, six days a week. It was such an amazing program, but at one point toward the end of that summer, when we were at the ballet barre, my knee literally gave out and I collapsed. The instructors carried me out, and I went straight to the program's PT office. The verdict: I needed to get back into Pilates. After that, I started to take Pilates regularly, on top of dance. Then, at the end of high school, I got into an awful car accident. I didn't think I'd suffered any major injuries at the time. But a few years later, during my junior year of college at UC Irvine, where I was pursuing a degree in theater and dance, I started to experience serious pain around my ribs, especially when I was dancing. It got so bad that there were times when I would pass out on stage. I finally went to see a doctor who told me I had broken my ribs in that car accident, and they were now covered in scar tissue. The injury was likely made worse by all the crazy twists I was doing while dancing. The doctor told me I had two options: Get a $300,000 surgery; or rehab with Pilates, and strengthen my core muscles so they could securely hold my ribs in, almost like a corset. I remembered how much Pilates had helped with my knee, and decided to go with that option. Luckily, it worked—I never had to get the surgery, and to this day I feel great..." Check out the full article here! Ellie x  The Portugal diaries. I have recently returned from a week in Portugal teaching on a Pilates retreat. A journey of many firsts - and a professional adventure in many ways!  When Donna, Studio owner / Pilates guru (and also someone I am lucky enough to call my friend), asked me to teach on the Pilates retreat for ‘The Studio at Bank House’ I said yes! It was new and exciting and, when it seemed so far away, I was simply excited. I knew, even when I said yes, that I would be nervous. As it got closer, I felt more than that - scared and full of self-doubt. I also know, and have learnt over the last few years especially, that being out of your comfort zone really is a good thing for self-development. Of course, this doesn't feel so at the time. When the heart is beating fast and the stomach churning, you wonder why the hell you agreed to go abroad for a week, a party of 14 people, only knowing one of them. Oh, and to teach them Pilates too!! By then though, I was committed and I knew I would make it happen. Plus, if you can take yourself out of your comfort zone, push through things which feel uncomfortable, uneasy, new and scary, you get through it and realise you have grown as a person. Not only that but you can do it again! So, how was it? Different, new, and fabulous! Clinging on to a stranger as the plane took off was a new one for myself (and them!). As was arriving at a resort in a nice swift mini bus (rather than a painfully slow, stopping coach, crammed with hot holidaymakers, 4 children clinging onto spare sick bags from the plane - memories with my dearest sister from last time I was abroad! When we arrived, I was in awe of the place. The village was beautiful - quiet, calm, totally relaxed and tranquil (Not words I often use about my surroundings at home!). It was warm, safe, chilled. The pace settled quickly into a different life - not having to cook yourself meals, a few drinks (well they twisted my arm a few times!) and sleeping through the night - amazing after 7 years of a child who never sleeps through! Stepping up to teach a sea of new faces was a tough one though after my SPS classes. It always is - no matter how long you have taught for I think. But, from a life-long teacher, whom I respect very much - my Dad, it's the nerves showing you actually care and want to do a good job, giving you that little burst of adrenaline to perform to your best ability. I had wobbles, I missed home - for all its mess and chaos and kids hounding me every 5 minutes, it was bizarre to be only with adults for so long. I must confess that I cried at missing the school class assembly and sports day - and worried if everything would be going to plan at home (I’m sure my thousands of emails and lists helped with the childcare and running of the house though - nothing like being organised!). All these "firsts" were tough, guilt-ridden and tinged with emotion. There were a couple of times I had a good cry but I managed to suck it up, move on and kept going - as this is part of a greater long term professional journey for me, SPS and also my family. The days are filled with as much or as little as you like. An early morning class (which is awesome!) - waking up your body, as the sun rises, is a beautiful way to start the day. Pilates outside, with the sun on your face, the blue sky above you ( I always say look up / lift arms to the sky in my classes - which will never quite be the same at the village hall from now on!), the breeze through the palm trees (and the parrots squawking in the background is also pretty amazing!) The peace of waking early and setting out for class, with the sun shining and the stillness was a far cry from the school run and usual morning chaos! There was a mix of Pilates Pure Stretch and Barre Pilates. A full English breakfast (or any variation of) in the sunshine follows - leisurely and lots of laughing, tea and coffee. Sunbathing poolside, shopping in the local town, cliff top walks, trips to the beach...as little or as much as people chose to do. For anyone wanting a day packed with lots to do or anyone wanting a complete chill it was all there - you chose.   Amazing evening meals in a variety of restaurants. One night we had live music and dancing out by the pool.
Even working on the laptop in the sunshine also felt different. Being with amazing people was incredible - hearing their stories, their highs and lows, traumas and losses, to see how people have changed direction, turned things around and picked themselves up with life's knocks, Pilates bringing them together. It's powerful stuff! To share and learn from, often heartfelt things, was amazing - for me, the highlight of the trip. There was so much laughing, people made firm friends - many are returning in October for the second trip or already making sure they have a space next year. People who had never met are arranging to meet when they return home. I met a fantastic group of women whom I hope to see again. I knew what Donna meant when she told me the place was magical - I truly did fall in love with Burgau. Unlike most holidays I have been on, this is also a place I am keen to go back to. Leaving was mixed - I was excited to see the kids (the euphoria for them was nearly a full 5 minutes for the little one and maybe 30 seconds for the teenage one when I returned) and get back and see all my own clients. I missed my classes during the week. However, when I left and watched the Algarve drift into the distance, the only way I could not feel sad was to promise myself I would be back…and soon! I would like to say a huge thank you to the ladies who allowed me to teach them (and who, I have to say, gave some fantastic professional feedback on my sessions). Thank you to Donna for asking me to go and believing in me as ever. Thank you to Portugal for giving me an amazing experience…I will be back. I laughed, I cried, I learnt and I grew… El x How fabulous to find this review posted on my facebook page today! Thank you Dinah, you've made my week...
"I have had trouble with my back for the best part of 15 years. I hate exercise classes. I have always struggled to feel comfortable in them and never have I got the best out of them. When I met Ellie, i was less than cynical about her class being any different. I told her I'd try it and, if I didn't hate it, I'd try it again! (fully expecting to hate it and never return). After the first session, I told Ellie I hadn't hated it so I went back...and I keep going back! It might be Ellie's bubbly, relaxed, teaching style. It might be her happy professionalism. It might be how real she is - not super stick thin or impossible abs, just a real woman who talks real and, for whom, pilates has worked for and so now she shares it with others. The reason I keep going back could be because I no longer wake in unbearable pain - and have even thrown away the pain-killers. Personally, I think it's a mixture of all those things.... Give it a go! You won't be sorry! Thanks Ellie, from the bottom of my heart. X " Thank you so much Dinah! El x Simply Pilates and Stretch. #changingtheworldonespintatatime  So excited to share our news!!! Can't hold this one in any longer...the search for a fantastic evening venue in the town is over.
CULLOMPTON VENUE SECURED! WEDNESDAY NIGHTS! ⭐️ PILATES: Cullompton Community Centre ⭐️ ⭐️ Starting from Wednesday 2nd May 7.15pm ⭐️ ⭐️ Claim your FREE taster class today! ⭐️ Do you have back pain? Tight shoulders? Stiff neck? Creaky joints? Struggle to move freely when you get up in the morning? Been advised by an Osteopath or Physio to strengthen your core, or rebalance your body? Do you cycle, run or weight lift and know you would up your game from improving your core strength and pelvic floor control? Pilates is for YOU! All ages welcome, men and women. Come and feel the benefits for yourself. Classes starting in Cullompton in the most beautiful venue right in the heart of the town. Spread the word and tag your friends and family. Please message us to find out more! Looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the magical world of Pilates...to ease your back pain, help you to find and strengthen your core and help you to you feel stronger and move better. Find out how it can benefit YOU today! Simply Pilates & Stretch  When we break, I usually reflect over the last 6 weeks - any funny moments (there is always lots of laughing!), any exercises that I loved, people's feedback; how they have really noticed they improved during a particular exercise, what worked, what I could have done better etc.
This time I have reflected back a bit further. Easter time is my favourite time of year. Some special occasions and milestones around this time. It's also further away from my least favourite time of year (those that know me will know immediately what I mean by that!). This has been a poignant break for me. Thinking back to where it all began and also allowing myself some rare praise about moving into my fourth year of running my own business. Something I never imagined was achievable a few years ago. So how did I become a Pilates instructor and why? And how had running my own business been for the last three years? Well the start of my Pilates journey was back pain - agonising, shocking, out of the blue pain that I had never experienced. I could barely move without crying out. I took the tablets the doctor prescribed and prayed it would get better and knew I would do anything not to experience back pain like that again! It was my baby girl's birthday. I remember it clear as day. I couldn't sit up, without tears falling down my face, and open presents with her. As a single parent with two children (one a baby), life was already really hard. Being in pain like that and unable to do simple things with my kids was torture. As I lay on the floor with my little daughter, knocking back every painkiller I could, I decided I would do anything to make sure this could never happen to me again. As soon as I could stand up properly, I started a Pilates class...and fell, totally, head over heels in love with something which has stayed with me ever since. Maybe Pilates is my happy ever after(?!) The back pain episode was over 5 years ago now and since then I have changed my whole life. Giving up my pretty secure job, training to teach, starting to work for someone else, their business folding, being made redundant, and, in a sink or swim style decision, I went it alone. If I had known what lay ahead over the next few years, there is no way I would have started it. Luckily I didn't know how tough things would get...running a business and working for yourself is hard. With young children and being a single parent with no family around, I would never in a million years have chosen to start working for myself at that time. But I know things happen for a reason. It turns out I have made it work and found something which I am bloody good at - and love doing! I can also support my children without any help (that doesn't stop the lying awake and wondering if you can pay the rent sometimes and juggling it all, but I have the confidence in myself now to know I can and I will make it work). Giving up a good, secure job with paid holidays and paid sick (and a fantastic boss who was so supportive of me and understood how hard it was with small children) to train to teach was a gamble. There are still days I miss my old job and having a boss who was good to me. Not like the boss I have now - who is so hard on me and never lets me enjoy time off without working, makes me sit up in bed with my laptop and is good at telling me what I could have done better. I crack the whip on myself that's for sure! I really don't need anyone else to do that to me. So, let's fast forward through the last few years and here we are, with Simply Pilates and Stretch having celebrated its 3rd birthday - the third year in business, and moving from strength to strength. It's been years of working hard, not taking much time off, dreaming, breathing, bleeding Pilates and sweat and tears too. But I help people out of pain every day. I know I can move people from crying in pain on their living room floor, necking tablets, to walking tall and pain free again, see postures improving, strength returning, injuries rehabbed, Pregnancies flourishing, babies born, flexibility improving etc etc... However hard I work though, it is only part of it. The rest of it comes from you all. Those of you who attend classes, recommend your friends, bring your family to try it, share my free taster offer with those you know, comment on facebook, share my blogs, help me pack up the car...There would be no business without you all. It has become a community - classes where we laugh, where we support each other, where people ask when others have been off sick or injured, and chat to their neighbour on the mat beside them. Friendships have grown in classes too. We have had some great evenings in the pub and I am really looking forward to this this evening too! For me a celebration of making it through several of the toughest years of my life and being able to stop and appreciate what I have built. I am grateful every day for the support and loyalty I have from my clients. Some who have been with me from day one. I want to continue and grow the business. I want to bring on a new wave of Pilates Instructors and fire the same passion in them that I have. I want to increase classes, locations, and add more specialisms. To do this, I need your ongoing support and help, continue to recommend me and share my adverts and posts and to help build Pilates into as many people's lives as we can. The picture is of me and my sister. Like Pilates, she never ever lets me down. We are sipping a bottle of Moët together, chinking glasses at what I have achieved personally and in business these last few years. So, as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and Pilates really has made me stronger and my passion continues! Until the next time...changing the world one spine at a time. El xx
Here we are at the end of the first 6 week block of 2018!
What a grey and dreary month it's been! I have seen a lot of people struggle this last half term with the dismal feeling of a never-ending winter and perpetual 'flat' January. Plus, for anyone that managed a dry month too, you deserve a medal! The odd gin has certainly kept me going! However, the grey didn't stop the fun at class, and you guys have smashed your classes this block. The early bird session at 8.15am, Thursday mornings at Willand, has been fab. Excellent feedback from the class - loving the more dynamic warm up as a perfect start on a cold morning. The express session is also working well for those who still need to fit in a full day's work afterwards. Stretched, strengthened, centred and pumped for the day by 9 am!
Thanks for this awesome feedback from the lovely Michaela:
"For years I had a phobia of exercise classes and have only even been running by myself or with a friend. I'm so glad I have joined Ellie's Barre group. Not only does she make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, the class is fun, friendly and professional. I would recommend Barre with Ellie to anyone at any level of fitness. What a fantastic group - love it!" So, the end of the block finished on a high with us celebrating our first Pilates wedding!! Congratulations to an absolutely fantastic couple, whom I have got to know during the 2 years they have been coming to classes.
Their wedding was just a few weeks ago and we toasted with a Prosecco or two (and some shots(!)) in the pub after their group class last week!
I know everyone from our Thursday group sends their love and best wishes and I personally wish them both all the health, happiness and love in the world for their married life together. At least you have a strong CORE at the CENTRE of your marriage - haha! Until next week, take care all. Ellie xx Lovely quote here from a blog about how the mind - body connection, proper controlled breathing, core-strengthening and centring technique used in Pilates can really help ease anxiety for sufferers. It is so true, and will resonate and feel relevant for many of you, who say exactly this every week... 'Ultimately, Pilates can help people alleviate anxiety and daily stresses because it rewards (rather than punishes) you for your practice. It’s not about perfection. Yes, you’ll see amazing changes, but the mental connection/control it can provide is, for me, unrivalled.' ... [click here to be taken to the full article at Ten Health & Fitness] 
I cannot believe we are now only 3 sleeps from Christmas Day! (can you tell I have children?!)
Most of you know I am far from a Christmas lover - but I have to say, I am probably feeling more festive than I ever have before and I am slightly worried it's the curse of putting on that Christmas jumper for those pics! (a first, and hopefully last, for me!) Once again folks, what a fabulous block of classes this half term has been. I have loved hearing the feedback from those who have been discovering that even the most gentle one-legged table top can be a core burner and all still comfortable and safe for those bad backs! For me particularly, I love to hear how people find their classes to be a place to de-stress, to focus on their breathing and to manage their lives - helping low moods, stress and anxiety and allowing them to switch off from whatever life is currently throwing at them. It shows what even an hour a week of Pilates can do with the mindful movement and breathing, which is so beneficial for the mind as well as the body. Reflecting on 2017, it has been a great year for us at SPS. New classes, new venues, more courses, more happy clients! Helping to reduce back pain in Mid Devon! Working closely with local Osteopaths and Physiotherapists has also been fantastic; to be able to refer back and forth and to really help someone to get full and comprehensive ongoing treatment & deal effectively with their pain / issues. I want to thank all of you who make SPS what is it! Those who come to classes to work hard - but also to laugh and make me laugh! You make my job such fun! Thank you to all of you who have given feedback, recommend your friends and family, those who help pack-up the equipment...all of your support and loyalty is always appreciated. I hope each and every one of you have a fab Christmas; Eat, drink and be merry! I will be out of the 'office' for a few days - regretfully working my way through all the gin and Prosecco I received for my birthday and Xmas ! 😳... I look forward to seeing you all back from 2nd Jan 2018, for a fun-filled, core-strengthening, controlled-breathing, back pain reducing year of SPS Pilates! Lots of love, Ellie xx Ps: on a serious note - you should know I have donated to Exeter Food Bank this Christmas instead of sending Christmas cards, a charity close to my heart. |
AuthorI'm Ellie - I started my Pilates journey when I had a bad back. I fell completely in love with it! Archives
April 2019
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