In today’s world, there is far too much emphasis on body image. As I plan for this year’s holiday and my first ever Yoga and Pilates retreat, I begin to think about what to pack and what I will be wearing. Trying on clothes, swim suits (bikinis) looking critically at my reflection! Does this sound familiar? Here we go, the weight loss campaign and diets begin! Why do we do this to ourselves every year?
As I get older, I can say I am feeling much more confident in my (slightly larger than average) body shape. This is not due to a poor diet or lack of exercise, this is me and how I am. I feel we all need to learn to love ourselves, accept what is realistic, what is healthy. If you find this difficult and are unhappy with your body image, seek professional advice, from a proven, safe and supportive organisation such as Slimming World or Weight Watchers. Fad diets, shakes and starvation diets not only don’t work they are bad for your morale, health and wellbeing. Look at ways to enjoy eating a healthy diet, including family and friends. Make it fun and adventurous with new flavours and cuisines.
If you want to include exercise into your weekly routine, look at classes and activities that make you feel happy.
The weather is about to warm up, get outside and soak up the light. This will lift your spirit and invigorate your body. Discover country parks local to you, walking is free and accessible. Go with friends and natter for hours or use this time to walk and meditate soaking up the scenery.
For me, I absolutely love Barre Pilates. As an activity, this ticks all my happy boxes. Dynamic Pilates, where we stretch, bend, roll, push and pull; adding the Barre, we plie, rise, point, lift and circle. The class is choreographed to upbeat and inspiring music giving an hour of pure fun and unadulterated exhilaration.
As I get older, I can say I am feeling much more confident in my (slightly larger than average) body shape. This is not due to a poor diet or lack of exercise, this is me and how I am. I feel we all need to learn to love ourselves, accept what is realistic, what is healthy. If you find this difficult and are unhappy with your body image, seek professional advice, from a proven, safe and supportive organisation such as Slimming World or Weight Watchers. Fad diets, shakes and starvation diets not only don’t work they are bad for your morale, health and wellbeing. Look at ways to enjoy eating a healthy diet, including family and friends. Make it fun and adventurous with new flavours and cuisines.
If you want to include exercise into your weekly routine, look at classes and activities that make you feel happy.
The weather is about to warm up, get outside and soak up the light. This will lift your spirit and invigorate your body. Discover country parks local to you, walking is free and accessible. Go with friends and natter for hours or use this time to walk and meditate soaking up the scenery.
For me, I absolutely love Barre Pilates. As an activity, this ticks all my happy boxes. Dynamic Pilates, where we stretch, bend, roll, push and pull; adding the Barre, we plie, rise, point, lift and circle. The class is choreographed to upbeat and inspiring music giving an hour of pure fun and unadulterated exhilaration.
Then when I want to slow down and perhaps work in a more holistic state of mind, body and spirit, I simply love yoga. I love moving slowly from one pose to another, concentrating, breathing, stretching and holding. I love the intensity and control required and that euphoric feelings when you progress and achieve.
It’s amazing how intense some of the most unassuming yoga poses can be. For example, The Staff Pose (Dandasana), to anyone observing, it looks like you are just sitting on the floor. However, when you delve a little deeper, you can see and feel what is truly happening. If you are unsure, give it a go:
It’s amazing how intense some of the most unassuming yoga poses can be. For example, The Staff Pose (Dandasana), to anyone observing, it looks like you are just sitting on the floor. However, when you delve a little deeper, you can see and feel what is truly happening. If you are unsure, give it a go:
Dandasana – The Staff Pose
Let me know how you get on.
This year, for me, no fad diets and no gimmicks, I’m going to continue doing what I love, Barre Pilates, Pilates and Yoga and put a big tick in my Happy Box. I accept this is me, a slightly larger, happy and confident person who loves life.
If you are interested in trying a Yoga or Pilates class and you are local to Hornchurch, contact me. If you are not local, I hope you find something to make you happy.
Pauline Ward
Business Owner and Fitness Professional
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@Pollywardy - Barre Pilates, Pilates and Yoga
Retreats: Yoga and Pilates retreats
Website: Inspired Health and Fitness
Linkedin: Pauline Ward
Telephone: 07821 969405
"Introducing, teaching and inspiring people to enjoy a healthier and more active life"
- Legs extended out in front, working all muscles in the legs, stretching hamstrings and back of the legs, engaging hip flexors connecting to the pelvis.
- Spine long and lengthening, working all muscles in the back and core.
- Hands push into the floor working muscles in shoulders, arms and neck. As you push into the floor you may feel your body temperature gradually rising.
- Head lifting from the crown, lengthening the thoracic spine, improving posture.
- Focus on breathing, hold pose for 3 – 5 slow breaths, quietening the mind and bring a sense of calm into your awareness.
- Dandasana is a strong, grounding pose, connecting you with the earth via the root chakra Muladhara located at the base of your spine. Giving you support and firm foundations in life.
Let me know how you get on.
This year, for me, no fad diets and no gimmicks, I’m going to continue doing what I love, Barre Pilates, Pilates and Yoga and put a big tick in my Happy Box. I accept this is me, a slightly larger, happy and confident person who loves life.
If you are interested in trying a Yoga or Pilates class and you are local to Hornchurch, contact me. If you are not local, I hope you find something to make you happy.
Pauline Ward
Business Owner and Fitness Professional
Sign up for my weekly newsletter: Subscribe
Follow on facebook: Barre Pilates, Pilates and Yoga or Inspired Health and Fitness
Follow me on twitter: @IHFcouk at work or
@Pollywardy - Barre Pilates, Pilates and Yoga
Retreats: Yoga and Pilates retreats
Website: Inspired Health and Fitness
Linkedin: Pauline Ward
Telephone: 07821 969405
"Introducing, teaching and inspiring people to enjoy a healthier and more active life"
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