Apollo Pilates

Today is , apparently the most depressing day of the year. But who says a mathematical formula has to dictate your mood? Find your own positivity and lift your own feelings. I know it is easier said than done, but sometimes little things can make a huge difference. Like half an hour reading a book, having a soak or dancing around the living room!

It's a new year and I am saying good riddance to 2023. I am also very grateful to those who supported me through an awful year. I am also so sorry to all.my friends whom I haven't seen or spoken to in that period. A retreat from the world was the only manageable option.

Hopefully, 2024 will be good and bright for all of us. Looking forward to reconnecting.

We all hate homework. We all feel we don't have enough time to do extra on top of our already busy lives. But I work with a lot of clients who have injury or pain and I give them exercises to do at home.

Very few do them and so prolongs their recovery or the pain is still present. So I say "be your own toothbrush ".

You don't go to the dentist for a cleaning and then not clean your teeth until the next time you see them. So why would you not do your rehab exercises?

Just 5 mins a day of one or two is better than nothing 🪥🪥🙏🏻🙏🏻

Today is !

I am the ultimate moggy lover. My beautiful rescue cat has been with me for 5 years and it is possible that we are too close. (He yells at me so that we synchro-pee) 😁

But in all seriousness, he has been a constant companion who at times has been the only reason I get up in the morning. Go and show your puss some love.

Recently, several of my (slightly) older clients have asked me about what have become consistent aches and pains. What your body can tolerate and recover from at 35, 45, 55 is very different from what it can manage at 25.

Remember how you used to party 4 days a week, barely have a hangover and still go to work? Can you still do that?

Heavy impact or very taxing exercise will take a bigger toll than it used to. As you get older you will need to modify your regime. Include more recovery time. Put more stretch in. Change the routine.

I am not suggesting not doing the things you enjoy or not exercising, but rather than yet another 10k run, change it to a swim. Rather than boxercise, go to rebounding.

Naturally, I would advocate Pilates, but no other exercise method will concentrate on strength and mobility is the same way. Pilates is great for getting in your stretch whilst still getting a workout, but also helps improve bone density and skeletal stability.

Admitting you are getting older is always a bit depressing, but think of it as another stage of growing up.

But can you tell the difference? If you have suffered an injury, your brain and body can conspire to protect you from hurting yourself again, but tricking you into over-caution, convincing you that everything will hurt.

I suffered a horrible shoulder injury years ago, which got worse and worse, and I spent the first few weeks of my rehab terrified that any movement or stress would hurt. It was the mental hurdle that was the most difficult to get over. Once my brain understood that my body was more capable than it thought, the progress was dramatic.

Sometimes, working slowly and carefully through discomfort can help your body move through the mental obstacle and genuinely get better.

I work with many people with different pains or injury and ask them to keep an internal conversation going to see if the movement is genuinely painful, or if its just uncomfortable because they haven't moved for a while.

Next time something "hurts" really check in with yourself to see if it us actually pain, or something that can be worked through. Of course, take care and work with professionals when needed to guide you through.

I have found recently that I have been absolutely unable to communicate or deal with any communication. Whether that is text, email or an actual conversation.

This is new to me. Under extreme pressure, I have retreated completely. Insulating myself from everything with no desire to deal with any form of communication.

It is a self-defence mechanism to prevent any more stress. I am trying to break the cycle. Slowly.

If you are feeling unable to deal with stuff, try to talk about it. An outlet is important and ask for help if you need it. Even if it's to get someone to deal with your mail.

And remember, it is temporary.

We are three quarters through and so I was wondering how you were getting on. Did you make any changes? Have you addressed any issues?

I have tried to do little things that I have been putting off to get them off my mind. I have tried more breathing exercises to relax. What have been your solutions?

Remember to check in with yourself and carve out time for you to unwind.

We want help you show yourself some love 💕 this Valentines day💘. All packages are 10% off. Go to www.apollopilates.com

Each programme is tailored to your needs with a full postural assessment included.

I specialise in injury rehabilitation, but also develop plans for sports enhancement. You don't even have to leave the house! I come to you.

If you are in zones 1-3 in London, I would love to work with you.

That's got your attention! This month is and it is important to give those lady lumps a proper check regularly. If you haven't for a while why not do it right now? (But not in a public place 🤭).

Make sure you are fit and healthy, give yourself a proper check and if anything worries you contact your doctor. Keep your b***s happy.

Today is the perfect day to take a second to assess how you feel. Are you overworked? Too many commitments to other people? Just a bit wobbly?

Post pandemic we are all still finding our feet and life may look a bit different than it used to. That adjustment can cause anxiety and stress.

Reach out to someone for help, or reach out to someone who might need help. But most importantly take some time for yourself to do something to make you feel good.

This says "The trick is to keep breathing ". Which has a personal significance for me, but it is also a key principle of Pilates, so works on a dual level. The calligraphy was done by an artist in the Emirates and the painstaking tattooing was done by