| Dear <<First Name>>,
We’re making the most of what may be the last of the ‘summer’ sunshine this weekend, with the promise of a team BBQ on the cards! We hope you’re able to enjoy some sunshine too.
Although this has been an unusual start to October, we love this time of year and feel very lucky to have so many green spaces nearby, where we can witness the splendour of nature as leaves develop amazing colours before winter takes hold. We’ve been enjoying our walks and cycling through the parks, particularly as the weather has been so kind.
We’ve been busy in the Studio too, as we introduce our new Find Your Flow® program to everyone You can get a taste of what will be coming up over the next few weeks from the pictures above. You can also read more about it in Community Corner below!
Some of you have asked why we change the program every six weeks or so, while others have asked why we don’t change the program (as many other studios do) every week.
Actually, we think that the way we run our programs sets us apart from other Studios, or Pilates classes generally. No matter which class you attend, you’ll be offered a broadly similar program, working from the same theme. You’ll be targeting particular areas of the body, while always enjoying a full body workout.
At the start of the program, we often find that clients are a little confused by some of the movements. That’s perfectly natural – it is somewhat confusing for our bodies to move in totally unfamiliar ways. (The body’s natural reaction is to want to use familiar muscle patterns – we’re challenging it to activate under-used muscles!)
Over time, as regular class attendees know, the body becomes more familiar with the new muscle patterns, so that we can increase the challenge. Over the six weeks’ period, we might notice difference in our movement patterns, not just in class, but in everyday activities.
One of the many benefits of our six weeks programs is that we can take time to ‘layer’ movements. We always start at a more basic level to help everyone find the right ‘form’ for the movement. Over the course of the program, as we become more familiar, stronger and more confident, we can add complexity: by adding or reducing springs; increasing the balance challenge (no hands, standing on the carriage rather than kneeling etc): or adding different choreography – some of you have been surprised this week to find yourselves performing scooter while pulling on therabands!
Another benefit of planning and delivering a program over six weeks is that we can anticipate modifications for those who need them (eg. osteoporosis, pregnancy, joint issues). This means that our teachers, who are already expert at adapting movements to meet the needs of clients’ bodies that day, already have modifications in mind, so that the flow of the class isn’t interrupted.
This also means that teachers can take time to offer individual attention – focusing on each individuals’ needs, to help improve their form, overcome ‘blocks’ (physical and/or mental) and get the most from their class.
Although we often carry forward some movements (sometimes with modifications) from previous programs, we think that changing the program every six weeks helps ensure that ‘muscle memory’ doesn’t take too much hold, tempting us to go through the class on auto-pilot.
We are always delighted to have your feedback on the programs – thank you and please keep it coming!
We hope you have a wonderful week and we look forward to seeing you in the studio or online! |
