joproctor79@hotmail.com, Author at Little Mis-Fit

Little Mis-Fit class updates , week 09th April

Hey Guys,

I hope you are all well! .

Just a reminder this week , there is no Monday evening class . Monday classes start back next Monday 16th April with 10/10/10 and Pilates.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation workshop – Saturday 21st April

Along with my friend Marie, we are running a Relaxation and Rejuvenation workshop , on Saturday 21st April.1215noon-2.15pm at Langley Park. £25 per person. 2 hours of a mix of Pilates and Yoga moves to help stretch you out and unwind. Please get in touch if you would like to book a place.

Timetable for this week :-

Please remember to book for all classes .

Monday 9th April

No evening classes today – we are back as normal next Monday though.

Tuesday 10th April

PIIT – 7pm-7.30pm @ Tesco Community room, Consett £4.00
*** SOLD OUT ***

Wednesday 11th April

Pilates 0945am-1030am @ Annfield Plain Church £6

Thursday 12th April

Fat Blaster 6.45pm-7.15pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall
£4.00
and
Pilates 7.15-8pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall £6.00

or do both classes for £8.00

Friday 13th April

Fat Blaster 6.30pm-7pm @ Annfield Plain Church £4
and
Pilates 7pm-7.30pm @ Annfield Plain Church £4

or do both classes for £6.50

Saturday 14th April

10/10/10 9am-9.30am @ Delves Lane Village Hall £4

Wishing you all a fabulous week!

April Class Timetable and Fitness programmes

April we have new classes and so much going on, so I though I would detail it all for you.

Our New classes are :-

10/10/10 – 10 minutes of cardio, 10 minutes of strength and conditioning and 10 minutes of abs.

Fat Blaster – A 30 minute high intensity class to burn fat and have you ready for summer!.

Me Time Pilates – A 30 minute Pilates class on a Friday evening to end the working week with a good stretch and de stress , going into the weekend a little calmer!

Family yoga class – starts Saturday 14th April for 6 weeks at Delves Lane Village Hall. 1030am-1115am . £40 for the 6 weeks , which is for 1 adult and 1 child age 4-11. or you can pay as you go £8 per session for 1 adult and 1 child. additional adult/children per family charged at £2 per session.

Virtual Classes

I am also looking at running some Virtual classes – This would involve a private Facebook group where I would post twice weekly workouts for those times when you struggle to get to classes , you can do a Mis-Fit workout at home :-). This would be £10 per person per month , if you wanted to sign up. Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in.

April Events

Relaxation and rejuvenation Workshop – Saturday 21st April 1215-2.15pm @ Langley Park studio. £25 per person.

Kids After school Yoga sessions

We have two sessions running :-

Mondays , starting 09th April x 4 weeks. 4.15-5pm @ Believe and Be £25 per child. Age 4-9.
and
Wednesdays starting 03rd April x 4 weeks 4.15-5pm @ Believe and Be £25 per child Age 4-9

Small Group Pilates ** 1 space left **

The next Small group Pilates starts Tuesday 3rd April for 6 weeks, finishing Saturday 12th May. £100 per person. – Options are also available if you can just do one session per week, rather than the two – please get in touch for more information.

Perfect for those new to pilates and/or looking for a smaller class environment.

Sessions are as follows:-

Tuesday 6.15-7pm @ Tesco Community room , Consett
and
Saturday 8.15am-9am @ Delves Lane Village Hall, Consett

Small Group Fat burn body confident ** 2 spaces left **

Starts Tuesday 3rd April for 6 weeks, finishing Saturday 12th May. £100 per person.

If you are looking for a kick start for summer , and you want to find a healthy balanced lifestyle that works for YOU, The programme includes twice weekly group workouts, a nutrition plan and a private Facebook group for you to motivate and support each other on your journey.

Sessions are as follows:-

Tuesday 7.30-8pm at Tesco Community Room, Consett
and
then choose either
Friday evening 7.30am-8pm @ Annfield Plain Church
or
Saturday morning 9.30am-10am @ Delves Lane Village Hall

Mams and Tots classes

Our next round of mam and baby/tots Pilates classes start again in April as follows:-

These classes will help mams to strengthen their core muscles, ease tight muscles from carrying and feeding baby. Its also a class you can bring your little ones too, so no worries about finding childcare.

Monday 1015am-11am @ Believe and Be ** 2 spaces left ** starting 9th April x 4 weeks . suitable from 6 weeks to 9 months

Monday 1115am-12noon @ Believe and Be ** 3 spaces left ** Starting Monday 9th April x 4 weeks , suitable from 9 months to age 3 years

Wednesday 1030am-1115am @ Annfield Plain Church , starting Wednesday 3rd April x 4 weeks – please note no class 25th April, instead we finish 2nd May. suitable from 6 weeks to 3 years.

April class passes

April class passes will be on sale from 1st April and valid for 1 calendar month – 1st-30th April .

Unlimited Monthly pass – £55

12 session pass – £45

8 session pass – £28

There will be no evening classes Monday 09th April and no Morning classes Wednesday 25th April

April Class timetable will be as follows

Monday – We may look at moving Monday classes to Annfield Plain church, I am in the process of looking at this , so I will keep you updated!

10/10/10 6.30-7 pm @ North Durham Academy £4.00

Pilates 7pm-7.45pm @ North Durham Academy £6.00

or do both evening sessions for £8.00

Tuesday

PIIT – 7pm-7.30pm @ Tesco Community room, Consett £4.00

Wednesday

Pilates 0945am-1030am @ Annfield Plain Church £6

Thursday

Fat Blaster 6.45pm-7.15pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall
£4.00

Pilates 7.15-8pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall £6.00

or do both classes for £8.00

Friday

Fat Blaster 6.30pm-7pm @ Annfield Plain Church £4
and
Me Time Pilates 7pm-7.30pm @ Annfield Plain Church £4

or do both classes for £6.50

Saturday

10/10/10 9am-9.30am @ Delves Lane Village Hall £4

To make bookings or for more information about any of the above – please do see me at class or drop us a message!

Wishing you all a fabulous Easter, hers hoping we actually get some more sunshine 🙂

Joanne xoxo

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!!.

I hope you all have something special planned! . Maybe you have a hot date , plans with a friend or maybe a date with yourself. Which ever it is, Be sure to take a little time out to show yourself some love today!. Drink your tea out of your favourite cup, pour that wine/prosecco/gin into your favourite glass. Wear a favourite outfit and or lipstick!. Make a little time in the day to do something for yourself, aswell as the people in your life whom you love.

I’m looking forward to a whole day off , I am so excited ! a day off mid week is a rare thing at the minute. Actually up until last Summer , a full day off was rare for me full stop, however I now have Sundays off and I really treasure them. January has been really hectic here at Mis-Fit HQ , so am looking forward to an extra day off today – I’m heading off to see my friend Lauren at the Little White Room and treating myself to a facial. And then home to get ready for date night :-).

I’ve popped some of my favourite heart opening Yoga poses below in honour of this day of love. So grab your yoga mat and let’s open up our hearts! .

Bridge Pose – helps strengthen the Back, the butt and the hamstrings and those pelvic floor muscles, whilst stretching the Chest, neck , spine and hips.

Lying on your back , you want a fist widths distance between your knees – you can also pop a block or pillow between the knees. Have all your toes pointing forward and hands by your side. bring your heels in toward your butt. Breath in , and as you breath out lift the hips up toward the ceiling, lengthen through the lower back, squeezing the butt. Lower down, slow and controlled, imagine bring your back down , vertabrae by vertabrae.

Can help reduce stress.

A more advanced version of Bridge Pose is Wheel Pose – Strengthens your arms,legs shoulders and Core and opens up the Chest and helps strengthen the lungs It will also help increase flexibility in the spine . Wheel Pose can also help reduce stress and boost energy!. As above but take your hands behind your shoulders and lift your chest up toward the ceiling.

Warrior 3 Pose – Helps strengthen the heart muscle , and sends high speed blood to the heart cleaning out the Veins and arteries. It will also help improve balance and strengthen the legs, ankles and Butt. It also help some tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Standing with feet hip width apart, take one leg behind you and reach your hands forward. Careful not to lock out the knee of the standing leg. Keep your hips square – easier said than done. I definitely need to work on that!. Don’t forget to do both sides!.

Chair Pose

tones the leg muscles, strengthens the hip flexor ankles,calves and back. Stretches the chest and shoulders and helps stimulate the heart and diaphragm.

Stand Tall, feet Hip width apart , bend your knees and reach your arms up high. Careful not to hunch those shoulders round your ears!!

Cobra Pose

invigorates the heart. Increases flexibility. Strengthens the shoulders and arms and stretches the Abdominals, chest and shoulders.

Lie on your tummy, placing your palms flat to the floor, next to your shoulders , lift your head,neck and shoulders off the floor . An alternative is to keep your elbows down on the floor, depending on the flexibility in your lower spine.

Legs up the wall Pose – One of my favourite Yoga poses. A total relaxing pose . Lie down, with your feet stretching up a wall or door. Rest your head on a block or a pillow and close your eyes. Maybe pop on a favourite chill out song or just enjoy being quiet for a few minutes and just focus on taking long deep breathes in and out. This pose Will help improve circulation and can help you sleep better!.

Plus for fun, I keep trying to work on my handstands, which help strengthen and tone the core muscles, and the shoulder and arms – hello Toned arms for summer!!. It also helps increase the flow of blood to your brain to calm the mind. Hmmm it’s definitely a work in progress ha.

However you spend pend your Valentines Day, I hope it’s full of love and laughter.

Do let me know if you try any of the yoga poses! . Tag me in your photos!

February Programmes, classes and Updates!

February we have so much going on here at Mis-Fit HQ , so here is a little run down of what’s happening, including a new Wednesday morning pilates class, plus new classes for mams and toddlers!. We also have our Next small group training programmes starting too . Plus Of course we have our usual weekly classes too 😄. For more information on any of the below, please do get in touch with us, either via our Facebook page, or emailing us – info@littlemis-fit.co.uk .

Baby Yoga

Monday morning 10am-1045am at Believe & Be starting 19th February for 4 weeks £30

Monday afternoon 2pm-2.45pm at Shotley Bridge Nursery

School Ltd starting 19th February for 4 weeks £30

Mam and Toddler Fitness Pilates classes – A class for mams, that you can bring your little ones along to, to join in with you . suitable from 6 months to 3 years old.

Monday 1115am-12noon at Believe & Be starting Monday 19th February for 4 weeks £30

And

Wednesday 1030-11.15am at Annfield Plain Church , starting Wednesday 21st February for 4 weeks. £30

Small group training

starting Saturday 17th February for 5 weeks

3 spaces left on our next Small group programme. This course will run for 5 weeks , finishing Tuesday 20^th March 2018 – just in time for Easter.

Our Small group programme is designed to help you find a healthy balanced lifestyle that works for YOU!. Its time to ditch the diet and instead find a healthy eating approach that you can continue with long term! We take a maximum of 6 people per group , so if you prefer to work out in a smaller class environment for a little more 1-1

Just £90 for the 5 weeks, you will receive a nutrition guide . plus a twice weekly Small group training sessions .

You will also receive access to a private Facebook group so you can keep each other motivated and accountable.

Sessions are as follows –

Saturday 9.30-10am at Delves Lane Village Hall

And

Tuesdays 7.30pm-8pm at Tesco Community room , Consett

For more information- https://littlemis-fit.co.uk/small-group-training/

Small group pilates

Starting Saturday 17^th February for 5 weeks

1 space left on our Small group Pilates programme

Starting Saturday 17^th February for 5 weeks , cost is £90 per person. Perfect if you are new to Pilates and/or prefer a smaller class environment.

Sessions are as follows:-

Saturday 8.15am-9am @ Delves Lane Village Hall

And

Tuesday 6.15pm-7pm @ Tesco Community Room, Consett

Kids Yoga classes ages 4- 9 @ Believe and Be

Monday 4.15pm-5pm , starting Monday 19^th February for 4 weeks £25 per child *** 1 space left ***

And

Wednesday 4.15pm-5pm, starting Wednesday 21^st February for 4 weeks . £25 per child

Wednesday morning Pilates class from 21^st February 2018

Starting Wednesday 21^st February, we have a Morning Pilates class 0945am-1030am @ Annfield Plain Church. £6 per class

Tuesday and Wednesday evening PIIT classes

A reminder also our Tuesday and Wednesday night PIIT classes will combine and from Tuesday 20^th February, will run on a Tuesday evening 7pm-7.30pm at Tesco Community Room, Consett.

New Year Self Care Challenge!

“Self Care is giving the world the best version of you, not what is left of you”

I love this quote, and lets face it, after Christmas , we are probably all feeling a little bloated and in need of a little self care , plus January is actually Mental Wellness Month , so as we ring in the New Year , it is a perfect time to focus on ourselves a little . Its only when we do that, that we have the energy and patience to take care of our loved ones. We are always conscious to charge our phones up when the battery is getting low, so we need to do the same with ourselves!.

A big part of looking after ourselves is scheduling in regular workouts. I know for me, working out is as much for my mental and spiritual wellbeing as it is for my physical health.
Sometimes it can be really hard to drag yourself along to class . especially when you’ve maybe had some time off over Christmas or its so cold outside and all you really want to do is hibernate at home – we all have those days!. It Is actually on the days you really don’t feel like doing it, that you probably need it even more though!. Working out will leave you feeling so much stronger both physically and mentally , plus it will release some of those happy hormones , instantly boosting your mood. The mood boosting effects of exercise are now so widely recognised, that more and more Doctors are prescribing exercise over just handing out anti depressants , which is brilliant.

So my challenge to you this week is to get in a couple workouts – maybe get yourself along to a class or check out YouTube for some at home workouts , or get outside for a walk or run in the fresh air. Pick something you enjoy doing as you much more likely to stick with it . perhaps try a new class , one you haven’t tried before. Just get moving and honestly see how much better you feel in yourself afterwards! . You could even recruit a workout buddy , so you can keep each other accountable.

Follow along this month as I share a few more little self care tips and challenges and do let us know in the comments or pop over to our Facebook – www.facebook.com/lilmisfit1 or Instagram @littlemisfitjojo ,and let us know how you are getting on and if you are noticing any differences in your physical, and mental wellbeing.

Love lots

Joanne x

January classes and Programmes

Hi Guys,

So here it is the January Timetable , I am also looking at running a Wednesday morning class – HIIT and Pilates hopefully so also in process of sorting venue etc out for that, aswell as possibly another Mammy and Baby Yoga class , so more info to follow !.

In meantime I have popped below the January Timetable and details of the January Programmes we have , including the small groups.

January Class Passes

As a special offer in January – there will be a price freeze on Monthly Class passes!

8 session pass – £28

12 Session pass – £45

Unlimited Monthly pass – £55

From 01^st February , they will increase slightly as follows:-

8 session pass – £32

12 Session pass – £50

Unlimited Monthly pass – £60

Class Timetable for January!

Don’t forget we have our new Friday classes too!

Monday

Shred – the random evil class is back J !! Mixing up Cardio along with Strength training using a combination of body weight and Equitment for the ultimate Fat Burning workout!

6.30-7pm @ North Durham Academy £ 4 per session

Pilates 7pm-7.45pm @ North Durham Academy £6 per session

Or do both sessions for £8.50

Tuesday

PIIT – Pilates Intense interval Training ) – lots of work on strengthening the core and building strength and tone in the abs, arms, legs and Butt

6.45pm-7.15pm @ North Durham Academy £4 per session

Wednesday

Working on a Wednesday AM class – more details to follow soon!

PIIT (Pilates Intense interval Training ) – lots of work on strengthening the core and building strength and tone in the abs, arms, legs and Butt

7 pm-7.30pm @ Tesco Community Room, Consett £4.00 Per session

Thursday

HIIT 6.45-7.15pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall £ 4 per session

and

Pilates 7.15pm-8pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall £6 per session

Or do both sessions for £8.50

Friday

HIIT 6.30-7pm @ Annfield Plain Church , Stanley £4 per session

And

Express Pilates @ Annfield Plain Church, Stanley £4 per session

Or do both classes for £6.50

Saturday

Shred – Mixing up Cardio and Strength training using a combination of body weight and Equitment for the ultimate Fat Burning workout!

9am-9.30am @ Delves Lane Village Hall £4 per session

January Programmes

After School Yoga class for kids age 4 – 9. Monday evenings 4.15pm-5pm @ Believe and Be Monday 15^th January – Monday 5^th February £25 per child ** just 2 spaces left **

Mammy and Baby Yoga @ Shotley Bridge Nursery Mondays 2pm-2.45pm . Monday 15^th January – Monday 19^th February £35 for the 6 weeks.

Small Group Pilates Wednesday 3^rd January – Saturday 10^th February

Wednesday 6.15pm-7pm @ Tesco Community Room

and

Saturday 8.15am-9am @ Delves Lane Village Hall

£100 for the 6 weeks . ** 1 space available **

Small Group – Regular *** Currently 1 space left ***

Saturday 6^th January 9.30am-10am @ Delves Lane Village Hall

And

Tuesday 7.15pm-7.45pm @ North Durham Academy

£100 for the 6 weeks

December Happenings

My goodness can you believe its December next week?????
honestly 2017 has whizzed by!. I am busy working away on our January class programme, so will be releasing news of that soon!.

Throughout December , we have a VIP joining us for some of our sessions , all the way from the North pole – its Elf-Aba Elf! , he’s very excited to meet you all.

You will be able to follow along on Elf-Aba and I’s Christmas adventures on our blog – https://littlemis-fit.co.uk/blog-posts/ aswell as our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/lilmisfit1 and Instagram page – @littlemisfitjojo. If you are not already following us , please do so you can follow along on all our festive fun! .

I will also be running my annual 12 days of Christmas workout aswell as a special 12 days of Christmas Yoga – I have some very special guests helping me with this one!. so you do need to be following us to join in those too!

As well as our regular class timetable ,
I am also running a couple mini Small groups – a Fat burning one and a Pilates one . These are also brilliant taster sessions, if you have contemplating trying one in the past , but for what ever reason have not been able to.

Our regular Small group programme will be back in January .

Small Group – Fat Burn

Tuesday 28th November – Saturday 16th December

** 3 spaces available **

Tuesday 7.15pm-7.45pm @ North Durham Academy

and Saturday 9.30am-10am @ delves Lane Village Hall

As its just 3 weeks this time, there will be no fit test (ha ha I can hear the breathes of relief , from thos of you who have been there and done that!). Instead we will have 6 intense workouts and the nutrition guidelines to help you keep some balance in the lead up to Christmas week!.

just £60 per person.

Small Group Pilates

Wednesday only – 29th November – 13th December
6.15pm-7pm @ Tesco Community Room, Tesco.

** 3 spaces left **

This one is perfect , if you are already frazzled about the festive season and want to just come to and find a little calm in your week.
Stress and tension plus all that Christmas shopping can cause knots and tight/sore muscles, so this class will help stretch you out and help release that stress and tension from the body . A little 45 minute time out – you will feel so much better afterwards!

If you would like more information or would like to book one of the slots, then just get in touch 🙂

December class time table

** Classes will finish on Thursday 21st December and restart back again 2nd January. **

Monday

Festive Fitmas HIIT 6.30pm-7pm @ North Durham Academy, Stanley

Pilates 7pm-7.45pm @ North Durham Academy

Tuesday

Festive Fitmas HIIT 6.45pm-7.15pm @ North Durham Academy, Stanley

Wednesday ** Final Wedensday session will be 13th December , but return 3rd January **

PIIT – Pilates Intense Interval Training 7pm-7.30pm ~ Tesco Community Room, Consett

Thursday

Festive Fitmas HIIT 6.45pm-7.15pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall

Pilates 7.15pm-8pm @ Delves Lane Village Hall

Saturday

Festive Fitmas 9am-9.30am @ Delves Lane Village Hall

November Events at Little Mis-Fit

Can you believe its Almost November???? . Honestly I thought September flew over but October is disappearing just as fast!. Only 1 week until Halloween – have you all got your Halloween outfits sorted and managing to resist the Trick or treat sweets??. I’m so excited to watch Hocus Pocus but am trying to resist until 31st October! .

We have lots of programmes and Events in November so here is a little run down :- and of course we’ll have all our regular classes too!.

I am having a little mini break too , so no classes Friday 10th November – Monday 13th November. Classes will be back from Tuesday 14th November though.

If you are interested in any of the below, please contact us – info@littlemis-fit.co.uk for more information or to make a booking.

Kids After School Yoga @ Believe and Be, Consett

Starting Monday 30th October, 4.14pm-5pm. £25 per child for 4 weeks

Monday 30th October, Monday 6th November, Monday 20th November and Monday 27th November .

** I currently have 2 spaces left **

Mammy & baby Yoga @ Shotley Bridge Nursery

Starting Monday 6th November for 6 sessions 2pm-2.45pm – £35 . For babies from 12 weeks old. This is a class for mammies and babies to workout together .

Monday 6th November, Monday 20th November, Monday 27th November, Monday 4th December, Monday 11th December and Monday 18th December.

** I currently have 1 space left **

Relaxation and rejuvenation Workshop .

Saturday 18th November @ Langley Park Studio 12noon-2pm . £25 per person.

We are back with another of our lovely workshops in collabaration with our friends over at Zenergise Pilates. This is a 2 hour class combining Pilates, yoga and mediation to help relax the mind and body and get a good full body stretch – all that christmas shopping

pre Christmas Small Groups

I will also be running some Mini 3 week small groups in the run up to Christmas.

Pre Christmas Small Group – Tuesday 28th November , Saturday 2nd December, Tuesday 5th December, Saturday 9th December, Tuesday 12th December and Saturday 16th December £60 per person

Pre Christmas Small Group Pilates – Wednesday 29th November, Wednesday 6th December and Wednesday 13th December 6.15pm-7pm @ @ Tesco Community room. £30 per person

and of course not forgetting our Mis-Fit Christmas Party on Friday 24th November – a chance to swap our trainers for heels and dance the night away!.

Autumn Love

So a lot of you guys all know I absolutely ❤ Christmas , and I really really do, (Does anyone else think they may actually be an elf?? 😂) , however my favourite season of the year is actually Autumn!. For me it just feels so magical, as the leaves begin to change , yet you still get those September and October days with warm sunshine,then the sun starts to set early and you can get the house all cozy with candles, and snuggley blankets. You’ve got mail is one of my all time favourite movies and it always feels like a film to watch in Autumn , so every year at the end of September, I block out an afternoon, grab my cosiest blankets, get myself some chocolate buttons and a huge cup of peppermint tea, and settle down to watch it.

Then before you know it Halloween is right around the corner , – and then Christmas 24 movie channel starts. and thus the whole build up to Christmas begins !!!!!! Eeeee am so excited just thinking about it 😂.

However for some – the end of summer makes them really sad. It can also be an incredibly busy time of year for people , as you get the kids settled back into school, work is often crazy after the lull of summer and then we are rushing around getting ready for the festive season.

Autumn is the season that shows us it’s ok to let things go, and make way for the new, so this Autumn-take the time to slow down a little, take a walk through the falling leaves, take time for you , to do the things you love to do, the things that make your Soul happy. Spend time with the people who lift your spirits and make you smile. Do the things that you love , but often get pushed aside as we do all the things we feel we must do. But make the time to curl with a book, or watch a movie uninterrupted – Put that phone down!! , or pick up a colouring book and colour – it really does have a calming effect. Or get outside in the crisp air – I’m a huge believer that exercise, fresh air, sleep and lots of laughter are some of the best medicines.

I know it can be hard sometimes to drag yourself out of the house when it’s dark to come to class, but you will feel better for it – honestly!

having been working a lot the past couple months , I really was feeling absolutely exhausted, so the past couple days, I took time to just relax and I honestly feel so much better for it and my creativity is coming back and I just feel my batteries are recharged and I’m ready to hit the ground running once more!.

Orange LA Lily’s adding a touch of Autumn to my kitchen!

My Aeriel Yoga Adventure!

Every now and then, its good to step outside your comfort zone, no matter how scary it might be. I’ve often found its actually where all the best things happen.

As an instructor, I get new people along to classes on a regular basis, so it is good to every so often try something new yourself, so you are reminded what its like to be a beginner and experience something for the first time.

I’ve been wanting to try Aeriel Yoga for ages, it just looked so much fun. I came across Tempest Dance studio in Durham City – http://tempestdancestudio.com/2016/ who offered classes. I followed them on Instagram @tempeststudio and the classes . Aeriel Yoga is Yoga moves performed using silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling.

Looking at the class schedule, I could see it clashed a lot with my own timetable of classes and so I opted to book a 1 -1 session instead. I arrived at the studio on a rainy Wednesday morning and met my instructor Rachel, who was so lovely and put me right at ease.

She strung the Silks from the ceiling and we were ready to rock and roll. We started off with a warm up and Rachel advised me just to let go and trust in the silks ability to support me. One of the first moves was straddling the Silk and then getting my far leg back out, – hmmm I had forgot to warn poor Rachel, I can be a terrible klutz and so as I stepped out , there was a cartoon comedy moment of me doing some crazy foot jumping as I tried to regain balance and an almost collision with a mirror but thankfully crisis was averted and I managed to steady myself just in time – phew!.

Rachel took me through a series of Yoga moves – most of which were familiar to me on the floor , however adding in the Silks, created a whole new aspect and made my body work even harder. Up dog with the silks , really stretched the lower back and took a lot of upper body strength to hold on to the silks!. my favourite part came when I was fully warmed up and we started on the inversions!. Yoga inversions are any moves that bring your hips over your heart, and your heart above your head – basically you are pretty much upside down!. This actually helps give your heart a little rest, as you reverse the blood flow in the body and encourages venous return – the return of blood back to the heart. As a result your heart does not have to work quite so hard. Being upside down also takes some bravery and a lot of faith. Rachel was there every step and when she could see I was hovering on the edge of can I really do this??? ,she walked me through it step by step. I could feel myself hanging on to the silks for dear life at first , but she encouraged me to just let go and before I knew it, I felt like I was flying!. Its a great metaphor for life – Sometimes we hang on to what we feel is safe and comfortable , but often taking that step beyond the comfort zone is usually where the magic happens!, so next time you find yourself hovering , feeling a little scared at taking the leap – close your eyes, breathe in and as you breathe out, take that leap of faith!.

We ended the class in Savasana pose, actually getting fully inside the silk – ok so my friend Emma did point out afterward it did look a lot like I had been kidnapped and held hostage, but honestly it was sooooooo comfortable and relaxing. It was raining outside and the sound of the rain on the window combined with the relaxing music , Rachel had playing plus feeling all snug in my silk cocoon suspended from the ceiling , I could feel myself just drifting off into a relaxed state – it just felt so peaceful.

I would definitely recommend giving it a whirl. Next on the list , My friend Joanne and I are already planning a Pole dancing lesson.

Have you guys tried anything new lately?.