Hi there and welcome back to my blog! It's been a whirlwind of a time since my last post. Life's hectic pace meant I could only manage weekly video updates, but I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back to connect with you through my writing each week.

This year marks the beginning of an exhilarating adventure for me, and I'm eager to bring you along for every milestone. In 2024, I'm focusing on taking back my body, which has been overwhelmed by the challenging phase of peri-menopause, aging parents, a demanding day job, and a hectic family schedule.  Can you relate?

I'm determined and ready to regain control of me and my wellbeing - let's just say I've put "me" on the back-burner.  I've done exactly what I teach my clients not to do - but when you're in it, you. are. in. it.  And sometimes it's so murky, it's hard to see the way out.  But, I can see the light now. 

For most of my adult life, I've tried not to define my body by its size. However, recently,...

Do you know that when most people get older, they also get shorter?

Over time gravity compresses the spine along with other organs, tissues, muscles, and bones.  The vertebrae grow closer and closer to each other, gradually causing nerve and spinal issues. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. When you know how to move your spine mindfully, gravity can actually be our friend.  Instead of compressing us over time, it can help us develop strength, flexibility, and suppleness to withstand a lifetime of movement.  

Our spine is living.  It’s not just a stack of bones in our skeletal system.  It is a living and moving part of us. I know for me, I always moved in a way to protect my spine.  Bracing my core in order to protect the "vulnerable and delicate" bones of my spine and back.

However, this idea is so far from the truth.  Our spine is one of the strongest, liveliest, and flexible parts of us.  It has the capability to...

The Magic Circle is one of my favorite props - talk about getting DEEP into those core muscles!  It also takes a lot of control and concentration to be able to use it correctly and most efficiently.  Joseph Pilates actually created The Magic Circle using the ring around a beer barrel!   

The shape of the ring mimics your body.  As you breathe in, the circle will open, as you breathe out, the circle will close.  When the circle compresses, so do your abdominals, which can help you feel your abdominals on a deeper level.  However, you never want to compress your body in Pilates, so instead of bearing down as you squeeze the circle, think length and lift.  It will help you to strengthen the body while also lengthening it at the same time, a major benefit of Pilates. 

I talk a lot about this concept in my free cheatsheet "How to enhance your Pilates practice using the 10 Most Common Pilates Mistakes".  You can get a copy <HERE>.

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