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Pilates is often thought of as mat-based exercise — but in truth, the mat is just one part of a much bigger picture. Joseph Pilates began developing his movement method in the 1920s and continued refining it until his death in 1967. While the original mat work remains a vital and central element of the repertoire, the complete method incorporates over 600 exercises performed both on the mat and across a wide range of equipment — all of which Joe designed himself. Joe called h

Strength training has enjoyed a huge rise in popularity over recent years — but why now? Partly, this reflects the nature of the fitness industry itself. Trends come and go: from aerobics to Spin to HIIT, each era has its moment, often driven as much by marketing as by evidence. But with strength training, something more meaningful is happening. Its rise signals a genuinely positive shift away from purely aesthetic goals and towards long-term health, function, and longevity.

I’ll be honest: a few years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about essential oils. Even when I first encountered them through Neal’s Yard Remedies, I assumed they were simply natural fragrances — pleasant, but not particularly meaningful. And then I discovered diffusers. It all started when a friend gave me one as a birthday gift. It sat on a sideboard looking pretty for quite some time, largely unused. It was only when I began to learn more — and actually experiment — that I r

“Self-care” can mean many different things, which is often what makes it feel so hard to fit in. But I’ve found that when a few simple habits are built into the start of the day, self-care becomes both easy and genuinely enjoyable. Rather than offering a checklist, I’ll share what works for me  — not as a prescription, but as inspiration. How I start my day: 1. Belly breathing (before I even get out of bed)  As I wake up, I roll onto my back and spend a minute or two breathin

I must have been around seven years old when I first announced, “Mummy, I want to be a dance teacher.” At the time, I had no idea that more than twenty years of my life would be spent doing exactly that. Dance was a huge part of my childhood. My mum taught Ballroom and Latin American dance (long before Strictly  made it fashionable), and from around the age of eight I spent most afternoons moving between her school and another local studio, where I trained in ballet, modern,

I believe in realistic  nutrition. In a world where time feels scarce, the food industry offers endless “quick-fix” solutions — but the truth is that our own quick fixes are often far healthier, more satisfying, and far more enjoyable, once we shift our mindset. I’m not remotely “holier than thou” when it comes to food. In fact, I strongly believe that rigid rules — never  eating chocolate, sweets, or crisps — usually backfire. Human nature being what it is, the more we rest

There are times of year when being outdoors feels almost irresistible. The weather is kind, the days are longer, and it seems a shame to stay inside. And despite the effort it can take to get out of the door, most of us instinctively know that spending time in nature makes us feel better. Children seem to gain endless energy outdoors, while adults often find it easier to slow down and switch off. For those who live or work in busy, urban environments, escaping to somewhere gr

The short answer is: yes . However, in my experience, jumping straight into a stress management technique without really understanding what stress is  can limit its effectiveness. Even if the technique helps a little, you may be missing out on its full potential. I only realised this in hindsight. Months of hospital appointments and anxiously waiting for test results were hugely stressful experiences—but it was much later that I understood how much chronic stress may have con

Picture the scene: a few favourite candles glowing softly, a good book or magazine, perhaps some gentle music in the background. The light is warm, the scent comforting — the very definition of relaxation. But what if I told you that instead of helping you de-stress, those candles might actually be adding  to your stress load? That was certainly the case for me. Rewind a few years… One Saturday evening, with the children finally asleep, I lit a selection of candles and arrang

If you’ve worked with me, or followed me for any length of time, you’ll already know that I talk a lot about stress and stress management. My close friends might even warn you not to raise the subject—because once I start, I rarely stop. That’s because stress genuinely fascinates me. More importantly, it’s personal. Through my own experience, I’ve come to believe that when stress is addressed in a way that is appropriate to you , it has the potential to be truly life-changing

Unless you never listen to the news, pick up a magazine, or scroll through social media, you’ll already be aware of the environmental challenges facing our world. From climate change and air pollution to plastic waste, the list can feel overwhelming—and, at times, deeply discouraging. The positive news? Awareness continues to grow. And awareness is always the first step toward change. A double-edged issue The problem we face is twofold. On one hand, our planet is under increa