Maverick Pilates Movement

20/10/2022

Bad interpretive dance or caught mid stretch?

Either way, pretty proud of the shapes I’m building!

22/02/2022

Happy Teaser Tuesday! Strength; balance; spinal articulation; spine lengthening; abdominal endurance: This exercise has it all.

Keep arms straight and keep the connection with the spring tension throughout, especially on the return. If, like me, you have a lower back that favours extension, find it’s connection to the box before lifting up. Notice if your upper or lower body likes to lift first, or higher, and try and find the balance between the two. Try to relax. The more you labour and force into position, the harder it’s going to feel. And try not to fall off…

1 red spring; 3 reps

03/02/2022

It was about 10 years ago I had my first panic attack. It came from nowhere. There was no specific driver for it. And I had no understanding what was happening. It was terrifying. I started to cut out situations and environments that saw my anxiety rise, as I never wanted to feel that feeling again. That included flying, travelling on certain tube lines and being in any situation where I’d be under the spotlight (from big meetings to birthday parties), where I’d be unable to retreat without my anxiety being exposed.

But I also realised that this new “edited” way of living wasn’t working for me. I realised that I’d cut out a lot of things that had previously brought me joy. And that the fear of fear was ruining my life. So I started to confront my fears. Firstly, I told people I trusted about how I was feeling. And then with their support I started putting myself into those very situations that brought me angst. I also spent a lot of time learning about triggers for me I could control (caffeine, alcohol and lack of sleep were biggies!) and ways I could influence it; specifically breathing techniques and understanding more about the nervous system. It took time. And it was bumpy. Very bumpy. But over time it got easier; it got more manageable. I started to find enjoyment in conquering the things that had previously floored me. I will never say anxiety is no longer a part of my life; I’m conscious it may always come knocking on my door, but now, I barely think of it. And when I do, I have the tools to manage it as best I can.

And then it changed. I started chasing things that brought on fear. I quit my job. I starting hosting big events. I signed up to be interviewed on camera. I took on physical challenges that terrified me!

I’m not an expert on panic attacks. My views and my ways of managing them are personal to me. They may not work for you if you find yourself in the same boat. But what i did learn, which is a truth for a lot of us, is that fear can be the best fuel of all. Use it to empower you rather than enrage you. Harness it right, and it will take you further than you ever thought possible…

So maybe try and do something that scares you today…

31/01/2022

Strength is both a physical and mental discipline. It takes courage, determination and belief. It can be an individual pursuit, or become bigger with numbers. I truly believe that the strength you find in the gym leads to strength elsewhere in your life, loves, relationships and career. Have you flexed your ability to be strong today?

27/01/2022

Sooooo….. this is happening tomorrow! I am excited to be joining the awesomeness that is Martin Reid on his 🧡 Martin | Movement Specialist] IG live tomorrow, Friday January 28th 2022, for “Core Conversations”!

It’s on at 10:00am EST, which translates to 3pm UK time (if I’ve got that time conversion wrong, now would be a GREAT time to tell me!!!)

We’ll be talking about how I came to do what I’m currently doing, the pivots that the Covid-curve ball presented with me, and, most likely, a whole heap of random things to boot, while trying to avoid awkward silences! To join, simply hit up the 🧡 Martin | Movement Specialist] IG stories on the day. I would ❤️ you be be part of the convo!

And if you like what you hear, why not like, share and subscribe to receive the weekly podcast 🙏

26/01/2022

Where you work out can dramatically alter how you work out. The atmosphere; the equipment; the people, the camaraderie… they all play into your performance. What that looks like is different for us all; and it might be different for us individually depending on what we might want to work on. I discovered in my hometown over Christmas, and quickly fell in love with the place! So much so, I’m planning on hitting up the Lakes on a couple of weeks to get another workout in! When I’m in London, I love to train Chiswick Park for my accessory work and for the freedom that comes with mixing free weights and machines, and, of course, for my lifting and strength work and when working on mobility, I love the space, light and openness
of - where’s your go to place that gets the most out of you? You never know, I may come pay you a visit!

24/01/2022

My job is to make you feel better. Sure, I’m a pilates teacher, personal trainer and nutritional coach. We’re going to put the work in. But my number one priority is that you leave any session with me feeling better than you arrived. I’m going to be your cheer leader and champion. I’m going to empower you with knowledge and confidence. I’m going to encourage you to listen to your body, and know when to push and when to dial it back. I’m going to give you some time off “life” to focus on you. And I’ll probably make you laugh with my bad banter. If this sounds like something you might need, you know where to find me.

22/01/2022

Plan. Leg day.

Method. Methodical; working each muscle in turn.

Focus: Glutes; glute bridge, sumo deadlift, leg press (wide foot stance). Hamstrings; leg curl, stiff legs. Quads; leg extension, split squat, forward lean. Hip flexors; abductors, adductors.

3 sets. 15 reps. Minimal rest between.

Simple to executed, but very very effective!

Give it a go and let me know how you get on!

21/01/2022

We’ve all been there, right? Taken out a gym membership, but never stepped through the door, unless it was for a quick office-to-going out freshen up. Signed up for a subscription committing to doing (insert your own resolution here), to only be reminded of it when your annual subscription reminder comes up the following year. Thinking about doing the thing; spending the money to enable you to do the thing; thinking about spending money to do the thing… These things don’t make the thing happen! Now, this doesn’t make you a bad person! It happens to us all. But you got to get going if you want things to happen, to progress. Start slow. Got a gym membership? Commit to going once a week to start. Make it part of your day; a lunch break or after work maybe. Reframe it. Go at the weekend and relabel it a treat rather than a chore. That online subscription? Again, make it part of your routine. For me, that means doing a evening sound bath when I’ve had a hectic day or I have an early start. Again, it feels more restorative rather than a punishment. And of those things don’t work? Maybe you just picked the wrong thing! In which case, cancel, rethink, and get started on a whole new adventure. Whatever option you choose, just get going!

15/01/2022

And we are back! Join me and the legendary for our next Strongman Workshop. Held at the awesome we’ll be tyre flipping, tyre deadlifting and getting to grips with the super yoke. Never tried any of those things before? Not a problem! That’s what we’re here to help with! Places are strictly limited, so you’ll be receiving personal coaching on your technique too! Want to come and throw things around and pick heavy things up? DM me to reserve your spot!

14/01/2022

First in a series of amusing things clients say… Picture this; It’s 6.57am and is part way through her regular online PT session. We’re on our third set of single arm floor presses. She’s nailing it, but starting to fatigue. Enter jack,returning from his morning walk. He sees his owner, and is keen to lend his support. He’s excited. He wants to join in. Maybe even get in a set for himself. With a furious wag of his tail he bounds in and….

What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard mid workout? Drop your comments below!

13/01/2022