What a beautiful sunny week we've had!  I thought I'd seen the last of wearing my flipflops, so I was really chuffed to get them back out again and top up my stripey foot look! We've all been so dedicated in looking after our bodies over the last six months with regular classes and we enjoy our relaxation or guided meditation at the end of our workouts to balance our minds as well as our bodies.  This is so important that we take time to nourish the mind and even more so now. I aim to keep classes (and blogs) as 'covid talk' free as possible as it's a given we all need to be safe and follow guidelines, but there also needs to be the balance and not have it consume every minute of the day.  You need to have some 'escape' from it.  Have the feeling of 'normality'.  And most of all, we shouldn't feel guilty for wanting or needing an escape. The situation we are in at the moment will affect each of us very differently and how we cope with it.  There needs to be the understanding of this and allow people time and space when it's needed.  We also need to consider this for our children.  If as grown adults we feel confused (and have our moments), how confusing must it be for a child?  Trying to explain the new Rule of Six to Livvy was a complete mind field and the more you think about it the less sense it makes.   My point to all this is give yourself space.  Give yourself time.  If feel you need to scream out loud - find a field and go do it.  If you need to cry, have a good cry.  Let your emotions happen without stopping them.  We are all going through a form of grief and grief has stages - shock, denial, anger, upset, depression, reconstruction and acceptance.  We need to go through these stages to heal, to move on, to live our lives. Also take away the lesson not to put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  Tomorrow is a gift, not a promise.  Do what makes you happy, follow your heart and listen to your gut and above all, stay safe. Sam x #mindfulness #selfcare # Pilates #lifebalance #getperspective #beyourself # livelife

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September is an exciting time of the year, a fresh start, a clean slate, time to re-focus our attention on our goals. What do you want to get from your pilates training. Maybe you want:- To feel better Less stress in your life Improved immunity Less pain and niggles To change your shape Time out for yourself Be part of a growing online community I’m really excited about our new classes. We’re changing things up for the new season. We have 3 sessions every week. Mobility and Flexibility Pure Core Pilates Combo - with added strength training This ‘new normal’ that we’ve been living has had some amazing benefits for lots of you. You’ve told me that you love having a timetable to stick to. It keeps you sane and accountable. You look forward to your sessions in your diary. Plus you don’t have to drive anywhere. Also you’ve noticed lots of changes going on. If you only had time to do one session per week in the past and now you’ve been doing more you’ve probably seen your body change shape and tone up. It’s also been great seeing everyone in our community, having a giggle, working out and being there for each other.  If you are loving your sessions and want to continue zooming with me then please make your payment on or before September 1st using the same account as always. Any problems just get in touch. I look forward to seeing you in the zoom room for more fun as we head into the Autumn season. Sam x

As the world starts getting used to a new normal we are inviting you back to class. We would like to assure you that our studio classes are perfectly safe and we’re following all the Covid guidelines. With limited spaces, hand sanitiser on entry and exit, social distancing at all times, regular cleaning and all bookings taken online. Maybe you used to be fit and healthy and lived life to the full, but due to lockdown, an injury, having children, gaining weight or not having the time, your health and fitness has decreased. As we head into this summer season we have lots of courses on offer with studio classes, Zoom classes and Pilates on demand. You choose the option that’s right for you. You may be returning to Pilates or trying it for the first time. You’ve decided once and for all that you need to do something NOW because it’s time and you deserve to be happy. You want to work through a plan, see results quickly, and know you are moving forward creating a healthier lifestyle and building up your immunity. Here’s how you can do just that; Your Options Studio Classes – from September I will be offering classes in the studio on a Wednesday and Thursday evening. There are limited spaces available and they will be subject to new guidelines for us to follow.  Have no fear though as there will still be the same amount of ‘Sam’ crazy! Zoom Classes – A Live class four times a week where we meet online using the Zoom Platform from the comfort of your own space. If you’re new to Sam H Pilates, you’ll need to do a 30 minute 121 session with Sam (via Zoom) before your first class. (Zoom is a very easy platform and we’ll make sure you know how to log on). Pilates on Demand – An online program where you can access Pilates workouts whenever and wherever you like. https://www.samhpilates.com/pilates-pure-simple/

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Second session on the bike since I broke my arm, complete with bespoke homemade sling when arm get tired. Felt great to be back on the bike 😁💪🏼🚴🏽‍♀️😅 #alwaysanoption #thisgirlcan #positivity #determination #fitness #keepgoing

Here's a thought - the only thing we are ever dealing with is a thought and a a thought can be changed. No matter what the problem is, our experiences are just outer effects of inner thoughts.  Even self-hatred is only hating a thought you have about yourself.  If you have  thought that says, ''I'm a bad person'' it produces a feeling and you buy into that feeling.  However, if you don't have that thought, you won't have the feeling.  Change the thought and the feeling must go. This is only to show us where we get many of our beliefs, but we shouldn't use this information as an excuse to stay stuck in our pain.  It doesn't matter how long we have had a negative pattern, the past has no power over us.  The point of power is in the present moment. Believe it or not, we choose our thoughts We habitually think the same thought over and over so it doesn't seem we are choosing the thought, but we di make the original choice. We can refuse to think certain thoughts.  Look how often you have refused to think a positive thought about yourself.  The same can apply to a negative thought. Most of us have suffered self-hatred or guilt to one degree or another.  This we impact on how our lives work.  So, the less we have, the better our lives will work on all levels. Sending lots of happy thoughts to you Sam xx #thoughts #bekindtoyourself #positiveoutlook #lessstress

 It's already been over a week since I fell off my bike resulting in a fractured elbow and some very large bruises on my leg which seem to have met in the middle of my calf running from my knee all the way down to my foot! I was actually thinking of creating a new colour for the Dulux paint chart called Bruised Purple.  I don't think it would be that out of place next to Deep Plum, Magic Magenta, Vibrant Violet, Awesome Aubergine -  see where I'm going with this?! I'm gradually getting more mobility in my arm and shoulder and the pain is considerably less than it was.  I still can't get my right hand close enough to my face to put my contact lens in but I can now put on mascara with my left hand - big achievement! All being well I should be out of my sling towards the end of next week and starting on my next set of rehab exercises. Thank you so much for all the lovely messages I've received, it has really lifted my spirits, especially when the pain and discomfort has had me in tears.  I will be taking note of my own words - 'Always an Option' and 'Challenge without Compromise' and as my arm heals I will of course bring you more variation on exercises and some new challenges. #bike #mascara #achieve #progress #bruises #rehab #carltoddclinic