This week my focus has been firmly on building my strength and coordination and supporting my mental health.
I’m an active member of Mobilates - a specialised Pilates programme specifically designed for those with long-term health conditions and mobility issues. These sessions have become a vital part of my physiotherapy supporting my EDS, Neurological Movement Disorder, Addison’s Disease and psychosis.
The amazing team deliver a range of sessions that are adapted to match the needs of every individual who takes part. Doing them over Zoom means I can attend more sessions than I could if they were held in person. (Although in-person options are available)
They have helped me develop knowledge and confidence in myself, but also in understanding the needs of others and the way to adapt and use innovative approaches that are both safe and effective to participants. The whole community or ‘The Mob’ have taught me so much about my conditions, especially EDS and we are so lucky to have socials, chat and craft sessions, togetherness and a book club to go alongside the physical side.
Here's my week as a member of the Mobilates Pilates community!
Monday evening and a traditional standing and lying Pilates class that focuses on the key principles of Pilates, including controlled functional movement, breathing, balance, alignment and core strength. We work through classical and modern Pilates moves led by the talented, amazing, bubbly, charismatic and inspiring Leanne.
On Tuesday I gifted myself an hour of Togetherness to support my mental health and well-being. Alongside Sophie, our very own superhero Callie guided us through a beautiful meditation on self-kindness. This was followed by much chat and discussion and sharing of what we were grateful for throughout our days. Callies calming, reassuring voice and unrivalled support is a total sanctuary.
Wednesday and it’s lite with the lovely, caring and soothing Kerry. This class focuses on balance, functional movement, core strength and mobility. It's a slower-paced and with lots of options and adaptations but you can still feel the body working! This week we even used a squishy ball, a stick and a towel to support us.
Thursday - Sit fit - I love this class! Set to music and all done sitting down! It’s a real test of coordination and we always have a good laugh at our inability to do the moves, but we are still moving and pilates moves are incorporated. Often we use bands, balls and weights.
Friday - Walk Fit - A higher tempo low impact class with simple walk patterns to music. A way to get sweaty together and start our day on a high. With the support of Leanne and other sidekicks Gill, Lisa, Christine, Vicky, Helen and Pat we bounced our way around our rooms to 19,082 steps in just 20 minutes!
In the 7 months that I have been a member of Mobilates I have learnt so much and am so grateful to Leanne, Kerry and Callie for their friendship, unconditional love, knowledge, desire, passion and drive to support us all despite their own battles. I have made so many friends and the time I devote to this community has been time well invested. I can’t imagine life without Mobilates in it or the amazing people who are a part of it.
I look forward to every single session and love the variety of classes on offer. They really do have something for everyone — there are many more options available than the ones I have mentioned!
Thank you to everyone for allowing me to share the photos and details of this programme with The Active Essex, Essex All Together and Find Your Active Groups this week.
Congratulations to my fellow ambassadors Donna and Billy on their great work this week too.
The mantra that we have created is:
“You find your superpower when you find your active”
and Mobilates definitely encompasses everything within that statement. We end every class by scooping up the air, bringing our hands together in front of our chests and celebrating what our bodies have enabled us to achieve, removing the focus from our limitations.
Now we have one week to go! The finish line is in sight and #TeamIronman is definitely going to need a good rest after this one! Look out for some interesting final posts from the team!
For more information about Mobilates click the link below:
For more information on Superheroes clink the link below:
Comments