Happy NEW year or Happy year?

Firstly and most importantly, HAPPY 2026 to you all and may it be healthy, peaceful and productive. Welcome new members, welcome back returning members and I am very excited to look forward to a busy year of movement, health and fabulousness. Online, we are bigger than ever and I have lots to bring you.

What does this coming year look like for you? Do you have changes you want to implement? are there things you want to take up or give up?

“In order for it to be a new year, changes need to be made, otherwise it is just another year.” Anon. 

I was sacked by my dentist once. As he said, I had ignored 2 check up reminders so why should he be responsible for me? I was mortified (it was back in the days when I was young and indestructible) but it was never going to happen again. Lesson well learned.  

Ever wondered why schools charge a penalty if you take your child out during term time?

If your child misses classes, it can a) reflect negatively on the school when the child falls behind and b) put unfair pressure on the educating team to catch the child back up. 

You know where I am going with this, don’t you… 

I am NOT a fan of new year resolutions. The days are still short, dark and cold. Motivation may be low and huge life changes are not always sustainable. However if you have taken the plunge to sign up to a course of classes and for the purpose of this article, lets say Pilates, then something motivated you and a degree of commitment and discipline is required. 

There are always occasions when “life”happens and illness or emergency cause chaos but it is that regular rather limp excuse that can all too quickly become a habit and before you know it, you’ve missed half the term. Now while you are wasting your money, you are also putting your poor teacher under extra and unfair pressure as you constantly play catch up. 

In more simple terms, why should I give you more time, attention and energy just because you cant be bothered to turn up like everyone else and then you are left behind? Sorry but there it is!!

PILATES IS BIGGER THAN EVER AND THE CRAZE IS GROWING but it is a lifestyle method and to be seen as the latest fad is to completely undervalue it’s purpose.

Pilates is a progressive form of exercise and movement that, the more you do, the more you understand and absorb. There are so many elements, fundamentals, principles and layers that you cannot possibly learn it all in a few weeks (DON”T get me started on “express” teaching qualifications and if your teacher hasn’t had YEARS of training, leave!)

 It takes years of regular practise but it is the regular practise that makes it a routine that makes it a lifestyle which gives you the results for life. 

REMEMBER - PILATES IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS. 

If you want the results, you need to put in the leg work. Fancy studios, expensive leggings, instagram ready hair and makeup will NOT make you better at Pilates. 

Regular attendance, learning a little bit more each class, practising your homework and NOT using an excuse to skip a class will all contribute to you achieving what it was you signed up for in the first place. 

Pilates requires consistency, regular practise, patience, discipline, concentration, plenty of learning, lots of repetition and the results will be beyond measure as your mind quietens, your body responds and you walk taller and stronger. 

I cannot speak for my peers but for me, someone who regularly skips a class is a real PITA. They will always be behind and will miss fundamentals and essential practise which can distract the rest of the class when they return and play catch up.

Someone said to me last year “ I don’t see why it matters. I have already paid you….” - which is to totally miss the point (and is really rather disrespectful to your teacher and the time, preparation and effort they put in!)

I am not a machine, despite what you might think. I have the same off days, lack of motivation and “I just want to lie in bed/on the sofa” as anyone else and dragging myself to train some days is no easier for me than it is for you! 

Yes, I have the benefit of a very well equipped home studio but I also have a cosy bed, a comfy sofa and a big tv. So I do know! 

So… on those days when it feels like too much effort, maybe remind yourself a) WHY you signed up in the first place b) WHAT it is costing you and c) HOW on earth you can ever improve towards those goals if you fall at the second hurdle.

Exercise wise, there is NOTHING more satisfying than completing that session or class that you really didn’t feel like doing. 

So before you think that you don’t have time/just can’t make today/have so many other things to do, remind yourself of the importance of commitment, self discipline and being accountable. Enjoy your class, move your body, quieten your mind and take those skills into all the other ares of your life…. And avoid seriously peeign off your teacher who is working so hard for YOU!

“New goals don’t deliver results. New lifestyles do and lifestyle is a process, not an outcome. For this reason, all your energy should go into building better habits, not chasing better results.” James Clear