Weekly wrap up. Week 25. 2025

Our Summer Solstice

Sumer Solstice is the longest day of the year with the sun at its highest point in the sky.

Solstice Means "Sun-Standing"*: The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand).

I have been teaching classes at a pop up campsite deep in the local countryside near us, and last week I was thinking what a great venue it would be for a class to celebrate the solstice in such incredible weather. I have often about it and as we were forecast this sun and I now had a beautiful venue, it seemed the perfect opportunity.

The Summer Solstice marks the peak of the sun's power, symbolizing the connection between nature and spirituality. Also the solstice represents the renewal of life, as the sun's energy nourishes the earth and promotes growth so this seemed an appropriate time to focus on mind body connection and setting intentions and this is why I wanted to capture the opportunity of a beautiful field right next to the Solent, in the heat of the evening sun, surrounded by birdsong. We practised what I am going to bring in as our July challenge but more of that next week!

I looked up some facts on the solstice and this is what I found -

In Scandinavian countries , the Summer Solstice is celebrated with Midsummer festivals, featuring dancing, feasting, and flower crowns.
In Greece, the Summer Solstice is celebrated with the Feast of St. John, featuring bonfires, music, and traditional dances.
Many Native American tribes celebrate the Summer Solstice with Sun Dances, featuring traditional music, dance, and spiritual ceremonies.

While we missed the tribal dances, lighting of bonfires (absolutely NOT in a very dry New Forest) and ceremonies, we did practise breath exercises, London appears to have it's own version this weekend with a naked bike ride this weekend. I think possibly meditating in a field near Lymington worked best for us! We enjoyed some relaxation techniques and we set some intentions. It was a magical evening and thank you everyone who joined me. during

I suppose from Sunday, the nights start drawing in and we can start talking about Christmas..... JOKE!!!

We have had a week of classes on the beach and as this sunshine goes on and on, so does TEACH ON THE BEACH!

I know if's a faff ot get up ealry and drive over but you absolutey know how amazing it is when you get there.

I was on the beach just after 7 yesterday morning with Bertie and Gretl and a flask of coffee. It was already very warm, the sea was like a mill pond nad we had the whole place ot ourselves. It was a really lovley way to start the day and we have had sone busy classes so keep coming! Let's make the most of it

It is always lovely to see you in person and we do have fun getting together so long may this last

Great to see my t shirts being worn and looking so good too! Love a bit of merch!

I fully anticapate being there all next week and will update on instagram stories and in the what's app group.

I hope those online will indulge us while we make the best of this weather and those more local can join where possible.

Well done to our very own Lisa for conquering the 3 Peaks last weekend and raising thousands of pounds for Dementia research. While we had sun down here, they were battered with wind and rain but returned as conquering heroines so well done to you!

And finally....

As we head into summer and routines change, please keep an eye on the calendar - I will always email online members of any changes and will endeavour to put in a couple of Saturday catch up's where I can. However, don't forget you have access 24/7 to a huge library of classes of all levels so you can always jump in there and select a class to keep your routine.

I plan time in the garden with my book this weekend and watching "The Gold" which I am hooked on. I hope you have a lovely weekend - there is always a naked bike ride if you find yourself at a loose end.....

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Sitting in Southampton airport and other stuff

By juliet • April 9, 2026

I want to keep it as on point and brief as I can and here are some cold, hard facts. Doing SOMETHING is a lot better than doing NOTHING! Whatever equipment you use and program you follow is far less important than the fact that you show up. Regularly and consistently. Only 30% of adults meet the resistance training guidelines and this drops to as low 10% for older adults. What is required? Training all major muscle groups at least once a week Aiming for 2 - 3 sets per exercises Using a weight that is getting challenging by the end of the set Moving through full range of movement. Now, why this is good news is that this can be acheived in whatever form of exercise takes your fancy and over here on our Pilates mat, we tick a lot of those boxes. Going into the 100 and wishing for the end, sitting tall in your Spine Twist and pushing for JUST ONE MORE rep is meeting this! We go through full range of movement, we use bodyweight as well as small equipment, so even if you are not lifting weights, you are doing your bit. (N.b. provided this is min. 3 times a week and you are pushing yourself to max ability in each of those sessions in one way or another and bringing in bands, small weights etc for additional resistance) WHAT COUNTS BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES AT HOME BANDS, BALLS, BODY WEIGHT, LOOPS A QUICK EXPRESS SET WHEN YOU GET BACK FROM YOUR RUN/WALKING THE DOG 15 MINS IN THE KITCHEN - YOU DON'T NEED TO COMPLICATE IT IT DOESNT NEED TO BE FANCY, STRUCTURED OR ELABORATE. IT JUST NEEDS TO HAPPEN Generally ALL types of resistance training work, as long as they are performed with high efforts which means that you get to a point where you are almost at failure. In other words, choose what you enjoy as you are more likely to stick to it and work harder at ut. CONSISTENCY IS KEY and the BEST exercise programme to do is the one you enjoy and will be more likely to stick at! MEMBERS. We have multiple classes involving strength and resistance every week. NON MEMBERS - I am just putting dates together for another 4 week strength program. Please email me if you are interested. More details to follow (I am delighted to be starting a 4 week strength training session with my local running club so I really am doing my best to share the love! )

Why runners need to lift weights

By juliet • April 8, 2026

Let's start with Improves balance and coordination Improves bone density Boosts metabolism and weight management Enhances mental health Helps with daily activity A few more?! Improves posture by strengthening your core and back muscles Reduces risk of injury by strengthening joints, ligaments, and tendons Helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers risk of type 2 diabetes Improves sleep quality and helps you fall asleep faster Enhances athletic performance (speed, power, endurance) Slows down age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) The ACSM (American college of Sports Science) is the bible of the fitness world with regards to fitness and exercise prescription and has recently done a huge survey, publishing it’s findings in a new report which has got the fitness world very excited as it is the first survey of it’s kind since 2009.