Nidderdale Fitness and Pilates

Walking, running, strength training, Pilates, yoga, gardening, sport…

Whatever you enjoy doing, remember to put back into your body what you’re asking it to do for you.

Mobility, stretching, recovery and rest all have their place.

One of my favourite things about Yin Yoga is that there is no rush to get into the pose.

Before settling, I often take a moment to adjust, wiggle around a little, and find the position that feels right for my body that day.

This supported Reclining Anahatasana variation helps to gently open the chest, shoulders and upper back while allowing the body to feel supported and relaxed.

Sometimes the practice isn’t about going deeper.

It’s about becoming more comfortable where you already are.

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Not every session needs to be about pushing harder.

Lately I've been spending a little more time focusing on mobility, recovery and the things that help my body move well.

These three stretches have become regular visitors:✨ One-legged Downward Dog for the calves and backs of the legs✨ Caterpillar for the hamstrings and spine✨ Reclining Anahatasana for the chest, shoulders and upper back

And yes, you'll notice I wiggle around a bit before settling into the final pose!

Yoga isn't about finding the perfect position straight away. It's about listening to your body, making adjustments, and finding a shape that works for you.

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is slow down and give our body the space it needs.

Ready for a little more challenge?

Swimming is a fantastic Pilates exercise for strengthening the muscles along the back of the body, improving posture, and building core control.

In this version, you can choose to keep the head supported or lift it slightly for an extra challenge.

Remember: quality of movement always matters more than height or speed.

Have you tried Swimming before?

I’ve been revisiting some exercises I haven’t done for a while as part of my knee rehab, and this one has reminded me just how effective Pilates can be.

This single-leg shoulder bridge variation challenges the glutes, core and pelvic stability all at the same time.

The slow tempo is what makes the difference:
⬇️ Lower for 4
⏸️ Pause
⬆️ Lift for 2

It might not look dramatic, but after 15 reps on each side, my glutes definitely know they’ve been working!

Sometimes going back to the basics is exactly what we need.

Caterpillar is one of those poses that looks simple but can feel surprisingly intense.

In Yin Yoga, we stay for longer, giving the body time to gradually soften into the stretch.

This pose can help release tension through the backs of the legs, lower back and spine, while also encouraging us to slow down and turn our attention inward.

There’s no need to force anything. Find your edge, breathe, and allow gravity to do the work.

Sometimes less effort creates more change.

Caterpillar is one of those poses that looks simple but can feel surprisingly intense.

In Yin Yoga, we stay for longer, giving the body time to gradually soften into the stretch.

This pose can help release tension through the backs of the legs, lower back and spine, while also encouraging us to slow down and turn our attention inward.

There’s no need to force anything. Find your edge, breathe, and allow gravity to do the work.

Sometimes less effort creates more change.

An injured knee doesn’t suddenly erase years of movement practice.

It just changes the conversation for a while.

This week has been about adapting, listening properly, and working with my body instead of fighting against it.Different doesn’t mean defeated .

This week’s movement has looked slower, softer and a little more intentional.

A reminder that Yin Yoga isn’t about pushing harder or stretching deeper.

Sometimes it’s simply about creating space:• in the shoulders• across the chest• in the breath• in the nervous system

And honestly, that can be enough.

Tweaked my knee in jiu-jitsu recently, so things are looking a little different for a while.

Less lower body.
Less impact.
More adapting.

One thing injury teaches you very quickly is that movement doesn’t have to become all-or-nothing.

There’s usually still something you can do safely — even if it’s not what you originally planned.

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