Astrid&Pilates

Happy Friday all!

Looking ahead to the evening and wknd, winding down is something we all need. I love using candles and scent to help me relax. I burn a candle when I’m doing my own evening Pilates practice and use essential oils in diffusers or sprays when teaching. Maybe you love it when having a bath or to welcome guests into your home.
It can instantly transport the mind, body and senses somewhere else and switch off stress and negativity - ramping up those chilled endorphins - taking you to your happy place.

My two favourites at the moment are …

LOVE STORY candle from Southern Lights

TIME OUT Essential Oil that I add to water and spray the room or pop in my electric diffuser from AromaWorks

Here’s a little TIP too - it’s so frustrating when you can smell all the gorgeousness in the remaining wax in your candle but end up throwing it away because the wick has fully burnt out. Re-use it! Remove it carefully. Pop it in a heatproof bowl over a shallow saucepan of water or directly in the pan and heat gently. The wax will melt. Pop a new wick in the original container or something else that is heatproof (packs of wicks are readily available online). Then pour the liquid back in and let it set. Trim the wick if needed. So simple. Give it a go.

Love A # # #
Astrid&Pilates

Friday release!!

Hi everyone,

Whoop whoop it’s nearly the wknd. I’m off on a pilates course at tomorrow and Sunday, first time back in the London studio for awhile. Exciting! No partying for me. What are you up to?

Here’s one of my favourites stretches to ease off the week’s stresses and strains in the neck, leaving you relaxed for the wknd ahead.

* Stand or sit comfortably on a chair or on the floor. If seated on the floor and your hips are feeling tight place a block or cushion under your bottom.
* Lengthen the spine. Nice and tall. No slouching or leaning forward or back.
*Tilt the head directly to one side, ear-to-shoulder. Gaze out.
* Float the same arm up as the head tilt and gently cradle the opposite side of your head.
* With no force, just gentle guidance, increase the stretch to the side using your hand. Be mindful how it feels. Take it easy.
* Lengthen the other arm away and long, flex the wrist for an extra stretch.
* Feel the opposition between the head tilt and arm reaching away.
* Enjoy the beautiful stretch. I love it!! The flexion of the wrist adds an extra kick. A little uncomfortable especially for those of you using a computer all day, but so good for you.
* Hold as long as comfortable, then release the hand from your head and slowly return the head to neutral on top of the shoulders. Slowly does it - you don’t want to feel dizzy!
* Repeat on the other side.

Give it go. I hope you love it as much as me.

Love Ax

Hi everyone,
I’m excited to introduce myself and let you know what I’m currently up to.
I’ll be sharing my love for Pilates and it’s amazing benefits for the body and mind on here, plus keeping you up to date with my classes, tips and more.
Keep moving and would be lovely to see you on the mat soon.
Love A xx