Pilates with Raylene

5 exercises, one happy body 🍂 🍃
This series challenges your lower body from every angle while keeping your whole body (and mind) connected and engaged, with the odd shake😉

🍃 1. Leg pull with Adductor side plank: building upper body stability, core connection & inner thigh strength
🍃 2. Unilateral leg work: Strengthening glutes strengthening the glutes and hamstrings on one leg while challenging the soleus (deep calf muscle) on the other.
🍃 3: Knee Stretches with rotation and a longer lever — adding load, mobility and core control to a Pilates classic.
🍃 4: Isometric lunge with arm circles — improving lower body endurance, posture, shoulder mobility and balance.
🍃 5: Hamstring and glute strength with a balance challenge

Strong glutes. Resilient hamstrings. Stable & functional calves. Better balance. A connected body.

Which one will you try first?



🍃

After changing jobs every 2 years, why and how have I managed to stay in one career for 15 years?
There are so many reasons... But to keep it short & sweet:
💚 Pilates allows my creative side to thrive
💚 It's not black & white
💚 Seeing clients try is better than perfection
💚 We can JUST BE REAL
💚 I am always learning and sharing
💚 The feeling when a client has an aha moment
💚 The laughter!! (and my evil cackle🤣)
💚 Adapting keeps me on my toes
💚 It's flipping effective and mind blowing
💚 Never dull
💚 We help people (game changer!)
💚 Humble... Every class I attend humbles me
💚 And I Love it

There are more reasons but if I can give any advice to someone thinking of starting a career in Pilates - do it with your heart, not your bank balance or with an image of perfection. If you show up daily with intention, knowledge, modesty and care, the rest will follow

Mwah 💋

Ps. Yes I used Chatgpt for the image... So if you spot missing parts on the reformer, well done. And no, that ain't me in the Pic... I am never that polished 🤣🤣🤣 I'm a crazy redhead who can't count

When we are blessed with mild yet fresh winters and beautiful surroundings, these spicy single leg and oblique variations definitely warm the core 🔥

We spent a perfect weekend in a gorgeous home called Formoaa Wooden Cottage in the idyllic Storms River Village where walks, craft beers, cracking fires and a fair amount of red wine made the weekend incredibly enjoyable. But I digress...

Try out these variations and let me know how the abs feel.
🔥 Slow
🔥 Effective
🔥 Ow
🔥 Shakes guaranteed

❤️

✨ 15 Years ✨
Time flies when what you do for a living isn't work—it's a passion.
This month marks 15 years of helping people move, feel stronger, find confidence in their bodies, and discover the joy of movement.
Over the years there has been continual learning, growth, challenges, laughter, friendships, and countless hours spent doing what I love.
You may have noticed a recent change from Funky Fit to Pilates with Raylene. While the name has evolved, the heart behind it remains the same. This next chapter brings exciting opportunities, including the development of a pre-recorded video library that I've been working on behind the scenes for quite some time.
This month is also special because it marks 5 years of being part of the wonderful Bend Wellness family—my second home and a space that has encouraged continual learning.
To every client, colleague, friend, and supporter who has been part of this journey—thank you. Your trust, encouragement, and loyalty have made these 15 years possible.
Here's to continuing to learn, grow, move, and embrace all the good things.
With gratitude,
Raylene 💚

There is something magical about forests. Walking amongst trees that could tell a thousand stories tends to humble us.... And that beautifully crisp clean air.... Priceless!

Thank you Storms River - you have a piece of our hearts 💚

👀 Eyes open or eyes closed in Pilates?
The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Some people are visual learners and benefit from watching demonstrations or checking their alignment.
Some are auditory learners, responding best to verbal cues and imagery.
Others are tactile or kinaesthetic learners, understanding movement through feeling and doing.
Eyes closed can enhance body awareness, balance and proprioception for some. Eyes open can provide valuable visual feedback for others.
A skilled instructor doesn't just teach exercises—they adapt their teaching style to suit the individuals in front of them - no matter what has been planned.
So, what's your preference: eyes open or eyes closed? And do you know how you learn / connect best? 👇

BodyAwareness MovementMatters PilatesCommunity

Winter isn't the season to do more. It's the season to do what matters.

Move a little. Rest a little. Sip the wine. Enjoy the fire.

Find your balance. 💚

Pilates, or Torture device? You decide 😉