Enjoy a little Pilates movement for the darker days in Saltdean
When the days get shorter, keep moving
Why keeping moving and spending time together can make autumn feel a whole lot brighter.
There's something about this time of year that makes staying under a blanket with a cup of tea feel very appealing. But one of the things I love about our Pilates classes in Saltdean Lido is that they give us a reason to get out, keep moving and enjoy a little time together, even as the days get shorter.
The mornings are getting darker, there's a definite chill in the air, and the evenings seem to arrive before we've finished the afternoon. Getting out of a warm house to do anything can take a little more persuasion. And while there's absolutely nothing wrong with a cosy evening on the sofa (I'm all for those too!), it's also the time of year when keeping ourselves moving can make such a difference to how we feel.
A little movement goes a long way
When it's cold outside, it's tempting to slow everything down. We might walk a little less, spend more time sitting and find that the things we were doing regularly over summer start slipping out of our routine.
But our bodies still need to move, especially when we're spending longer indoors.
Pilates is a lovely way to keep moving through the colder months. It helps us build strength, maintain flexibility, improve balance and ease some of that stiffness that can creep in when we're less active.
And you don't need to be particularly fit, flexible or experienced to enjoy it. It's about moving in a way that feels good for your body, wherever you're starting from.
Sometimes it's the company that gets us out of the door
One of my favourite things about teaching Pilates is seeing how much people enjoy being together.
Yes, we come to class to move, stretch and get stronger. But there's also the chatting before we start, the occasional laughter when something doesn't quite go to plan, and that lovely feeling of having spent an hour doing something just for ourselves.
When the evenings are dark and it's tempting to stay at home, having somewhere to go and people to see can be just the nudge we need.
And I think that's especially important at this time of year. A regular class gives us something to look forward to, a little time away from everything else and a chance to connect with other people.
You might arrive feeling tired or wondering why you didn't stay on the sofa. But it's funny how often you leave feeling glad you came.
An hour that's just for you
We can be very good at putting ourselves at the bottom of the list, particularly as life gets busy towards the end of the year. There's always something else that needs doing.
But taking an hour out of your week to look after yourself isn't selfish. It's a chance to switch off from everything else, focus on your breathing, move your body and give your mind a bit of space.
Pilates asks us to concentrate on what we're doing, which means that for a little while, the shopping lists, emails and jobs waiting at home can take a back seat.
And sometimes that's exactly what we need.
Make the darker days a little brighter
I'm certainly not suggesting we give up cosy nights in. Autumn is made for warm blankets, good books and cups of tea.
But it's also worth making room for the things that help us feel good.
A little regular movement. A friendly face. Some laughter. An hour where nobody needs anything from you.
So as autumn settles in and the days get shorter, try not to let your movement routine disappear until spring.
Keep showing up for yourself, even on those days when the sofa is calling.
Your body, and quite possibly your mood, will thank you for it.
A little something to brighten your November
If you've been thinking about giving Pilates a try, I've got a lovely opportunity for you.
We have spaces available on our Wednesday 6.30pm and Saturday 10:30am Beginners classes at Saltdean Lido from 4 November, as some of my lovely regulars move up to Beginners+.
They are small, relaxed and friendly classes, perfect if you're completely new to Pilates or haven't done it for a while. You don't need to be fit or flexible, and you certainly don't need to know what you're doing already!
And to make getting started a little easier, I've got two November offers:
Come on your own: Your first four weeks for £35 with code STARTNOV
Bring a friend: You'll each pay just £32 for your first four weeks with code TOGETHER You can book and pay separately, so there's no need to organise one booking between you
So whether you fancy a little time for yourself or want to make it a weekly catch-up with a friend, I'd love to welcome you.
See you on the mat,
Abi x
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