Happy July 4th to all – especially my American Pals. How interesting that the UK is reeling from the Brexit result, which essentiality will make us independent in terms of trade and economic restrictions from the rest of Europe. This independence isn’t welcomed by our dear neighbours of Northern Ireland and Scotland who are now considering independence from the rest of the UK rather than the rest of Europe. I don’t like the idea of being dependent upon anyone or thing (I’m sure I’m not alone). I like to make my own decisions and find out the facts before I take action, although I sometimes choose dependence (I’m dependent upon key people – and of course my shot of morning coffee!). For other things I prefer the term ally or partner.
‘No man is an island’ and most of us need each other, to a certain extent, our daily interactions bring us company, comfort, support, education, income, education, love, challenges and of course some times unwanted stress and difficulty.
Being independent brings responsibilities and more work and yet can be beneficial and satisfying. Being independent in ways that are important to our values and sense of self is always worth considering and pursing.
You know that I will never follow the crowd if I don’t agree with the direction ‘the crowd’ are going – you know I believe that all fitness professionals should be well educated/trained, disciplined and professional. Much of that responsibility is about preparing the content of their classes and clients programmes to meet the needs/capabilities/potential and likes of those clients. Generic class content and formats with accompanying music and script is not something I agree with.
In my view there is no difference between following a DVD at home and attending the class of an instructor, who follows a programme created by someone else, a teacher who is not screening class participants for injuries etc, who hasn’t learned the names of their class members, who knows nothing about their differing needs and abilities, or doesn’t observe then adapts and modifies their teaching and content to accommodate them, a teacher who isn’t informing the class about what to do when and how to do it to ensure that their class is as safe and gets the most from the activity as possible, isn’t a teacher. A teacher who isn’t planning, reflecting and evolving the class/training content, a teacher who isn’t asking for feedback and acts upon it, isn’t a teacher! A teacher is a person who does all of the things I have mentioned plus upskilling their techniques, gaining more training, knowledge and education and honing their skills!
All of the things that a teacher does takes effort to learn and apply, time and money. For us, true teachers, assisting our class members and clients achieve their goals and be happier, healthier and fitter as a result of working with us makes it all worthwhile.
So if folks want to pay as little as possible for their classes, gym membership etc. they have the right not to experience all the skills and benefits that a true (not lip service) Teacher offers. But make no mistake it’s not a good investment!
Independance day
Karen and I created the ‘Independance’ days to offer those who love unique, freethinking, original, inspired and creative dance fitness classes an opportunity to dance ‘like no one is watching’.
I find all of those qualities are infectious and leave all of us who attend feeling as if we have grown, and will continue to grow and evolve, as if our own skills and imaginations have been watered by a precious and magical substance. Each event is special and unique; the feedback we receive is 100% positive.
Our next ‘Independance’ day is Sunday the 9th October
We have a special early bird discounted rate, (members please note that you will only enjoy a greater discount if you book early).
We are absolutely delighted to announce that fitness expert, international presenter and health & fitness writer, DEAN HODGKIN is the guest presenter for our next INDEPENDANCE event in October!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1714101802190078/
Summer Bookings!
We are planning to have your summer booking preference forms ready for you to collect this week.
To ensure we have sufficient attendance in our classes over the summer we request that you book ahead. Insufficient interest in any classes will result in those classes being taken off the schedule.
New Routines
As always I evolve and refresh class content for all of our classes every week. This week is no exception and we also have a brand new dance routine this coming Thursday for the Dancespiration class (7.30pm Thursday).
Beach Body Workout
Thank you for all the wonderful feed back about this summer class, I love teaching it as much as you love doing it and from the feedback I’ve received, you love the results and the format even though you ache a bit for a couple of days!
Everyone is welcome and I can adapt to accommodate all needs.
Ante Post Natal Teacher training
I shall be delivering a training day on the topic of ante post natal exercise for Pilates teachers, qualified at Level 3 and above, this coming Sunday, 10th July at Nuffield Heath in Farnham, Surrey. Please do contact me for further details.
Liberty Gymnasts
Thanks for all your loo rolls, Sarah has painted them ready to decorate the Liberty Gymnasts float.
Why not go along and cheer them on this coming Sunday at the Frimley Green Carnival and then after watching the procession (from Johnson’s Wax along the Frimley Green Road) stay to see the gymnasts give one of their fantastic displays on the Green.
Yummy Date, Banana and Rum Loaf!
250g pack stoned, ready-to-eat dates
2 small or 1 large banana
100g pecans, 85g roughly chopped, rest left whole
200g raisins
200g sultanas
100g fine polenta
2 tsp mixed spices
2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp dark rum
2 egg whites
plus a few banana slices to decorate with.
Directions
Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with non-stick baking paper, using a little oil to make it stick. Put the dates into a small pan with 200ml boiling water and simmer for 5 mins. Drain the liquid into a jug, and then put the dates into a food processor. Add the bananas and 100ml of the date liquid and blitz until smooth. Mix the nuts, dried fruit, polenta, spice and baking powder in a bowl, then add the date purée and rum, and stir until combined.
Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks and fold into the cake mix. Tip into the tin (it will be quite full), then top with the remaining pecans and the banana slices. Bake for 1 hr until golden and crusty and a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into slices.
Enjoy!
Have a fabulous fit and healthy week.
Love You,
Helen x
