Yoga Jenny

I know some people find the idea of getting their socks off in front of strangers a little unnerving but, trust me, do it once and you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about. If fact, I’d go as far as to suggest that you’ll find it liberating. After years of being ignored and unappreciated, your feet will flourish quickly if given a little fresh air and some space in which to spread their toes. And if your feet feel happier, you’ll feel happier – you’ll stand and walk more easily, with a confident stride and a sense of lightness. 

Our feet are the key for good weight distribution – if our bodies are skyscrapers, our feet are the foundations, and the relationship they have with the ground affects the stability and alignment of every storey. Strong, flexible feet are far more able to support that heck of a bodyweight that’s being forced down on them every day. Knees, hips, back, shoulders and a huge, heavy head balanced on top – get your feet working and take the strain off everywhere else. 

For that first barefoot moment, get a friend to join you (there’s safety in numbers) at one of my free, yes FREE taster classes this week. Once those tootsies see the light, there’ll be no holding you back and before you know it you’ll be wearing Birkenstocks to the office. 

See the classes page for details.

The sun’s been out – a rare and beautiful thing and one I’ve been trying to make the most of. I’ve been out every day, even if it’s just for a short walk, and I’ve upped my running sessions along the prom (I’ve signed up for the 10k at Stanmer Park in July – eek!). Of course, if it’s too hot it can be hard to motivate yourself to do anything – so well done to those who’ve still made it to the yoga classes over the past week or two  

This week I’ve added swimming to my list of activities. A friend who doesn’t like any other form of exercise (not even yoga, despite my best efforts) needed a bit of support to kick-start her fitness plan so, for one week only, I’ve said I’ll swim with her every day. We’re only three days in and I’m shattered! Admittedly I’ve been running and doing yoga too so my poor body is definitely working overtime. It’s been interesting as I’ve noticed that swimming is working some muscles that I don’t target with my yoga practice (something I aim to remedy asap) and physically I can already see the results. Though I do feel the need to stretch even more!

So will I keep up the trips to the pool after “swim week”? Well, once or twice a week would be good – the variety’s been nice – but it certainly takes a lot more time to walk to the pool, change, swim, shower, change, dry my hair and walk home than it does to do some yoga in my living room! And that’s extra time I could be spending on the beach. Barbie anyone?