I have been doing Pilates for around 2 years. I started due to problems with my back but soon realised how good it made me feel mentally.
I had always worked long hours, 12-hour days, working from the sunbed on holiday, ignoring my children when they were talking to me, to answer an email on my phone. I think most people who run their own business work this way until something, maybe an incident or event stops them. There is no switch off button if you have a smart phone, it’s always with you.
I ended up having 6 months off work due to a medical issue, this is when I found Pilates. I joined 2 classes, Charlotte Hopkins & Elaine Simpson. Pilate’s changed my life, I learnt how to relax and meditate, not very well, but it was a start. I loved how it made me feel, physically as well as mentally. I’m now in the best shape and place I’ve been in for a very long time, this is a mixture of having a supportive family, colleagues who support me every step of the way and a good work-life-balance.
I’m still happy to work long hours, I’ve always been a “grafter”, but due to covid it’s not been needed, the recruitment industry has been hit hard. We’re now coming out the other side as we specialise in Science and Hospitality, two booming markets.
Each month we do a team activity, the team pick the challenges, we’ve had walking, running, bake off and I chose Pilates. We got our mats down in the office and did Jo Tuffrey classes three times a week. It was great fun. We all really enjoyed it (some were better than others 😉) and I’m sure we will do it again in the summer, maybe on the fields at our gorgeous offices at Manor Court. It certainly makes a difference to how you start your day… motivated and full of energy.
Here’s to the next challenge!!!
P.S Pilates is for men too… I noticed our Ginger Gents did not join us for this particular challenge, you don’t have to wear lycra!
