Reimagining you: the after-class chat: Recent Episodes
Claire Sparrow & Sophie Rugg
Join second generation Pilates teacher, Claire Sparrow and her long standing client, Sophie Rugg, as they chat after class to further explore the wider benefits of Pilates in everyday life. They cover topics from Pelvic Floor exercises to the best shoes to wear. Claire is passionate about helping people learn to take the lead in their own health and well-being and Sophie asks ALL the questions you’ve been wanting to ask about how to achieve this.
Did you know Claire is the author of best selling book ‘HOPE for your Pelvic Floor’? Listen to Claire and Sophie as they discuss what Claire’s learnt from writing the book and what we can all learn from reading it. Grab your own copy of the book here HOPE For Your Pelvic Floor: Six Practical Principles to Restore Your Pelvic Health and Reclaim Your Life https://amzn.eu/d/4tqUkSq
After a short year off, we are back on the podcast and excited to share some news and new topics with you. In this episode we are sharing our highs and lows over the past year.
Welcome to your Pilates for Prolapse Class in celebration of Prolapse Awareness Month June 2023. This class is brought to you by Whole Body Pelvic Health Online the all-new Membership where Pelvic Floor Exercises are completely Reinvented. Use the link below to find out more and join the community of women already reclaiming their life by restoring their pelvic floor.
Whole Body Pelvic Health Membership by Claire Sparrow
As we get older, many women consign themselves to sitting on the sidelines whether that be in sport, on holiday or even in the bedroom. We talk about how we, as women, can avoid this happening and also how we can help ourselves to move back into the centre of the action. We also share how Pilates can help with our body image, confidence and that all important parents’ race at school Sports Day!
To support Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness Month, we chat all things prolapse and show how consistency and commitment to Pilates can help restore your Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Sophie admits she knows very little about it and Claire helps us to understand what it is, how we can prevent it and how we can help and support ourselves if we have a Pelvic Organ Prolapse. To find out more about Whole Body Pelvic Heath visit https://wholebodypelvichealth.co.uk/
Continuing with the theme of mindset and beliefs, Claire and Sophie chat about how, in most situations, when we might be suffering mentally or physically, the best thing we can do is just move.
Continuing with our theme of mindset and by popular request, we discuss the benefits of incorporating a regular Pilates practice into running and other sports. We explore the ways in which Pilates can enhance performance and prevent injury.Join a FREE class at Chapel Allerton Pilates
Isn’t everything so much easier and more fun with a friend by our side? Have you noticed you are more likely to stick to something if you’ve agreed to do it with a friend? To chat about the importance of a support network, we welcome two clients of Claire’s whose friendship has grown through Pilates, Anita Cox and Jo Hollows. Anita and Jo havepracticed Pilates for many years and have also both undertaken Claire’s Whole Body Pelvic Health course and seen first hand the impact of investing in their pelvic health. They chat about how they came to try Pilates and how their friendship has supported their regular practice.
Claire and Sophie welcome back friend and fellow Pilates devotee, Rachel Wells. Amongst her many talents including TEDx speaker, Rachel is a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist and Professor of Special Needs and Learning Disability Eye Care. Rachel and Claire discuss how their mindset and determination to find joy in their work has helped them to prioritise a regular Pilates practice and a love of what they do.
To chat about why it is so important to make time for Pilates in our lives, and how we can do so, we welcome entrepreneur, founder of award winning business Mini First Aid, Dragon’s Den winner, mum to six children (four of whom are twins) and Pilates devotee, Kate Ball. Kate shares tips and tricks for managing our time and also shares how Pilates has helped her deal with the demands of such a busy life. You can find out about Kate’s business, Mini First Aid here https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/ and head over to Instagram to learn more about her family life https://instagram.com/noahsarkfamily?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
In this special episode for International Women’s Day, we celebrate women everywhere by chatting about a subject that is so often swept under the carpet and all too readily accepted as normal: Pelvic Health. Claire debunks some myths about our pelvic floor and shares advice and tips to empower women to take charge of their own health and well-being. Claire has founded a new approach to restoring our pelvic health and provides courses that allow people to take charge of their pelvic health at home in their own time and join a community of like minded women worldwide who receive her ongoing support, guidance and tutoring. You can find out more www.wholebodypelvichealth.co.uk. FREE International Women's Day Class 7.30pm GMT Wednesday 8th March
Intentions! Did you set some New Year 2023 Intentions and goals? How are they going? Do you need some more motivation? In this episode we talk about our experiences, lessons learned and give you some top tips to apply to your own life. The article we discuss is from Psychology Today, ‘The Great Exhaustion: Long Lasting Pandemic Effects’.
I have been asked by lots of you for an audio class so in this week's episode, while Sophie spends some time with family, I share a Restorative Pilates Class just for you, our listeners. This class is suitable for anyone, but as with all exercise, if you have an underlying health condition you should seek medical clearance from your healthcare professional before joining in. If you would like to find out more about online classes at Chapel Allerton Pilates please check out our website.
In this bonus episode, Claire has a quick fire conversation with Menopause Pilates specialist, Sarah Stonier.
Pilates teacher and business woman, Whitney Vauvelle joins Claire and Sophie to continue with the theme of motivation. Whitney’s life changed when she suffered back and neck injuries from a car accident. As a result, Pilates became a new way of life and an essential ingredient in pain management. Whitney shares the progress she continues to make with regular a Pilates practice and the ways in which it can help us to heal.
What motivates us? Ever felt a bit sluggish and lacking motivation as winter is upon us? Claire and Sophie unpack the elements of motivation and explore how our needs, values and goals can help us to maintain our motivation throughout the year. And, of course, how Pilates can keep us motivated to keep moving. Join Claire & the team at Chapel Allerton Pilates on Sunday 11th December for 4-7pm for a relaxing Candlelight Class & a Glass
How can we future proof ourselves? How does what we do today impact how we are tomorrow? Join Claire and Sophie as they discuss how the time we spend practicing Pilates is an investment in what we will be like, both mentally and physically, as we grow older. Claire owns Chapel Allerton Pilates, Leeds and is a world-leading educator in Pilates and Pilates for Pelvic Health. If you would like to learn more from Claire and her team they offer classes both online and in person, live and pre-recorded. There really is a class for everyone. You can find out more at Chapel Allerton Pilates and Claire Sparrow Pilates websites and at Whole Body Pelvic Health.
Claire and Sophie take a look back at their younger selves and reflect on how the movement we undertake as we grow can impact us for years to come. Claire shares her tips for helping children to move in the way that they need to within the constraints of modern life and Sophie laments not starting Pilates until her 30s.
What is menopause? How about perimenopause? And how can Pilates help? Claire and Sophie chat about the onset of menopause and Claire shares what we can do to support ourselves both before, during and after menopause. They chat about the importance of conversations and how movement can help. Claire also outlines how women who might be having symptoms can be supported in class. Menopause cafe link https://www.menopausecafe.net/ Did you know that Claire owns Chapel Allerton Pilates, Leeds and is a world-leading educator in Pilates and Pilates for Pelvic Health? If you would like to learn more from Claire and her team they offer classes both online and in person, live and pre-recorded. There really is a class for everyone. You can find out more at Chapel Allerton Pilates and Claire Sparrow Pilates websites and at Whole Body Pelvic Health.
Continuing with the theme of identity, Sophie and Claire chat about the life-changing impact, both physically and mentally, of motherhood. They both share their experiences of becoming mums and the changing demands on our bodies over the years. Claire shares the far reaching benefits of prenatal and postnatal Pilates and how a regular Pilates practice continues to impact us positively as our children grow. As a loyal listener, Claire has a special discount code for you to use PODCAST to receive a 10% discount on her Whole Body Pelvic Health Membership Course.
Have you thought about trying Pilates or something else in life and stopped yourself because you don't think you can. We talk about the barriers we put in place that prevent us from pursuing our dreams and goals and how Pilates really has no barriers to entry. We bust a lot of myths about who does Pilates and what Pilates actually is. Did you know that Claire owns Chapel Allerton Pilates Leeds and is a world-leading educator in Pilates and Pilates for Pelvic Health? If you would like to learn more from Claire and her team they offer classes both online and in person, live and pre-recorded. There really is a class for everyone. You can find out more over Chapel Allerton Pilates and Claire Sparrow Pilates websites and for all things Whole Body Pelvic Health.
In the last episode of the season, Claire and Sophie go back to where it all started and welcome the original after class crew to the show. Meet Anita, Jo, Mel and Rachel to chat all things Pilates. The group chat about how they came to Pilates, what a regular Pilates practice has brought to their lives, what keeps them coming back for more and their top takeaways from Season 1 of the podcast. https://chapelallertonpilates.co.uk/ Enjoy a class with Claire who is now on Pilates Anytime https://www.pilatesanytime.com/ free trial code SPARROW
In the penultimate episode of the season, Claire turns the tables on long-standing client and fellow podcaster, Sophie. They delve into why Sophie started Pilates and what has kept her doing Pilates. Claire also shares some simple ways to invigorate yourself & refocus during long days at the computer. They also reflect on what the first season of the podcast has brought to them and the impact of setting and achieving goals. reimaginingyou.afterclass@gmail.com For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates
To explore the community surrounding Pilates and the benefits of this, in this week’s episode, Claire and Sophie welcome their friend and local business owner, Jo McBeath. Jo chats about how she became a Pilates convert and Claire and Jo explore how fundamental the community is in their work. Claire’s Pilates studio https://chapelallertonpilates.co.uk/ You can find Jo’s gift shop and workshop, Chirpy here https://www.chirpystore.co.uk/ and info about fiver fest on Instagram here @fiverfestchapelallerton
‘Tech neck’ is a recent phenomenon which describes how when we’re on our phones checking out our latest emails, text messages and Facebook posts or leaning over a laptop for a large proportion of the day, we’re placing our necks into an overstressed forward curve, resulting in a hunched posture. In this informative episode, Sophie discusses the moment she realised the impact too much tech was having on her posture and Claire outlines the impact this can have on the rest of our body. As usual, Claire shares a multitude of amazing tips to help reverse the impact of tech neck including what we can do in Pilates practice and what we should be doing day to day to negate the impact. Free Class to get you moving Free Ebook Listener Only 10% Discount Code for your Whole Body Pelvic Health Membership use Podcast10 over at WBPH website
How do Pilates props help us to move more freely? What small equipment is handy to have for your Pilates practice at home? In this week’s episode, Claire and Sophie discuss the benefits of Pilates props including the foam roller, the Oov, the stretchy band, magic circle, spine corrector and dowel. They also chat about why we use a mat in Pilates. Special offer join Claire's online Pilates Pick n Mix classes using the code Podcast to get 10% discount off the £49.80 price for all 8 classes
Join Claire's Pick n Mix Pilates Classes
Joining Claire in these classes will mean you always have access to Pilates and like the client, Liz said, “it's like Claire’s in the room with me!" another client, Clare recently commented, "it's like you know what I'm going to do before I do it and you keep me on track."
Claire prides herself in creating the classes you want and teaching you everything you need to succeed and enjoy your classes at home. There is a class for all occasions so you can choose what you need depending on if you are going for a run or ready for bed.
There is a class for every occasion. JOIN ME HERE
Pilates classes tend to start with footwork but why is this? Why is what we do with our feet so important to what happens in the rest of our body?
Join Claire and Sophie as they chat all things feet. Sophie learns that it’s not just about getting a good pedicure as Claire shares how improving our movement starts with our feet and the best way to do this. Claire also outlines some exercises you can do at home to improve the flexibility and strength of your feet.
Toe band class
Spiky ball footwork
Grab your FREE Whole Body Pelvic Health E-book here.
Why is Pilates called Pilates? Whatever is Corkscrew, Swan Dive and Boomerang? How can we change our language to promote a positive mindset? In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss the importance of the language we use in Pilates and the impact of reframing what we say in improving what we believe we can do. TED talk mentioned: Your body language may shape who you are. Amy Cuddy
reimaginingyou.afterclass@gmail.com For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates
Claire and Sophie love a good hack and in this episode, Claire shares some of her best hacks to make movement easier. She talks through tips for mastering some of the trickier Pilates exercises and they also discuss ways to incorporate the best Pilates hacks into everyday life. The Pilates chair mentioned by Claire is the Wunda Chair and you can read about it here https://www.pilatesanytime.com/blog/chair/whats-so-wundaful-about-the-wunda-chair reimaginingyou.afterclass@gmail.com For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates
Why how we breathe matters in Pilates and in life. Ever wondered whether there’s a right way to breathe during Pilates? How should we be breathing during life? Why does this matter? In this episode, Claire will take you through a breathing practice which she uses to get herself and her clients centred and ready for class and explains why this is so important. Sophie chats about being a mouth breather and the impact this can have. This informative episode will also give you tips and techniques to incorporate breath work into your everyday life. Books mentioned include: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor Jaws The Story of a Hidden Epidemic by Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich
In this second episode about Pelvic Health, Claire and Sophie welcome their first podcast guest, Pelvic Health convert, Elaine Bates. Struggling with Pelvic organ prolapse, Elaine discovered Claire’s Whole Body Pelvic Health Online programme 18 months ago. She chats to Claire and Sophie about the impact the course has had, not only on her pelvic health, but also her wellbeing. If you are affected by any of the topics discussed in this podcast episode please check out the resources on Claire's website https://www.chapelallertonpilates.co.uk & join the Pelvic Floor Exercises Reinvented Facebook Group https://m.facebook.com/groups/663740234671577?group_view_referrer=search Claire & Sophie
In this week’s hugely informative episode, Claire helps Sophie to understand why every woman needs to invest in her pelvic health at all ages and stages of her life. They chat about how old injuries can impact your pelvis and discuss ways in which Pilates can improve pelvic health. Claire also outlines the pelvic health online course she has developed and how women anywhere can access it. WHOLE BODY PELVIC HEALTH ONLINE If you would like to learn first hand how the Whole Body Pelvic Health approach works & enjoy a taster class with Claire she is hosting a Webinar on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 7.30pm Book your webinar place! Happy International Women's Day! Claire & Sophie p.s For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates Contact Claire direct by e-mail FREE Pelvic Health ebook email us
Ever wanted to do Pilates but don’t know which class to choose? Have you tried a mat class but would like to explore Reformer? Have you looked at a Spring Wall and suspected it to be a instrument of torture? In this episode, Claire guides you through the different options for Pilates classes and explains what you will gain from each one. Claire and Sophie also discuss how to find the right studio and teacher for you. reimaginingyou.afterclass@gmail.com For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates Contact Claire direct by e-mail For your FREE Pelvic Health ebook
What impact has COVID had on us mentally and physically? What changes have come about in the way we move and practice Pilates as a result of the changes in our lifestyles over the last couple of years? What are the pros and cons of virtual and in person Pilates classes?
This week Claire and Sophie debate all of these questions and exchange stories of their experiences during the rollercoaster of the last two years. They also chat about the future format of Pilates classes now that the virtual model has been well established.
For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates
Contact Claire direct by e-mail
For your FREE Pelvic Health ebook
Do you know your Pilates from your Yoga? Ever wondered what Pilates actually is and how it could benefit you in other areas of your life? Join Claire and Sophie in this latest episode as Sophie confesses that she thought Pilates was a ‘bit of light stretching’ until she actually tried it out! And Claire demonstrates that investment in regular Pilates practice now is the best insurance for a healthy and fulfilled life. They also discuss the various types of Pilates available and how to decide which is best for you. If you have a topic you would like us to discuss drop us an e-mail and don't forget to follow us on Instagram For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates Contact Claire direct by e-mail Claim your FREE Pelvic Health ebook
With our new work from home culture and restrictions we need to find new ways for self-care and we need it more today than ever before. We talk about the self-care scale identifying the tiny daily habits for improved health and wellbeing and those bigger events that we need to schedule in advance and everything in between. If you have a topic you would like us to discuss drop us an e-mail and don't forget to follow us on Instagram For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates Contact Claire direct by e-mail Claim your FREE Pelvic Health ebook
Have you tried Pilates but just not ‘got it’ yet? Do you want to try it but are unsure of its benefits? Have you had that Pilates a-ha moment and want to understand how you can use Pilates to reimagine all aspects of your life? Meet Claire and Sophie in this first episode as they chat after class to discuss that ‘a-ha moment’ when they realised their Pilates practice was having a positive impact on other areas of their lives. They explore a range of topics from the benefits of Pilates at different ages and stages to sitting down too much now many of us are working from home and what we can do about it. Share your questions with us by e-mail For more information on Claire’s studio visit Chapel Allerton Pilates To contact Claire direct by e-mail Claim your FREE Pelvic Health ebook