Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our March spotlight features the wonderful Mel Lewis. Over to you Mel…

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Mel’s story


Hi, my name is Mel, I am 55 years old and I live in Winchester. I have been married to Steve for nearly 33 years and we have 2 sons, Harry who is 26 and Edward who is 23.

I volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Support, plus Simons Says, a local Child Bereavement Charity, and I am also in the middle of a degree in Humanistic Counselling, so I am quite busy but I also have 2 dogs so I enjoy a lot of walking around the Hampshire countryside.

What do you enjoy about the Workout Club?

I discovered Jo and her weekly workouts at the beginning of the pandemic and haven’t looked back since!

I love the fact that I can do the classes as and when I have the time (and also wearing whatever I like – even PJs sometimes!!) and I love the humour Jo brings to the classes.

“I always find myself laughing at the screen which often takes away the awareness that I am doing numerous repeaters and my legs have gone to jelly!!”

Nearly 2 years down the line I am still engaged with the classes, I find them really enjoyable, varied and educational and would highly recommend them to anyone (and I often do!)

Your three favourite online classes?

Well this is a difficult one as there are so many. I think it has to be:-

[You need to be a member and logged in to view those workout pages!]

Favourite food and drink?!

Natural yoghurt – I simply love this and it would be the one food item I would have to take on my desert island, along with rooibos green tea – I can’t function without either of these!

And what about books, films or TV?

I love a good murder mystery – so anything along those lines and I’m happy!

Film wise, About Time as it is our family film, Bridges of Madison County if I fancy a weep, and Love Actually because I love howall the stories intertwine.

Thank you so much to Mel for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our January spotlight features the wonderful Jan Ramsay. Over to you Jan …

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Jan’s amazing story

My name is Jan Ramsay, I live in Surrey and I am 71 years old. I am a retired primary school teacher. Even after retiring I was still involved with the school where I spent forty years of my career. I loved every second of it and taught all age groups from reception to top juniors but for the last eleven years of my career, I taught Year 6,  and absolutely loved it. I used to cry buckets when I had to say goodbye to them.

Before Covid hit, I did two years tutoring a little girl with dyslexia but have finally left teaching behind.

I have always been fiercely independent and although I had several partners I was never quite prepared to totally commit to any of them until I met Malc in 2006 at the age of fifty five. Six months after meeting him, I had sold my flat and in 2008, we were married. Suddenly, I had found myself.

We totally adored each other. I was so happy, I often felt I would burst but sadly our lives were shattered, when between 2011 and 2014, Malc was diagnosed with three different primary cancers and countless hospital visits became very much part of every week.

He was the most positive person I had ever met and although it was indescribably tough watching him endure the most terrible treatment, he was always so upbeat. We continued to try and have as normal a life as possible. We had had the most amazing support from the local hospice and in August 2017, he spent the last three weeks of his life being cared for, in the hospice by the most inspiring staff. Strangely, it was a very peaceful time.

Malc was such an inspiration that I have been determined, during the last four years, to make him proud of me. I have an adorable step daughter and step grandson but don’t see them very often as they live in Manchester.

I love the countryside and my garden. I am a ‘perennialaholic,’ (perhaps a word I made up) and will travel quite some distance to specialist nurseries and plant fairs.

Because of this passion, three years ago I became a volunteer gardener at the hospice, which I love. It was so important for me to also become involved in the fund raising side as they have to find £9 million a year – most of which has to be raised by the hospice itself. I have given speeches and talked to groups of people but sadly the pandemic has put a stop to this for the time being.

What do you enjoy about the Workout Club?

I had never, ever considered Pilates and was a definite gym bunny but when Covid struck I had to find something new.

It was by sheer chance that I saw Jo’s name mentioned on a television programme and from the moment I joined, was totally hooked and have been a member since March 2020.

“You would have to go a long way to find someone more personable than Jo. She is caring, funny and somehow, makes everyone feel important. I doubt I will ever step inside a gym again!”

Having been virtually on my own for 18 months, although I am generally quite a positive person and always up to something, if I am feeling a bit down, I do a 30 minute workout and always feel so much better.

I always try the two new sessions each week. I enjoy the freedom to be able to choose from so many programmes. It’s funny because with a few that I often return too, I know when Jo is going to say something that makes me laugh and often react before she has even said it. [Jo and Mark: WE LOVE THIS!]

Your three favourite online classes?

Well this is a difficult one as there are so many. I think it has to be:-

I tend to target, abs, glutes, arms and the dreaded balance, which as I get older,

I am more conscious of but I am determined to stay as fit and healthy as I can. I do like the full body workouts. If I am feeling very energetic, I will do both classical twists and like the 10 minute blasts.

[You need to be a member and logged in to view those workout pages!]

Favourite food and drink?!

I don’t really know as I like so much. I do enjoy cooking and am reasonably knowledgeable about food. I am always on the lookout for new recipes but I think one of my favourite meals is healthy sag paneer which actually uses tofu. I am not vegetarian or vegan although I eat far less meat now and rarely red meat but am open to anything.

As for drinks, this is a bit of a tossup between  G&T, perhaps Sipsmith or Tanqueray No 10 and red wine, a nice merlot or my favourite, Fleurie.

And what about books, films or TV?

I have to admit I am not a great reader of fiction although I always used to encourage the children in my class. I am always having to be active and do things which is why I have picked, The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy. Very short but a beautiful message.

I really like factual books and if there is something I hear that I either know little or nothing about, I am straight on the Internet to research it.

Truly, Madly, Deeply and Goodnight Mister Tom I’d say are my favourite movies.

And as for TV programmes …

  • Escape to the chateau – Angel is so inspirational. I love paintings and modern sculptures. My sister calls my house, The Gallery.
  • Doc Martin because of my holidays with Malc in Port Isaac.
  • Monkey Life. I went to Monkey World in Dorset and will definitely go again [MARK – ME TOO!!].
  • I love any programmes about wild animals especially big cats, apes and elephants. When I went to an elephant sanctuary in South Africa, I got up close and personal with a beautiful elephant which I led by cupping the end of its trunk in my hand. It was wonderful.

Thank you so much to Jan for her wonderful (beautfifully written) spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

_________________

Our December spotlight features Shelley Hedges. Over to you Shelley …

Tell us about yourself

Hi, I’m Shelley Hedges, I am just 60 years young.

I am married to my absolute soulmate and really good cook Charlie and we live in our lovely home and beautiful surroundings in Buckinghamshire.

I am blessed with two fantastic boys Matt 28 and Jon 24, they both live away from home now but are loving and kind and make me laugh all of the time! I am also a work mum to about ten youngsters, they tell me their triumphs and troubles, and we have great working relations too, it makes me feel a little special.

I joined the organisation that I work for back in 1989 and spent 21 years in technical support, I later trained to become a fitted kitchen and bathroom advisor and have worked there ever since.

I love my job, helping people to make those all important choices on both the aesthetics as well as the functionality in these two areas of a home. I’m quite a creative person and really enjoy it when I hit the right buttons for a client putting a mood board together.

Why do you enjoy The Weekly Workout Club?

I first joined the weekly workout club in May 2020, I was going great guns until a trapped nerve put me out of action for a while, then I lost my motivation until Jo introduced the Menopause Metamorphosis programme, I have not looked back since.

 I have had a problem with my sacroiliac joint for the past fifteen years, it has now become arthritic and some days it is painful and very stiff. I have done various Pilates classes over the years and know that it is such a good form of exercise for backs and joints and flexibility. I also have a hiatus hernia so I have to exercise on an empty stomach, so I just get up an Jo!

 Jo is an amazing teacher, she is so personable and she really understands how the skeleton works along with all of the muscle groups and the exercises in both cause and effect.

 Jo mixes things up so that you never know what to expect before each class, if you follow any of the programmes you will get a full body workout!

 Jo has a happy disposition and never fails to uplift you and make you laugh, don’t be fooled, this is her way of getting a little extra abs work in!😉😉

At first I thought Jo must have a secret camera in my house and could see my form with her constant reminders of “shoulders away from the ears, belly button to spine” etc but these reminders are so necessary, especially when we are exercising from home.

I am part way through the menopause metamorphosis programme for the second time, I do that and then a class from countdown to Christmas [our current monthly programme], my shape is beginning to change on the outside but my word on the inside the changes are quite miraculous!

I am getting stronger by the day, everyday tasks are becoming easier, I bend down, stretch and move so much more easily and I never want this to stop, so no change of career for you Jo!

I will never stop exercising now, I have enjoyed every class that I have done and a better teacher you will not find!

What are your favourite three classes?

Blimey, what a question? I love them all!

 May#4 Roller It Out

 May#6 Let’s Elongate

 Sept #5 Upper Body Weights

I am post menopausal and have to take meds (for Barrett’s Oesophagus) that affect my liver and bones. I don’t drink alcohol anymore and want some exercises to help with bone density, Jo has many classes for this along with overall mobility and strength.

If you have never done Pilates exercise before there is an educational tab ‘Let’s get started’ that will help you to understand the basic principles along with breathing and positioning, you can then do other classes once you feel you’ve got the gist of it. The other thing that I like about Jo’s classes is that she gives you choices depending on your ability, it’s is not a one size fits all and she is very clever to realise and include this within her classes and programmes. I am starting to challenge myself a little more now and am surprised at what I can do!

[You need to be a member and logged in to view those workout pages!]

What are some of your favourite things?

My husband Charlie cooks an epic Sunday roast and I just devour every morsel of them!

I am quite interested in healthy eating (apart from Sunday roasts 😂😂) but find it a bit of a minefield, I am really interested in gut micro biome and how to maximise my own gut flora.

I love 70’s music and often put my headphones on to listen to smooth and heart 70’s I get a real  wiggle on whilst doing the housework, I also like some classical too.

Travel featured quite regularly in our lives before Covid-19, we’ve been to some amazing places all over the world but we have amazing places in the UK too, the West coast of Scotland and the outer Hebrides are breathtakingly beautiful!

Cross stitch embroidery is something that I enjoy too, I’ve done some really nice designs over the years.

I am also getting into massaging my face each evening with facial oils and a Gua Sha Quartz Crystal stone, it’s very relaxing and promotes good circulation and lymphatic drainage. (anything that helps with the lines apart from needles and a knife)

My favourites on the TV recently were James Herriot, Our Yorkshire farm and the Yorkshire vet, last night we watched the final episode of Miriam and Alan – Lost in Scotland, it was quite an education and Miriam is so funny!

Soon I’ll be bringing out the favourite films: Nativity, Elf, Bridget Jones, The Holiday, Love Actually and Miracle on 34th Street, if there is time I would always choose Pretty Woman, Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Sound of Music too!

I had got out of the pleasure of reading but started again after reading a review from Helen of Best Book Forward (all reviews are here). My aim now is to read one book per month at least.

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Thank you so much to Shelley for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our smaall bu perfectly formed wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

_________________

Our October spotlight features Carolyn Colvin. Over to you Carolyn ….

Tell us about yourself

My name is Carolyn Colvin, I am 48 years young and I live in Dublin, Ireland, after moving here from Cheshire, UK in January 1995 after meeting my Irish husband Peter on holiday in the South of France.

I have 3 children, my eldest daughter Ciara (22), my son Conor (18) & my youngest daughter Carys (15).  I work in a mainstream primary school as a special needs assistant – a job I absolutely love, supporting children with additional needs is an absolute privilege.

Why do you enjoy The Weekly Workout Club?

I found the weekly workout club during the very beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020, and honestly I haven’t looked back.

“Working out with Jo energises me, gives me focus, purpose and so much joy.”

I have been in perimenopause for the past 5 years and find that my mobility is less than it was, I have gained belly fat and my anxiety has increased hugely.  Pilates is just so good during this time of my life.  It’s low impact, but still helps increase my flexibility and my balance and improves my muscle strength and ‘hones and tones’, as Jo likes to say.  It is also so good for my mental health and it reduces my stress, anxiety, fatigue and lifts my general mood overall if I practice my pilates with Jo regularly.

I love the varied classes offered by Jo, there is something for everyone, all abilities and levels and it is just so much fun. Jo offers so much information too, so you know why you are working a particular muscle, how to get the most out of each move and what each muscle group does…it’s so interesting and motivating.

Jo offers 30 minute online workouts but also has 10 minute blasts, which are just fantastic if you’re short on time.

What are your favourite three classes?

It is so hard to choose just 3 favourite classes, but I do love workouts with weights and the pilates ring. But here’s 3 of classes I have completed and returned to repeatedly:
I think all the workouts are my favourites to be honest, but being in perimenopause, I am learning the importance of strength training and how important it is to build bone and muscle strength, burn body fat and get the metabolism going, so July #2 – ‘Weight it up’ is one I really enjoy and challenges me in a good and positive way at this time in my life.

[You need to be a member and logged in to view those workout pages!]

What are some of your favourite things?

 

Food – Fish and seafood.  Nobody in my family likes it, so it is a treat to go to a restaurant and pick seabass or prawns from the menu.
Drink – I love a glass of wine.  Red is my colour and a lovely Rioja or Merlot would be my favourite.
Book – ‘The Anne of Green Gables‘ series by LM Montgomery and ‘Me before you‘ by JoJo Moyes
FIlm – ‘The Holiday’, ‘Elf’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ Oh yeah, and I love everything  to do with Christmas
TV show – ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.  I’ve been a fan since series 1.

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Thank you so much to Carolyn for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our smaall bu perfectly formed wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

_________________

Our September spotlight features Edgar Wallner, one of Jo’s longest standing clients, Judith (Edgar’s wife is Jo’s longest standing client). Jo has been training Judith for nearly 20 yeas and Edgar for 15 years.

“I can honestly say I never tire of training them, as their enthusiasm each week to training is unyielding.” – Jo

Jo goes onto say:

“I always look forward to our sessions not least to exercise with them but also to learn from them.

I always leave the sessions with a smile on my face from regaled stories of old and always a nugget of wisdom.

They definitely are testament that we should always keep moving!

During lockdown I obviously could not Personal train them so they both joined the weekly workout family… ”

Tell us about yourself

My name is Edgar – I graduated in 1958 and am now 84.

I took a small Italian medical device company public in the USA in 1992 and when I retired in 2004, I set up a theatre production company which transferred plays from the National and other subsidised companies, giving them back a large part of any profit but taking any losses ourselves.

Among our successful transfers to the West End and Broadway were The History Boys, War Horse and One Man Two Guvnors for which James Corden won a Best Actor Tony Award.

Why do you exercise?

Essentially to keep me alive and kicking!

But also, for flexibility, so that I can do the contortions to get out of my car in a tight parking situation, for keeping up muscular tone so that I can still lift the shopping and for balance which always deteriorates with age.

Why do you enjoy The Weekly Workout Club?

I really appreciate Jo’s imaginative choreography which means that the varied exercise is never boring, unlike the treadmill.

It feels like you are a member of a family and Jo’s constant humorous chatter keeps you involved. I especially like her physiological explanations of what the exercise is doing.

My favourite exercises are weight exercises lying down.

My top 3 favourite workout classes so far are listed below:

Weight it up.
Arms, bottoms and centre.
Circuits

[You need to be a member and logged in to view those workout pages!]

What are some of your favourite things?

My favourite food is Herbed Spatchcock from Rooks, the great family butchers in Holyport, Berkshire.

My favourite drink is a Campari, soda, fresh orange juice, angostura bitters, so that it is the colour of lobsters.
My favourite book is Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby

And my favourite film is Fahrenheit 451, the 1966 version starring Julie Christie and Oskar Werner, directed by François Truffaut. (Not the cr**py American remake of 2018!)

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Thank you so much to Edgar for his wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our shiny wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our August spotlight features Alison Wilson …

Tell us about yourself

My name is Alison Wilson , I am 59 and live in Kent with my husband. I have one daughter and two adorable grandchildren, Amelia & Finley aged 9 & 6 who are my world.

I work 4 days spread over 5 for a Self-Help Legal publishers. Since last March I have worked from home.

I look after my grandchildren on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday and the odd Sunday – as my daughter and her husband work weekends.

I don’t find it a chore but a privilege to be such a big part of their lives.

What motivates you to exercise regularly?

I exercise to keep fit and healthy and to clear my head.

I used to belong to a gym for many years and did body combat, body pump etc but didn’t really enjoy it and all the classes had a 12 week program – so by week 3 you’d find yourself thinking of your shopping list in your head and just going through the motions of the class ..

In 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and so I took 8 months off of everything to concentrate on getting well.

I knew I didn’t want to go back to doing things I didn’t enjoy but knew I had to do something so I found Pilates.

I did enjoy it but it was only once or twice a week and again a bit repetitive – so on a rainy Monday evening I could easy talk myself out of going.

Then I found Jo and the weekly work outs .. yay! I found my happy place!

What do you enjoy about the Weekly Workout Club?

Jo is such a excellent teacher and every class is so different you never know what you are going to open. I love it.

“It is like a lucky dip bag when you were a child … or a secret Santa present!”

People ask whether I miss real life classes – but Jo makes you feel you are in a class ,… she explains every move and what it is for and chats away … before you know it the class is finished.

It’s only 30 minutes – which we can all find in a day.

I couldn’t pick a favourite 3 classes – as I love the equipment classes then open another one without equipment and equally love that one! That’s the beauty – they are all so different and such a joy.

“You truly feel good about yourself after a class.”

How else do you exercise?

I love being outside – walking, gardening and  playing rounders with the children

And I love cleaning !

What are some of your favourite things?

I love eating out and all types of food. I always have something I’d never cook at home when out, but I guess my favourite home meal would have to be the Sunday roast which I do most weeks for us all.

My favourite drink depends on the time of day.

I have a decaf Tea In the morning – then Green Tea – then sparkling water with a dash of lime for the rest of the day.

At the weekend, if we go out I will have a couple of glasses of rose Prosecco or a weak pink gin .. ( I’m a cheap date!)

I love reading and read on my Kindle most days. The book that has had the most impact on me is ‘ Not Without my Daughter’ by Betty Mahmoddy which is a true story.

I don’t watch a lot of films but my all time favourite has got to be ‘Pretty Woman‘.  You got to just love it , a modern day Cinderella …
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Thank you so much to Alison for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our shiny wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family!’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our July spotlight features Mette Boichat …

Tell us about yourself

I was born in Denmark but have lived in the UK for 40 years (mainly in North and Central London).

I had a big career in marketing but gave it up to look after my daughter, dogs and hubby (!) and moved to the Home Counties.

My daughter is 14 and I have had Bernese Mountain Dogs for over 15 years. I’ll no doubt be accumulating more dogs when the inevitable empty nest syndrome sets in in a few years!

What motivates you to exercise regularly?

I love exercising as it gives me energy and confidence and my motivation is driven by wanting to have a long and healthy life and be a role model to my gorgeous daughter.

I discovered Jo’s Weekly Workout classes in lockdown and absolutely love them.

I  can’t pick a favourite but every week is something new and different. I have been doing Pilates on and off for 20 years and I’m so happy to have found such a convenient way to exercise.

How else do you exercise?

I also love dog walking and have recently become a Peloton spin bike bore!

Some of your favourite things?

Here are some of my favourite things:

Food – pasta, pasta and pasta
Drink – Diet Coke ( bad I know!)
Book – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon
Film – The Godfather

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Thank you so much to Mette for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we feature one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our shiny wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family!’

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our June spotlight features Camilla Seymour, one of our very early members – Camilla lives in Somerset and has written a wonderful spotlight below …

Tell us about yourself

I am 60 years old and teach the violin, which is a job I love. I think it is a real privilege to work with children and young adults.

I have three grown up children and a pianist husband. I’ve done Pilates for years but teachers kept leaving or class times were mornings or early evenings when I was teaching, so I was looking for classes online and getting heartily fed up with American teachers who were all “work your booty.”

When I found Jo she was a breath of fresh air. I love the way she loves it – it’s infectious and one doesn’t feel she is doing it just for the money or to create some fitness empire.

I also have invested in a Bellicon rebounder ( eye wateringly expensive) but I love the sensation of jumping without damaging your joints and by using weights you can increase the heart rate and use different muscles. It’s a good compliment to Jo’s classes. I also have a young black Labrador so I am up with the lark for an hour’s walking too.

I am very interested in all things health and listen to podcasts when I bounce. The gut biome a few years ago became a fascinating topic (except if you were my children!) and now it is sleep. I have found magnesium glycinate immensely helpful. Today I added cold showers to ward off Alzheimer’s but I’m not sure how long this will last… Also breath work and breathing through the nose more is another new area of interest. Oh and gua sha!

I met Jo and her husband once a few years ago when she came to Bath and she is exactly as she is on the videos except even more glowing and laughy and well just utterly lovely (and tiny!)

Apart from music I love gardening, calligraphy and being by the sea.

Why do you exercise?

I exercise to feel energised and strong.

I am aware that as one ages the mantra “Use it or Lose it” becomes increasingly relevant. I also want to keep up my bone density and flexibility, plus that all important balance.

Apparently ( heard on the radio this morning!) after car crashes, death by falling is the next most common reason. So I am trying to stand on one leg now as well as balance with my eyes shut. I also want to keep my muscle mass so I don’t become an instant blancmange in my later years – and yes I do want to keep my weight down too!

What motivates you to exercise regularly?

Jo is a great motivator – what nicer way to start the day than having a good laugh with her? Plus, it’s so wonderful that each class is completely different so boredom never creeps in.

In the very early days before there was a new class twice a week, I used to rotate the classes and could tell how I was progressing by the number of times I had a quick rest. Now I rarely have to press pause.

So getting stronger is a great motivator and also noticing my arms weren’t flabby and walking up hills was easy. Of course one feels great afterwards so there is a little addiction to those endorphins too.

Your top 3 favourite Workout Club classes?

Hmm, a tricky one as I like so many.

Very very often I find the class is totally in tune with what I feel I need. The other day there was a stretch class which was delicious as I had woken after a bad night and felt stiff and creaky.

Probably Rock’nRoll, Release the hips, Serene Stretch, oh there are so many!

(Those workouts available to logged in members only)

What’s your favourite type of exercise?

Well, obviously the ones I find easy peasy!

I love the hip rolls with the feet on the floor, as it really helps my stiff lower back, and I like most leg ones, and the jujee. I hate the ones where you lie on your tummy and have your feet like a mermaid and have to lift your legs up. Mine barely leave the floor and I feel like a beached whale.

However I know this is the exercise I need to do a LOT to strengthen my back. I have started to do it on a gym ball as it’s more comfortable. I am thrilled with the 10 minute blasts as sometimes I get late and so can still target something before work. I think Jo once said she would do some face exercises which would be fabulous! (coming soon!)

(Blasts available to logged in members only)

Favourite food?

My breakfast – home made kefir with homemade buckwheat granola, lots of frozen berries defrosted overnight and passionfruit.

I once read no one wakes up hungry, but I do – the thought of breakfast gets me out of bed. Salted roasted Spanish almonds are my go to can’t-stop-eating snack.

Favourite drink?

Hmm, I’ve started making Kombucha which I do like but not yet my favourite. I think maybe I have favourite drinks at different times of day…a really good decaf latte in the morning, a really good cup of tea in the afternoon, a really good green smoothie etc.

Sadly alcohol makes me drunk in about three sips. Cheap date.

Favourite book?

This is impossible! I think books speak to you at different times in one’s life. Sometimes a book will really resonate because of your personal circumstances, and other times a book with brilliant reviews will leave me feeling meh.

Recently I really enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, which was beautifully nuanced and brilliantly written. Novels I reread every ten years are Nancy Mitford’s Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate.

Favourite film?

Also completely impossible! I loved Les Intouchables, and The Chorus, and of course all Audrey Hepburn’s films.

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Thank you so much to Camilla for her wonderful spotlight article. We’ll feature another member next month and if you’d like to be featured – drop us a line!

Each month, we’re going to be featuring one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our shiny new wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  This is the reason why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family!’.

We thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our May spotlight features Maureen …

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Introduce yourself …

I’m Maureen Rose (age 66) & I live in a small village in Lancashire. (1 pub, no shops! But luckily lots more in the next village down the road, should we ever be able to visit again, soon hopefully)

I live with my Husband, George & little dog Dillon, we have no children.

I worked as a midwife for many years until I retired, & it was job I loved & it enabled me to meet & forge strong lifelong friendships during my career. Working as part of a supportive team is so important to me & I think one of the reasons I love being part of the “ workout family” It’s a bit like “ we’re all in this together “ type of mentality for me & has certainly helped me during the last year.

Tell us about your Workout Club experiences

Exercise for me has been essential over many years – mainly starting when I was 30 & gave up smoking & put on 2 stones! So that was my initial motivation, to try & lose weight. It is only as the years have gone by that I have carried on exercising to maintain physical & mental good health.

I have always loved to exercise in group classes & love the camaraderie that goes with it, I’m certainly not a gym lover & am soon distracted. However, during the last few years certain back & knee issues have made me rethink on my exercise routines & I now focus on strength & posture exercise and so I find your Pilates helps me greatly.

As well as loving the classes, I’m finding much greater mobility & an extra bonus of toning up (something I didn’t always get from my high aerobic classes!)

So thank you Jo – even my husband is commenting on my change in shape & now says “ oh you’re with your mate” when he hears your opening music.

What are your top three classes you’d recommend?

Release the hips (which are great after walking)

Core balance (which I feel really strengthens my back)

The pillowcase (which works me hard without me realising & anything involving the spikey ball!)

(You will need to be a logged in member to view those workouts).

My favourite exercise will always be walking & I’m lucky to live in an area with some fabulous areas on the doorstep & luckily some great friends who are also great listeners & bring laughter to any occasion.  It’s surprising how the miles go by!

I’m also a fair weather golfer & hopefully hope to get back to that now the courses are opening up, again lovely to be out with friends

Favourite Food

Mainly spicy – so Thai or curries will always be my first choice.

Favourite Drink

How long have you got!

Cold beer first always followed by white wine however on holiday it’s a Cosmopolitan & if there’s any excuse for a celebration or just to make me happy it’s got to be champagne.

Favourite Book

It’s hard to pinpoint just one but I used to love any psychological thrillers mainly by Harlan Coben, however I’ve found I’ve veered towards more gentle reading during this year.

I’m currently reading “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman, which I’m loving. I’ve also loved Charlie Macksay’s  “The boy, The mole, The fox & the horse” It just gave me such hope at the beginning of the pandemic & I bought many copies for friends.

Favourite Film

It’s hard to pinpoint one, but Pretty Woman & Bridesmaids are among my go to happy places ( in fact anything featuring Melissa M’Carthy, who is just so funny) another on repeat is Love Actually so you will gather my tastes are quite uncomplicated!

 

 

Each month, we’re going to be featuring one of our amazing Weekly Workout Club members here in our wellness and lifestyle area.

If you’re a member, you’ll know that its really important to Jo that we are all in this together and supporting one another on our fitness journeys.  Hence why Jo always refers to the club as the ‘Weekly Workout Family!’.  So we thought it was time for members to get to know each other a little more and to share some stories and experiences.

Our very first spotlight features Gail …

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Introduce yourself …

I am 58 and live in Fleet with my Partner Grant, 3 children Jacinta, Nikita & Cameron and our dog Phoebe.

I have a passion for cooking and love to create dishes from all around the world, during lockdown we took a different place each weekend, cooked fabulous food, drank different wines and enjoyed a cocktail or two!

Tell us about your Workout Club experiences

I have always enjoyed exercise (gives me an excuse to eat more) running, gym, cycling, walking, love it, however over the years from pounding those roads, my knees have taken a beating and a few years ago advised to give up running, aargh! What do I do now?

Lucky for me, I spotted Philip Schofield’s little video introducing his Pilates instructor Jo Tuffrey and all about Pilates videos for the menopause! Perfect for me 😊 So I thought, I’ll try that and joined Jo Tuffrey online, it is fantastic!

2 and a bit years later, every Monday to Friday I start my day with Jo and together we do an hour of Pilates. Jo is just amazing, she’s not only a superb teacher, she’s also so supportive, encouraging and funny, you feel as if she is in the room with you and is concentrating on you, making sure you are doing each move properly and not forgetting her famous sayings, “be in control”, “be in the move”, “draw the tummy in”, “don’t be a Jackie in the box be a Jackie out of the box”.

I look forward to each morning with Jo and this year I’ve really enjoyed the monthly programs just completed Masterpiece March, can’t wait for Aspirational April!

What are your top three classes you’d recommend?

My top 3 classes would have to be Weighted Wednesday, Ab Attack & ABC #7 (although my Locust is nothing like Jo’s need to keep practising that one!)

Favourite Food

So many but you can’t beat a good steak

Favourite Drink

Wine – a crisp Sancerre or a beefy Malbec

Favourite Book

Lance Armstrong – Its not about the bike – brilliant read

Favourite Film

I’ve got loads but if I had to pick one then would be Love Actually – love is actually all around.