Archive for category: Member spotlight

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:-

• Buns of steel Sept 2021
• Full body conditioning May 2021
• ABC 11 December 2021

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 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.

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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?

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

What are some of your favourite things?

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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 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 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!