Nyxie’s Nook is a blog based largely on mental health and wellness. I began the blog as a way to progress my relapse into anorexia nervosa in 2019, and it’s since become a place for me to talk about recovery, among other mental health issues. I speak candidly about all things recovery, depression, anxiety, sexual health and various other topics, some more controversial than others. I’ve also been known to talk about the inequalities here in Northern Ireland in regards to sexuality, gender and gender norms.
1. Why were you drawn to blogging about self-care and illustrations initially?
I was drawn to blogging as a way to process and manage my own mental health issues. What started out as me simply writing, turned into writing about things that mattered and getting my voice heard. While I still write for pleasure, a lot of my writing is published either on my blog or elsewhere.
My love for illustrating has always been there, but it was smothered for years by persistent imposter system. While in lockdown in 2020 I picked up my sketch pad and fell in love again. Shortly after returning to my day job, a friend of mine announced she was working on a book. I was asked to illustrate and I haven’t looked back since.
2. When did you make the leap to dedicating more time to these avenues?
While I work part time serving food, my other part time job is writing and illustrating. It doesn’t bring in much, but it’s a great way to earn an extra bit of ‘pocket money’ for things to do with my blog, and even for various art supplies.
3. Can you recommend 3 of your favorite elements (products/activities) that you use as part of your self-care routine?
I frequently play video games to wind down in the evenings. At the moment I’m obsessed with my Nintendo Switch and the game, Stardew Valley.
I also highly recommend chilling out in bed with a good book of your choice. At the moment I’m living for all things true crime and I’m reading through various non-fiction books about serial killers. It’s a bit of a change from my usual ‘wellness’ material, but I’m really enjoying the change up.
Finally I can’t recommend the positive power of a feel good TV show more. When I’m feeling low or drained of all energy, I turn to sitcoms such as ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’ or ‘New Girl.’ If I’m in need of an extra boost, ‘Queer Eye’ has never steered me wrong.
I often asked myself this question. To me it personally means relaxing and doing what I want to do. What I consider to be relaxing, may be different from you, but there’s nothing better than laying in bed or on the couch, sketch pad or Nintendo Switch in hand, and a good TV show. It’s about recharging my batteries, not thinking too much and taking myself away from social media.
4. What would you like readers to know about self care?
Self-care is unique to everyone. It’s what you want it to be. While some of the generic things will apply, don’t be afraid to discover new things that make you feel good, relaxed and, above all else, happy.
5. Tell us your experience of being a blogger and illustrator.
It’s tough. Writing and illustrating is hit or miss, and while some months I might be busy, there are other times where I can’t get so much as a sale. That’s just how it is. You also have to feel like a failure, but to push through anyway.
6. Are there any tips that you can share with our readers about self care?
What you class as self-care may be different to someone else. While some enjoy sitting down to a 20 minute yoga session, you may prefer to bake or clean or play video games. No shame. You do you.
Self care is 100% necessary. Downtime is necessary. Without either, we run the risk of burnout.
Self-care isn’t about coming home day after day and going to bed. It’s alright in moderation, but if this is your daily routine, it may be time to look at other things. This sort of behaviour in my experience is self-soothing, which can only exacerbate mental illness symptoms.
Ten minutes of self-care is better than nothing. You don’t have to schedule an entire day or even afternoon. Just 10 minutes can be beneficial.
As life starts to take more turns with the easing of lockdown, many do not wish to lead fast-paced lives like perhaps they were before lockdown. With many looking to continue to work from home and have more free-time, more and more people are being drawn to Yoga and Meditation.
This is due to people wanting to have more space in their lives for themselves and their loved ones. Slowing down and taking time to pause and be reflective is a form of self-care. Perhaps, focusing on finding meaning and being kinder to themselves.
Basically, people want to practice Ahimsa more.
Ahimsa – What does it mean?
Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word which translates to ‘no harm’ or ‘no violence’ in English.
Ahimsa Philosophy
It can be found in the 1st limb of Ashtanga Yoga and is one of the five Yamas. (Yamas are ethical standards and a code of conduct in the Yoga Sutras).
Implementing Ahimsa into life (on and off the mat)…
Ahimsa is one of the most important aspects of Yoga. Being able to do Asana is a very valuable thing and we learn a lot from it. However, if we don’t practice Ahimsa, or grow from our practice and incorporate Ahimsa and the other Yamas into our lives, Yoga might as well be a gym class to us.
Ahimsa means no harm. This means to any living beings, including yourself In both action and thought.
Peace begins with no violence and no harm. To be truly at peace, you have to be at peace with yourself and others, internally as well as externally.
When we are mean, nasty or violent towards others, it is normally an outward projection of what we are feeling inside (often referred to as the mirror theory). If we want to see change in the world, we have to start with ourselves. Once we are at peace with ourselves, we can start to drive positive change in the world.
When people treat us a certain way, or things aren’t going the way we planned in this world, when we are hard on ourselves… feelings of shame, guilt and disappointment manifest. Sometimes, we can all be guilty of expecting too much of ourselves, the people around us or the world in general. When things don’t go our way, for whatever reason, harmful feelings can start to creep in, which causes us harm and has the potential to cause others harm.
If we start to practice Ahimsa, we start practicing unconditional love and compassion. The more we practice yoga, the more we start to feel this within ourselves as we become at one and united with the world around us.
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga and meditation makes us look at ourselves and our lives internally so that we can work on turning negative aspects of ourselves into positives, without acting on this externally, an aspect of practicing ahimsa.
Loving Kindness…
Practicing Metta (Buddhist Loving Kindness) Meditations ( Burgs (Love VS Virus) on Youtube) is a wonderful place to start incorporating Ahimsa into our lives. Also, practicing yoga gracefully, without forcing things as well as incorporating the other Yamas into our lives, can really allow us to open up and practice Ahimsa both on and off the mat.
At AMALAwellness classes, whether it is Yoga, Meditation or Move it or Lose it! Classes, we always incorporate a sense of gentleness to practice.
Do you practice gently, do you practice Ahimsa? I’d love to hear from you!
For information and bookings….
For more information and bookings, please contact us using the following:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK. Aimee teaches in Norton, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland, as well as offering online classes.
AMALAwellness – Yoga in Teesside will be starting classes back in person on the 17th of May 2021. Spaces will be limited and booking is essential. Please contact us if you wish to book a space in a class. Classes will return to normal, if the roadmap is OK to follow on the 21st of June 2021. So, if you couldn’t book a space this time, you will be more than welcome to book then.
Protocol for classes
For all classes, a mask will be needed for entering and leaving the building (unless medically exempt). You can remove the mask when seated on your mat/chair and practicing. When leaving, a mask will need to be worn.
2M + must still be adhered to, so please respect others spaces when setting up and practicing.
Please sanitise hands before class and bring your own mat. If equipment is used, Aimee will sanitise these before and after class. Please keep your personal belongings by your ‘space’ to avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces around the hall.
– What classes are still available online? –
We will keep Move it or Lose it! online, however the time will change from 3:00-4:00pm to 4:00-5:00pm.
– Looking after ourselves as we transition out of lockdown –
As we start to exit restrictions, many of us may be feeling stressed, anxious or exhausted. Even with the worst hopefully behind us, the effects can still be felt. If this is you, you’re not alone. As things start to lift, getting used to the new normal will be challenging for us all. Make sure to look after yourself as we start to transition.
Yoga, meditation, Gentle exercise, relaxation and creating a stress-free home environment is so important, now more so than ever. At AMALAwellness we have a regular class timetable designed to help deal with the lockdown blues, maintain good mental health and keep active.
Always looking for exciting opportunities to collaborate in-person and online.
I am always looking for exciting opportunities to collaborate with companies, charities, support services and local entrepreneurs across Middlesbrough, Stockton and further afield! Whether it is setting up a regular class, running a workshop, collaborating on a local project or working on an online project, I would love to hear from you.
I always take the time to reply to any enquiries within 24-48 hours on a week day. (Usually weekends too!).
Looking to hire a Yoga, Meditation or Gentle exercise teacher?
I offer services across Teesside for:
Chair Yoga
Gentle Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Meditation
Relaxation
Yoga Philosophy
Gentle exercise classes
Move it Or lose it! Classes
Chair + Chair supported exercise classes
I have, and continue to do work alongside local community centres and Yoga Studios, as well as running classes independently.
If you’re based in Teesside and would like to enquire about services, please contact me: (amala.teesside@gmail.com // aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk)
– Blogging opportunities –
Blogging can be challenging to break into. Let us help.
We offer guest posts with a backlink to your site, as well as opportunities to backlink phrases to well-written content in our blogs.
Beginners Yoga in Middlesbrough – at AMALAwellness we cater for beginners and improvers in all of our Yoga and Meditation classes. We run classes in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland. We also offer private one-on-one classes, on zoom and in-person, as well as running Move it or Lose it! classes across Teesside.
**Main image from a local, talented photographer known as Stephen Hornsey.**
Starting a new Journey…
People decide to come to Yoga & Meditation classes for a vast array of different reasons.
From weight loss, to improving flexibility, strength, feeling a sense of community to alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Why is AMALAwellness good for beginners looking to practice Yoga?
Aimee has had a regular practice since 2013 and a daily practice since 2017. She has over 470 hours of Yoga teacher training and professional development, with bodies such as Yoga Alliance and Yoga Alliance Professionals.
Experience and Knowledge
Aimee’s practice has grown with her. When she first started Yoga, she couldn’t touch her toes and suffered with anxiety. Yoga and meditation had such a positive effect on her life, that it transformed her physical and mental health. Aimee quit her 9-5 job as a Scientist to travel and practice Yoga around the world. Upon return to Teesside, she decided to set up her own business to teach people the tools she has learnt from her teachers and on her travels to help people transform their physical and mental wellbeing.
Aimee has ran 6 Week Beginners Courses with local Studios in Teesside and knows how to accommodate for all levels within a class.
Aimee is also trained in teaching Yoga and Gentle Exercise for Mobility, as well as experienced in teaching seniors and Yoga in studio and gym settings. Aimee has progressed in her practice, studying and learning from an array of experienced teachers from all over the world. Aimee has a range of knowledge and experience which means whatever your ability or goal, she can cater for you.
Aimee enjoying practicing outdoors in Nepal
Reflections on being a beginner and a focus on progression….
Remembering what it felt like to be a beginner, Aimee always take a holistic approach to practice. Movement is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, but at AMALAwellness we focus on philosophy and meditation to teach Yoga in its entirety.
Aimee always explains postures, breathwork and meditation techniques to make sure that the practice is suitable for beginners and helping improvers to advance.
More than just a gym class…
Meditation, gentle breathwork and philosophy are intertwined with a phyiscal asana practice. This makes the practice suitable for beginners and improvers, with postures differentiated for those looking to improve their postural practice.
A focus on Community, with a fun, light-hearted and friendly atmosphere…
Classes always have a community feel, where people feel welcome. We focus on inclusivity and believe community and a non-judgemental space where people can enjoy practice should be at the fore-front of lessons.
We also practice meditation and relaxation techniques, allowing the mind to practice being still and peaceful.
Beginners Yoga in Middlesbrough -Affordable classes with a community feel…
Aimee teaches in Community Centres such as:
Ragworth Community Centre – Stockton & Norton
Norton Grange Community Centre – Norton
St Mary’s Church Hall- Nunthorpe
Academy 17 – Ormesby
AImee also teaches in Guisborough.
Classes can be drop in – so you can try before you commit to anything. You can also book onto a block of lessons, to really give the class a go. Block bookings are cheaper, but our drop-in rates are still really affordable too.
As well as Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Beginners Yoga and Meditation classes, we offer Move it or Lose it! Classes – running across Teesside and online.
Move it or Lose it! classes help encourage and motivate people so they enjoy later life. We encourage top to toe workouts to help people stay active and feel fit for LIFE! Our aim is to help people to stay active and independent – especially those with mobility challenges. Our classes are fun, friendly and help build a sense of community.
Would you like to give one of our classes a try? Why not contact us for more information. You can complete the contact form here, or email Aimee directly at:
aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk or amala.teesside@gmail.com
Inner Peace Meditation Quotes – We know that Inner Peace can be attained through Meditation. Sometimes we need a bit of inspiration to keep us on the right path. Dr Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle are spiritual meditation practitioners and authors. They help inspire people to meditate and lead more peaceful lives. Since I changed my life to be more peaceful and still, I often find solace in books wrote by these two men.
Here’s a collection of quotes from Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle that I found inspirational in my Yoga and meditation journey and hopefully you will too!
– Eckhart Tolle Quotes about Inner Peace Meditation –
“Invite stillness into your life.” – Eckhart Tolle
“Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath” – Eckhart Tolle
– Wayne Dyer Quotes –
“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of your mind.” – Dr Wayne Dyer
“Peace is the result of training the mind to see life as it is, not as it should be.” – Wayne Dyer
“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”. – Wayne Dyer
“How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours.” – Dr Wayne Dyer
What are your favorite inspirational quotes? Do you have any other quotes or spiritual inspirations you would like to share? I’d love to hear from you!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
We recently interviewed Helen, local natural beauty blogger based in Norton, Teesside.
We love connecting with people in Teesside who have a focus on mental and physical wellbeing. When I seen Helen’s social media I thought she was the perfect candidate to interview.
She has a passion for wellbeing, motherhood, natural beauty products and blogging.
– Please introduce yourself –
I’m Helen, mum to Jonah and Cara. We live in Norton in Stockton on Tees. I started my blog, Natural Beauty with Baby, in 2017. I’ve always had tricky skin and a preference for clean beauty, and this became even more relevant during my pregnancy. Once my son was born I felt a huge urge to share the natural beauty products we were all using, and it somehow became a lot larger than I thought it would. I’ve met so many amazing people through my blog. There’s a really gorgeous community online and it’s easy to build genuine relationships with beauty brands and bloggers.
1. Why were you drawn to blogging about self-care products initially? When did you make the leap to using plant based products?
I’ve always had a desire to help people but have never felt very comfortable in the spotlight. My blog is the perfect platform to share my belief that we really need to take care of ourselves before we can care for others. Love starts with the self. I’ve always leaned towards plant based products but I do value the benefits of some select animal ingredients such as beeswax and honey from local suppliers.
2. Can you recommend 3 of your favorite products as part of your self-care routine?
1. Ila Spa Life In The Fast Lane 432hz Temple Balm. This calms my nerves when my energy is disrupted and I’m feeling frazzled. I take a moment to press it into my temples and find some calm.
2. Eve and Keel Surrender Roller. Perfect for moments when the children are getting a little noisy or when I’m finding it hard to let go of my daily chores to just be with them.
3. Liha Gold Shea Butter. Great for the whole family and so versatile. The fragrance is amazing, smokey and comforting.
3. What does self-care mean to you?
Self care isn’t just the products we use. It’s the relationship we nurture with ourselves. So this could be about asking, “how do I feel today?”, “what is my skin telling me about my health?”, and “where do I feel stress?”.
It’s so important as a parent or carer of any kind to be able to take the time to return to yourself and find out how you’re doing.
4. What would you like readers to know about plant based beauty?
Plant-based beauty has been used through the ages to soothe and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Now, science backs up the power of plant based ingredients. Plants have such energy, and folklore too. It’s fascinating to learn more about the effects and history of ingredients. And choosing plant based helps us to become more aware how our choices impact ourselves and the wider world.
5. Tell us your experience of being a mother.
Motherhood is the most challenging but most rewarding life experience. Everything I thought I knew about myself before I had kids got turned upside down. I learned so much about my own personality through becoming a mother. I also learned a lot about my own mother and her challenges. It really opens up a new world. I think motherhood tends to be undervalued in society, yet it shapes future generations, their attitudes and beliefs and how they treat one another. Once I became a mother I realised the gravity of it. That’s why self care is important to me because it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day and not realise how important you really are, to these little people and to the future world.
6. Are there any tips that you can share with our readers about healthy ways to feel good with little ones?
Show them how to care for their skin while young. Teach them about plants that heal. Forage for natural things together. Let them make and play with creams and balms, the textures are so much fun. Take baths together. Massage. Show them how to love themselves.
Thank you Helen, for taking the time to be interviewed and be in the AMALAwellness spotlight!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
Today’s spotlight focuses on Savita, a Move it Or Lose it instructor based North West London.
We interviewed her about her life, her journey with Move it or Lose it and why she thinks its a wonderful modality for physical and mental wellbeing.
– Tell us about yourself-
I have a passion for learning and helping others improve their quality of life through movement. Initially, I worked in the NHS. It involved making services inclusive and helping to improve the services. With regards to fitness, I had never planned to become a Fitness professional. However, I saw my mother and other people suffering from age related conditions such arthritis, osteoporosis and other similar conditions. I felt inspired to help others stay fit and active!
My fitness career started with training as Nordic Walking Instructor. I then went on to specialise in exercises for older people and those with different challenges. I found this very rewarding by seeing the tangible health results. Bad weather and winter months became a barrier for people accessing this outdoor activity. So I started looking into training further in indoor activities and found ‘Move it or Lose it’! I have also trained in ‘ Tai Chi Movement for wellness’ and taught Tai Chi Movement, alongside Nordic Walking and strength and conditioning exercises. I am also a qualified Pilates Instructor!
During lockdown, I provide online classes in Move it or Lose it, as well as an array of other mindful and exercise classes. Please check out my social media and website for more information.
I can speak English and other Asian languages and for those who may experience language as a barrier to classes. I also offer ‘Women only’ classes to overcome any cultural barrriers.
– What is Move it Or Lose it? –
Move it or Lose it was set up in 2010. Researchers and health professionals developed gentle exercises to ‘turn the clock back’. A move it or Lose it regime helps maintain independence as well as physical and mental wellbeing. The functional exercises are designed for older people and those with conditions including:
Parkinson’s
Hip and Knee replacements
Multiple sclerosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The exercises can be done:
Seated
In a wheelchair
Supported (Using the chair as support)
Standing
All sessions include flexibility, aerobics, balance and strength exercises. They use equipment such as a light resistance band, small balls and light weights which help in day-to-day activities. Anyone aged 50 – late 90’s or those with mobility challenges can join these sessions.
1. Why were you drawn to Move It or Lose It! Initially?
I was drawn to Move it or Lose it because it reaches outo to an older demographic, where a lot of exercise modalities don’t. I love helping people maintain their daily independence. It really helps improve peoples quality of life. Through easy gentle exercises, anyone can perform the exercises according to their ability under the Move it Lose it Instructors.
2. How did you start to practice exercise regularly? What effect did it have on your life?
I had always exercised in various gyms, but found it boring and gave up after a few months every time. I much preferred group classes and outdoor exercises. When I practiced in these settings, I realised the social, physical and mental benefits of it.
After I took up regular exercise classes I found that I felt more energised, physically stronger and mentally fresh. I also found that my issues with my neck (cervical spondylitis) improved. I also noticed that after exercising regularly, my immune system had improved as I was not constantly getting ill with colds and flu.
3. When did you decide to start facilitating Move It or Lose It classes for others?
I completed the Move it or Lose it course in late 2019. I had looked into local venues and about to start the face-to-face classes and we went into lockdown with the COVID-19 pandemic so I started offering it online via Zoom. They have been a lot of fun! I love teaching them and students really feel the benefits, however I can’t wait to teach in person!
Below is an an example of my zoom class in action!
4. How does Move It or Lose It! benefit mental and physical wellbeing?
Move it or Lose it’ is a very well designed course to help people to improve their flexibility, aerobic health, balance and strength. It also has a wonderful effect on mental wellbeing and is very social!
Exercising releases endorphins that make you feel mentally happy and energised. The online sessions I offer help people to socialise with others, especially during the lockdown especially those who are alone or isolating. I set 15 minutes after the session for group chats which participants have found it very helpful during these hard times. I have had people who have commented a number of times that they were struggling to join class, as they were having a bad day. They ended up joining and were glad as it helped boost their mood. I always advise students to join in and do gentler exercises with adaptations and listen to their body (we emphasise on that). Exercising with others under instructions help both mentally and physically. These classes are suitable for anyone aged 50 plus, no upper age limit and those with disability or limited mobility.
5. What would you say the main barriers are to people wishing to attend classes? What would you recommend for them to overcome it?
Technology is definitely a barrier, as many are scared about learning and using technology. A lot of people are also unable to find help or assistance to set up for online classes.
Fear is also a barrier I find people face. Some people are scared that exercising will worsen their conditions, where often it can help improve their quality of life. They may not be aware that these exercises have been designed to help improve their physical and mental fitness for those conditions.
To overcome these barriers, I would recommend people speak to their friends and family to help them set up a class online. I would also recommend that, as the 1st class is free, to come along and try a class for themselves to see!
6. Do you recommend people practice any other modalities or do anything else that is positive for mental and physical wellbeing, to complement Move It or Lose It! classes?
I recommend people to carry out exercises in between doing little tasks around the house such as waiting for the kettle to boil whilst making tea. Perhaps a few heel raises, or arm raises! Mindfulness is also useful to practice daily.
7. What would you recommend for people looking to start Move It or Lose It! classes, but don’t know where to start?
Those who would like to join Move it or Lose it classes can go on to the Move it or Lose it website and find classes in their areas from the list on their website or contact me on my details below.
Classes cater for a range of needs, so students can come try a class that is differentiated to suit an array of abilities. Everyone is lovely and supportive, so new students might as well try. Even if people want to come observe a class, everyone is welcome.
– Overcoming Lockdown Challenges –
Many students reported feeling alone and isolated during lockdown. This greatly impacted on students mental health. Some students had never used online technology but learnt to use it. The online sessions helped them to exercise and gave them opportunities to socialise with others on zoom. They found they enjoyed this, in the comfort of their own homes, without having to travel anywhere! Some are loving the technology which enables them to participate in group exercises without having to add extra time to travel to venues and keen to continue online classes.
As we are now beginning to slowly ease out of the lockdown some have requested to continue the online classes as it saves them time and effort in getting to physical venues.
My 86 year old mother who suffers from arthritis and can only walk with the aid of a walker learnt how to access classes on Zoom and does the classes seated and thoroughly enjoys them.
To sum it up….
I have a great passion for helping improve their physical and mental wellbeing, especially seniors or those with mobility challenges. This is why I love teaching Move it or Lose it! It is designed to help people stay fit, active and independent for life!
Thank you so much Savita, for being in the Spotlight today!
To find our more about savita, her classes and the services she offers, contact her below on her social media pages or website:
We interviewed her about her life, her journey with Move it or Lose it and why she thinks its a wonderful modality for physical and mental wellbeing.
– What is Move it Or Lose it? –
Move it or Lose it! Has been going since 2010, when it was set up by Julie Robinson, an award-winning instructor and fitness expert. We offer gentle, light-hearted exercises aimed at the 60+ age group with the aim of improving general health and well-being and hopefully turning back the ‘ageing clock’ by up to 10 years! A typical FABS class will cover Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength using exercises to music which can be done seated, standing or with chair support. We use equipment such as resistance bands, light hand weights and balls and a typical class will usually include games to challenge mental agility and hand/eye co-ordination.
1. Why were you drawn to Move It or Lose It! Initially?
In the winter/spring of 2019 I was marathon training and using my 10 mile journey to work as an early morning training run. I would set off at 6.30 in the morning to arrive around 8 which gave me plenty of time to think about how much I hated the desk job which I had been doing for 20 years! I had some experience as an aerobics instructor back in the 1980s and am now a keen runner. I have always enjoyed encouraging and motivating people as they begin their running journey and devised a programme similar to Couch to 5k which I deliver once a year for 10 weeks at my local parkrun. I call it Park Bench to parkrun and it is always really popular. My mum, who began running at the age of 78 (!) comes to the same classes I go to at my local gym but was becoming frustrated at finding some of the exercises too strenuous – she hates a burpee! She does Pilates but really enjoys a class which is fun, as well as challenging. I have harboured an ambition to be a fitness instructor all my life, but as I am now in my late 50s I felt it was possibly a bit late in the day to train as a PT. I looked for something where I could qualify relatively quickly and found Move it or Lose it!
2. How did you start to practice exercise regularly? What effect did it have on your life?
I enjoyed sport at school, started doing aerobics in the early 1980s Jane Fonda days and then took up yoga when my children were small. When we moved out of London to live by the sea I started running and am now a keen park runner and enjoy all distances. I have done a couple of marathons but 10k or 10 mile is probably my favourite distance. I also love swimming and cycling although triathlon doesn’t really appeal as I don’t think I could cope with the transitions – I was always the last to get changed in PE! As well as the physical benefits of regular exercise, the social side is of huge importance to me. I have made so many great friends, particularly through running and there is nothing like the camaraderie of a ‘chat-run’ with a friend, or celebrating after a race with a whole bunch of sweaty mates…
3. How did your mind and body change when you started a regular practice?
That’s hard to answer as I have always exercised regularly, so my body has always been strong and fairly lean. I’ve put on a few pounds during lockdown which is distressing, but haven’t we all??? Mentally, I can’t tell you how important I feel regular exercise is. My kids laugh at me for recommending ‘fresh air and exercise’ to be the cure for all ills, but I strongly believe it to be the case. I definitely experience ‘runners high’ once the endorphins kick in and a run first thing in the morning is the perfect start to the day. I love the focus of yoga – I will get immersed in a pose and enjoy tweaking my balance and posture until it feels right. Also, a tricky step class, or a dance class, where you can’t think of anything else for an hour is a great escape from life’s cares and woes.
4. When did you decide to start facilitating Move It or Lose It classes for others?
The online training took a couple of months to complete and then my final assessment was in April 2019. I resigned from my job (big step) in June but then it took me a little while to pluck up the courage to book a hall and present a class! I was lucky that I chose a hall very near where I live and did a leaflet drop. My first class, in September was attended by my mum, and quite a few of my neighbours!
5. How does Move It or Lose It! benefit mental and physical wellbeing?
The age range at my classes goes from a couple of people who are only just 60 up to some who are well into their 90s! Some with MS, Parkinsons, COPD etc as well as several who are hard of hearing, so you can imagine that offering a class to suit all of the levels of fitness can be a challenge. We devise the exercises so that they can be undertaken seated, standing or with chair support and take care to offer options to progress the exercise – for instance by adding in a small jump at the end of a march, or to make it easier by slowing down, using less weight, smaller range of movement etc.
The benefit to mental wellbeing is extraordinary. I have quite a few participants who have been encouraged to come to me after a bereavement. Quite often this person will have had many months of relative isolation if their partner had been ill for a long time. The chance to spend an hour with like-minded people in a light-hearted environment has proved to be a lifeline. Friendships have formed and some of them go off for coffee together after the class. Personally, I get so much enjoyment from seeing people having fun together. I come home feeling like i’ve been to a party!
6. What would you say the 3 main barriers are to people wishing to attend classes? What would you recommend for them to overcome it?
I would say that the main barriers to attending classes are injury, lack of confidence, and timing.
I have spoken to many people who want to come but say they are currently ill or injured and will come when they are better. Once they have joined the class they realise that regular exercise not only helps to ease many aches and pains, but also that being stronger and fitter will help prevent injuries. If people have a chronic physical condition, we can usually take it into account and adapt the exercises accordingly.
Many people, especially if they haven’t taken much exercise in the past , are worried that they won’t be fit enough or might show themselves up. They may feel embarrassed about being overweight. Again, regular exercise will build strength and burn calories.
The timing of classes is quite important. I don’t do any classes in the evenings as many older people don’t want to be out in the dark. Also many grandparents help with the school run so I try and avoid those times.
Classes are designed to be fun and a safe space to try something new. The 1st class is free, so you might as well give it a try!
7. Do you recommend people practice any other modalities or do anything else that is positive for mental and physical wellbeing, to complement Move It or Lose It! classes?
I don’t recommend other activities such as yoga or pilates as I am always asked for personal recommendations which I am reluctant to give. Also, I am not qualified in physiotherapy or a personal trainer. It’s not easy for the older age group to find a class which fulfills their particular needs. A Move it or Lose it! Class is paced so that there is time between exercises to recover and offers an overall workout for the whole body – and mind. When people have specific limitations a more general class such as yoga, pilates or Zumba Gold may not cater to their needs. Sticking to the Move it or Lose it structure, works wonders for many.
8. What would you recommend for people looking to start Move It or Lose It! classes, but don’t know where to start?
If you visit moveitorloseit.co.uk there is a ‘Class Finder’ button which will direct you to your nearest class. At the moment, all classes are online and you can request a list of online classes and find one that suits you. Obviously, with online classes you are not limited geographically. Since lockdown started a year ago I have been making videos and doing live sessions on my facebook page: facebook.com/moveitorloseitwithkim We have recently switched to Zoom as so many of the people in my target group are suspicious of facebook. I still do a short ‘circuit’ session on Thursday mornings for those that don’t like Zoom.
– Overcoming Lockdown Challenges –
Lockdown has presented many challenges . I had not been operating for very long when we had to stop classes, so my pool of contacts was relatively small. Doing the free sessions on Facebook enabled me to stay in contact with my existing clientele as well as allowing me to pick up some new followers. In order to keep my classes fresh I have produced dozens of new exercise routines. In the summer, we were permitted to run small, outdoor classes which were received with huge enthusiasm. We used the gardens behind the church halls where I hold my normal classes as well as a lovely cricket pitch whose manager kindly let us use the grounds. We wouldn’t have wanted to use public parks as we needed some privacy, and also we make quite a lot of noise! We had a month or so back inside in October before the 2nd lockdown and again I managed to get my classes up and running. I have been so impressed with the way my clientele have responded to the challenges of last year. I have found their resilience and willingness to adapt to be a revelation!
Thank you so much Kim, for being in the Spotlight today!
To find our more about Kim, her classes and the services she offers, head over to her facebook page.
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
