Focused control in the Pilates Hundred, building strength, breath awareness, and deep core engagement. The Hundred is one of the most talked-about movements in Pilates history. Everyone has a theory. Everyone has a reason. Yet no one seems to know for sure why Joseph Pilates made it the first exercise in the mat sequence. What we do know is this: it’s the odd one out. While most of the mat sequence moves through clear flexion, extension, rotation, or control, the Hundred is l

A warm bowl of golden vegetable soup sits in sunlight, symbolising nourishing winter self-care. As we head into the season of colds, flus, and all those unwelcome bugs, self-care takes on a new level of importance. This is the time to be deliberate about how you treat your body. A strong immune system doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built daily through your choices, your movement, your food, and your rest. Here are some ways to give your immune system the best support this s

Athlete bent over, struggling to breathe after intense effort during a race. In athletic training, breath control is often treated as background noise. Yet, the way you breathe affects performance more than most athletes realise. Pilates brings focus to this connection by teaching awareness, rhythm, and precision in breathing. Oxygen Delivery: Efficient breathing supports the balance between oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release. When athletes over-breathe or hold their br

Warm-toned illustration showing sensory pathways and receptors through the soles, highlighting foot awareness in Pilates. When was the last time you really  paid attention to how your body felt in motion? Not just “am I balanced?” or “is my core engaged?”, but the subtle shifts in weight through your feet, the pressure under your fingertips, or the way your eyes guide your spine. That’s sensory training, and it’s quietly becoming one of the most important frontiers in movemen

A glass of water with sunlight behind, a banana and salt symbolising balanced hydration. We all hear it. Drink more water. Stay hydrated. Carry a bottle everywhere. Yet somehow, even after guzzling litres, people still feel tired, get headaches, or cramp during class. The truth is, hydration isn’t just about water. Your body also needs electrolytes to make that water useful. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They help your body hold ont

Kari Anderson stands smiling with quiet confidence, a pioneer in fitness education and movement. This week, the fitness world lost another legend. Kari Anderson has passed away, and for many of us who grew up teaching, learning, or presenting through the FitPro conventions, this one feels personal. Kari wasn’t loud. She didn’t need to be. When she walked into a session, the room changed. You could feel her control, her precision, her respect for the craft. She taught with cla

Soft warm lighting highlights the gold faucet and cheerful duck, creating a peaceful self-care atmosphere. A warm bath or shower does more than clean the day off. It helps your body recover and stay mobile, especially if you’ve been training or teaching all week. Ten quiet minutes in warm water can ease tension and improve recovery without effort. Warm bath or shower.  Keep it simple. Hot water loosens muscles and slows your mind down long enough to notice you exist. Add Epso

Forearm muscles engaged during a Reformer pull, highlighting the connection between grip and core strength. Grip strength is often overlooked, but it tells us a lot about how the body is functioning as a whole. It reflects not only the strength of the forearms and hands but also the efficiency of the nervous system, muscle coordination, and even cardiovascular health. Research consistently links grip strength with longevity. Lower grip strength has been associated with reduce

Pumpkins, roots, and greens on a rustic table showing the essence of mindful autumn eating. As we move into autumn, the shift in temperature, daylight, and rhythm naturally changes what our bodies need. Pilates teaches balance, awareness, and respect for rhythm. Those same principles apply to how we eat. Choosing seasonal foods is one of the simplest ways to stay connected to your environment and support your health through the colder months. Why Seasonal Eating Matters: Whe

Cat rests peacefully on the bed, embodying calm, comfort, and the healing rhythm of stillness. Some people wrinkle their noses at the...

Fresh cucumber, melon, tomatoes, and leafy greens highlight simple, hydrating foods that support fascia health. Hydration is not only...

Older adults practising single-leg balance in a calm home setting, improving coordination and fall prevention. Falls are not a normal...

Detailed visual of the human nervous system showing the brain, spinal cord, and neural pathways. Breath is both automatic and voluntary,...

Close-up of teeth showing how bite alignment may influence cranial and hormonal balance. As Pilates teachers, we often remind clients...

Athletic alignment on rowing machine highlights Pilates principles of core strength and control. Walk into any gym and you’ll see the...

A crowded Reformer room shows how Pilates precision fades when numbers climb too high. Over the years I have taught many different types...

A small bedroom with two people and pets shows how CO2 levels rise overnight. Getting good sleep isn’t about luck. It’s about creating...

A countryside split in half, glowing moonlit night meets radiant golden sunrise. If you are always tired or find yourself dragging...

A modern laptop screen showing AI with a chat bubble reading ASK ME. AI is no longer something on the horizon, it’s already in your...

Brisk walking is a simple warm-up to prepare for VO₂ max interval training. We’ve talked about cardio on Fitness Fridays before. It...