When talking to a few patients recently, I’ve been suggesting Pilates and Yoga as a good way of looking after your body at home.
Us Osteopaths have always been big fans of Pilates and Yoga for anyone who needs a bit of stretching and strengthening – and who doesn’t? Following someone else’s lead for a structured routine can be easier and more motivating than doing your stretches all by yourself.
And so I’m sharing here links to some amazing local teachers I know and trust, as well as useful online sessions for adults and children. No commission or benefit to me other than your health and happiness 😊
Local Pilates & Yoga
We’d usually recommend attending a class in person in the first instance, and ideally one-to-one if you have any symptoms or previous injuries.
While this isn’t possible right now, many local teachers are still offering live sessions online. Attending a live local class means you can connect with your teacher, ask questions, and get to know their style even while you’re still at home.
Pilates Teachers
We know some brilliant Pilates teachers locally – they’re listed here with a warm recommendation for each and every one:
Elisabeth Bradbury – https://pilates-elisabeth.com/
Nasreen Pritchard – http://www.flowwithnasreen.co.uk/
Danny Bridgeman – https://www.restore-your-body.com/store
Yoga Studios
If you prefer yoga, here are some great studios to check out:
Breathe Farnham – https://www.breathestudios.com/
Ebb & Flow Farnham – https://www.ebbflowyoga.co.uk/
Red Hot Yoga Guildford – https://www.redhotyoga.co.uk/
Online Pilates & Yoga
If you have some experience with Yoga or Pilates, or if you’re symptom free and just want to give it a go, you could also try some YouTube sessions.
Below are a few good options from the vast offering available. I really enjoyed doing those once I got over how annoyingly slim and toned all the instructors are!
Pilates for relaxation and calming:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJycUhfwVmQ
Pilates with Katja for low back pain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1ZWuriRll4
Pilates with Katja for middle and upper back:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQjxQx8ZiY
Yoga with Adriene for beginners:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE
Yoga with Adriene for low back pain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeXz8fIZDCE
Yoga with Adriene for ‘Text Neck’ (also good for laptop neck!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUP_YdYyfQw
Online Yoga for children
This is so much better than Joe Wicks! Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube have a huge choice of cool yoga sequences for children which really capture their attention, with stories based on well-known books and movies.
For little ones – ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ is great:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAT5NiWHFIU
For slightly older children – Start Wars, Moana and many others:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coC0eUSm-pc
And my daughter’s all-time favourite was this wacky tale about Fairy Floss:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVhHPtrrSGE
Good luck, stay safe, keep looking after yourselves and remember we’re here for you if you need us!
