Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you all! I do hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and can now look forward to what 2022 has to bring. I have every faith that this year things will start to return to some normality again and therefore we can really 'go forth and prosper'
As ever, my plan is to be by your side, providing you with opportunities for fun, effective workouts to improve or maintain your health and well-being and to provide you with 'accountability' as and when needed.
Thank you to all of you who supported classes during the past 'chaotic' year. Your support has meant so much and without you we wouldn't be in a position to move fruitfully into this next chapter.
Speaking of which.....
CLASSES RETURN next week:
As of Tuesday 4th January, the following classes will re-open.
Tues 4th 9.30-10.30am Burn n Firm @ St Columbas Church Hall
Weds 5th 1.30-2.30pm Fitsteps @ All Saints Church
Weds 5th 6.30-7.30pm Body Blast @ Upton United Reformed Church
Thurs 6th 6.30-7.30pm Fitsteps @ Uptom Community Hall
Week commencing 10th January however, the full timetable will be back as follows:
As COVID is still rife, please note:
Class numbers will remain low and therefore spaces MUST be booked in advance via www.gymcatch.com
Space markers will continue to be used in classes and on entry/exit Face coverings will be requested in all venues
Please refrain from attending classes should you have any symptoms and ideally take lateral flow tests ahead of sessions where possible
Should you or I need to cancel a session, refunds will be automatic via Gymcatch (apart from pilates courses where the terms are that you will receive a recorded class instead).
I will be keeping everything crossed that no enforced closures will be imposed by Boris and the Government!
NEW CLASS ALERT:
New to the January timetable is a Thursday morning pilates class.
This is specifically aimed at clients who are NEW to pilates or who feel they need a refresher of the basics, perhaps after a break. The 6 week block (£39) will cover basic exercises and positions and get you feeling confident in getting the most from them. Taught in a small group and at a slow pace, there will be opportunities for discussion and clarification at a pace that suits you.
Spaces are still available so do book on if this sounds like something that would benefit you or please do share with others who may have expressed an interest in giving pilates a go.
Barre Pilates
We've had limited uptake so far on the 'online' Barre Pilates class making a return on Monday 10th for 6 weeks (delivered via ZOOM).
I'm keeping everything crossed that we see the minimum uptake required for this course to go ahead so if you have been considering booking but haven't yet done so please do so as soon as possible via this link:
The benefits are incredible, given that it is a short workout (45mins) which can be done in your own home, with just a chair or surface for support:
Some of which are:
Improved posture
Improved balance
Improved pelvic floor control
Increased muscle tone of leg, bum and ankle muscles
For an idea of what to expect check out the Barre Pilates creator (Claire Wray) showing you a move to target the glutes:
And don't forget - if the LIVE class time doesn't suit you, the class will be recorded and can be emailed to you for completion any time over the 7 days following class.
It really is a great class. If you haven' tried it maybe this could be your NEW challenge for the New Year?
NEW YEAR GOALS....
Are you done with the indulgences of Christmas and New Year? Are you ready to get back on the wagon and set yourself some diet and fitness goals to kickstart 2022? Those of you who know me, know I love a good goal setting sesh...
Here's some ideas to get you inspired and some signposts to help you get started:
1. Use January to explore a more 'plant based' diet. For many of us we recognise the benefits that this would bring to both ourselves and the planet but are a little unsure of how to go about it. What do I cook? What ingredients do I need? Will I be getting enough nutrients without meat or fish?
Well - A lovely young couple based here in Chester whose business is called 'All About Greens' are once again launching a 21 day, online, January challenge that can help you. Giving you loads of information, recipes, meal plans and hints and tips on how to fully immerse into the world of 'veganuary' or simply learn how to make a few changes which will better fit with your family. I'd highly recommend you take a look and join me and my family on this 21 day challenge launching 3rd Jan (although you can start it anytime to suit you).
Follow this link to find out more and get signed up for the small fee of £21
2. Ditch the booze for the month of January and not only give your liver a detox but potentially raise some much-needed money for a deserving charity.
Cancer research UK are promoting a January Dryathlon, details can be found here:
Or maybe just do it for yourself and revel in all the benefits that are highlighted on the alcohol change uk website:
3. Set yourself a weight loss or inch reduction target and work towards it over the course of the month.
Things you may want to look at doing:
Removing snacks and sticking to x3 meals only a day
Put away the chocolates and mince pies and focus on eating less sugar
Weekly meal planning rather than leaving things to chance
Filling up on wholegrains, vegetables, nuts and pulses
Drinking more water
Ensuring that you eat plenty of protein to keep you fuller for longer
Exercising more frequently or with more intensity
'Scales' and time to chat with me will be available at St Columbas Church Hall every Tuesday morning 10.30-11am if you find 'weighing in' a successful method of keeping you accountable.
4. Diarise a walking/running/fitness event to work towards.
In Chester we are lucky to have many annual events that can be used as a fitness incentive/goal and keeping everything crossed most of these are now back up and running and will have an event in 2022.
Some of my favourites to direct you towards are:
Race for Life Events https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event
Active Leisure Events (Chester 10K, Half Marathon etc) https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/chester-10k
Hospice of the Good Shepherd Sparkle Walk https://www.hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com/event/chester-sparkle-walk-2022/
Run through events at Chester Zoo, Tatton Park etc (5K, 10K) https://www.runthrough.co.uk/10k-runs-uk/
These are just a few suggestions.. get creative and let me know what you are planning. Whatever your goal - I'll be here to support you in it!
Finally ... can you help me share the the message of how good our classes and fitness community is?
The best method of advertising is always 'word of mouth' or following a recommendation of someone you know.
So if you like what we do or have enjoyed our classes in the past, might you do me a favour and tell others about us? I'd really appreciate the 'lift' that this could offer my little business after the past couple of years.
Social media is of course one way of doing this so please do make sure that you have 'liked' our Class Fitness Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/classfitnessuk and please do 'like' and 'share' our posts.
Also.. maybe some of you might like to leave us a glowing review on Facebook or Google?
Enjoy the rest of your Bank Holiday Weekend!
I look forward to welcoming you to a class very soon.
Di x