Welcoming in 2023....
Happy New Year Folks....
For myself and so many of our Class Fitness friends, 2022 brought unexpected challenges. Whether it was a relationship break up like mine, ill health or bereavement I do hope that the New Year brings you strength and optimism to face the challenges ahead.
In our classes we see a wealth of love and support from our members and I am so very grateful for the compassion that you all showed me last year, in my time of need.
As I continue to regain my strength, I hope to be back in 'full throttle' this year, supporting your health and well-being goals for 2023.
And of course 2023 is a big year for me personally and professionally.... as this month I celebrate my '10 year' Anniversary of teaching your Chester based classes and in April I shall be celebrating my big '50' Birthday!!! We shall of course not be letting these events pass without celebration so please do look out for upcoming events and competitions.
We are set to re-open classes on Wednesday 4th Jan and all classes are now available to book into via gymcatch https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/1469/events TIMETABLE Jan/Feb 2023 MONDAY Daytime 1:1 sessions available - please enquire for availability 6.30-7.30pm Mixed Ability Pilates @ Upton URC Church TUESDAY 9.30-10.30am Burn 'n' Firm @ St Columbas Church Hall (with refreshments & weigh in available 10.30-11am) 11.15am-12.15pm Improvers Pilates @ St Columbas Church Hall 1.30-2.30pm Beginners/Gentle Pilates @ Hoole Community Centre WEDNESDAY Morning 1:1 sessions available - please enquire for availability 1.30-2.30pm Fitsteps @ All Saints Church, Hoole 6.30-7.30pm Body Blast @ Upton URC Church (express weigh in available) THURSDAY 9.30-10.30am Beginners/Gentle Pilates @ All Saints Church, Hoole Afternoon 1:1 sessions available - please enquire for availability 6.30-7.30pm Fitsteps @ Upton Community Hall
1:1 Sessions
You will notice on the timetable that there are now limited slots available for 1:1 sessions with me at my home based studio in Christleton.
These are proving popular with folks who need that little bit extra attention from me in the short or long term perhaps due to a changing health condition, being out of action for a while or needing a confidence boost before heading into a class environment etc
I offer sessions tailored to the individual themselves, drawing on my previous Occupational Therapy knowledge and skills, so this may include:
Exercise/movement assessment
Exercise prescription - pilates/cardio/strength training for either 1:1 sessions with myself or for home based workouts
Diet and lifestyle assessment and coaching to aid weight loss and make improvements in overall health and well being.
These sessions can be booked at £25 for a single 1 hour session or block book 5 sessions for £100.
Regular users of this service I shall be contacting you to ensure that you still wish to keep your space in January/February
New users, please do feel free to contact me to arrange your first consultation and discuss your potential needs .
Tel : 07929842662
Short Half Term
As I am due to take a two week break in February this year, this next half term is going to be a short one of just 5 weeks.
The dates of opening are Wednesday 4th Jan - Tuesday 7th Feb inclusive.
I will then be away from Wednesday 8th Feb - Tuesday 21st Feb inclusive.
As a result of this Barre Pilates will take a break until after this time returning for a 6 week block (online) Mon 27th Feb - Mon 3rd April inclusive. Times to be confirmed nearer the date but to be again delivered by Zoom with sessions being recorded for use afterwards if unable to attend in person.
It also means that Pilates classes will again run as themed blocks rather than 'courses' allowing you the opportunity to book individual sessions or buy a class pass to give you a discount on 3 or more classes (please note that you still need to book into the classes you wish to attend using the class pass once bought).
Class Passes
As briefly touched on above and previously, if you buy a class pass for pilates or the 10 class pass for other classes you still need to book into the classes you wish to attend using the gymcatch app. When booking in you will be presented with the pass as a mode of payment and a debit will be made to the pass. This way I know to expect you in the session and payment will reach me.
The 10 class pass has a 6 month validation and can be used for Burn n Firm, Fitsteps or Body Blast Classes.
Pilates passes however are valid for the block detailed on the pass only which is a much shorter timeframe. Please therefore ONLY buy a pass which will suit your needs for the time frame or try to use up your passes by attending alternative classes on the timetable ahead of the validation end date.
l have had a number of members not recognising this with pilates passes in particular so I am once again showing compassion and extending the validity of passes bought late last year to be valid until Feb 7th 2023. Please therefore use up any credits on these passes before buying new ones for this half term and recognise that as this is a short half term you will not need to a buy a large number of classes unless you plan to attend more than one class a week.
Price Increases
As most of my venues have increased their rates of hall hire and professional bodies I have to subscribe to have increased their fees I am unfortunately going to have to reflect these increases in my own charges to you I'm afraid.
The good news is that January will see no price increases as a gift to you and in celebration of my 10 year anniversary!
However, price increases will come into action on Wednesday 22nd February.
I will endeavour to keep these as small as possible and of course discounted prices will still be available with block booking. Further info to follow and please check pricing menu on the website.
Monday Evening Pilates
Due to decreasing numbers towards the end of last term in both the improver and beginner Monday evening pilates classes I have made the decision to combine the two classes and run the first session only as a mixed ability class. This will continue to be at Upton URC and will be run in the 6.30pm slot.
Participants who have now had a taster of pilates in the beginner class rest assured that this will be an achievable class for you to continue developing your skills as many modifications will be provided where necessary.
Alternative daytime beginner level classes are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays but unfortunately for the time being I shall not be running an evening 'beginners' class.
Christmas Fundraising and Coffee Morning
Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets, donated cakes or donated raffle prizes to go into these fabulous hampers (there were more but I forgot to take photos!)
Together with the Christmas Card collection monies and Pauline Jones donating her Strictly sweepstake winnings back to the pot, our fundraising coffee morning and raffle raised a total of £539.79
What an amazing achievement ..... thank you all so much!!!!!!
Special mentions go to Stephanie Mill and Sarah Massey for your spectacular efforts in getting the hampers together and for the chocolate bouquet Sarah! Hope the winners enjoyed their contents.
And also to Wendy Nickless for donating your wonderful doll set for a naming competition. No doubt Beryl's granddaughters will have hours of fun with her.
In total that means I have raised a total of £2,465 for the Stick 'n' Step Strictly charity fundraiser and secured my place at the top of the fundraising ladder!!!
What a fabulous team effort as always - thank you all on behalf of Stick n Step!
10 Year Anniversary Celebrations
To mark having taught many of your classes for 10 years now, starting back in the day when I was working as Jane Mann's side kick as she launched Rosemary Conley classes in Chester, I want to start the year with a quick giveway!
I'm offering 10 of you the chance of a FREE class of your choosing (to be taken by end of Feb). All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to share the post I put on Facebook today 3rd Jan (saying Happy New Year) to your friends on Facebook. The first 10 shares will win the FREE classes!
Further events and giveaways to follow throughout the year!
Speaking of celebrations....
Thank you to all who came along to this years Xmas Party at the Grosvenor Hotel Pulford. It was a great evening of entertainment as we have come to expect at this venue. I think we all agreed that it was long overdue after two years of Covid curtailing our dancing!
Getting Back on Track ....
Are you needing a little incentive to get back on track with your eating/diet following the festive season?
If so, I'll be bringing along the scales to classes over the next few weeks so you can jump on and record your progress!
Nothing beats a little accountability and friendly support at this time of year!
Right that's all for now folks...
Dust off your trainers, refill your water bottles and I look forward to seeing you back in classes very soon!
All Good Wishes
Di x