Back Pain and Yoga... and new qualifications!

2026 has really been a year of firsts!  My resistance band class continues to be popular and I have a lovely group of people who are now all booked on for the September class.  I have given up Les Mills BodyBalance as I felt I was unable to do the programme justice with the ongoing issues I have had with my new hip and my back.  

However, I qualified as an Exercise Referral Personal Trainer in June 2026 and I am now planning to enrol for the Level 4 in Back Pain.  Having done an awful lot of informal research and learning about Back Pain (mainly to help myself with my own issues), I have set up a "Yoga for Back Pain" also starting in the Autumn of 2026 on a Monday morning 10am at the Henlow Pavilion.  I am looking forwards to helping other people with Back Pain to see that movement, body awareness and patience with yourself is really helpful for living with Back Pain.  

The Exercise Referral course really empowered me with some good tools to help me with my own training, in particular having had the hip replacement.  I feel equipped to help others in similar situations.  I am also very enthusiastic about keeping moving, as the worst thing anyone can do is to stop moving.  

My ongoing 'obsession' with resistance bands has now also culminated in me getting a Swedish Ladder installed in my home studio, which now opens up all sorts of opportunities for training.  I have had a lot of fun letting my creativity run wild and figuring out new ways of training.  

I have also realised the value of taking time off.. and plan to take regular breaks from my regular classes, as physically and mentally, it really helps me to have downtime to reflect and rest.  My daily walks keep me mentally and physically well, but walking takes time.. and going walking with an animal is even more fun, so I plan to take time off in conjunction with dog or cat sitting bookings.  If you have anyone who is looking for someone reliable to take care of their animals in their own home, get in touch.  Booking ahead of time is essential!  
Wishing you all a wonderful summer!