Pilates Academy

18/01/2026

Ever been told to keep your spine completely neutral when lifting your arms overhead?

It is a super common cue. Usually to stop rib flaring or excessive arching. And honestly, it makes total sense if your goal is to look neat and controlled.

But biomechanically, something interesting happens when your arms go overhead...

Your thoracic spine naturally goes into a small amount of extension. Around 10 to 15 degrees.

This subtle movement helps the shoulder blades rotate smoothly over the ribcage.
Why does that matter?

Because it means not all the movement has to come from your shoulders. Your spine joins the party and shares the workload.

This does not mean you should be throwing your ribs forward or arching your lower back...

It simply means we do not need to lock the spine into place either.

Instead of holding everything rigid, allow your spine to gently respond to the movement of your shoulder girdle.

Try these cues in your next class:

"Feel your mid back softly bend as you lift your arms overhead."

"Notice your sternum floating up like a feather as your arms rise."

"Allow your spine to adjust as your shoulder blades glide forward over your ribs."

Your thorax is the dynamic foundation for effortless shoulder movement.

Let it move.

Movement is medicine

-Tom Waldron

22/12/2025

In 2026 i am working with women who are choosing to put themselves first ☄️

If you want to know more ….. 💖

https://www.wixforms.com/f/7405276415374918698

21/10/2025

The practice of conscious communication and speaking from the heart . Part of our heart circling and Shaktilates includes conscious movement and I shall be offering a free master class on somatic healing and embodiment on zoom this Saturday please DM for info ❤️🙏.

24/09/2025

WOW went to the gym with my friend in South Shields (ooop North) & guess what the view was from the treadmill ?? The sea!!

14/09/2025

Happy memories of FIt From Within Pilates studio!

01/08/2025

You have a second heart – and it lives in your calves.

Your body has a hidden circulatory booster, and it’s located in your lower legs. It’s called the soleus muscle, and it acts like a “second heart,” pumping blood from your legs back up toward your chest. This helps your actual heart overcome gravity and keep circulation flowing.

But here’s the important part: this second heart only works when you move.

If you sit or stand still for too long, blood can start to pool in your legs. Over time, this can lead to swelling, varicose veins, or even serious blood clots, according to experts at the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

The solution is simple: keep moving. A short walk every hour is enough to activate your calf pump. Even small actions like standing up, stretching, or doing toe raises can help. If you’re dealing with chronic swelling, elevating your legs or using compression socks can provide relief – but consistent movement is the real key.

Even more interesting? Some scientists are exploring how soleus-focused movements (like seated heel raises) can help regulate blood sugar and improve metabolism – meaning this second heart might have benefits beyond circulation.

So whether you’re pacing the room or just lifting your heels at your desk, remember: you’re not just moving your legs – you’re keeping your second heart beating strong.

29/07/2025

So proud of commitment to moving into better alignment - at 70yrs the progress is remarkable of this lovely client!

11/07/2025

Another new study showing when strength training women increase their protein intake more body fat was lost.

They actually increased their calories by 250 in the form of protein and lost more weight than the women on the low protein 300 calorie deficit diet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL95flPMTik/?igsh=MWxtM3pvN2t4Y3p5ZQ==

Bill Campbell is definitely worth a follow. A world renowned expert on body recomposition who’s now researching and running studies on optimising mid life women’s health after his wife had a nightmare with the menopause and he couldn’t help.

10/07/2025

Well Holy Moley !
My strength is the biological age of a 39yr old at 64!
This is WHY i get my clients to use heavier weights, especially the over 50's!
💪I'm offering 1-1 Strength Training online & in person. 💪Also health, diet & lifestyle support
💪DM me if you're ready to drip a few biological years !

07/07/2025

For the last 2 weeks I've been sitting on my ass allowing some deep grief to move through me . It left me almost paralysed. I cancelled everything last week . I had nothing to give . I needed deep silence and space to process. I sat with it . Today the shift came . I waited and it came. My energy was on fire!! 2 weeks if sitting down and then BOOM. She's back !!! 💪💪💪❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥

Call now to connect with business.

26/03/2025

People are starting to realise …… 💖

It’s fast becoming London’s favourite exercise, with studios popping up across the capital — but are they all safe? Madeleine Spencer finds out