The year started with no indoor classes being held, but thank goodness I was able to teach outside although somewhat wet and cold.  With the correct waterproofs and thermals nothing was going to stop me keeping my ladies and gents fit and healthy!  Thankfully the zoom online classes have been a life saver, this time around most people had the hang of these and more people attended classes during our second lockdown. It is always a pleasure to see the smiling faces of my ladies and gents and off course their pets, of which Poppy my cat always made a verbal entrance while I was teaching and then sit on me especially if I was on flat on my front or on all fours much to the amusement of my class:-)
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When the weather got better more outdoor sports charity events took place, St Barnabas Hospice had Hit the Downs where over 500 people cycled across a very challenging course across the Downs.  I volunteered to register the riders in at 6am then to be on the course to help guide them in the right direction and offer help if needed, they certainly deserved their medals at the end! At the beginning of September St Barnabas Hospice also had their Night to remember midnight walk, the Ladies, gents and older children walked either 7/14/21 miles.  Walking any of these distances is not easy, as I know from personal experience. So I was at the end to give them a mat and stretches that their legs, hips and back needed, sadly I had to do this remotely and them using bands......maybe next year I can be hands on?  I take my hat off to anyone that challenges themselves to firstly raise money for worthy causes and also to get fitter along the way, I was privileged to hear many stories behind the reasons people have done these challenges..... I just wished I could have hugged them.
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My partner Alan and Myself after our last sea swim at Shoreham at the end of September.

I am very lucky to work with such caring and kind ladies and gents, it is a real pleasure to teach you all. Thank you to everyone who bought me Christmas gifts this year, you are very kind.  I would like to share one of these gifts with you, I think it sums up this year.  Irene saw me teaching with this outfit on and thought that has got to be knitted! Its brilliant , she even got my hair correct! :-)
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for there support this year, it has been really appreciated. I wish you a Happy New year with Good Health and good fortune.

With Love

Lorraine xx

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Hello to all my wonderful ladies and Gents,

​​I hope this Newsletter finds you and your family in good health and safe.

​January started off normally with my group face-to-face classes being full, my Personal Training sessions were busy but gradually more and more people started to get ill and as March crept around the corner we went into lockdown.

​Well what a year it has been, who would have thought that the world would have come to a halt.  All businesses had to think outside the box and IT came into its own, I had to come out of my comfort zone and learn new skills that I would have not normally even dared to try.

​The first two weeks of lockdown were crazy, two of my sons were trying to teach me how to use Zoom remotely via the phone. This was fairly stressful on both sides, you could have easily made a comedy stretch up about the conversations we were having…. ‘No not that button, hello can you hear me’!  Then once I had grasped how Zoom worked I had to let my ladies and gents know about the classes I was going to be running.  By the time I had spoken to everyone and helped the ladies and gents that needed support on setting up Zoom on their computers, I felt a lot more confident.  Although not the same as face to face classes, it certainly was a second best.  I just loved seeing the smiles on my ladies and gent faces when I looked at my screen; I have been able to to see their pets/children and other halves legs! One of my 1-2-1 clients cat (Oil-lie) came into the room and just sat and stared at me for over half an hour! Everyone got to meet my cats Poppy and Bella; Poppy would regularly comes in while I am teaching and jump on my back while I am trying to balance on all fours. I certainly have lots of happy memories that put a smile on my face.

​When things started to settle down I had to think of different ways to teach and adapt my methods so I was within the restrictions set, it was a blessing to have such wonderful weather, which helped.  I started Personal training sessions outside, I started to get a tan although T-shirt shaped.  Then I went back to teaching inside client’s homes and teaching smaller group classes in indoor venues with PPE kit on, a very odd experience to begin with but it became normal.   I have taken lots of temperatures as clients came into class, gone through nearly 20 litres of sanitizer spray for equipment and forgotten how many bottles of hand sanitizer along with rolls of blue tissue I have gone through, but I was going to make sure all my ladies and gents felt safe coming to my classes. 
 

​Some of my Personal training ladies where shielding so I could not go into their homes, so I started to teach them while standing on their patios and they stayed indoors in their conservatories with the doors open.  This was okay until it started getting colder and wet, but I invested in a golf umbrella/waterproof trousers/rain Mac and thermals… nothing was going to stop me!   

​ 
Sadly due to restriction a lot of the fundraising events that my partner and myself would have volunteered at did not take place, but St Barnabas did manage to run the South Down Trek in September.  Both Alan and myself met the walkers at the end to congratulate them on their achievements and give them their medals; it was an honour to do as they had worked so hard and were exhausted.  I would have gladly given them a stretching session, but sadly that was not allowed under Covid restrictions.

​So as we come out of Lock Down 2 and into tiers in December, smaller classes have started again with lots of cleaning. Zoom classes will be carrying on for the foreseeable future along side face to face classes as they have worked so well for some of my ladies and gents.  I have an 84-year-old lady that lives in Kent that attends my Staying Active zoom class; she loves the class as it keeps her active and mobile but she also enjoys the interaction with others as she lives by herself.  So I could teach on line to anyone in the world from my studio at home, I could have never imaged that happening the beginning of the year!

With the roll out of the new vaccine hopefully when most of us are protected, life will resembled some sort of normality.  Classes can then take more participants, so that I can get all my ladies and gents back into class, as I know they are missing the exercise and social aspect.  

​As a fully qualified First Aider I have been accepted for training as a volunteer vaccinator by St Johns ambulance, so I will be busy studying over the Christmas holidays and then into the classroom for face-to-face training in the New Year.   It will be good to do my bit to help get the vaccine out to as many people as possible, making people feel safe again so they can start to get back to their everyday activities.

​So what will next year bring?  I know that we will all be working in a very different way to how we used to, maybe for the better?  My office has now turned into a studio; my cats love it when I get my mat out!   We have all learnt new skills, we have learnt to appreciate everything we have and appreciate the friends and family we love. I always look for the positives in life when something negative happens, I really think we have become better people for slowing down our life and taking in the things that really matter to us and appreciating them.

​I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me through out this challenging year; I am truly a very lucky lady to have such caring and kind clients who I now think of as my friends.
 
I wish you all a safe and healthy Happy New Year and look forward to working with you in 2021, when we are allowed again I will give you all a big hug.

​With Love
 
 
Lorraine  xxx

Hello to all my lovely ladies and gents,

This year has just flown by, its been a busy year for me with training courses and working with my classes and PT sessions.  It has certainly been a year for colds and other illness, I hope you and your family have managed to stay fit and healthy during 2019.
​

I started the New year studying for Exercise prescription for Long Term Neurological Conditions, this was home learning with two long weekends at Oxford Brookes University and finally sitting exams at the University in July. It covered all aspects of the brain and how it functions, so I had the challenge of learning all of the brain anatomy.  The course covered Parkinson's/Brain tumours/MS/Strokes/Motor neuro disease/Cerebral Palsy as well as many more conditions.  Although I had some knowledge of these conditions beforehand, it certainly increased my knowledge so I could help my clients far more efficiently and effectively.  My clients have had some brilliant results, so they are far more mobile and independent.  If you know anyone who may have any of these conditions and could benefit from this training, then please do get in contact with me.  

​

At the end of May I offered my services to ST Barnabas Hospice who were running an event HIT the Downs,a challenging 30K or 60K bike ride across the Sussex Downs.  So I set up my stretch station to help the riders with very sore and tight calves/legs/hips and glutes, I had to go to some of the riders that just laid on the grass after going over the finish line.....they could not get up off the floor.
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At the end of May I stopped teaching my Friday morning aqua class at Steyning leisure centre, after 14 years of teaching this class it was very emotional.  In March my youngest son made me a Nanny, so now on a Friday I have Nanny duties looking after my Grandson Maximus.  I had a lovely send off with lots of good wishes and lovely cards, thank you ladies I will miss you.
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As the summer faded away and the Autumn started, I still managed to get some Personal training sessions outside. Extra layers were needed, but you cannot beat working out in the fresh air.

As the nights drew in classes have become busier and it has been a pleasure to welcome new ladies and gents to my classes and working with them on Personal training, it is very rewarding to see the benefits of exercise helping my clients with health issues that impact their lives.

​

The last couple of years I have been raising funds for Turning Tides, a Charity that works with the homeless of Worthing/Horsham and Shoreham.  This December I did not have a coffee morning, but I collected donations taken from a wish list that Turning Tides sent me.  Everyone in all my classes and Personal training sessions have once again been so generous, many bags of donations were taken to Turning Tides and distributed amongst the ladies and gents who needed it.  Thank you to everyone who donated, it was very much appreciated.

http://www.turning-tides.org.uk
01903-680740

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​So what will 2020 bring?  I am hoping to do a few new small workshops/courses to keep my knowledge up to date and look into starting some new classes that cover fall prevention/Parkinson's/MS and other health conditions.  In January I will be using a new venue for my Southwater Pilates classes held on a Thursday at 1.30pm, the new venue is:
The Church rooms
Church street
Southwater
​RH13 9BT

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I am happy to talk to you about health issues that affect either yourself or maybe a loved one, so I may be able to give you advice on how to make these issues better.  So please don't hesitate to get in contact with me either by e-mail or phone.
​

Its been an amazing year, I have had the pleasure of working with great ladies and gents who make my job so very enjoyable. Thank you.  My partner Alan has been brilliant again at supporting me through my studies and fundraising events this year, thank you it has been very much appreciated its not easy living with a fitness professional that never relaxes! :-)


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I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year,  I look forward to sharing 2020 with you.

​Lorraine xx

​
In January I started a new Fall Prevention class in Steyning, working along side West Sussex council and the Well Being team.These classes provided  exercises to older ladies and gents who have either fallen recently or at risk of falling, they strengthen supporting muscles, work on their balance and build their confidence to be as independent as possible. We have had some amazing results when we compared assessments before they started to when they finished the 12 week course. Teaching these ladies and gents was a real pleasure, I saw them grow in confidence before my eyes.  If you have a loved one or maybe someone you know that could benefit from this course then contact the Well Being team, they will be happy to talk to you.
www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk
[email protected]
​01403-215111 (Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm)

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I joined my lovely Horsham aqua ladies for Friday luncheon in July, I just love how these ladies welcome anyone new into the class.  These socials would not happen if two ladies Lesley and Ann did not arranged them, its not easy trying to organise 35 plus ladies! Thank you x

​In November I renewed my first aid certificate, I can't believe it was 3 years ago that I did it last.  I met some great ladies and gents that made the course very enjoyable, the instructor was impressed by the knowledge that we had remembered from the last time.  It is so important that everyone know some level of first aid, it really could safe a life.

​I ended the year with a coffee morning, raising funds for Turning Tides formerly know as Worthing Churches Homeless project.  They gave me a wish list which I passed onto my clients in my classes and Personal training, they were so generous and we raised £42.20.  It at this time of year that we think about seeing our family and friends, eating and drinking far too much.  Sadly not everyone has family or friends they can see and certainly don't have lots to eat and drink, as well as having then to keep warm as well. If anyone would like to help this charity to raise funds to support the homeless, please click on the link below.

www.turning-tides.org.uk
[email protected]
01903-680740

​This year has been very busy and it has been challenging to find time to relax, my clients often ask if I ever slow down. The answer to that is yes, I go to Relaxation classes in Washington once a month, these are run by an amazing lady called Sam Meredith who is also a Reiki Master.  Below Sam tells you a bit about what she does:

The R & R Relaxation sessions started up nearly five years ago. Using my knowledge acquired working as a Reiki Practitioner for over ten years, I devised these small group classes that aim to leave my clients feeling relaxed, positive, recharged and empowered.

The sessions are written within the ethos of the five Reiki Principles (which are: releasing anger & worry, counting your blessings, working honestly and showing compassion to every living creature) as well as using Reiki inspired techniques. These are then fused with controlled, slowed breathing, muscle relaxation exercises, guided meditation & positive thinking to create an hour of pure ‘chill-out’ time. The benefits reported back to me include reduced anxiety, stress relief, better sleep quality, better mood, more energy and a better ability to switch off.

The classes have continued to grow and I now have a large group of regular clients at three different venues.
 
For more information on my classes or Reiki and its benefits, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or find me on Facebook at – Samantha Meredith – Relaxation –Reiki – Recharge.
Love & light, Sam xx
 
 
 
 

So what does 2019 have in store for me? In January I will be starting a course that will keep me busy until late June with exams and clinical workshops weekends at Oxford Univeristy , Exercise prescription for long term neurological conditions will help increase my knowledge and insight on MS/Parkinson/Strokes and other conditions, which I will be able to use with my new and current clients.

I will also be on the look out for a venue to teach Fall Prevention classes, these will be drop in sessions rather than a set course so my clients can carry on keeping strong and balanced after attending their courses.. Sadly venues are hard to come by as they are normally too small or too expensive so not so cost effective, so if anyone knows of venues that might be suitable in the Storrington/Steyning/Partridge green/Ashurst area please do let me know.

In March I will be arranging another coffee morning and raffle for a charity, if there is a charity that you would like me to raise funds for please get in contact with me.

I am always happy to talk to you about any health related issues that I may be able to give you advice on, so please don't hesitate to get in contact with me. I am an e-mail or phone call away.

I would like to thank all my amazing ladies and gents who I have met and trained with this year, you have given me support when needed and its is always enjoyable to teach you all......you make teaching a pure joy. I would like to thank my partner Alan for all his support in my charity work, sometimes it takes two of us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Healthy and Happy New Year, I look forward to working with you in 2019.


Lorraine xx

                                                                                                               Cuddles with Sammy, my partners daughters dog.

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I hope you have all managed to stay germ free and fit over the winter months, there has been so much going around this year. We have had some cold but bright days, so hopefully you have managed to wrap up and enjoyed the wonderful outdoors. It has been a very busy 2017 with lots going on, I cannot believe we are near the end of January , must admit I am looking forward to the Spring!

In May I attended a Specialist postural stability instructor course that was run by Later Life, the course focuses on maintaining good posture and strength to reduce the risk of falling aimed at the older person. After a lot of studying, case studies and exams I qualified in August, ready to start teaching my first course in September in partnership with Horsham District Well Being team. We had some amazing results, changing the life's of ladies and gents who were 78 - 92 year olds. They felt more confident to go outside by themselves and join other fitness activities giving them new freedom to live their life being independent.  I was proud of every single one of them, now in January I have started with a fresh group and look forward to helping them on their journey.  If you know someone that could benefit from this course, I would highly recommend that you get in contact with the Well being team at Horsham District council.  The course is free and are running in Horsham and surrounding villages, if you would like more information  get in touch with me or find more information on  westsussexwellbeing.org.uk 

Now into January everyone is wanting to get more active, fitter and eating better.  Sometimes it is difficult to get out and exercise either in a class, gym or pool.  I have a large selection of exercise DVDs that you are welcome to borrow, they range from Pilates to Salsa dancing.  If you would like to borrow one please speak me either in a class or contact me via e-mail, text or call me and I will get it to you.

So what will the rest of the year bring? I will be keeping my brain active with research and training in many health issues, passing on my knowledge to help my clients stay active and live independently as long as possible.  I will be running a Coffee Morning and Raffle raising funds for St Barnabas Hospice in the Spring in memory of Pete Grace, an amazing gent that I had the privilege of working with keeping him mobile as long as possible.

If you need advice or help in keeping active and staying fit, remember I am only a phone call or e-mail away.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Wishing you Good Health and a Happy Active Life,


Best Wishes



​Lorraine xx

Hello Ladies and Gents,
I hope you all had a great time over the Winter holidays, spending time with family and friends and hopefully not getting a cold or virus.  What a busy year 2016 has been. January, February and March have flown by, I have got a feeling 2017 could be just as busy for everyone!

In March 2016 I completed a 5K swim to raise money for Sports relief, I did plenty of training which certainly increased my fitness levels and changed my shape. I was really pleased with my time of 2 hours 18 minutes 22 seconds with no breaks, I certainly slept well that night! Not only did I get myself fit but I also raised an amazing £500 for a very worthy cause, thank you to everyone who supported me on this event it was very much appreciated.

In April 2016 I was part of the St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House Hospice team, supporting and helping the amazing people that ran the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for the hospices, I was at the 22 mile marker and saw first hand the pains ladies and gents of all ages went through.  I was proud of every single one of them, knowing how hard they would have trained to get to this point. They were all winners!

​

In June 2016 St Barnabas did their annual "Night to remember walk" starting at Midnight, the ladies were walking either 7 ,14 or 20 miles. I offered my services for events before the walk and welcomed the ladies back.
​It was quite an emotional evening and early morning as a lot of them were walking for loved ones they had lost or were battling to stay alive. They all did an amazing job and raised a large amount for this very worthy charity, my challenge was to stay awake for nearly 23 hours! This year I plan to offer my PT skills in stretching after seeing the ladies walking back over the finish line.

Later in June 2016 I held a funding raising aqua class at Steyning Leisure centre for Cancer Research UK. Even with just a small group of us, we still mangaed to rasie an amazing £324.00.  Thank you to everyone that attended or helped out, and to those who bought raffle tickets, it was very much appreicated.
​

Once again my lovely Horsham aqua ladies and gents worked hard this year in class, as a reward we had our annual Summer and December luncheons. We have increased the number of people wanting to attend these functions, to the point that in December we had to change our venue, to one that could take 35 of us! I would like to thank Lesley and Ann, who worked so hard arranging these functions, not an easy task. It is wonderful to be able to socialised with these lovely people, rather than just teach by the pool side.

In October 2016 120 brave ladies and gents trekked 21 miles across the South Downs in aid of St Barnabas hospice, it was  great to be able to welcome them back at St Barnabas House in Durrington.  There were individuals, groups of friends and whole families. They trained and completed the walk, together for loved ones they had lost.  It was a very emotional day, with lots of tears and hugs.  They should be very proud of their achievements, I certainly am!

We ended 2016 with a coffee morning after a Steyning aqua class. Vital funds were raised for St Clare's Day Centre run by the Worthing Churches Homeless Project. People were very generous and we managed to raise £175 and collected two large bags of items, all of which were on the day centre's wish list. Thank you to everyone who helped in supporting this event, it certainly made a difference to the day centre during the winter festive period.

Ongoing Training

Over the year I have attended various workshops, covering many health topics. Information gathered at these workshops has been used when working with my special population clients.  In December I also attended STOTT Pilates workshops at YMCA London, these cover various health issues and how Pilates can help.  It was a very long day, but I certainly gained more information to help my clients.  I was hoping to start a course in January 2017 on Long-term neurological condtions, but due to a clash in the diary I will now have to do this January next year.  My aim is to find other courses and workshops that cover areas that I would like to learn more about such as Strokes, fall prevention, MS and Parkinsons, that should keep me out of trouble and help my clients:-)

​How can I help you?

This year I have helped many people with health issues, seeing some brilliant results.  It has been so rewarding to see their lives change for the better. Remember, if you have been diagnosed with an illness or condition, getting the right exercises and help early-on can slow down the process, at any age.  I am just a phone call or e-mail away, I look forward to hearing from you.


Web site updates

Each year I  update my website and add new photographs of events taken throughout the year, so please feel free to take a look and comment.  I also like to update my testimonials on my Google account, so if you have enjoyed my classes or Personal Training sessions, it would be great to hear from you.  You can do this by clicking here: I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Thank you.


I plan on doing a few more fund raising events in 2017, so if you have a charity that you would like me to help with please contact me and I will be happy to speak to you and arrange something.

If you have any questions on health related issues you would like to ask me, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail, text or calling me.


Wishing you a happy, fit and healthy life.

Keep smiling and the world around you will follow.



Best Wishes

​Lorraine x

​

​

​Hello Ladies and Gents,
I hope this Newsletter reaches you and your family in good health.
What a busy year it has been it has gone very quickly, can't believe it is December again.

​On the 27th June I completed my 8th Midnight walk for St Catherine's hospice in Crawley, the weather was kind to us and there was a brilliant carnival atmosphere. Sadly my training buddy Angela Hayler was unable to do the walk with me due to a hip injury, but my good friend Kathy Waller came to the rescue with just 24 hours notice. She did extremely well considering she had no training and then walked a fast 7 miles. Thank you to everyone that sponsored Kathy and myself, I managed to raise just over £300 for a very worth cause. So ladies if you fancy a challenge then join me next year, we could have a big group of us!

​My brilliant Horsham aqua ladies work very hard in the pool and they are a lovely sociable group; I always enjoy our Winter and summer luncheons. It is nice for me to catch up with them, as it is not easy to talk to my ladies when they are dripping wet and getting cold. The restaurants copes well with all 24 of us; mind you they do put us in our own room! None of this would be possible without three wonderful ladies, Lesley/Anne and Wendy. They do all the planning and getting everyone in the right place at the right time, thank you ladies your work is very much appreciated. 

In October I met some amazing people that walked 20 miles for St Barnabas South Downs Trek, it was a brilliant achievement for everyone that took part. We were blessed with a sunny and warm day, so it made the event even more enjoyable.  It was a real honour giving medals out at the end; these ladies, gents, boys and girls deserved them.  Maybe this could be a challenge you might be up for next year?

​December has been a busy month for me. I have attended STOTT Pilates workshops at YMCA London, these covered programmes for Scoliosis/Osteoporosis and Mat work classes for Breast cancer. It was a long day, but very informative. My aim is to use this new knowledge with my clients who have these health issues. Over the past year I have been receiving more referrals that would benefit from these new classes. I took two days out to refresh my First Aid at work training in Littlehampton with St Johns Ambulance, can’t believe three years has gone since I last did a course!

​Want to stay fit during your pregnancy? I teach an aqua natal class at Pavilions Horsham on a Tuesday 12.30 to 1.15pm, there is no need to book just turn up. There are many benefits of exercising in water when pregnant, the class is designed to be safe and effective for pregnancy. Some of the benefits are: easing the joints especially the pelvis during late stages, keeping the body cooler as you exercise more comfortable for you and safer for the baby, increased range of movement as restrictions have been limited, and a perfect class to meet other expectant mothers and find new friends with similar interests. You are welcome to join me from conception to being over due; I have had a couple of ladies who have been over due that delivered later in the evening after doing my class! Unfortunately babies are not allowed pool side, but you are welcome to come back after your 6 week check to start getting fit again...the perfect way to get yourself back to normal aqua classes. 

​On a Monday afternoon I teach Pilates classes at Sullington parish hall, starting with mixed ability including 60 plus at 1.30pm then Remedial at 2.40pm. Pilates is a brilliant way of promoting a stronger back, having a better posture and toning up. It is suitable for all ages and genders, if you have health issues that make it difficult to attend a normal class then Remedial class will be perfect for you. The exercises are modified or equipment is used to help you achieve correct movement and support during the exercises, with the benefit of being in a small class so individual attention can be given if needed. Fancy having a go? Try your first class free; please contact me if you have any questions at all.

​With summer a distance memory and winter upon us, this is the time to start something new.  How about working towards a healthier, fitter and happier you? It does not have to cost a fortune and can sometimes be free.  This time of year your local leisure centres have some amazing offers on classes, gym and swimming like free taster weeks and trial gym membership. If you need motivation to start doing exercise why not get a friend or a member of your family to come and join you, you will keep each other going. If money is tight, there is plenty you can do for very little if no money at all.  Walking is a brilliant form of exercise; there are some very pretty places to go locally.  If you have a bike try getting out on the Downs links, they are normally fairly flat and no cars around so prefect for the whole family.  Charity shops are a good source of cheap fitness DVD’s, you can do these at your own leisure and in the comfort of your home. Doing these DVD’s can be fun, but even better if you do it with a friend!  As your fitness levels increase it is a good idea to have a goal or challenge to work towards, so why not sign up for a charity walk/run/cycle event. You get fitter and the charities raise funds, everyone is a winner!

​ Over the past year I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing ladies and gents that have been such an inspiration, they have battled with cancer/MS and Parkinson’s. They either come to my classes or see me for Personal Training sessions, each week they work so hard determined not to let their health issues get in the way of getting healthier/fitter and into recovery. They have shown me that by being positive and being in charge of your improving your own life and health gets some brilliant results. I am so proud of these ladies and gents; it is a real honour to teach and become good friends with them. I think we all have something to learn from them…be positive and you can change your life for the better!

​I am currently updating my website and adding new photos and videos of events during the year, so you can enjoy them. I am also after some updated testimonials to add to the site and to my Google account, so if you have enjoyed my classes or one of my personal training sessions it would be great to hear from you. You can do this by clicking on the button below. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.

Wow what a summer it has been! I hope you have all kept fit and well.

I have certainly kept myself busy since the last newsletter, in April/May I did a total of 12 hours of STOTT Pilates work shops in the London YMCA centre, I came back with some new exercises and went over some old ones I had forgotten about.

"The classes are held on a Thursday and Friday evenings at Steyning Centre, they were initially aimed at mum’s.  Being a mother of two myself I know just how hard it is to make much needed time for yourself to relax, unwind and switch off.  So I decided to set up R and R, a unique combination of relaxation techniques, positive visualization, meditation and Reiki that will leave you feeling relaxed, re-energized and more positive.  These friendly, informal sessions are held in small groups (maximum of 4) and last around an  hour.  A trial session is only £5, so come along and join me and experience complete deep relaxation. Email [email protected] or phone 07818 638997 for upcoming session availability."

"Have you had a hard training session with Lorraine? My name is Angie and may I introduce you to a sports massage!  After working the body hard there is nothing better to ease tense and tired muscles and to get you ready for the next training session. 

Sports massage is a deeper, more intense massage and incorporates a combination of other techniques such as stretching , compression and friction. It can be used for maintenance, pre and post event, and to aid rehabilitation after injury.  I offer a mobile service so I massage you in your own home, which makes it easier for you.  To view my accreditation please visit my website www.arunmassagetherapy.com and click on the FHT link.  If you would like to book an appointment for a sports massage please call me on 07720 876669 or email me at [email protected].  Join me at www.facebook.com/arunmassagetherapy or twitter @ArunMassage"

"On the 12th September 2014 I, along with a team of 30 other trekkers, flew out to Marrakech to take part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s hardest fundraising challenge to date.  Over a period of 8 days, we climbed the 2 highest peaks in the Atlas mountains and the  Tizi Ouanoums pass.

After two days of trekking, the first peak we tackled was M’Goun which stands at 4,068m. The steep and rocky ascent took us up onto an exposed ridge which we followed along to the summit, which we reached after 8 hours climbing.  It took us a further 6.5 hours to descend and trek to our camp for the night.  A total trek time of 14.5 hours!

After an “easy” day of trekking down the through the valley of Azib Imin Oulaoune, next came the Tizi Ouanoums pass.  On route to the pass we walked up to and around the highest lake in Morocco, Lac Ifni (2,200m).  The path then zig-zagged steeply up through the pass, until we eventually reached the summit at 3664m.    In total it took us 11.5 hours to reach the summit of the pass, having climbed that day a total of 1600m.  To put that into perspective, Ben Nevis is a climb of approximately 1,000m!

The final summit and the highest was Toubkal.  This is the highest peak in North Africa standing at 4167m.  We set off at 4.30am in the morning, reaching the summit at around 9.30am.  After admiring the views and taking the customary photographs we started our descent.  This proved more tricky than the ascent as the wind was by this stage gusting at speeds of around 70 miles an hour.  However, we all managed to get down safely, with just a few tumbles and bruises thanks to the fabulous support of the local Berbers.  After some lunch we then had a 6 hour walk through the valley to our accommodation for the night.  A total trek today of 15 hours. 

The terrain and altitude made this trek an immense challenge and I am extremely proud to have completed it.

Everyone involved gave their absolute all to complete this challenge and the reason we all did it was  to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.  The incredible efforts of all involved in the challenge have to date raised the sum of £125,601.  This money will go a long way to helping people affected by cancer and their families. It is a frightening statistic that 1 in 3 of us will be affected in cancer in our lifetime.  Having had first-hand experience of the support that Macmillan offers, I cannot express enough how important their work is.  Macmillan is completely funded by charitable donations.

If anybody would like to find out more about why I took part in this challenge and perhaps make a donation, please visit my Justgiving page – www.justgiving.com/PaulaJJones.Thank you"