I felt very daunted about starting our little pelvic floor safe studio.
Before we even bought our new property in Hampstead Road, which then gave birth to the studio, the proposition of completely handing over responsibility to other physiotherapists for treatments of my patients, was inconceivable to me. But when I first found my two talented locums, (one of whom, Jane, continues with me to this day) who allowed me to keep my practice open, while I went to Melbourne in 2015 to see my first beautiful grandson, the first big hurdle had been overcome.
But then to branch out into a formal exercise studio – that made me feel completely out of my depth. But I have been blessed with my instructors – Amanda, Monique, Nicoletta and Alison (with help also through that time from Lori, Michaela and Emily) who have such dedication to helping women find their potential with exercise in a safe way and a pain-free way.
Our studio is growing and when I was in dance yesterday I suddenly realised I feel like we have created a little community at 194 Gladstone Road, Highgate Hill. I have a whole group of new pals – my dance buddies – yes we tear up the floor to Beyonce, Michael Buble, Ricky Martin plus many other fabulous artists and their tunes. And we do it safely – knowing no one will laugh at us, criticise us or belittle our body shapes or coordination. We are all there for the same purpose… to have fun, to keep our brains alert and firing (laying down complex moves, renewing neural circuits every class), to get a good cardio workout, strengthen muscles, free up ageing joints and improve our bone density.
The Mums and Bubs class is also an opportunity for new mums to exercise together with their babies and perhaps exchange some sleepless nights stories that maybe make you feel you aren’t the only one that’s sleep deprived. There are definitely some group dynamics going on such that when someone had been away for quite a few weeks everyone was worried about what may have happened to that person and when she returned from her illness there were soothing words from the ladies in the class to make her feel welcome back.
We were all strangers to start with, but we all know each other now and enjoy our chats before the class starts and what I have found is that everyone is very welcoming to new arrivals at Studio194. In these times of increasing isolation for many people, I love that our studio is providing a space where people can come together and feel positive and happy for a period of time. I like to feel it’s a safe zone in turbulent times.
Ailsa, my completely devoted supporter of Studio194, who takes as much pleasure in seeing our numbers grow as I do plus some of our dance stars!
Our latest class, our new Barre class at 10.30am on Fridays with Alison Spink, who is also doing some one-on-ones before the Barre class, is becoming a favourite with our Studio194 members. Alison tailors it to your ability and it certainly helps with flexibility and strength. Don’t feel worried about it – give it a go.
With Christmas upon us in a flash, if you are looking for a most worthwhile pressie for someone, we are selling gift vouchers at various price points which are gift wrapped and with a gift card and the prices are even slightly cheaper than if you bought the classes on-line! So if you are sick of nighties or chocolates for Xmas make sure you drop some big hints or better still ring my secretaries yourself on ph: 3848 9601 and you can pay over the phone and it will be posted out free of charge. Then don’t forget to tell your loved ones how much they owe you!
In the meantime in case you haven’t realised it’s only 5 weeks to Christmas so to avoid that last-minute rush and struggle with the carparks – pace yourself and start getting organised!
PS If you are feeling stressed and anxious or have pain issues, don’t forget the Pain/Relaxation class on a Monday night with myself at 6.15pm – it really sets you up for a happier, more relaxed mindset for the week.
Studio 194: Our little community is growing!
