“Before Friday, March 13, the day I closed the doors on my busy, bustling and much-loved studio in Rathmichael, my working days were super-saturated with work. I was planning and teaching up to five classes a day, keeping up with administration and taking care of my personal training clients. Then, suddenly, all structure, urgency and routine stopped dead. It was like walking into a still and silent vacuum. Overnight I went from not having a minute to myself to being incredibly time-rich.

Within 48 hours, my eldest son Aaron moved me onto the Patreon online platform so I could maintain continuity with my classes and personal training clients – helping them stay strong (and sane) while in isolation. From beginner to advanced, everyone can benefit from these online classes which I record in my light, airy studio. Clients can access these 20-minute videos at any time which is more convenient than joining a Zoom class at a prescribed time. While technically we all feel we should have more time, in fact, fitting exercise into a timetable which may include working from home, home schooling, a lengthy essentials shopping trip, dropping in to cocooners, connecting with friends and family, as well as the usual chores, can be tricky.

With our usual routines disrupted and limits imposed on how far we can run, walk and play, we are all seeking variety in our exercise routines. Pilates helps you tone up, increase flexibility, reshape your body and regain a sense of wellbeing. With health and safety as a priority, I employ the most up-to-the-minute techniques. I have Stott Pilates & Balanced Body Reformer Pilates Qualification and 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Whether you prefer to start the day with a 20-minute session, or end it, or fit it in at lunchtime, the class is there, on the platform, ready to be accessed by you.

After nearly four weeks of going online at www.patreon.com/secretpilates, current, previous and new clients have joined and are calling the daily 20-minute workout their lifesaver. As a result, a happy, fun online community has naturally occurred. This has given me so much pleasure, to feel connected to old friends and new ones in a way I never thought possible. It may not be the same as meeting face to face, but it’s a wonderful development for now.

Like many of you, for me, this crisis has brought about a re-evaluation of how we live, and lasting changes to quality of life, time and resources. When all this is over, I will continue to work less, buy less and want less. I will read more, chat to friends and family more and listen to more music and podcasts. While I am looking forward to welcoming back my wonderful clients in the studio, I will definitely change the daily work routine. I’ve discovered, it really is true – the less you need, the better you feel. I have stepped off the hamster wheel and it is the best thing I have ever done. Come and join me at www.patreon.com/secretpilates.”