Melanie Christou Pilates

How are you coping with the current situation?
Would you like to introduce a little bit of routine to your week? Or perhaps, your back is aching more than usual because of the awkward working from home positions you've been finding yourself in?
These small, friendly classes are a great solution and what's more you'll receive personal attention, corrections and adaptations to suit your body.
... Have a look at the weekly schedule and feel free to take action immediately by sending a message to book your place.
'See' you in a class soon! Mx
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Do you find trying an online Pilates class terrifying? ⁠ ⁠ A new client sent me this yesterday...she was terrified but she went ahead anyway. ⁠ ⁠ What's really great about virtual classes (be it group, or private) is that you can get a class tailored to your needs and give you a good challenge without it feeling impossible. ⁠... ⁠ What are you waiting for? ⁠ ⁠ Did you know you could book a 15 minute phone or Zoom consultation with me?
This is to help you figure out if an online Pilates classes is for you and get tips to help your back pain asap.⁠ ⁠ To book your complimentary consultation simply go to my website (link in profile) or www.melaniechristoupilates.co.uk ⁠ ⁠ Speak to you soon! ⁠
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NEW VIDEO -- Mobilise Your Shoulders in 5 minutes 😮
Are your shoulders and neck hurting and feeling stiff? Stop what you're doing, lie down on the floor and join me in this EASY and QUICK routine that will help you loosen up.
Did you know you can book a complimentary 15mins phone/Zoom consultation with me?
... Visit my website www.melaniechristoupilates.co.uk click the button and select a convenient time slot.
This complimentary consultation is for you if you want to learn more about how Pilates can help your back, and get a personalised strategy to implement for a happier back
Speak to you soon!
https://vimeo.com/271691119
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Slow Cooker Rosemary Bread 😋
I confess, I have made this yet but it's my plan to make it today. I'll post a 'real' picture once it's ready!
Ingredients for 8 servings
... 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water (300 mL) 1 teaspoon sugar 1 packet active dry yeast, about 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for sprinkling 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 g), plus more for dusting
Preparation In a large bowl, mix together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir. Let sit for 15 minutes, until the surface is foamy.
Add the salt, olive oil, and rosemary. Mix well.
Slowly add the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.
Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, until it is no longer sticky.
Set the dough in the middle of a piece of parchment paper large enough to line the slow cooker.
Place the parchment paper with the dough in the slow cooker. Drape a kitchen towel over the top and cover with the lid.
Set the slow cooker to warm and let the dough proof for about 30 minutes, until doubled in size. Check occasionally to make sure the dough is not cooking.
Lift the parchment paper to remove the dough from the slow cooker.
Sprinkle a bit of flour on a clean surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then shape it into a ball that will fit in the slow cooker.
Place the dough back on the parchment paper and return to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with salt and rosemary.
Cover the slow cooker with the towel and the lid and cook on high heat for 1½-2 hours, until the bread has a thick, dry, white crust, or a thermometer inserted in the loaf reaches 190°F (90°C).
Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Using the parchment paper, transfer the bread to a baking sheet. Trim the excess parchment.
Bake for 5-10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Let cool for about 15 minutes, then slice.
Recipe from Tasty.co @buzzfeedtasty
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So grateful for the wonderful feedback clients (new, and existing) have been sharing with me.
Is your back in need of some attention?
Feel free to get in touch to find out what the options are for group, and private classes.
... 🙏
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As a new week starts, what if you allow yourself to adjust to each day as it comes?
Make the most of each day 💜

Why is this better than following a YouTube video/fitness app?
Because the YouTube video/ fitness app doesn't:
- Tailor the class to your fitness needs... - Offer corrections - Help you exercise safely - Give you an hour of human connection
That's what's so valuable about joining a live, online class 💜
Worried about not getting the technology to work?
We're here to help you set up and get online to enjoy your class.
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Prison Workout inspired Pilates
That's what I've been serving this week 🤭
Yes, things are tough... Yes, we feel anxious, confused and bored Yes, we are faced with loss (and gain)
No, it doesn't mean we'll stop looking after ourselves
You don't have to stay strong emotionally, let yourself feel whatever he/she needs to feel...
But do the 100s whilst you're at it 😜
Next week's schedule of live, online group classes is looking juicy:
Monday
Wake Up Class at 8am Intermediate at 19:10 Improver at 20:15
Tuesday
Wake Up Class at 8am Core Beginner at 13:00
Thursday
Mixed level at 18:30 Intermediate at 19:30
Friday
Wake Up Class at 8am
SEND ME A MESSAGE OR EMAIL hello@melaniechristoupilates.co.uk TO FIND OUT HOW TO BOOK
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Don't let the lockdown defeat you 🤜🦠
Move your body Get a break from your computer Connect with your breath... Get a workout
Joining live-streamed classes has never been easier!
Next available Group class is 👇
Thursday | 18:30 Improver level
Thursday | 19:30 Intermediate level
To book one of these please message @pilateswithlucy
I'll post full timetable soon!
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HEALTHY BACKS & STRONG SPINES sessions are now available online 😀
BENEFITS
... Relieve sore back/neck Keep muscles strong and conditioned
Have a breather
Stay healthy
BETTER THAN YOUTUBE, WHY?
You will get a tailored class
I will ask you about your body and if there are any areas you wish to focus on You will get corrections and tips like it was a face-to-face class
You get access to my experience and knowledge
FEATURES
One hour long Delivered by Zoom You don't need a lot of space
You can use your laptop/phone camera
You can receive a recording of the session for self-practice
HOW TO BOOK
Click the link in my biog, or send a message
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HEALTHY BACKS & STRONG SPINES sessions are now available online 😀
BENEFITS
... Relieve sore back/neck
Keep muscles strong and conditioned
Have a breather
Stay healthy
BETTER THAN YOUTUBE, WHY?
You will get a tailored class
I will ask you about your body and if there are any areas you wish to focus on
You will get corrections and tips like it was a face-to-face class
You get access to my experience and knowledge
FEATURES
One hour long
Delivered by Zoom
You don't need a lot of space
You can use your laptop/phone camera
You can receive a recording of the session for self-practice
HOW TO BOOK
Click the link in my biog, or send a message
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Yes it's possible! Yes it's much better than you think 😜
Is working from home already messing with your body?
... Keep fit and bring a low back pain expert in your home with virtual, online classes.
Worried about the technology?
We can help you set up, all you need is a phone or laptop and a WiFi connection.
👍 Get in touch by DM message or by visiting the website to get your complimentary phone consultation 👍
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Classes continue online via Zoom 🏃‍♀️
Get in touch if you would like to find out more about 1:1 sessions.
If you are interested in joining an online group class, like the one in the image my current schedule is:
... ▪️Mondays
19:10 -- Intermediate level 20:15 -- Improver level
Contact @marketstudiosgreenwich
▪️ Thursdays
18:30 -- Mixed level 19:30 -- Improver/Intermediate
Contact @pilateswithlucy
▪️ Monday-Friday
One to one sessions at various times
Contact me for info
BENEFITS OF ONLINE LIVE CLASSES:
▪️ You still get corrections and individual attention
▪️You maintain your fitness levels
▪️ Exercise makes you feel happier, less stressed and more connected
▪️You connect with other humans
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Weeeeeee 🏄‍♀️
Balancing is about movement, not about staying still
Most of the work is happening on the standing leg and as you can see due to my mild scoliosis on the R side I tend to 'drop' into it
... Time to surf on our feet!
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CLEMENTINE AND ALMOND CAKE 🍊⁠ ⁠ In the mood for baking? Clementines are still in season so why not give this cake from Rick Stein a go this weekend?⁠ ⁠ INGREDIENTS⁠... ⁠ 2 large clementines (about 200g/7oz), cleaned⁠ 4 large free-range eggs⁠ 1 large lemon, zest only⁠ 160g/5¾oz golden caster sugar⁠ 100ml/3½fl oz olive oil⁠ 175g/6oz ground almonds⁠ 2 tsp baking powder⁠ ⁠ For the syrup⁠ 15g/½oz caster sugar⁠ 1 large lemon, juice only⁠ ⁠ To serve⁠ icing or caster sugar, for dusting⁠ 250ml/9fl oz whipped cream (optional)⁠ 2–3 oranges, segmented⁠ ⁠ METHOD⁠ ⁠ 1. Place the clementines in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside until cool enough to handle. Cut the clementines in half and discard the pips.⁠ ⁠ 2. Put the clementines, including the skin, into a food processor and blend to a paste.⁠ ⁠ 3. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4, grease a 20cm/8in spring-form cake tin and line the bottom with baking paper.⁠ ⁠ 4. Whisk together the eggs, lemon zest and caster sugar in a bowl. Add the olive oil and beat until light and well combined. Stir in the clementine paste then fold in the ground almonds and baking powder.⁠ ⁠ 5. Spoon the mixture into the tin and bake for 50 minutes or until well risen and golden-brown. The cake should have slightly shrunken from the sides and be springy to the touch. Leave it to cool in the tin on a wire rack.⁠ ⁠ 6. Meanwhile, to make the syrup, warm the sugar and lemon juice in a small pan over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Make lots of small holes all over the cake with a piece of uncooked spaghetti or cocktail stick, and drizzle over the lemon syrup. Let the cake cool completely in the tin, turn it out on to a serving plate, dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream and orange segments.⁠ ⁠ Recipe from @bbcgoodfood - https://www.bbc.co.uk/…/recipes/clement ine_and_almond_72249⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #pilates #pilateslondon #fitfam #corestrength #melaniechristoupilates #haggerston #canadawater #inspiration
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Pilates is more than just one hour on the mat once a week, Pilates carries through into your everyday life to help make it even better ✨⁠ ⁠ #pilates #pilateslondon #fitfam #corestrength #melaniechristoupilates #haggerston #canadawater #inspiration

💙💜💛⁠ ⁠ #pilates #pilateslondon #fitfam #corestrength #melaniechristoupilates #haggerston #canadawater #inspiration

SMOKY SPICED VEGGIE RICE "Try this vegan take on a jambalaya, full of fiery and smoky flavours and bursting with vegetables. It's healthy, low in fat and calories, yet big on flavour" 🔥
INGREDIENTS 25g cashews 4 tbsp olive oil... 1 corn cob 250g rainbow baby carrots, halved lengthways 2 red onions, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 2 large red peppers, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning 1½ tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp chipotle paste 2 tbsp tomato purée 200g heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 400g can cherry tomatoes 300g long-grain rice, washed 400ml vegetable or vegan stock 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (vegan varieties are readily available) 2 tbsp caster sugar 2 spring onions, finely sliced
METHOD 1. Dry-fry the cashews in a large saucepan or casserole dish over a medium heat until golden brown. Remove from the heat, leave to cool, then roughly chop. Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same pan over a high heat, then fry the corn on each side for 20 seconds to char. Remove from the pan, set aside, then tip in the carrots and fry for 5 mins. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Heat the rest of the oil in the same pan over a medium heat and fry the onions and celery for 10 mins until soft and slightly coloured. Tip in the peppers and garlic, then fry for another 5 mins before adding the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chipotle paste and tomato purée. Fry for 1 min until the spices are fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes and fry for another 2 mins. 3. Stir in the kidney beans, canned tomatoes, rice, stock, vinegar and sugar, then stir until everything is combined. Bring to the boil, then cover with a lid and simmer with a lid on for 35-40 mins on a medium-low heat, stirring halfway through, until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
4. Slice the corn off the cob and mix it through the rice along with the carrots. Season and garnish with the spring onions and cashews.
Recipe from @bbcgoodfood - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/smoky -spiced-veggie-rice
#pilates #pilateslondon #fitfam #corestrength #melaniechristoupilates #haggerston #canadawater #inspiration
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