Move with Molly

Run a Retreat They Said… “Run a retreat,” they said. “It’ll be easy,” they said… Well, it wasn’t easy — but it was absolutely wonderful ! On 1st May , a group of 20 of us flew into Alicante, Spain, and headed north to the stunning setting of Oodles Retreat in Benissa. With one brilliant chef, three dedicated instructors, a reflexologist, and a skincare expert in tow, we were ready for a week of wellness, movement, laughter, and connection. Oodles was the perfect home base — each room came with an ensuite (some with private terraces), and there were three comfy lounges to choose from. Most of us, however, gravitated to the poolside and the long tables perfect for group meals — both indoor and al fresco, including an unforgettable BBQ evening. The incredible Wendy from Hillstart Nutrition kept us nourished and satisfied with three delicious meals a day , fuelling a packed itinerary of activity and relaxation. Guests dipped into yoga and mindfulness with the calming Tina Morgan from Tina Morgan Yoga, pushed their endurance with running and cycling led by Harry Yates of Storm Performance, and brought the energy with Studio, Pool and Beach Fit sessions with myself, Jo from Deanslade Fitness. It was magic to watch the group gradually unwind, open up, and really settle into the experience over the days. We kicked off with a shared dinner on Friday night and an overview of the days ahead. Each evening finished with a slumber ritual led by Katrina from TempleSpa , helping everyone rest and reset for the next day. And yes — by Monday, the calm had turned to happy chaos ! Throughout the retreat, guests could book in for treatments with Linda from Holistic Feet Time — her reflexology and ear candling were much appreciated! And as the week went on, new ideas bloomed: Monday saw a group take on the incredible Coll de Rates cycle (what a feat!), and by evening I had introduced a whiteboard so everyone could design their perfect final day. That final day started with Beach Fit at 7am , followed by a joyful mix of cycling, yoga, shared meals, and the brilliant Partner Yoga session — which resulted in an incredible amount of laughter. We closed our activities with a calming Yoga Nidra , but the fun didn’t stop there. The lovely Laura organised an evening meal out for the whole group, and we were joined by Denise , who played a big role behind the scenes helping me pull the retreat together. Huge thanks to her! I’ve always said wellness is everything , but for me, it starts with happiness — and this retreat was bursting with it. It wasn’t a “dry” retreat, but everyone stayed sensible… and joyful! I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much, so often. Angie even presented me with a handmade “thank you” plaque by the pool (crafted from a ripped box!) — and miraculously, I wasn’t thrown in! So, would I do it again? I said “maybe in two years”... But the truth is — July 2026 is already calling .

T he Power of Pilates By Jo Meakin What Is Pilates? Pilates is more than just an exercise routine—it’s a whole-body practice that strengthens, lengthens, and balances your body while also calming your mind. At its core, Pilates focuses on developing deep abdominal strength, which provides stability and support for the spine and allows the rest of the body to move with grace and ease. The method was created by Joseph Pilates, who believed movement should be efficient, balanced, and controlled. His approach trains the body to move in harmony, developing strength without bulk, improving flexibility, and encouraging proper alignment. This is why Pilates has become so popular for both athletes and people recovering from injuries—it builds a foundation that supports you in everything you do. The Principles of Pilates Every Pilates session incorporates six core principles: Centring : Power begins in the core—the area between the ribs and pelvis. Concentration : Focused attention ensures you get the most from each move. Control : Every movement is deliberate and mindful. Precision : Proper alignment and placement enhance results. Breath : Full, deep breathing energises the body and calms the mind. Flow : Movements are fluid, connecting strength with grace. Unlike other workouts that rely on endless repetitions, Pilates values quality over quantity. One precise, controlled movement can be more effective than 20 rushed ones. Benefits of Pilates The benefits of Pilates go far beyond stronger abs. With consistent practice, you’ll notice: Improved posture and spinal alignment Increased flexibility and mobility Balanced muscular development More energy and better circulation Reduced back pain and joint stiffness Stronger, leaner muscles without bulk Pilates is also proven to build muscular endurance. Many exercises involve eccentric contractions , where muscles lengthen under tension—think of slowly lowering from a push-up or controlling the release of a Pilates ring. This type of strength training not only tones but also protects your joints. Pilates for Everyone One of the most powerful aspects of Pilates is its adaptability. Whether you’re new to exercise, recovering from an injury, or an elite athlete, Pilates can be tailored to your needs. Exercises can be performed on a mat with little equipment, or on specialised machines such as the reformer. Modifications and progressions mean the method truly is for every body. For older adults, Pilates helps maintain strength, balance, and independence. For athletes, it enhances performance by improving stability, mobility, and core control. For those managing stress, it offers a mind–body connection that leaves you feeling calmer and more energised. A Mind–Body Practice Joseph Pilates believed in the coordination of body, mind, and spirit. By combining breath, focus, and movement, Pilates doesn’t just train the body—it develops awareness, mindfulness, and confidence. In short, Pilates isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about moving smarter. With regular practice, you’ll not only look and feel stronger, but also move through life with greater ease, energy, and flow. .