Pilates is so jolly good for us.....and so is green soup!

Pilates is so jolly good for us in no end of ways. For me though, what I especially love about it is that there is always something new that can be found to focus on within even the most basic of exercises, right up to those at the highest level.  This is because, like anything, the more Pilates is practiced, the more knowledge is gained, and so all the different components, principles and technical nuances of all of the exercises become so much more inherently understood. After a little while, all that inherent knowledge suddenly translates into an altogether more meaningful and considered execution and, of course, as a teacher I am privileged to see this first hand in my class members. Pilates feeds us with that real sense of awareness around physicality and how the mind can so naturally connect with the body to produce quality and thoughtful movement. With regular practice, this can only future proof us, helping us to be the best that we can be, whatever our individual ailments, niggles, or aches and pains. Yes....Pilates is definitely just so jolly good for us!

Which believe it or not, actually brings me around to this morning's pre-Pilates class chat on Zoom. These chats absolutely brighten my day, are such fun, and very often provide me with much inspiration...and this morning was no exception. We were chatting about soup; home-made, heart-warming, joyous and good for us soup. It was quite a timely subject as it happens, as I had actually only recently made a huge vat of kale soup. Sounds very green indeed, doesn’t it? Well, it certainly was….and albeit that I made the recipe up so that I could use up a bag of unused kale lurking in the fridge, it was really delicious. My husband and I thought that it tasted 'properly good for you' with every single green and jolly mouthful! So here it is:

Properly Good For You Green Soup:

1 x large potatoe peeled and diced

1 x medium onion diced

1 x fat clove of garlic

200g kale

1 x litre of vegetable stock (mine was made from 2 Knorr stock pots)

Sweat onions and garlic slowly until soft, melted and translucent. Add diced potatoes and kale, along with the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer until all the vegetables are gloriously cooked and have had time to releasee all their flavour and goodness. Blend until smooth and add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

PS. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Zoom based classes and some will certainly feature in my timetable when I am able to start live 'in venue' Pilates classes once again. Otherwise, on the plan again are Pilates classes in Northamptonshire at Broughton, Orlingbury and Cranford, as well as in Leicestershire at Medbourne, Market Harborough and East Farndon.

If you are thinking of taking up Pilates and would like to come and join me either on Zoom or when I open up my live classes again, just get in touch with me HERE including a brief message.

Cheerio for now....Jane F