Sara Cory Isbister

I have a spot available tomorrow, Sat for 6:30am Pilates!

Start your weekend off with a fun early morning class.

Movement adaptable for diverse abilities, injuries and health conditions. The very small class size makes it easier to accommodate individual needs.

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Casual $20 per class (4 people max per class)

Fill out this form if you're interested to join OR interested in other potiental classes in real life.

https://forms.gle/GGY2PUXPsRiw7cVQA

Sara XO

6:30am Saturday Pilates Class Section 1 Contact Details Section 2 Health History Section 3 Terms and Conditions

Resistance To Exercise: Maybe Your Body Is Right🤷‍♀️

We've all faced the internal struggle to exercise, battling the looming dread or the constant inner voice resisting the workout we think we should be doing. Why do we resist exercise, and could it be that our bodies are trying to tell us something important?

Let's face it, motivating ourselves through sheer willpower can only get us so far. Our bodies, in their wisdom, may be resisting exercise because we're bombarding them with cortisol, the stress hormone, instead of the much-needed dopamine, the natural motivator that naturally accompanies activities we enjoy. It's a classic case of too much stick and not enough carrot.

But what if our resistance to exercise is a subtle message from our bodies, urging us to step back and reassess our approach? We live in a culture that glorifies crushing goals and pushing ourselves relentlessly, but our bodies might be advocating for a more balanced perspective.

Consider the concept that not being motivated all the time is okay. In fact, it might be exactly what our bodies need. Taking a break, allowing ourselves to rest, and engaging in activities other than our usual exercise routine can be a form of self-care that our bodies crave.

When we set ambitious goals or adhere to preconceived notions of how we should perform, our bodies may rebel. Perhaps the key is to tune in and listen to what our bodies truly need. Sometimes, the misalignment between our goals and our body's requirements can be a source of resistance.

For those diving back into exercise with newfound enthusiasm, the common pitfall is doing too much too soon. Whether it's pushing our bodies beyond our capacity physically, mentally, or generally adding extra demands when we’re already maxed out, imbalance can lead to resistance. It's crucial to match the loads and stresses of exercise with our current capacity.

Furthermore, our exercise schedules often disregard the natural cyclical fluctuations of our energy levels. Take, for instance, the female menstrual cycle—a perfect illustration of how our bodies ebb and flow. Adjusting exercise intensity based on these natural rhythms, like lowering volume around menstruation and increasing it around mid-cycle, can be the key to sustainable fitness.

Strength and energy are not actually built in the gym; we build these afterwards during recovery—rest and sleep are non-negotiable components. Understanding that different types of movement in response to our nervous system activation is vital. Our emotional state also calls for a tailored movement prescription; if it feels overwhelming, dial back the intensity, and if it's boredom creeping in, add more variety.

So, if you've ever felt like you're constantly falling off the exercise wagon, maybe it's not a failure but an intuitive response to what your body truly needs. Perhaps your body is asking for something different than the routine you have set.

Our bodies are incredible communicators, and by listening and responding to their cues, we may discover a more sustainable and enjoyable path to fitness.

Sara Cory Isbister,
BSc (PE), PGDip (Exercise Medicine), Pilates Therapy, Trauma-Informed Facilitator

Love my studio space🥰

Understanding that movement is a response to our individual nervous system needs, rather than a form of coercion to contort ourselves into a predetermined mould, can revolutionize our relationship with exercise.

Personally, movement gives me space and time to get my bearings. It engages a wide variety of body senses that regulate my nervous system. Engaging in the movement based sensing systems creates a sense of orientation (centeredness/calm/clarity/organization) in a world that often feels disorienting. Movement (through the senses it engages) is a language which can be used to communicate with our own bodies, to create a sense of peace (nervous system regulation) that is invaluable.

By acknowledging the diverse needs of our bodies and the varied benefits of movement, we open doors to a more inclusive and nurturing approach to exercise. The most beneficial things about exercise isn't weightloss. I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for a more updated narrative around exercise that is way more supportive to every body.

Two decades working in the movement industry, I’ve seen so many people struggle with exercise in similar ways to how I did. I see the stress and pressure that people put on themselves to maintain specific body types. I often see clients with injuries or somatic trauma because of pushing themselves beyond their current ability and capacities, while following weight loss focused one-size-fits-all exercise programming.

The outdated notion that weight loss or conforming to a certain body size equates to health needs to be dismantled. Health is a multidimensional concept that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we move our bodies to cultivate feelings of first safety, support, and empowerment, we embark on a path to genuine thriving.

It was my own fear of not being thin enough that motivated me to pursue a career in exercise science. Growing up, I really struggled with the constant reinforcement from the people in my life that being “good enough” was conditional on achieving a particular body size. Despite my efforts, I couldn't sustain the 'ideal' size advocated by biased BMI charts. Pursuing thinness became a full-time job, which gave me in return, orthorexia (an eating disorder), hormonal dysfunction and a large portfolio of injuries. As an exercise medicine professional, I have been both my worst and best client.

In our pursuit of health and well-being, we often fall into the trap of equating exercise solely with weight loss. This mindset, deeply ingrained in our society, stems from unrealistic beauty standards and the belief that a certain body size is synonymous with health. However, it's time we shift our perspective. Exercise holds an abundance of benefits beyond shedding kilos. Also, it's essential to recognize that what's considered "healthy" for one body may not be supportive for another.

There's far more interesting and beneficial things about movement than weightloss...

If you are curious to experience a session with me or create another, I have 2 spaces open, next week Thursday morning warmly waiting for anyone called to join.

Thursday 27th July
👉10am NZT
👉11:30am NZT

These are private sessions for an individual or small group (max 4). In person or Zoom. Service options and pricing in page bio or get in touch directly.

Message Sara Cory Isbister for bookings & queries 🤳📲

💛Sara

Are you feeling stuck in your body and energy, despite trying numerous therapies and methods?

It can be disheartening when all the strategies you've explored don't seem to work.

But what if there's a different approach that focuses on slowing down, tuning into your body, and understanding the deeper reasons behind your challenges?
I offer a nurturing and compassionate space for individuals who have been on a long journey of seeking support. I believe that you already hold the wisdom within yourself and that it's not about doing more or following someone else's plan. Instead, it's about fostering a deeper connection with your body and internal experiences.

You don't need another exercise routine or a list of recommendations. My approach is trauma-informed, acknowledging that past experiences may have shaped your present. However, it’s not required to delve into your story or trauma. Instead the focus is on being present with your body in the here and now, where your movement and sensations reveal valuable insights.

Rather than offering a predetermined solution, I gently guide you towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. True healing comes from listening to your body's cues and responding to its unique needs. My intention is to support you in finding the strategies that work best for you, based on your own strengths and experiences.

In a world where the mind often takes precedence over the body, I provide a safe and inclusive space for exploring the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

How to work with me:

Private Monthly Coaching
(Individuals & Small Groups)
available remotely and in-person at my studio in Featherston, Wairarapa. Message directly for bookings.

Mother Circle 3 Week Course.
Intimate in-person gathering at my studio

Starts 10th June, 8:30am-9:45am.

To join ⬇️⬇️⬇️
➡️https://www.ticketfairy.com/r/22847/1483730

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Have you ever wondered how your body seems to have a "mind" of its own? It can instinctively move, startle, breathe, or sense things before they happen. Maybe you've even noticed moments when your body reacts differently from what your mind tells you. All these experiences are connected to the incredible mind-body connection facilitated by our nervous system.

Our nervous system acts as the bridge between our mind and body, orchestrating an intricate dance. It's responsible for quick responses, like jumping to loud noises, swiftly transmitting signals for our safety.

Sometimes, our body responds beyond conscious thoughts. This mind-body dance arises from our nervous system's ability to react to emotions and stress independently. Understanding this allows us to navigate emotions, manage stress, alleviate tension, & cultivate self-awareness for a balanced life.

To nurture our nervous systems & enhance the mind-body connection, we can incorporate mindful practices into our daily routines. By paying attention to our body's signals & trusting our intuition, we can make better decisions that align with our true selves. Engaging in activities like mindful movement, meditation, deep breathing, & body-based restorative techniques empowers us to strengthen the mind-body connection & promote overall wellbeing. There are various forms of mind-body activities available to suit different preferences, & just one form of mind-body awareness can bring benefits. Once we grasp the basics of the mind-body connection, we can apply it to many aspects of life because it's ultimately about choosing how we want to be, rather than something we simply do.

Embracing the mind-body connection is a journey towards holistic health & wellbeing. By nurturing our nervous systems, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, harmonize our emotions, & make choices that align with our inner wisdom.

Reflecting on your own experiences, what patterns do you notice & or how do you nurture your mind-body connection?

DM Sara Cory Isbister for information about how to work with me 📲💆‍♀️💫✨

💛Sara

Your Body Wisdom As Your Guide: A Holistic Movement Therapy Process✨

1. Slow Down and Create Space🌬 Unplug from the hustle of life & create a safe haven to dive deep into your own experience.
2. Tune into Your Body❤ Listen to the whispers of your body. Tune into your body's signals and learn how to listen to its wisdom.
3. Uncover Underlying Factors 🌊 Dive beneath the surface. Explore root causes of chronic pain, stagnant energy or emotional blocks keeping you stuck.
4. Recognise Your Strengths 💪 Embrace your unique strengths & innate ways of learning.
5. Discover Personal Strategies📖 Tap into strategies that already work well for you. Craft your own blueprint for Wellness
6. Slow Down and Be Present🧘‍♀️ Embrace the power of presence. By attentively attending to your body, you'll uncover the solutions you need.
7. Nurture Acceptance and Self-Love🌈 Be held in a space of non-judgment & acceptance. Discover the greatness within you, facilitating self acceptance & ability to advocate for your boundaries.
8. Embrace Self-Discovery🌠 Embark on a journey of self-discovery. Shift your focus to the present, nurturing your body & responding to its cues.
9. Cultivate Self-Love 🥰Practice self-love in action. Respond to your body's needs, honoring rest & self care. Feel the restorative & energising power of self love as you heal & thrive.
10. Transformative Growth 💫 Unlock the wisdom of your body & your true potential.

Let the wisdom of your body guide you towards a path of wellness & fulfilment. Each person's journey is unique, and the process may vary. The key is to approach this process with openess, self-compassion & willingness to explore your body & its innate knowing.

If you're interested in learning more about my Holistic Movement Therapy sessions, please reach out 🙏📲

Parenting can feel like an uphill battle at times, it can be hard to remember that our children don't necessarily need changing or more managing. Often, the biggest struggle lies in mothering ourselves. It's not always easy to meet our own needs and provide self-care, especially when we're unsure of what we truly need or how to go about getting it. The ways we used to rely on may no longer be available to us.

Being a mother profoundly affects how we access support in many ways. Motherhood demands more support from us and necessitates more support for ourselves. It's a journey that requires us to learn to reparent ourselves too, to discover new ways to care for our own needs and well-being.

💫 The Mother Circle, comes from a desire to cultivate support for mothers in ways within themselves that are energy giving. A safe space where you can experience the profound sensation of being held, supported and deeply connected to your own life-force.

Mother Circle is designed to help you learn how the experience of support is mostly sensations in our body, which can be replicated and created through the ways we use our senses and communicate our sensations. It's a powerful opportunity to attune to your sensations and decode the wisdom they hold. Attune to your body, uncover underlying issues, and move forward with more freedom.

Mother Circle
For All Stages of Motherhood
➡️This Saturday, 8:30am to 9:45 am
at the Holistic Movement Therapy Studio.
Full cost $50/person or
Bring a friend for $80

👉Message me directly to join.

Are you feeling stuck in your body and energy, despite trying numerous therapies and methods?

It can be disheartening when all the strategies you've explored don't seem to work.

But what if there's a different approach that focuses on slowing down, tuning into your body, and understanding the deeper reasons behind your challenges?
I offer a nurturing and compassionate space for individuals who have been on a long journey of seeking support. I believe that you already hold the wisdom within yourself and that it's not about doing more or following someone else's plan. Instead, it's about fostering a deeper connection with your body and internal experiences.

You don't need another exercise routine or a list of recommendations. My approach is trauma-informed, acknowledging that past experiences may have shaped your present. However, it’s not required to delve into your story or trauma. Instead the focus is on being present with your body in the here and now, where your movement and sensations reveal valuable insights.

Rather than offering a predetermined solution, I gently guide you towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. True healing comes from listening to your body's cues and responding to its unique needs. My intention is to support you in finding the strategies that work best for you, based on your own strengths and experiences.

In a world where the mind often takes precedence over the body, I provide a safe and inclusive space for exploring the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

How to work with me:

Private Monthly Coaching
(Individuals & Small Groups)
available remotely and in-person at my studio in Featherston, Wairarapa. Message directly for bookings.

Mother Circle 3 Week Course.
Intimate in-person gathering at my studio

Starts 10th June, 8:30am-9:45am.

To join ⬇️⬇️⬇️
➡️https://www.ticketfairy.com/r/22847/1483730

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