2025 - Year In Review

It's hard to believe that we are at the end of another year, which means it's time to look back at the most popular blog posts of 2025. As we head towards 2026, I highlight the most-read blog posts that educated and inspired you, aiming to provide thought-provoking content throughout the year. It's always fascinating to see which posts resonate with my readers. Do the top 5 blog posts of 2025 strike a chord with you too?

5. What Is The Single Best Pilates Exercise For Pain Relief?

 Many people suffering from chronic pain, especially back pain, often ask for that one "magic" exercise that will offer instant relief. While I completely understand the desire for a quick fix—having been there myself—I have to be honest: there isn’t just one exercise that will solve all your pain problems. The body is complex and interconnected, and to overcome chronic pain, a comprehensive approach is needed, which Pilates provides. Pilates acknowledges that every part of the body is connected, and when one muscle or joint isn’t functioning properly, it affects the rest of the system. This interconnected approach helps you to let go of old movement patterns that no longer serve you and create new ones, which ultimately helps you to overcome chronic pain.

In my experience, when clients focus on just one exercise, such as my client who practised the same exercise every day for months, it can lead to imbalances and setbacks. Joseph Pilates designed 34 different mat exercises to provide a full-body workout, and it's important to practice a variety to address different needs. Pilates exercises can be modified based on individual needs, injuries, and pain levels, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. It’s all about an integrated, balanced practice to restore movement, reduce pain, and keep your body functioning optimally. Check out the full post for more insights into why variety is key in overcoming chronic pain and how Pilates can help you feel better long-term.

4. Easy Ways To Boost Your Breakfast Protein Intake

In this post, I share my personal breakfast routine and how it transformed my energy levels, helping me overcome chronic fatigue. After struggling with hunger and low energy for years, I discovered the power of protein-rich meals, particularly at breakfast. I now start my day with a nutrient-packed breakfast, including quinoa porridge, chia seeds, eggs, and seasonal fruit, all designed to fuel my body for the day ahead. I also offer practical meal prep tips to make this breakfast easy to prepare, even on busy mornings. If you're looking for inspiration to boost your morning routine and energy, check out the full post for more details on the benefits of a protein-rich breakfast and how to make it work for you! 

3. Longevity Tips From My Late Great Aunt Enid

Coming in at 3rd place is one of my personal favourites, where I reflect on the remarkable life of my Aunty Enid, who lived to 99, just five months shy of her 100th birthday. Although she never consciously followed longevity advice, her lifestyle naturally aligned with many modern research-backed habits for living a long, healthy life. Aunty Enid was resourceful, passionate about nursing, deeply involved in her faith and community, and always practised self-care. She maintained an active lifestyle, even in her later years, and believed in the importance of preparing her own meals to ensure a healthy diet. Her approach to life and ageing is truly inspiring, and I share these observations so you can incorporate some of her practices into your own routine for a healthier future. Read the full post to discover more about Aunty Enid's life lessons and how you can apply them to your own journey to health and longevity!

2. Do You Know What's In Your Drinking Water?

The second most popular blog post of 2025 was about a highly discussed topic in Australia in 2025, which was the contamination of our drinking water with PFAS, or "forever chemicals."  These man-made substances are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and cosmetics. These chemicals don’t break down easily, and as a result, they accumulate in the environment and human body over time, potentially leading to health issues such as hormone disruption, liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer. Despite stricter regulations taking effect in July 2025, some areas still have dangerously high PFAS levels in their water supply. To learn more about how you can protect yourself from ingesting these chemicals, read my full blog post here.

1. The Hidden Danger Of Ageing No One Talks About

A few years ago, I attended a Reformer Pilates class at a popular franchised studio to give an honest opinion about the quality of the session. One major takeaway was the noticeable lack of balance training. Despite a common standing reformer exercise, Scooter, being included, most participants couldn't perform it without assistance. This exercise challenges balance by requiring you to stand on one leg while the other leg moves the carriage. Yet, everyone except me used a pole for support, even though they were relatively young and healthy. The experience was eye-opening, especially since balance naturally starts to decline between the ages of 40 and 50. If we don’t actively work on it, it deteriorates further, increasing the risk of falls as we age.

The truth is, balance is often overlooked, but it's critical for maintaining functional fitness, particularly as we get older. Falls can be fatal, and society tends to accept them as part of ageing, but they don’t have to be. With balance, you can not only prevent falls but also improve your overall functional fitness and prevent injury. Starting with simple exercises like balancing on one leg can make a huge difference.

Want to improve your balance and functional fitness? Read the full post to learn more about how you can incorporate balance training into your routine and start preventing falls today.

If you have any questions at all about how Pilates can help you to stay strong and healthy as you age, email me at [email protected] .  Alternatively, if you would like to begin your Pilates journey, book your in-depth Initial Assessment with me via Teams or work independently at your own pace through my library of on-demand videos.  Take the free 10 day trial and start now.  It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to pain-free living as you age!