Episode 101: Jacqui Kingswell
Jacqui Kingswell On The Importance of a Routine
This week Samantha chats with Jacqui Kingswell, the Co-Founder & Director of The Pilates Class, certified pilates instructor and meditation coach. For most of her life she worked as a professional dancer touring and working with international artists such as Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue and Ricky Martin and many more. Jacqui’s focus as a pilates instructor is to make the most of your workout through focusing on technique and posture. She wants her clients to set a new standard for their body and what it deserves - to treat it with love and care because confidence and beauty starts from within.
The two discuss how Jacqui built her business, why she started it and her outlook on health and wellness. Jacqui shares how she finds balance with it all and importance of her morning and night routines.
To learn more about The Fit Fatale click HERE
To learn more about The Pilates Class click HERE
To connect with Samantha click HERE
To connect with Jacqui click HERE
To subscribe to Samantha’s newsletter, stay up to date on new podcast episodes and all things The Fit Fatale click HERE
Podcast Script
[00:00:00] Monetize your passion for wellbeing like a job you love every single day. Find a happy life from a healthy lifestyle. What's up guys. This is Spin, Skin and Other Addictions, a podcast by me, Samantha E Cutler of The Fit Fatale. Each week I'm going to take you deeper into the world of wellness with entrepreneurs who are building brands designed to better your life.
[00:00:27] So you'll be hearing from fitness gurus, medical specialists, and influencers in the world of fitness, health, beauty, and nutrition. I hope you guys love it. Let's get down.
Jacqui: I think like lowering your expectations with your workouts is, is a place to start for those listening because, get rid of the expectations, but you know that, okay, I'm going to go on my mat today and I'm just going to start a class.
[00:00:55] I'm going to see how I feel. And if it's not right for me, I'm just going to stop that class and maybe I'll do [00:01:00] a stretch class. And even if it's 5 or 10 minutes on the mat, It's still an amazing achievement.
[00:01:06] Sam: You're listening to spin, skin and other addictions episode number 101 this week, I have Jacqui Kingswell, the co-founder and creator of The Pilates Class. Now you guys may know Jacqui from Instagram, she herself is a health guru. She's an influencer in the space of health and wellness and mindset movement, body and she just released her newest e-book called nourish me, which is all just recipes that she was organically sharing.
[00:01:39] And what you may have seen even more than Jackie is the Pilates class all over Instagram and social media, different influencers have really just jumped on board with this movement and this sensation of doing Pilates in a way that works for you and really customizing it.
[00:01:54] Whether that's the time you spend doing it or the different approaches to it, building [00:02:00] community with other like-minded individuals all around the world. And Jacqui today on this episode, shares tons of different insights into not only just building her business and why she did that, but also into our outlook on health and wellness, her approach to balance and her morning and night routines, all different fun information that we can really aspire to incorporate as an entrepreneur.
[00:02:23] And what I love about Jacqui's energy, she's so in tune and peaceful and calm, and she does reference in the episode, how, if she could, she would work all the time. She loves her job, but our energy was just so peaceful at the same time as she works, as she's passionate and as she hustles, we don't need to always be so stressed about it.
[00:02:44] And so overwhelmed, we can make it about taking care of ourselves. And so there's a lot in here that I hope you'll love. Jacqui is just really a great person to be looking up to as an entrepreneur, but also as an influencer and someone in this space, [00:03:00] that's really leading the way for self-care and self-love.
[00:03:03] So without further ado, here's Jackie Kingswell.
[00:03:07]
[00:03:07] Sam: Hello everyone. And welcome to another episode of Spin, Skin and Other Addictions. Today I am joined by Jacqui Kingswell. She is the co-founder and director of The Pilates Class, which you may have seen across Instagram.
[00:03:22] There has been a ton of hype around The Pilates Class and Jacqui herself as well. So I'm really excited to have her here on the show today. She is a certified Pilates instructor and meditation coach. Any of my listeners here, know I am a big fan of meditation. Um, it's a big part of my life and my wellbeing as is Pilates.
[00:03:42] So for me, this is sort of a selfish episode. I feel like I say that a lot because I have a lot of founders and, and, um, you know, entrepreneurs on here that do and create things that I absolutely love. But heck isn't that the point of this anyway. So Jacqui, thank you so much for being here with me today.[00:04:00]
[00:04:00] Jacqui: Hi, thank you so much for having me and thank you for that amazing intro. I'm really excited.
[00:04:05] Sam: So am I. I feel like we're kind of kindred spirits in a lot of way. I think you do a lot of things that I connect with really closely, and I'm just excited for this conversation, but before we dive into some of the questions, I've I have lingering at the tip of my tongue.
[00:04:23] Can you share a little bit of your background and how you got to where you are today in creating the Pilates Class?
[00:04:31] Jacqui: Yeah, sure. So, um, basically I was born in Melbourne Australia, um, and I started dancing at the age of three. I saw my big sister dancing and then I just kind of followed in her footsteps. So my whole life I was in studios, um, doing ballet, jazz, all types of dancing up until the age of 18.
[00:04:59] I [00:05:00] always wanted to dance. It was something I was really passionate about. Um, you know, I knew from a really young age that that was what I wanted to do. So I was really focused on that. And, um, I went to a full-time dance school instead of going to year 11 and 12 of high school, which is in Australia, it's your final year of high school. Um, yeah, I was just, I was just dancing full time. Um, and then basically got certified with a cert for performing arts. And from there I started working professionally as a dancer, so I was touring with artists. So I was traveling all around the world working, um, as a backup dancer.
[00:05:45] And it was amazing. I was very, very lucky to have, you know, a full-time career as a dancer. And then after nine years, I decided actually, I didn't want to dance anymore. My body was just telling [00:06:00] me, you know, this isn't sustainable and, um, I was always doing Pilates alongside all my dance training since I was really young.
[00:06:10] And so for me, it was just a natural progression really from dancing I started teaching in studios Pilates. And I just found that it had this really big impact on people. And I guess the way that that I was teaching, I found a really rewarding. So I was doing that full time, I had given out my, my dance career and I was, I was teaching in studios and honestly it felt quite amazing because I think as a dancer you know, it's very, it was all about me and like my, my passion and my dreams and I was on stage filling up.
[00:06:46] But then it got to a point where it just wasn't really giving anything. I wasn't really getting anything more from it. So teaching and studios and really connecting with people I felt really fulfilled. And I knew that was [00:07:00] what I wanted to do. So I was doing that consistently for a few years. Um, and then the pandemic hit and I lost all my work and I was crying in the car with my husband saying, you know, what am I going to do?
[00:07:15] I have no work. Um, how am I going to pay a mortgage as I'm sure a lot of people went through something really similar. And then really quickly, I started teaching my classes online and I really didn't know what was going to come of that. I just, I just felt this need to do it. And a lot of my clients, you know, through the pandemic and everyone all over the world, it was in.
[00:07:44] More need than ever with mental health as well as physical. So I was just doing all I could to just keep my clients, you know, healthy and, um, uh, had a lot of, a lot of traction from that. And, um, [00:08:00] yeah, that's when The Pilates Class was born.
[00:08:03] Sam: I love that you there's a few things in there I want to touch on the first is how humble you are about your dance experience in your dance past.
[00:08:14] And you've been a backup dancer for singers like Beyonce and Ricky Martin. So those listening Jacqui was extremely serious and so talented in the dance space, but what is even more incredible is hearing your story of how in tuned and receptive you were to what your body was telling you when you realized this is too much on me.
[00:08:35] This is not sustainable for my body. What can be sustainable and you turn to Pilates. And I do love hearing that story because so many of our listeners probably find themselves struggling or forcing themselves into something that they think their body should be doing. And sometimes it becomes too hard over time, or sometimes it becomes so stressful that it's actually more negative on [00:09:00] our bodies and Pilates is so therapeutic. Can you share a little bit more about how that impacts our bodies in such a positive way and really the benefits of Pilates as a whole?
[00:09:12] Jacqui: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, back to what you were saying, you know, about really being in tune with your body. I think as a dancer, uh, you know, my, my body was my work.
[00:09:25] So if I got injured, I was out of work. So from a really young age, I learned how to nurture my body and to really look, look out for it and to look after it because if I was injured, then I wouldn't be working. And so that principal, you know, that I learned at a really young age applies to the principles that I teach on The Pilates Class.
[00:09:49] And it's something that Pilates teaches you. It's an amazing form of exercise because it teaches you resistance. Um, it builds [00:10:00] strength, it builds flexibility and so you can really learn to understand your body and how it works and to listen to your body and what it's telling you, because every day is different.
[00:10:13] And especially for women who get their cycle, um, there's different phases of the month. You have different horomone changes and not every day, you're going to want to do a really intense workout. Some days you might just need a stretch, but it takes quite a lot of practice in and tuning in and the right instructor to actually teach you that because you know, we live in a world that you see people working out really intensely all the time and maybe they're sharing one particular part of their life and not the other. Um, so we often think, okay, we really have to work so hard to get something out of a workout, but it's actually, for me [00:11:00] the way to have a sustainable and really healthy relationship with working out.
[00:11:06] Sam: Yeah and just, you know, everybody is different, as you said and I also liked that you touched on every woman who does get their cycle and their period experiences, different hormones or energy levels. And as you say that I can relate to it right now.
[00:11:21] I have my period and I was having a struggle this morning, thinking about how I didn't feel like working out. And instead I went on a nice walk and, you know, grabbed a coffee and just enjoyed my process that way. But we still, even those of us who are so you know, in tune with our bodies, have that still struggled of thinking, okay, this is what I'm supposed to do.
[00:11:42] And we need to be able to have resources to reach for what feels good what we feel like we should be doing and what our body's telling us to be doing versus the should, like you said, on Instagram in a curated way, but we need to have various different outlets to reach for. [00:12:00]
[00:12:00] Jacqui: Yeah, absolutely.
[00:12:01] And I mean, you know, there's days where I feel like not working out and, but then I kind of have that inner mental chat with myself where I'm like, but I know that if I get on my mat, then I'm going to feel good for it. So. You know, I, I think like lowering your expectations with your workouts is, is a place to start for those listening because, get rid of the expectations, but you know that, okay, I'm going to go on my mat today and I'm just going to start a class.
[00:12:29] I'm going to see how I feel. And if it's not right for me, I'm just going to stop that class and maybe I'll do a stretch class. And even if it's 5 or 10 minutes on the mat, It's still an amazing achievement. You know, you don't have to be on your mat for 45 to 50 minutes, sweating, like crazy to feel like you've achieved something.
[00:12:48] I always say the second that you've stood on your mat you're a step ahead. And that's an amazing achievement. The hardest part really is actually just getting on the mat, but once you lower those [00:13:00] expectations, and even if you show up for a five minute gentle stretch, then that's incredible.
[00:13:06] Sam: And I do feel like that's one thing the pandemic has shifted in a lot of people because when we were going to in-person classes, of course you want to have your, you want to give as an instructor or as a studio, someone's money's worth right of the class. And so the classes are often 45 minutes an hour, you know, sometimes I've been to yoga classes that are an hour 30.
[00:13:27] Usually I didn't realize I signed up for those. And then you're wondering how you're there for that long and how you'll stay in the world's longest Shavasana. But I do feel like -
[00:13:38] Jacqui: Which is quite nice.
[00:13:39] Sam: If you're, um, a person who has a harder time slowing down and tuning in that can be really difficult, but I do also feel like the pandemic has opened doors for us to find more efficiency in our workouts and also be more understanding that they don't have to be 45 minutes or an hour.
[00:13:58] They can be like you [00:14:00] said, 20, 25 minutes, something that just makes us feel good. And we can just get ourselves there. And oftentimes, I mean, I'd love to hear your perspective on this, Jacqui, but I find if I tell myself, okay, I'm going to do a 10 minute quickie. If I just get on the mat, as you said, and I do that 10 minute quickie, I'll be like, okay, well maybe I'll add another 20 minute one after that, because you've already gotten to that point where you're there, you're feeling good and you're in it now versus kind of training your brain to be okay with a full hour of something.
[00:14:34] Jacqui: Absolutely. I mean, I'm all for the short workouts, like my favorite workout or one of my favorite workouts on The Pilates Class is a 15 minute morning energy burst.
[00:14:46] And I actually have a category on that, which is, um, 15 minute workouts. So we have pilates body classes, which is, you know, 30 to 45 minutes long, then we have goals classes, which is targeted [00:15:00] at specific muscle groups. So it might be a 10 minute abs class, or it might be a 20 minute booty class, or it might be a 20 minute abs & booty class or 10 minute abs & arms, um, or inner thighs.
[00:15:15] So it's basically targeted at, at one muscle group. Um, and then we also have the energy boost class, which they're just full body, short and effective. You kind of get in there, you get your endorphin high you stretch, you, you find that connection with your core, and then you're done. And I mean, many days I'll just do 10, 15 minutes and I feel amazing.
[00:15:37] And you know, I don't have this sense of feeling like, oh, I should have done more because I think. Well, if I wanted to do more, I would, and I have the option to, but 15 minutes serves me right now. And so that's great. Then days I'll really feel like actually I need that 45 minutes just to like, be with [00:16:00] myself because you know, for me, the second that I step on the mat, it's a time just for me, signifies a time to really tune into my body.
[00:16:08] I'm not on my phone. I'm really working to be present with my mind and my body on the mat. And so it is really a time for me. And I feel like your mat should, should signify that too, like working out should really be enjoyable. And it's something that you really look forward to because you know how amazing it's gonna gonna feel.
[00:16:30] And I think that's one thing, again, that I learned at a young age, dancing and training, um, doing really intense classes. I, I didn't lack when I had to thrash my body and when I had to do really high, intense workouts for an hour, because then when I had that class coming up again, I would dread it. So I was like this isn't going to work for me.
[00:16:54] I have to change this. It's so hard to find what works for you, you know, and [00:17:00] everybody is different. Like some, some people love the high intensity classes and then others, like the slow workouts, which are just as effective. Um, and so, you know, you just have to learn what your body is telling you what you like and it will change as well over time, depending on what your workloads like, if you have kids, like what time of the month it is, um, seasons.
[00:17:26] There's so many different factors.
[00:17:29] Sam: Absolutely, and you said it, you have to find what works for you. And I know there's probably a lot of people listening that perhaps don't incorporate Pilates into their routine and maybe are looking for ways that they can do that. And what would you suggest to someone who would want to incorporate Pilates or maybe more lower impact workouts into their already established routine and why that's so important as well?
[00:17:56] Jacqui: Well, I think Pilates is amazing, obviously, [00:18:00] because there are just so many amazing benefits. It releases stress, stress intention, both in your mind and your body. It teaches you control precision balance. It improves your flexibility, your posture, um, and just overall awareness. Of the mind and body. So I think that no matter what your training workout is like, um, whether you are going to the gym and you're lifting really heavy weights, or you going to a boxing class or you're a swimmer, or you're a tennis player, Pilates really does go hand in hand and enhances other parts of your workouts.
[00:18:38] And that's exactly why I started doing it really young as a dancer because the principal of my school and a lot of ballet dancers do this as well. Um, they bring in Pilates because it helps with other areas of fitness. Not just fitness, you know, not just being on the mat, but also being off the mat too.
[00:18:58] Like, you know, if [00:19:00] you are working at your desk all day and you're getting a little bit tired or you have kids and you're picking them up or you're going grocery shopping, like just day to day life, if you start to tune into how your body's feeling that midday and then 3:00 PM.Are you hunching your shoulders are you like slouching into one hip. Pilates really teaches you to be aware of your posture and it helps correct it. So it really is amazing.
[00:19:27] Sam: Yeah. And I love what you said about like your posture and day-to-day things that we don't realize are so impacted. We think you know right away about our fitness and how that makes us look or feel in the moment, but not the every day, I guess, sort of functional movements that we need and the strength that we need from Pilates, whether that's core or, you know, your back muscles and kind of, navigating your day-to-day life.
[00:19:53] I remember doing Pilates. And one time I had an instructor, this was years ago just saying like, we want to work these certain muscles [00:20:00] because we want to be able to pick up our kids. Right? Like you want to be able to have that strength or carry your groceries. And the second someone can think about it in a more functional, realistic way of every day versus. You know, I want to have a six pack or I want to look a certain way, you know, those vain. Those vain reasons, which we all have of course, but the functional piece of it really hits home when there's something you want to do, like I want to play with my kids or I want to be able to hold them in a way that my postures okay. My backs not in pain. Um, I know you, Jacqui also look at everything as the full picture. It's not just your fitness, but it's also your health and your well-being your mindset. And also food is a big part of that. And you are just releasing something right now. Your new ebook called nourish me.
[00:20:51] Can you tell us a little bit about that?
[00:20:55] Jacqui: Yeah, of course. So nourish me. It's a 30 day nutritional plan [00:21:00] and I created, um, all of my favorite recipes that I put into the book. And I worked alongside a qualified nutritionists there are 50 recipes, um, that are nutrient dense that fuel your body, they're really quite easy to make.
[00:21:18] They're really delicious in my opinion, because they're all my favorite recipes and things that I cook every day. Um, they're mostly vegetarian, but they are customizable. So if you are vegan, we have substitutes. If you want to add some protein in, you can add protein. Um, and yeah, we also offer supplement support, um, guidance for weight loss, sustainability practices. And so it's a really amazing 30 day guide. It also is, you know, you can follow it as a 30 day guide, but if you also want to just kind of pick and choose which recipes speak to you, you can just pick your favorites as [00:22:00] well and create, you know, your weekly plan, however, suits your lifestyle.
[00:22:05] Sam: Right, as a cookbook.
[00:22:08] Jacqui: Yeah and it's, you know, it's something that the members actually on The Pilates Class, um, we're really interested in because food is something that I absolutely love. It's the big part of my life. I love being in the kitchen cooking. Um, you know, my mat's my happy place, but also the kitchen is my happy place.
[00:22:27] And so I would post, you know, pictures of what I be cooking in the kitchen and I had so many DM's from all the members, which I'm really in tune with and I connect with on a day-to-day basis. And then they was saying like, Jacqui, can you share these recipe? Like, can you bring out a cookbook? Which, you know, I never imagined doing, but, um, it's what they asked for.
[00:22:49] So I decided to put one together and yeah, it's been really well received, which is really nice because they all my favorite recipe.
[00:22:59] Sam: And where can [00:23:00] everyone find that? Is it on your website? Is it on Amazon? How can people access it, if they're interested.
[00:23:06] Jacqui: Yeah. So it's on our website, just thepilatesclass.com.
[00:23:10] If you just go to shop, it's the nourish me, it's an e-book. So you just purchase and download, you can add it to your phone, add it to your books. And that's really amazing actually, because, you know, I'll just type either on my computer or my phone, I'll pull up the PDF and just type in like, you know, healthy pancakes, and then they'll just come up.
[00:23:30] So it's, it's really easy to navigate..
[00:23:34] Sam: That sounds incredible. I definitely need to try some of your recipes Jacqui. I've seen them of course, on social media, but I haven't had the chance to get my hands on the e-book yet. I'm going to have to try some of those cause I feel like, especially because a lot of them are plant-based as you said, that's definitely right up my alley.
[00:23:51] Um, I'd love for you to share a little bit more on why healthy eating ties so closely into your personal movement and how it's [00:24:00] impacted your life, I guess, from your perspective.
[00:24:04] Jacqui: Well, I mean, Again, like growing up as a dancer. I used to train from 8:00 AM in the morning until 4:00 PM at night.
[00:24:13] And so it would be, you know, just class after class. And from a young age, I really learnt like on the days that I would, you know, eat a sugary type of food, um, I would feel like kind of spikes in my energy and then I would drop off. Um, and I also learned about nutrition growing up with my dance practice.
[00:24:40] Um, and so, you know, food was always fuel for us and I think it really does once you tune into like what you're eating and how it's actually making you feel, you start to choose those healthier options because you want to have. [00:25:00] Mental clarity throughout the day. You want to have energy throughout the day.
[00:25:04] And I think like, you know, it's such an essential part of everyone's life and I think most people want to feel, feel that best. So fueling your body is, is really important.
[00:25:16] Sam: A hundred percent. Like I, I just think that it ties so closely into energy levels as well. Um, and you speak about that, just being able to feel good and not have that crash, right. Because why spend the time taking care of ourselves in so many other ways, if what we're putting in our bodies at the end of the day is contradictory to that, to that self care that we're we're channeling from other places.
[00:25:40] Jacqui: Yeah. And I mean, don't get me wrong. Like I will go out and if there's like a sticky date pudding on the menu, like I'm going to order it, I'm going to eat it. I'm going to love every second of it. Like I'm not, I'm definitely not like strict with what I ate. Um, I just ate whatever I feel and, you know,but I usually [00:26:00] pick the healthy options, because I know are they going to serve me more.
[00:26:03] But in saying that, you know, if I go out with some friends and then someone wants to order dessert, like there's no holding back from me. I think it's nice. If you feel like you want to have some thing that's good for the soul, like you should definitely indulge when you want, but you just want to tune into your body and realize like, oh, how do I feel after having this like, dessert or like ice cream or whatever it is. And at the time it's always amazing and then afterwards, you know, you might not feel as good, but it's okay because it was serving your soul, which I think is important. And then on the other days, you want to pick food that, you know, are fueling your mind and your body.
[00:26:44] Sam: Absolutely. And I think the word really is mindful, right? It's it's about being mindful around what choices we're making so that when we, I guess, you know, what I'm hearing you say is that when we are picking those, those things that fuel our soul, as you say, and I love that. I [00:27:00] love that you explain it that way.
[00:27:01] We're mindful that it is, instead of just reaching for something because it's it's there or because it's sweet or because we know we're going to have that energy crash and I love the way you explain that, like, be aware that it's fueling your soul and recognize it and almost thank it for doing that.
[00:27:18] And you know, on other days when you don't need that, or you don't want to feel the way, you know, you'll feel perhaps after it's, it's opting to not do that, but doing it mindfully when you are making those choices.
[00:27:31] Jacqui: Yeah and a lot of the recipes in nourish me as well. You know, I understand that people live really busy lives and like you, it's quite hard to prep and just to eat really healthy all the time.
[00:27:44] So all of the meals they're like quick and easy, you can just like. You know, if you prep on like a Sunday is, is what I say in the book, um, get all your groceries or most of them, um, you'll be able to eat like healthy for, you know, five [00:28:00] days for that week. And then, you know, because some days you might be working.
[00:28:04] And you would just kind of get caught up and then you'll realize like, oh my gosh, it's 1:30 and like, I haven't had lunch yet. And so you just like reach for something that's going to be fast, but it might not always be the best option because you haven't had time to prepare. But the nourish me book teaches you like some staples to have in the pantry and to shop and get fresh produce on, on the weekend.
[00:28:29] So then like if you do ever find yourself in that situation, you can just go to the fridge and like whip up a really delicious, easy salad that's going to fuel you. And. You know, fill you up for the day.
[00:28:41] Sam: I also think there's a beauty in gamifying it sometimes, I mean, we do this at home, my fiance, and I will look in the fridge and, you know, almost make it like a game, right.
[00:28:50] Because you'll buy your produce. And sometimes you're towards the end of the week and you have like one kale leftover and something funny. And then you realize, oh, I have rice noodles. And it's sort of this game of [00:29:00] like, I don't really have anything that you make.
[00:29:02] Jacqui: Throw everything in.
[00:29:03] Sam: Like how can I make this into a healthy nourishing meal that makes me feel good.
[00:29:08] But it's almost a game. Cause you have to kind of, you know, question yourself and your memory of what were those other recipes that I made? Like what spices can I throw in here? That's gonna make this into something edible.
[00:29:18] Jacqui: It's so funny you say that because, so I never follow a recipe because that's basically how I've created all these recipes in the book.
[00:29:26] And so when I was actually writing the recipe, I was sitting there with one of my team members and she was like, okay, so how many cups of this do you put it in? Um, like, you know, I just go to my fridge and like break off a bit of kale and like chop it up and throw it in. Um, so yeah, I love that you do that.
[00:29:47] And I encourage people to do that always, you know, like leftovers of what ever is in your fridge, just like grab it and make stir frys. It's always amazing to just get your, whatever [00:30:00] vegetables, almost like going to go off instead of throwing them out, like just throw it in the pan and like create your own sauce.
[00:30:06] Um, put some rice or noodles with that. And then there's a delicious meal.
[00:30:11] Sam: Absolutely. It's like our parents used to call it the kitchen sink, right? Like everything and the kitchen sink, which by the way is pretty gross. If you think about it, I'd rather call it the kitchen, fridge soup or meal. Think doesn't sound like anywhere.
[00:30:23] I'd like to get my produce, but it's definitely the same approach. That I'd love to switch gears a little bit. Now, Jacqui, and here's some of your routines and your daily must do's when it comes to like morning routine and night routine. I know all of our listeners are super big on that, um, on following, along with what works for entrepreneurs, especially, but definitely those in the health space.
[00:30:50] So can you share some of those with us today?
[00:30:53] Jacqui: Yeah, of course I love morning and night routines. So basically in the morning I'll wake up. [00:31:00] I usually know like what workout I'm going to do for the week, because I follow one of our schedules on the platform that get updated weekly. So I'll know what workout I'm doing the night before I'll just prepare my active wear.
[00:31:13] So I just wake up, put my active layer on, roll out my mat, put some music on, and then I do a class. I usually have a glass of water as well. Like that's kind of the first thing, actually, glass of water themthenwork out, um, do my Pilates class, it will always end in a stretch and if I feel like I just need.
[00:31:34] You know, five or 10 minutes of breathing or meditation, I'll do that as well. And then I'll have my morning coffee, which is usually just a shot of coffee with some art milk, I've been having ice coffees at the moment in the winter time, I'll usually do a hot coffee and I'll add some coconut oil in there as well.
[00:31:56] And then I get ready for my day and that's my morning. [00:32:00]
[00:32:00] Sam: Hmm. And for those listening, Jacqui, you're over in Australia. So we're just going into our winter here in Canada and in the U.S.
[00:32:09] Jacqui: Yeah, well, I'm actually in LA right now.
[00:32:12] Sam: You're in LA, okay well, you can still have ice coffees.
[00:32:16] Jacqui: Yeah, the weather is amazing. I think, you know, getting outside every day to just get 15 minutes of vitamin D, which is so important to do for everyone, listening, get those arms and legs out and again, get in the sun for 15 minutes every day, if you can.
[00:32:32] Sam: Yeah. I find it hard as we go into the winter months to continue to stay motivated. Obviously it's a little bit cooler here. Um, I'm based in Toronto, we're back and forth in New York and it's significantly colder than LA. I'll give you that, but it's hard to like, you know, still get yourself out, moving and walking and getting out into the fresh air and you kinda just want to like hibernate.
[00:32:55] So, um, I definitely feel that advice.
[00:33:00] Jacqui: [00:33:00] I feel that, I mean, I was just in the UK. Definitely a lot colder than here. And I felt my motivation levels just like dropping. Um, but I really good tip for that is like, have an accountability partner. If you have a friend that you like working out with, so you can just like text them and be like, okay, this week, this is our schedule.
[00:33:20] And then you can kind of follow up and be like, did you get on your mat. And then it's like somebody else holding you accountable, which is a good tip to say motivated.
[00:33:31] Sam: Yeah. I love that. Do you schedule out, I mean, you said you have your schedule set out on the Pilates class for the week, but do you mark, like what time they're going to be at, or is it always the first thing you do in the morning? Um, do you plan out all of your meals? What does that look like when you kind of prep on your Sunday?
[00:33:49] Jacqui: Yeah. So basically on a Sunday we released a new weekly workout and two weekly schedule. So we'll have chill to satisfying or satisfying to intense. [00:34:00] So depending on what mood you're in that week, you can, you can pick from the two schedules at the moment, we're doing an October challenge, which is so intense and my body is so sore, but I'm actually loving every single second of it. Yeah, it's really nice. So yeah, I basically I'll get the schedule on a, on a Sunday, which I follow. And then also Sunday, I'll go to either depends if a farmer's markets on a Saturday or a Sunday, and I just go and buy, like whatever's in season.
[00:34:32] For that particular day lots of fruit and vegetables. And then, yeah, I just, I basically will just prep for the week on a Sunday. I'll make like a big batch of granola. So I have that for the week and, I'll pick like, you know, four or five recipes. Um, but yeah, and I have, I have a full on nighttime routine if you want to hear that.
[00:34:55] Sam: Absolutely.
[00:34:56] I love a good nighttime routine. So tell us that. And I'm also curious what [00:35:00] time you go to bed at. I always find that fascinating.
[00:35:02] Jacqui: Okay. Yes, I sleep. I absolutely love okay. But basically nighttime routines, so I'll finish work. Um, and I really try and switch off because it's, it's hard when you're obviously like you're really passionate about your work and I could just work all day every day.
[00:35:22] If I didn't have an off button. I really have to make sure, like I'm switching off from work and I'll, um, you know, cook dinner and I'll spend time with my husband. And then basically at like 7- 7:30, I'll put on my blue light glasses. So it blocks out the blue light and then I'll, I'll limit my apps on my phone.
[00:35:44] So, you know, if I go to click into Instagram, it will say. You know, you've passed your limit. Like, do you actually want to go into this? And so you're kind of like conscious of otherwise. I feel like I just get into a routine of like clicking in. [00:36:00] Um, so I've put, put those on. And then, um, before bedtime I will have a shower.
[00:36:07] I'll take some like lemon balm. I'll take some magnesium, I'll take some ashwaganda. So just some supplements and then I'll do some breathing. My, my husband actually loves to do this breathing exercise from Wim Hoff. I don't know if you've heard of it. Um, but it's just like deep breathing and then a breath holds and then basically I'll read my Kindle.
[00:36:33] My phone is like out of the bedroom by this stage. Um, and then I just go to sleep, but I try and go to sleep at the same time from like Monday to Friday. And I quite like to be, you know, wrapping up, like getting off the couch at like 9:30, 9:45. So I have like at least 45 minutes of like just downtime, no technology, just [00:37:00] really kind of, yeah having that, having that time cause I feel like I sleep a lot better. Like if I go out and maybe I'm going, I'm going to a concert or I'm with some friends and I'm out for dinner late. I know when I come home and I haven't had that downtime, I definitely don't sleep as well.
[00:37:18] Sam: Right. And it's hard to fall asleep cause you're sort of feeling that energy still that you got from being around everyone. I find that's really difficult coming back from a dinner instead of just like, even if you have your 45 minutes that you take extra or later, it's still hard to disconnect your mind's going.
[00:37:35] Jacqui: Yeah. And I have to say, like, I definitely am quite strict on this.
[00:37:41] Like I'm really strict on my nighttime routine because I absolutely love sleep and I love waking up feeling like I want to get on my mat. I loved having my morning coffee and the days that I don't sleep as well. I'm just not as happy. I haven't had like as good of a day. If, if the night before I'm not [00:38:00] sleeping that well.
[00:38:00] So even though sometimes it can be a little hard socially. Um, I just, I'm quite confident and quite proud of actually going well, I'm actually gonna leave now cause I need to, I need to do my my bedtime routine. And it is a bit of a joke even amongst like my family. And they're like, oh, Jacqui and her husband, like, they're like the Nana and grandpa, but honestly, I'm really proud of it.
[00:38:27] Sam: Okay. I need to start doing that cause I often feel that in groups and you're just like, oh, I can't leave. I'm going to be embarrassing person, but I love that you just do that.
[00:38:40] Jacqui: Just call it out. I'll be like, I'm leaving and if people like where, why you leaving? I'm like, oh, I've got to do my bedtime routine and they'll be like you are so lame, I'm like I don't care. Like, I'm going, I want to sleep good.
[00:38:53] Sam: I find the worst is when you think about it and then you choose not to do it. Like you remain in that social setting [00:39:00] and then nothing really climactic happens. You kind of just are there for another hour. And then the next day you wake up and you're really tired and you're totally thrown off and you couldn't get to bed.
[00:39:11] And you're like, I stayed for nothing, right? Like nothing really happened. They see it as more quality time with people, but like, you probably had that in the first few hours. And then you ended up like lingering for another hour or two, and it's just, doesn't really have a point.
[00:39:25] Jacqui: I would quite like for all social situations like one of my, one of my pet hates is the long drawn out and goodbye.. Like, I will usually, you know, I'm spending time with people. I love, I love socializing and connecting with others, but then once I'm ready to go, I'm like see you and give like a kiss and a hug and be like so nice to see you I'm out, and my goodbyes have gotten really quick right now.
[00:39:53] So I have to say, if you can get quick at your goodbyes, you get a longer bedtime wind down.
[00:39:59] Sam: Okay. You [00:40:00] have to do a post on how to say a quick goodbye because actually my fiance and I always debate this cause he's always like, we should just leave. Like he, he'll just Irish goodbye, if he can. I think that's the term. If you can do it.
[00:40:13] Jacqui: And never say goodbye.
[00:40:14] Sam: He'll be like, let's just leave.
[00:40:15] Like everyone's busy. Yeah. You know, it's fine. Like it's going to take too long to go around and say goodbye to everyone. And I'm the complete opposite where I need to go, like the opposite of what you're saying, Jacqui. I need to go and say goodbye to everyone. And each person is going to tell me, like the next time they're going to see me.
[00:40:30] You know, it's like this whole conversation with every person. And I think there's like a middle ground. Um, but you need to probably do to post on that. I would love that.
[00:40:40] Jacqui: I think, I think you could definitely you and your fiance could meet in the middle. Like I feel like saying goodbye to people is quite nice and see saying like, you know, so good to see you like I'm out, I'll see you soon. And then you just, that's all you have to say. And then you just leave.
[00:40:56] Sam: I know, and then you just got to go. You're like that's it we're out. [00:41:00]
[00:41:00] Jacqui: You're out. So we'll give you an extra hour. I guarantee that is your bedtime wind down.
[00:41:05] Sam: I need to get that time back. Okay. I'm going to try that this, especially now that we're in social situations after the pandemic and, you know, back doing things and with groups of people.
[00:41:17] Uh, initially I think we all sort of like through our schedules for a loop, because we were isolated for so long and we were just happy and thankful to be with people. So it didn't matter. It was like, you know, normally I'd go to bed, but we've been locked up for a year, so I'm just going to stay or I'm just going to, you know, like allow myself to have that extra time or sleep less.
[00:41:39] You know, not sacrifice any of those moments. Um, and then it's now been like quite a few months that we're in those scenarios. So then it gets to a point where it's like, is this the new routine? Cause it shouldn't be.
[00:41:51] Jacqui: Yeah. I feel like they have, it's two sides of that as well. There was a lot of people who were really excited to go and socialize.
[00:41:58] And then there was also some people [00:42:00] that actually found socializing to become quite overwhelming because we had been in lockdown for so long. So yeah, again, it's just finding that balance.
[00:42:14] Sam: Absolutely Jacqui. I want to thank you so much for being here today and I'd love if you can just share where everyone can find you and the Pilates class, of course, on social, um, you know, your website, anything where our listeners can get ahold of you and maybe even try out a class with you.
[00:42:33] Jacqui: Yeah, absolutely. So if you do want to try the platform and try some classes, we have a free seven day trial, which you can find us through our website, www.thepilatesclass.com. We also have an app that you can download. If you just type in the Pilates class, you can trail all the classes there. Um, you can find me on social media, on my personal social media is at @jacquikingswell. [00:43:00] And if you want to follow the Pilates class, it's @thepilatesclass. Also, if you do join the platform and it's something that you really like, I also really recommend joining out community groups through Facebook. We have members from all over the world and we have community latest in different cities.
[00:43:22] And it is really the most supportive, inspiring community I have ever seen. Um, so yeah, if you feel like you want to join something, I definitely recommend joining that.
[00:43:34] Sam: I love that. I love being able to just connect with like minded people all around the world, especially like you said about having accountability partners, um, you know, workout buddies with you, the community aspect is so important. So that's a great, that's a great call out.
[00:43:49] I want to just finish off by saying thank you, Jacqui so much for your time. I really loved our chat and I'm so excited to share this with our listeners. There's so much in here. I'm excited [00:44:00] to start my new goodbye routine that you've just shared with me. And definitely try out some of your classes as well at the same time and dive into those recipes.
[00:44:08] So thank you for your time and for sharing all of that with us.
[00:44:12] Jacqui: Thank you so much for having me, that was really fun.