Time to set some new fitness goals, work on your health? Consider a new fitness and wellbeing programme, where walking and Pilates could be the perfect combination with double benefits. Not only are they both low impact exercises, but also offer mindful movement.
Whilst walking gives a great low-impact cardiovascular workout, pilates also is a low impact workout focusing on deep muscle activation, which is also great for addressing balance, co-ordination, whilst strengthening muscles and joints.
Health and Wellbeing days are a great introduction to spending more time outdoors, getting some fresh air and are ideal for anyone looking to start an exercise programme, or embark on a longer walking holiday combined with Pilates, see below:
Read below some of our testimonials from Pilates clients.
“Our day began with an invigorating walk in the Malvern Hills where we took in beautiful vistas and nature followed by a good work out of Pilates exercises. Before we moved on to Yoga stretches we had a nice lunch together in town. It was an inspiring, pleasant and peaceful day. I will look forward to the next time”. Gail
“I enjoyed the health day in Malvern. Combining a lovely walk in the hills, welcome coffee stop , followed by Pilates and relaxation, a great combination. Highly recommend it. “ Christiane
1 Day Itineary
Walk (4-5 miles)
Mindfulness walking
Pilates Progressions (studio)
Pilates flow and stretch inspired session (studio)
Dates & Venues
Saturday 19 August 10.00-4.00pm – Malvern Hills
Saturday 1 July – 10.00-3.00pm £40 Forest Walk & Pilates (Wyre Forest)
Saturday 4th March 2023 – £50 10.00-4.00pm (Limited numbers – small group only) – Malvern Hills
Saturday 29th April 2023 – £50 -10.00-4.00pm Malvern Hills
Coastal Retreat Wellbeing weekends – Coming soon – TBA
Fitness 1:1
The 1:1 session will enable us to conduct an initial assessment and formulate a programme based on your individual training goals and needs.
This is ideal if you are recovering from an injury or have not been involved in exercise for some time. Whether you are looking to start couch to 5k run, train for an endurance event or just wish to feel fitter and healthier and improve your lifestyle through walking and exercise.
Combine a Walking Camino with Pilates – Two of my favourites are listed below: Portuguese Camino – 7 day walk starting in the seaside town of Baiona. A great walk for those looking for an easier route, with less hills. Wander along the beach, swim in the ocean, try local cuisine. You will follow the trail to Vigo, walk through towns such as Redondela, Pondevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron before reaching the final destination Santiago where you can get your ‘Pilgrim Certificate’.
Fitness Excel health Caminos are run with specialist Spanish Travel Agency and local Spanish Guide
Coastal Walk & Pilates – Portugal-Spain
This guided camino will start in Vigo where our group will meet. Our local guide Lisa will meet you to discuss the itinerary and you will meet other members. Enjoy your free time to explore Vigo before your walking which starts the following day.
Day 01: Arrival by your own to Vigo.
Day 02: Vigo-Redondela (16 km)
You will climb to the top of Enxertade and soon you will reach the village of Redondela, where you will start a new ascent to O Viso, with a privileged view over the estuary.
Day 03: Redondela-Pontevedra (19,5 km)
You will cross the historic Roman bridge over the Verdugo River and ascend to A Canicouva along beautiful cobblestone roads. In Pontevedra you can discover its impressive historic centre, full of small squares.
Day 04: Pontevedra-Caldas de Reis (21,1 km).
After leaving the bridge of O Burgo you will start a route along local roads along the Galician countryside, finding small streams and pretty villages.
Day 05: Transfer to Padrón and stage to Santiago de Compostela (18.6km). This stage will take you in a constant ascent to the city through small villages. Finally, you will be able to see the majestic Towers of the Cathedral before entering its old town. Day 06: After breakfast, departure.
Pilates and Pilates Flow stretch will take place after each walk – Contact: fitnessexcel@gmail.com
Expert Guide: Lisa
Planning to
The French Camino 100km – Begins in Sarria, the majority of this walk is through lovely woodland paths and gravel tracks and will pass through villages such as Portomarin, this route merges into different terrain continuing to Palas De Rei, the journey continues to Arzua, leading to a gentle climb to Santa Irene, with shallow rivers and valleys. Arzua is a busy town, well known for its cheese.
The final stretch continues to Pedrouza, this can get extremely busy as the walk conitnues towards Santiago, a long walk takes you to Monte Gozo, surrounded by woodland. The final destination Santiago, where street musicians and dancers perform, this is time to sit and ponder, wander around the Cathedral and soak up the atmosphere. A popular walking route, which passes through hamlets, national monuments, churches and bridges, where you can sample the local cuisine.
Finally, visit the Pilgrim office to collect your certificate if you have collected your stamps along the way and have proof of walking 100km.
Combine this with Pilates, Stretching and relaxation to make this a truly memorable experience, contact Sarah at fitnessexcel@gmail.com for more details of small group walking breaks.
Click below and watch a short video of my suggested most popular walking routes, the French Camino de Santiago I undertook with my daughter.
fitness-excel.com 