Emma
“I wasn’t as flexible as I wanted to be, and wasn’t clear on how I could improve”
What other hobbies/ professions do you have?
Aerial Arts, Running
When you begin training with me, what were your main flexibility goals?
I had a specific flexy goal in mind I wanted to improve my flexibility to level up my other hobbies.
What brought you to flexibility training? (e.g. a goal, a feeling, a curiosity…)
I started attending Kathryn’s flexibility classes (in person and then online) to improve my overall flexibility to help with shapes in the hoop. I then started one to one sessions to have a more targeted flexibility practice
What were you struggling with before we started working together?(physically, emotionally, or logistically e.g. pain, fear, lack of progress, confusion, inconsistency…)
I wasn’t as flexible as I wanted to be, and wasn’t clear on how I could improve. I was really stiff in my upper back and shoulders, and although I had a level of flexibility in splits I couldn’t seem to progress
How did that challenge make you feel?(Physically, emotionally, or both — whatever feels true.)
I felt motivated to improve. Seeing other people’s flexibility inspired me.
What made you choose to work with me / join KMM?
I started attending Kathryn’s in person flexibility classes and then her online ones. I saw an improvement and increased my knowledge in flexibility. I then chose to start 1-2-1 sessions to focus on a particular goal (bridges) but continued 1-2-1 sessions as I like how they can be fine tuned to my goals and go at the pace / target the specific areas my body needs
“…I quite quickly started to tick off little goals in improved flexibility”
What was the moment you realised things were starting to change?(A movement breakthrough, a mindset shift, a feeling in your body…)
I quite quickly started to tick off little goals in improved flexibility - shoulders a bit less stiff, better splits etc - and then started to reach some bigger goals - e.g first foot to head. I understood my body better and the exercises it needed to reach it’s full range of motion
What specific tools, techniques, or support that we explored working together do you feel helped you the most? (Feel free to mention anything from class cues to emotional encouragement.)
I appreciate the different imagery Kathryn uses to explain how to do certain exercises and what I should be feeling and focussing on to get the most benefit from each drill
“… see small progress each week which adds up over each year”
How has your flexibility or movement practice changed since we began? And how do you feel in your body and mind now, compared to when you started? (Feel free to share physical progress, mindset shifts, or anything else that feels meaningful.)
My flexibility journey from the outside is very much slow and steady. I can’t yet do all of the poses I want but this has not discouraged me as I feel strong, stable and secure in every pose and see small progress each week which adds up over each year. I feel more connected to my body and know its flexibility needs. What once was really difficult is now much easier. Flexibility training for me is now not just about getting flexy poses in the hoop but increasing overall range of motion, feeling good about myself, dedicating time to listen to my body and get lost in movement, and creating a sustainable exercise regime that’ll see me through life.
“…getting a consistent foot to head has felt amazing and shows all of the areas that I’ve improved in”
How did working together help you overcome your flexibility struggle or original challenges?
Kathryn listens to my needs and how things feel in my body and works with me to meet the goals I need. She is happy to add extra drills to focus on specific muscle groups to ensure I’m ready for the ‘goal’ of that session. Everything is tailored and her knowledge and way of explaining things is really clear. I have seen tremendous improvement in my full range of motion as well as my day to day levels of flexibility. I’ve met so many flexibility goals that I’m able to set new ones and start working towards those.
What has surprised you most about this journey?
How much I enjoy practicing flexibility. It’s not just a means to an end to look good in the hoop but now it is it’s own hobby. I feel more in tune with my body
What part of your progress are you most proud of? (This could be a pose, a feeling, a habit, or a new level of confidence.)
Everything! Getting a consistent foot to head has felt amazing and shows all of the areas that I’ve improved in. Foot to head in a lunge, split, cobra, arabesque feels amazing every time
Is there anything else from your continued journey that you feel is important to share? Or do you have any tips, recommendations or advise for anyone wanting to begin their flexy journey?
I think you need to take ego out of it and not worry about comparison. Sometimes doing something correctly doesn’t look at impressive as if you are not so at the start it can feel like you’re taking a step back but you’re actually building solid foundations. And everyone’s body is different so comparing yourself is never a good idea.
What would you say to someone who’s struggling with flexibility and thinking about joining KMM?
100% recommend KMM. Kathryn is knowledgable, enthusiastic and a great cheerleader. She meets you at your level, listens to your needs and works with you to meet your goals
What are your goals now? Think about the next step in your previous goals, &/or any new goals you now have.
Getting the final few cms in some poses (box splits, full lunge arch) but overall consistency. Getting a consistent flat split, stacked bridge, bendy cobra, needle scales. All poses I’ve managed when super warm on a really good day, but getting them consistently is a goal. Also different ways of getting into poses - e.g circular bridges not just a push up.
