New lunchtime Yoga and Pilates in Fiveways
Thank you to everyone who completed the timetable questionnaire and sent suggestions. I’m pleased to be adding more lunchtime options at Matthew Black Fitness, including a new Friday Yoga class with Suzy Bolt.
Yoga for Nervous System Health with Suzy Bolt
Suzy’s class starts on Friday 6 November, from 12:30–1:30pm, with a four-week trial on 6, 13, 20 and 27 November.
Suzy has been teaching since 1996, originally training in the Iyengar style and now specialising in restorative practices that support nervous system regulation.
The class she wants to bring to this community focuses on exploring the body’s stress response and creating space for rest and recovery. Many of us recognise the feeling of being continually “switched on”, finding it difficult to slow down even when we have the opportunity.
Suzy describes the goal as moving from “fight or flight” towards “rest and repair”, mixing somatic bodywork—gentle movement focused on how the body feels—with Yoga asanas, or postures, and breathing practices.
She currently teaches exclusively online through her specialist programme supporting recovery and is very happy to be bringing an in-person class to her timetable for the first time since 2020. Some of you will already know her from covering Monday evening Yoga, and several of you suggested you’d like to see her teaching regularly.
Why I’m looking forward to this class
I love taking Restorative Yoga classes myself. Teaching so many classes across the week can be physically intense, and I really value the opportunity to stop and recover.
There’s also something lovely about being the person taking the class for a change. I can follow someone else’s guidance without thinking about the next exercise, watching the clock or keeping an eye on how everyone is getting on.
A slower practice gives me time to notice how I’m feeling and settle into movements without needing to push. Having that space is an important part of my week when I can make it happen, and it’s something I’m pleased to offer more of on the timetable.
Thursday lunchtime Pilates
I’ll also be adding Thursday Pilates at 12 noon, taught by me.
It will follow the same approach as my other Pilates classes, fitted into 45 minutes, finishing at 12:45pm. If lunchtime is easier for you, or you’d like another option during the week, this will give you another opportunity to join.
The class starts on 5 November and will run for four weeks.
Tuesday lunchtime Circuits is staying
Thank you for supporting the Tuesday lunchtime Circuits class. I’ve now extended the 12 noon session through to the end of the year and beyond.
It’s been lovely to see this new slot find an audience. The greater focus on strength will continue, alongside the choice of cardio activities that lets you decide how hard to work that part of the session.
What’s next for Thursday evenings?
The questionnaire showed interest in Strength & Core, Barbell Strength and Barre for Thursdays at 6:30pm.
I’ll see if I can find suitable instructors to trial these during November and December, before deciding what to put on the timetable for January.
Finding the right instructor will be an important part of that. I’m looking for people who can offer a worthwhile challenge, adapt to different needs and keep the class enjoyable. The community and the atmosphere matter just as much as the programme of exercises.
Come along and give the new sessions a try
The lunchtime trials will help me see what works in practice. If the times suit you, please come along—and let me know how you find them. Regular attendance and feedback will help decide which classes continue.
All classes take place at Stanford Avenue Methodist Church, Fiveways, Brighton. I’ll share booking details as the new sessions are added.
See you in class 🙂
Matthew
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