The Zebrastrong Blog

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes2020 was an incredibly challenging year for everyone on so many levels. With a history of pneumonia and bronchiectasis I was naturally worried about catching the virus. When things became serious in the UK, my family practised strict isolation. We limited our visits to the supermarket, we washed our hands constantly and carried hand sanitiser when we did go out. We even left our post for 2 days before opening it to limit any exposure.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesWant to take control of your hypermobility in 2021?

This Christmas, The Zebra Club is offering a special Christmas deal. We are offering a Zebrastrong Christmas from the 15th to 26th December and warmly invite you to take advantage of 20% off the retail price on an annual subscription to The Zebra Club.

Estimated reading time: < 1 minuteI never imagined I would be speaking openly on social media and interviews about my pelvic floor history or recurrent UTIs due to mast cell activation. My upbringing was such that certain things are private and definitely not a topic of conversation. And yet here I am. The reality is this is what life can be like with a condition like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesWe’ve probably all ventured into the previously unknown world of online exercise during these unusual times. When our regular gym or Pilates classes closed (or still remain closed), if you wanted to stay healthy and exercise safely you probably turned to YouTube for inspiration. Or maybe you became a regular on Zoom with your regular teacher.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes“Psychological factors can trigger a breathing pattern that might be appropriate to an emergency situation, when no such emergency exists”. This is an extract from a book on breathing pattern disorders. I became so interested in breathing patterns the more I worked with our hypermobile community. Breathing comes first. Movement second.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesIf you have hypermobility, chances are someone has told you that you need to strengthen your ‘core’. This generally involves exercises like sit ups, superman, plank and wall squats. Hands up whose been given these as part of a ‘core’ programme?

Estimated reading time: < 1 minuteGive yourself (or your pet) a big hug. You’re doing great.

I have a question. How do you look after yourself when things get challenging? I ask because self-care was not something I used to do, certainly not regularly. One thing that lockdown has given me is a new focus on what’s important. Taking care of myself has definitely risen up the agenda.

Estimated reading time: < 1 minuteI hope you are safe and well during these unusual, challenging times.

I have been thinking of ways I could help to keep you active and enjoying movement safely at home. I am sure your regular exercise activities and classes are closed. Where do we turn for reliable, safe and effective information for chronic pain or hypermobility issues?

Estimated reading time: < 1 minuteKeep Moving with me for free – in your own home. These are unprecedented times. Who would have thought we would be living in almost total isolation. Our gyms, Pilates classes and physiotherapy clinics are closing until further notice. And yet, we know that we need to keep moving.