Power Pilates UK’s Founder On Striking The Perfect Balance

For those of you who haven’t already spotted Korin (@korinnolanpilates) on Instagram filming videos at her reformer studio – Power Pilates or joined one of her online classes at Dynamic Pilates TV, she’s a leading name when it comes Pilates. It’s not just this which keeps her super busy, she’s also a Mum of two. Here she tells us all about how she’s really learnt to be the boss of her own wellbeing…

Redefining ‘Successful’

Being a mum of two young children and running two businesses, life can be pretty chaotic as it is for so many of us. Over the last few years, I’ve really craved more peace, calm and less stress in my day to day which is something I’ve been trying my best to focus on. In the past I thought that I had to be busy all the time in order to be successful, but I just found myself getting really overwhelmed, stressed and not actually enjoying any of the positives. I now realise that feeling less stressed, having more time to do the things that are important to me, and being able to spend more time with my friends and family is what successful actually is.

I’ve started saying no to things that don’t serve me in my work or social life and learnt to delegate within my business so that I am able to free up more time to do the things that make me feel calmer, happier and more fulfilled. This is what I truly believe has been part of my success. You can exercise seven days a week and drink as much protein powder as you like, but if you constantly feel stressed, overwhelmed and unhappy then it’s not healthy.

Exercise = Therapy

Although I do like to exercise to feel stronger and healthier, exercise is like therapy for me. I do it for the feel-good factor and it’s a really positive way to start the day. I train at least 5-6 times a week and I make sure I cross train so that my body gets the variety of training it needs. This may sound like a lot to some, but I have learnt to train smart. I am in my 40s so have adjusted my schedule to find what works for me.

I strength train to maintain and build muscle as we lose muscle rapidly after the age of around 35. I do HIIT workouts (just a quick 15-20 minutes) to combat weight gain and of course reformer and dynamic mat work Pilates for flexibility, strength and to reduce injury. Reformer Pilates is one of the most effective forms of exercise as it helps to build the foundations of all movement so you can apply to other forms of fitness and sports. It not only strengthens the entire body, improves muscle tone and helps overall fitness, but it’s also great for reducing mind and body stress and alleviating aches and pains.

Mood-Boosting Mornings

Having a good morning routine is a must for setting the tone for the day ahead and I’ve really found what does and doesn’t work for me. I’m up at 6am every day thanks to my kids but I’ll usually start my day with a decaf coffee or a Matcha latte. I’ve tried to be more mindful of my caffeine intake lately as I was finding it did make me feel jittery.

My husband is around a little later in the mornings which is a huge help in getting them ready for school. This definitely reduces the morning stress. Once the school run is done, I try to get out for a walk which I find therapeutic. Not only does the fresh air help to clear my mind, but I’m getting my steps in too. I’ll go with my husband if our schedules allow, or I’ll arrange to go with a friend to have a catch up away from any distractions. After this, I tend to any emails and get working on Pilates lesson plans.

My Sleep Schedule

I’ve always been a fairly light sleeper. I’d love to get more but my son (who’s now five) loves to wake us up at the crack of dawn so my body clock is now used to it. On days when I’ve had a particularly bad night, I really do feel the effects which is why I try my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I really need my brain and body to function at its best so I can do what I need for work and the kids.

I try to avoid saying I’m not a good sleeper as I don’t want to label myself as that but it has been something I’ve always struggled with. I’ve got a very active mind and although I don’t have trouble falling asleep, I often wake in the night or I’m up very early and don’t get back to sleep. I listened to a really good podcast with Deliciously Ella and Russell Foster who shared some great advice around taking the stress and pressure out of sleep so I try to make less of a big deal about it and do what I can. Meditation is great for helping me to unwind and I’m more conscious of not being on my phone or emails too close to bedtime too.

Managing Stress

I’m really mindful of managing my stress levels so try to do what I can to keep on top of it all. I’ve learnt the power of saying no to things which has been a huge help especially when it comes to work and social commitments. It’s so important not to overload yourself and to know when to pull back in certain areas. I also find Pilates is great for stress so feel very fortunate that I have this so readily available to me. I’d really encourage others to do the same. This doesn’t have to be booking onto a class, it can be as simple as a short at home sequence to help take you away from things and refocus your mind and body.

Inside My Wellbeing Toolkit

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF50

My skincare routine is something I’ve learnt to love so I always take my time. It’s not only great for my skin but I find it quite calming too. I’ve tried and tested so many products but I swear by this SPF from La Roche Posay. Another skincare staple I use every night is Sunday Riley’s A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum.

The 6 Phase Meditation Guided by Vishen Lakhiani

I don’t always meditate but it is something I dabble with from time to time. When I do, I really notice the benefits. This one is great for setting you up for a good day or for helping you to let go and relax. It’s my goal to do this more often throughout the week instead of scrolling through my phone or binging Netflix!

The Turmeric Company Turmeric and Ginger Shots

I’m a big believer in the importance of a healthy gut as it’s the foundation to so many things health wise. I try to eat plenty of fermented goods such as sauerkraut and sourdough bread but I also take a probiotic and other supplements. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory which helps to improve gut health so I drink one of these shots every day.

Elle Serra The Golden Pill

Another supplement I swear by every day is this which helps with hormonal balance. It’s packed with five of the best and most powerful ingredients to help with healthy hormone levels and things like improved mood, libido, immunity and energy levels. It’s also made in the UK too.

NEOM Complete Bliss Candle

Lighting a candle always helps me to feel more relaxed and set the scene for a chilled vibe. Most evenings, I light this for an hour or two.

NEOM Real Luxury Diffuser

I love my home (and studio) to smell nice and these diffusers certainly do the trick. The Real Luxury fragrance quite literally adds a little bit of luxury into my life. I have one in the hallway, lounge and bedroom as I find the scent so calming.

Bare Biology Collagen Powder

This is great for aiding collagen production, which is a must for healthy hair, skin, teeth, nails, joints and again your gut. This super fine powder dissolves really easily in any drink.

Dirtea Lion’s Mane

Talking of drinks, I usually mix it into this coffee powder. I’ve only recently started drinking this but it’s great for helping with mood, focus and digestion. Lion’s Mane is often called the ‘smart mushroom’ as it’s a great anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants.