Essentrics

This full-body technique works through the muscle chains, liberating and empowering the muscles, relieving them from tension in the process.
While the technique is original in itself, it has been influenced by several disciplines. Essentrics draws on the flowing movements of tai chi which create health and balance, the strengthening theories behind ballet which create long, lean, flexible muscles and the healing principles of physiotherapy which create a pain free body. 
​It incorporates various techniques including PNF and isotonic movement while systematically working every joint in the body.
Essentrics dynamically combines strengthening and stretching to develop a strong toned body with the complete ability of moving each joint and muscle freely and with full range of motion.
Strengthening and stretching every muscle in the body eccentrically, Essentrics rebalances the muscular structure in continuous rotational movements.
​The basis of the workout is a dynamic combination of strength and flexibility exercises, designed to pull apart the joints by elongating the muscles and challenging them in the lengthened position. 
It is also a great tool to increase body awareness and interoception (the sense of the internal state of the body). 
Essentrics will target what you need, unlock what is tight, strengthen what is weak and tone what needs shaping.

Joanne is very empathetic, an excellent teacher and a good listener with a lovely sense of humour to make you feel really relaxed.  She understands that we all have different strengths and weaknesses and that we participate in the classes for a variety of reasons.  Joanne takes all this into consideration and enables each and everyone to progress without pain and discomfort.  Her instructions are clear and thorough so you know why you are doing any particular exercise and the benefits of the movement.  Her style is gentle yet strong and her constant encouragement makes you want to try your best.  I cannot recommend her more highly.  I know that she understands my needs and supports me even when I’m not achieving my best always.  At the end of a class I feel both physically and mentally better, ready to face the day and I know that my confidence is growing as I improve. (Maggie)

As an Essentrics Instructor I believe that fitness should not be measured with an index, in miles, in muscle mass or in speed, rather, it should be measured in one’s ability to move freely, live actively and without pain. 
I support my clients to create a balanced body whereby the strength in your muscles doesn't inhibit your movement, and your mobility is enhanced by your strength. ​
I offer two types of Essentrics class aimed at slightly different audiences.

​Essentrics for Strength & Flexibility: These are a moderately-paced restorative classes, ideal for active, healthy and fully mobile participants. A diverse music playlist accompanies each routine creating a fun, positive environment. You will leave feeling rebalanced, revived and strong.

I have had Essentrics classes with Jo for a year now throughout lockdown online and cannot recommend them highly enough!  They have provided a calm but challenging exercise regime with moves from ballet, tai chi and physiotherapy.  I have found it a great complement to running, allowing me some time to relax and really stretch my joints and muscles without noticing I am doing it!  The music is also great.  Jo is a wonderful teacher - gentle but coaxing in her manner and always enthusiastic - I think she is part of the Essentrics package for me! (Meena)

Essentrics Release, Rebalance & Restore: These are slow-paced full body workouts for people who: have been sedentary for many years; want to feel safe while getting back into shape; are in pain or have had long-term injuries and want a workout that won't hurt them. These age reversing workouts will restore movement in your joints, flexibility and strength in your muscles, relieve pain, and stimulate your cells to increase energy, vibrancy and your immune system. Release tight muscles, rebalance joints and restore your body.

The classes with Joanne are excellent! I have strengthened my muscles and improved flexibility.  Key to the programme’s success is that the old adage of pain and gain are completely out of the window. Movements are never jarring or painful and classes are geared towards fostering physical and mental well-being.  
I have exercised most of my life but as a senior I find arthritis is a problem. With Essentrics, the joints have gradually become less painful and more flexible.  By continuing with the classes, I hope to maintain a good quality of life and movement for independent living. Normally we focus on our upper bodies and core strength while ignoring our feet! In Essentrics you start to understand the importance of optimising strength and flexibility starting from your toes, ankles and into the leg muscles.  Having had foot surgery, gaining that strength and flexibility has been invaluable. My balance has improved and I feel more confident. (Maggie)

Ready to give it a go?
I am giving classes online right now - both 1-1 and small groups. Give it a try for free and see if its a good fit for you. Get in touch to schedule a class. 

Essentrics with Jo has been incredibly helpful and uplifting. For the first time ever, I have stuck to hourly weekly exercise sessions for over 7 months and I’m noticing a difference to my mind and body. My body is stronger with greatly improved posture and I am definitely motivated to continue looking after myself.  Jo’s approach is very professional and she takes time to explain the techniques and rationale which makes things interesting, but most importantly to me, she relates exactly to what I need and I always feel I have done well and made progress which is testament to her warm, supportive & knowledgeable approach. (Kate)