Essentrics with Joanne -
Move Freely, Live Actively, and Without Pain with Essentrics
The power and joy of movement extend beyond physical benefits, significantly enhancing mental and emotional well-being. Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, recognising its potential to bring joy, connection, and a sense of purpose can transform it into a sustainable and rewarding part of life.
As an Essentrics Instructor, I believe fitness isn’t about numbers—it’s about moving with ease, strength, and without pain. My goal is to help you build a balanced body, where strength enhances mobility rather than restricting it.
I teach people of all ages, from 16 to 80. It’s never too late to try!
Movement for Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Movement practices such as Essentrics are powerful for developing the skill of interoception - the ability to sense what’s happening inside the body and the foundation of emotional awareness. For many women who have learned to ignore or override their body’s messages, Essentrics gently rebuilds the capacity to feel from the inside. By paying attention to breath, tension, and energy during movement, you strengthen interoception. This makes it easier to recognise feelings early and stay present with them, rather than turning to control, food, or self-criticism.
For these reasons Essentrics is a perfect companion to 1-1 and group coaching aimed at improving your relationship to food, body and self.
Find the Joy in Movement - Feel Better in Your Body
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Find the Joy in Movement - Feel Better in Your Body 〰️
What is Essentrics®?
Essentrics is a dynamic, full-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching to create lean, strong, and flexible muscles. Inspired by Tai Chi’s flowing movements, ballet’s muscle toning, and physiotherapy’s healing principles, it improves posture, rebalances the body, unlocks tight joints, and prevents injuries—all without equipment.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Essentrics enhances everyday movement and athletic performance by correcting imbalances from daily activities or sports. With energising music and diverse routines, Essentrics helps you feel healthy, strong and empowered in your body.
Connecting Flexibility with Strength
An Essentrics based workout strengthens muscles while moving through lengthened body positions.
Draws from ballet and Tai Chi techniques
Unlike yoga we do not hold poses. We stretch while staying in motion.
Lengthening stretches are used to create load on the body
Your own body weight is used to strengthen
Workouts are moderately paced so the muscles do the work instead of momentum
Movements incorporate big, circular motions to condition our joints the way the joints should work
I offer Group classes and 1-1 training both online and in person.
Email me to find out more.
To get a sense of what Essentrics looks like in action see https://vimeo.com/837585672?fl=pl&fe=sh
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Increases full body flexibility and mobility
Unlocks tight muscles and joints
Improves agility and speed for sports
Rebalances muscles for improved posture
Pain relief and joint health
Increased circulation and lymphatic flow
Stress reduction and relaxation
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Relieves aches and pains
Forges new neurological connections and strengthens existing connections within the brain
Improves balance and mobility
Supports healthy aging
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o Creates toned, lean and strong arms
o Strengthens the spine and core - Improves posture
o Targets and firms every muscle in the body
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Supports injury prevention and speeds recovery
Builds body awareness and alignment
Develops core strength and stability
Enhances performance by helping muscles work through their full ROM
Body Benefits
Mental & Emotional Benefits
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The flowing, continuous movements combined with steady breathing help shift the body out of “fight or flight” and into a more regulated, parasympathetic state. Many people finish class feeling noticeably calmer and clearer.
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We often hold stress in the shoulders, hips, jaw, and back. The lengthening and rebalancing movements gently release chronic muscular tension, which can create a deep sense of emotional lightness.
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Because the movements require coordination and focus — but are not overly complicated — they bring you into the present moment. That mindful attention can quiet mental chatter and improve concentration.
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The large, expansive movements stimulate circulation and increase oxygen flow. Many participants report feeling uplifted and energised after class, without the agitation that can follow very high-intensity workouts.
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For people who feel disconnected from their bodies (due to stress, injury, ageing, or past experiences), Essentrics offers a gentle way back. Moving without strain helps rebuild confidence and a kinder self-talk.
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Slow, lengthening movements — especially through the hips and chest — can sometimes unlock unexpected emotions. The practice creates a safe container for that release without forcing it.
Feel calmer, clearer, and more at home in your body
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Feel calmer, clearer, and more at home in your body 〰️
Client Reviews & Stories
“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“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“When I found Jo’s class my posture was poor, I was tense all the time and other classes had left me feeling dizzy or with strained tendons. Nearly four years on I feel more relaxed, more supple, have better balance and folk think I have grown a wee bit taller! I even sleep better after a class. I would recommend Essentrics to anyone looking to age well, regardless of whether you are fully fit to start with. Jo is excellent at tailoring exercises to take account of limitations due to recovery from illness, surgery, or ongoing health issues so everyone feels able to take part and benefit from the techniques. Go on - give it a try!”
— Karen
“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.”
— Alice
“I feel as if Essentrics is a form of exercise I have been seeking for some time now. It incorporates elements that feel familiar from activities like Pilates and Tai Chi which I have done and really liked in the past.
My husband started Essentrics and was very enthusiastic and that got me interested. When I joined the classes, I was hoping to improve my flexibility, reduce general aches and pains and feel more comfortable with everyday activities that involve bending or lifting. I’ve been attending the classes for a few months now. As well as the immediate feeling of mental wellbeing after a class, I do notice generally that I am moving more quickly - getting up off the floor is easier now and so is bending down to pat the dog!
The classes feel very friendly and inclusive. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability (I am not very coordinated) and Joanne has a gentle and encouraging approach. The music and movements tend to be graceful and peaceful but at the same time can be really challenging, which I love. My other main form of exercise is karate, and I think Essentrics is a good complementary activity, as it stretches and strengthens joints and muscles in ways which my practice of karate doesn’t.
I would really recommend Essentrics to other people who are looking to build strength and flexibility for everyday life, and I would say if the first class feels hard then keep going - there is a real build over time.
If I had to describe Essentrics in three words I would say it is strengthening, healing and rigorous. Highly recommended! ”
— Eileen