About Refreshercise
Stephanie James, founder of Refreshercise, explains how and why she developed a holistic exercise programme for desk-based workers.
Stephanie James, Stott Pilates instructor – Refreshercise Founder
I started working life in an office and, unfortunately, I experienced the pain and discomfort that can arise from desk-based work first hand. I developed severe nerve pain. I felt electric shocks through my fingers when typing. The pain was a result of poor posture in my neck and shoulders and after a successful course of physiotherapy, I took up Pilates to keep myself pain-free. It worked so well I became a Pilates instructor and I’ve been teaching it for more than 20 years now. I am also a fully qualified sports massage therapist - thanks to a full recovery of my hands and fingers! Many of the people in my Pilates classes have found that it has relieved their back pain and improved their posture.
During the Covid lockdown, I moved my classes online. Many of my students had moved to working online too, and were spending long hours on their computers – often sitting in chairs and at desks that were not suitable for home working. They were experiencing increased aches and pains and difficulty concentrating and asked me to design a set of routines they could do at their desk. These proved to be so popular and effective that I was asked by some of my client’s employers, a government department, to deliver monthly online sessions to support the physical and mental well-being of the wider workforce as they worked from home.
Attendees found the sessions enjoyable, but they were also surprised at how relaxed and refreshed they felt in such a short time. This prompted me to develop the programme so that more people could enjoy the mental and physical benefits of desk-based, holistic exercise. And Refreshercise was born!
Refreshercise – where meditation meets movement!
Refreshercise is a programme of holistic exercise developed to re-energise your body and boost your concentration while you are sitting at your desk. Taking five minute Refreshercise breaks through the day will recharge your mind and your body.
Refreshercise is rooted in Pilates, a form of exercise that helps develop core strength and flexibility, improve posture and relieve back pain. This is combined with movements inspired by the Feldenkrais method, which aims to reorganise connections between the brain and body. The final element is guided imagery and language.
As you follow the programme, you’ll complete a range of exercise sessions focussing on different movements – so there’s lots of variety to maintain your interest. After each session, you’ll return to your work feeling energised and engaged.