Feel The Difference

By Debbie Wyer on 07 February 2025

Pilates practice is built on gentle, intentional movements—that’s why classes are kept small and the adjustments suggested help you become more body-aware. We often return to a mobility movement to check in and see if it feels different. Sometimes, when you slow down and give your body a moment to relax, it can let go of tension, and movement feels freer and more effortless

It’s mid-February, and despite the grey skies, it’s wonderful to see the signs of spring popping up all around us. On my daily walks with little Miss Cookie, I’ve spotted snowdrops, daffodil shoots breaking through, and tiny buds starting to blossom on the trees. The days feel longer, with the sun setting just that little bit later each day.

These small, subtle changes remind me so much of Pilates. The practice is built on gentle, intentional movements—that’s why classes are kept small and the adjustments suggested help you become more body-aware. We often return to a mobility movement to check in and see if it feels different. Sometimes, when you slow down and give your body a moment to relax, it can let go of tension, and movement feels freer and more effortless.

This is one of the reasons I love incorporating MELT into my teaching. The process of “assess and reassess” allows you to pause, tune in, and truly feel the difference in your body. We start by assessing your body’s baseline—your current state of stability—before using MELT techniques to treat and rebalance. Afterward, we reassess, helping you notice those subtle yet powerful changes.

When you do the Hand and Foot MELT treatments, you stimulate the receptors that are responsible for whole body balance and hydration as well as stimulating receivers in the spine, leaving you with a wonderful sense of well-being and ease. Regular treatment can have a profound impact:

Benefits of MELT Foot Treatments
- Reduces foot pain and rebalances arches.
- Lightens movement and improves forward-bending range.
- Reduces low back tension and head pressure.
- Over time, can help with foot dysfunction, jaw pain, migraines, gut issues, and even breathing.

Benefits of MELT Hand Treatments
- Releases neck tension and improves alignment of the head and ribs.
- Enhances breathing and eases tightness in fingers and wrist joints.
- Balances grip strength and reduces strain in the hands.

How to Improve Your Body Awareness

Slow down your movements and tune in by closing your eyes or using your sense of touch. For example, if you’re doing a single knee lift while lying down, place your hands on your hips. Notice what happens to your pelvis—not just on the side lifting but also on the side staying still. Be aware if you are putting all your weight into the foot you are not lifting, see whether you can keep the foot on the floor as light as possible. Notice if that changes the feel of the move.

Lie down, close your eyes, relax your body and focus on your feet or hands. Take your time and pay attention to any sensations or vibrations you feel as well as the connection between your body and the surface beneath you.

Standing, take your feet hip distance apart, lining your toes up, stand still, close your eyes, and feel the connection of your feet to the floor. Notice where your weight is distributed between each foot. Does it feel balanced? Scan up through your body, then back down to your feet—do you feel any difference between now?

It’s all about the little things, both in nature and in ourselves. When we take the time to notice, we really can feel the difference.

Want to find out more about MELT? Click here.