It was extremely hard work, with many tears along the way, but once I had been shown that there was an answer to my pains, I worked at it daily, initially twice a day at least, so that the basic moves became ingrained in my muscle memory. And they still are more than two decades on. I always continued practising the basic moves, even when I had forgotten many others because I knew it was the best and easiest way to prevent back-sliding into pain and misery.

I had always been interested in Yoga, having tried to teach myself from books when I was much younger! I then met a friend’s mother who had practised all her life and was still remarkably supple and without joint pain as she grew old, as a result. Many years later I attended my first proper class (having practised Pilates for years by then) with Sabine, and was impressed with her serene presence and positivity. She is a wonderfully calming influence, while being curious about the world and other people, is good to be around and spend time with as a result.

Pilates and yoga share the same basic moves, so a knowledge of one can inform the other, the approaches tend to be different depending on what type of either discipline is being offered. Which is why I think that bringing them together at our retreat is a lovely, complimentary pairing.