Blog - Achieve with Mélissa

Illustration showing ankle and calf pain, highlighting muscle cramps, spasms, and tightness linked to poor dorsiflexion and limited ankle mobility

Tight Ankles? Why Dorsiflexion Matters + How to Improve It

Over the years of teaching Pilates, I have noticed a recurring theme: a surprising number of people (myself included!) have…

October 10, 2025 Read More

Illustration of a person kneeling while carrying a large symbolic weight on their shoulders, surrounded by chaotic lines, representing stress and overwhelm.

How Stress & Anxiety Affect Your Body, Mind, & Relationships

Over the years, I have seen how stress and anxiety can slowly take over someone’s life, affecting their body, their…

October 3, 2025 Read More

Men doing Pilates on reformer machines in a bright studio

Why Men Should Try Pilates: Breaking the Myths

Pilates, to many (sceptical) men, is something reserved for women, or it is seen as an exercise method that doesn’t…

June 13, 2025 Read More

Pilates teacher and client sitting on a reformer in a studio having an enjoyable chat

The Importance of a Good Pilates Teacher

A foundation for long-term health and strength I have been watching the rise of Pilates over the years, and…

June 5, 2025 Read More

Woman doing Pilates exercise with magic ring, showing good coordination

Maintain Coordination as You Age: Tips & Insights

Coordination is an essential skill that enables us to move smoothly and efficiently. Whether it is walking, playing sports, or…

May 29, 2025 Read More

Woman in her 40s stretching her spine on a Pilates reformer and on a Pilates chair in a bright studio

How Much Flexibility Do You Need?

What I Have Learned from Pilates, Pain, and Professionals For a long time, I really wanted to be very flexible.…

May 22, 2025 Read More

Nervous System & Fascia: Creating Lasting Change

Over the past few weeks, we have explored what fascia is, how it works, and how movement, hydration, and breath…

May 15, 2025 Read More

How Stress and Emotions Impact Fascia

We often consider fascia a purely physical structure, a web of connective tissue that wraps and supports our muscles. But…

May 8, 2025 Read More

Is Your Fascia “Tight”?

We often hear people say their fascia is “tight” or that they need to “release” it. You will see foam…

April 17, 2025 Read More

Can You Really “Train” Fascia?

Fascia is having a moment, and with it comes a wave of claims about fascial training. From bouncy movements to…

April 10, 2025 Read More

Fascia and Pain-Free Movement

What is Fascia, and Why Does It Matter? Have you ever felt stiffness in your body that stretching alone doesn’t…

March 31, 2025 Read More

Classical vs. Contemporary Pilates: Differences & Benefits

I was talking to a client the other day who was asking me about my approach with Pilates as she…

March 24, 2025 Read More

Why Your Shoulders Are Always Tight?

If I had a pound for every time I say, “Draw your shoulders down”, “Pull your shoulders away from your…

March 20, 2025 Read More

Stop Gripping Your Hip Flexors! Discover Why It Happens and How to Fix It

In all the years I have been teaching, I have met a lot of "hip grippers." Clients who, no matter…

March 18, 2025 Read More

How Pilates Brings Balance To Life

Daily, we perform countless movements without thinking - bending to tie our shoes, reaching for a high shelf, carrying groceries,…

March 6, 2025 Read More

Have you seen it yet?

I have been working hard over the past few months to update my YouTube channel. The channel brings you some…

August 5, 2023 Read More

Website Live!

Today (Weds 17th May) I am really excited to announce the launch of my new website ‘Achieve with Mélissa’. Follow…

May 17, 2023 Read More