romance novel

Pilates for Writers

~ BreeBorkowski ~ Leave a comment

Hello Friends!

A huge sigh of relief today as I hit print after rewriting my novel based on sage advice from an editor. I still like to work with a hardcopy for the final edit and then hand it off to a friend for their thoughts and recommendations.

I have been shackled to my desk for several months and noticed my posture paying the price for it. To counteract my sitting (the next smoking, they say), I doubled up on Pilates stretches. I usually take a break every hour to stretch my legs or do a few extension exercises for my back and hips, but if I’m in a groove, two hours can zip by without realizing it.

I imagine I’m not alone in this struggle, so I’m going to share a link to my Instagram account where I made videos of my favorite exercises. They are suitable for anyone that needs to reset their posture after sitting at a desk. I hope they will be useful tools in your fitness toolbox. As with any exercise, please make sure they are appropriate for your body before you try them.

First and foremost for me are my shoulders, so I have a foam roller handy and stand against a wall with my arms out to the sides like goal posts. Then I straighten my arms either along a foam roller or the wall. Remember to tighten your core to support your low back. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3-SnGWgt68/

Next, if I’m really tight in my shoulders I will do a pectoral stretch using a door frame. It’s a simple stretch with your arm in the goal post position again, then you use the door frame as leverage to stretch your arm gently backward. You can then move your arm higher or lower depending on where you need to stretch. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4A8MQog8ZK/

If you are able to lie on your stomach on a mat, then a swan dive or cobra is a wonderful way to stretch your back. Lie flat on your stomach with your legs comfortably shoulder width apart and hands by your shoulders. If you find you have tension in your neck, then place a small pillow under your forehead for support. Then press into your hands to extend your upper thoracic (upper back) as far as is comfortable for you, without elevating your shoulders near your ears. Think of your shoulders melting down your back with all your tension. Again, remember to pull your abdominals in to support your low back (lumbar spine). https://www.instagram.com/p/C4A9GnNAcdC/

Lastly, I stretch my hips and hamstrings with a single thigh stretch. Kneeling on a mat, in a staggered position with your right foot in front. Lean forward without your knee passing your toes to stretch your hip flexors (front of your hip). Then lean back and straighten your front leg as you flex your spine over your leg to stretch your hamstrings (back of the leg).

Let me know if you have favorite stretches that I can add to my repertoire. Wishing you all a productive month ahead!

Blessings,

Bree

P.S.

Anyone else have the experience of hitting print and then running into one challenge after another with their printer? Delay or divine intervention so we can celebrate the small victories? I chose to celebrate with a dear friend and then pause for a few days to let the dust settle before I dive back in. Psalm 46:10, “Be Still and know that I am God,” is a scripture that echos in my spirit more times than I’d like to admit. Work in progress … all … the … time.

Stories and Tea

~ BreeBorkowski ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to my maiden voyage into building a website! Please forgive all the bumps along the road as we get to know each other.

I learned this year that I need to have a website for the blessed day that my novels are published. I thought I would start it early so we can journey together down the long road of publishing. I’m currently in the submission process for a romance novel (set on Mackinac Island) and a fantasy/historical fiction novel (set in post-WW2 Normandy).

Now for the hardest part for me … the about me page. It’s so much easier to meet new friends at the local cafe and share our stories over a cup of tea or coffee. Please pour yourself a cuppa, and join me for a trip down memory lane.

My love of stories, nature and science was nurtured from a young age by the vivid tales my great-grandfather shared about his family farm. Additionally, my mother was involved in wildlife rehabilitation and we were seldom without a variety of orphaned wild mammals and birds in our household, especially raccoons. These unique experiences led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies and Applications from Michigan State University. My degree equipped me with a wide array of research and writing skills. After working in the field for several years, I was offered the opportunity to join a Pilates Studio as a teacher. This led to a transition from Environmental Science to Exercise Science and supplemental certifications in Pilates, Yoga, and Personal Training. I opened my Pilates Studio, Body Pilates, Inc., under the umbrella of my first Pilates teacher and then the business expanded to such a degree as to require a relocation and expansion.

During this time, I discovered many of my clients were unaware and disconnected from the origins of their food sources. I was delighted to share stories from my great-grandfather and teach simple holistic nutrition. One of my client-turned-friends was an employee at Discovery Channel. She intuitively sensed I missed writing and research and encouraged me to explore creative writing and asked me to write a pitch for a Pilates Fitness program for their channel, FitTV. Through her encouragement (thank you, Paula!), my interest in creative writing was ignited and I began researching screenwriting and children’s literature. Shortly thereafter, my husband was transferred to Michigan and I closed my studio with the desire to pursue writing. 

I had a budding passion to instill a greater love and appreciation for nature and wellness within the context of family entertainment. I sought further education with Southampton’s Children’s Literature Conference and Interlochen’s Adult Screenwriting Workshop. It was an honor to have the New York Times Best Selling Author, Emma Walton Hamilton, as my picture book professor. Her mother, Dame Julie Andrews, made many dreams come true when she visited campus and read poetry to us.

My writing encompasses Christian romance, middle-grade to adult historical fiction, Christian fantasy, children’s literature and animation, and romantic comedy screenplays. I infuse my writing with an enthusiastic passion for all creatures great and small, nature, music, and healthy living. I cultivate my passions further by serving in music ministry and children’s religious education.

So that’s my story so far. Since I’m in the submission process, I will update my posts as I hear news to share and perhaps share Pilates and recipes while we wait together.

Thank you for visiting!

Blessings to you and yours,

Bree