Women’s Wellness in D8 – Spring Series

A Community-Driven Initiative for Women’s Health

In March 2025, Smart D8 and Live & Breathe Pilates joined forces to launch Women’s Wellness in D8 – Spring Series, an initiative dedicated to empowering women in Dublin 8 to take an active role in their health and wellbeing. Led by expert Pilates instructor Steph Grey, this initiative provided free workshops tailored to different stages of a woman’s life, ensuring accessible, practical, and movement education based on research.

The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between women and movement, addressing common concerns around fitness, mobility, and health conditions that often discourage physical activity. By creating a welcoming and informative space, the program enabled participants to gain confidence in their bodies and take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

A Collaborative Approach to Wellness

The project aimed to develop a wellness initiative in honour of International Women’s Day. With financial support from Smart D8, Live & Breathe Pilates hosted four impactful workshops throughout March 2025, welcoming participants both in-studio and online.

The collaboration underscored the importance of community-driven wellness programs. Smart D8, committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the Dublin 8 community, recognised the need for accessible and targeted health education. Live & Breathe Pilates brought expertise in movement therapy for women, ensuring that each session was rooted in science and tailored to the participants’ needs.

Four Workshops, Four Key Themes

Each workshop addressed a crucial aspect of women’s health, offering both educational and practical movement sessions:

1. PILATES FOR BONE HEALTH (March 1)

This workshop tackled the pressing issue of osteoporosis, a condition that disproportionately affects women. The session focused on bone-strengthening exercises, weight-bearing movements, and postural awareness to help reduce fracture risk and improve mobility.

  • Impact: 49 participants (25 online, 24 in-studio)
  • Key takeaway: Movement is essential in preventing and managing osteoporosis, and safe exercise can be highly beneficial.

2. PILATES FOR PREGNANCY & BEYOND (March 15)

Designed for expectant and postpartum mothers, this workshop introduced safe and effective exercises to support core stability, pelvic floor health, and overall strength. With a focus on breathwork and mindful movement, participants learned how to ease discomfort and maintain fitness during and after pregnancy.

  • Impact: 6 participants (3 online, 3 in-studio)
  • Key takeaway: Pregnancy and postpartum recovery require specific movement strategies to ensure long-term wellbeing.

3. MOVEMENT MATETRS IN MENOPAUSE (March 22)

Menopause is often accompanied by changes in bone density, muscle mass, and joint health. This session provided practical strategies for incorporating resistance training, balance exercises, and mindfulness techniques to support overall wellness during menopause.

  • Impact: 38 participants (23 online, 15 in-studio)
  • Key takeaway: Strength training and movement can ease menopausal symptoms and promote long-term health.

4. PINK RIBBON PILATES FOR BREAST CANCER REHAB (March 29)

Recovery from breast cancer treatment comes with unique challenges, including limited mobility and lymphedema risk. This workshop guided participants through gentle yet effective exercises to restore range of motion, improve circulation, and enhance overall wellbeing post-treatment.

  • Impact: 6 participants (2 online, 4 in-studio)
  • Key takeaway: Gentle movement and targeted exercises can aid recovery and support long-term healing.

Breaking Barriers to Fitness

One of the key achievements of this series was empowering women to feel more confident in movement. Many attendees had previously been hesitant to engage in exercise due to conditions like osteoporosis, menopause, or post-surgical limitations. By providing evidence-based instruction, participants gained both knowledge and assurance that movement is not only safe but vital to overall wellbeing.

A common theme emerged throughout the workshops: many women had been avoiding exercise out of fear. Some believed their conditions made movement unsafe, while others lacked access to the right guidance. These sessions provided a crucial shift in perspective, showing that exercise is adaptable and beneficial at any stage of life.

Beyond the Mat: Giving Back

The workshops were offered free of charge, but participants were encouraged to donate to Women’s Aid (https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Liveandbreathepilates) or Arc Cancer Care Centre (https://www.idonate.ie/LiveandbreathepilatesLiveandbreathpilates11). Steph Grey also donated her fees from the program to these charities, highlighting the community-driven spirit of the initiative. To support the cause, they created an iDonate page for both charities, allowing participants to make contributions. In addition to iDonate, cash donations were also collected. Currently, the total donations for both charities amount to €1,397, and donations will remain open until April 19, 2025.

This initiative was about more than just movement – it was about community, support, and advocacy. By choosing to give back, both organisers and participants contributed to a greater cause, reinforcing the idea that wellness extends beyond the individual.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Wellness in D8

The success of Women’s Wellness in D8 – Spring Series has demonstrated the immense value of targeted wellness programs for women. The enthusiastic response from participants highlights the need for ongoing education and accessible health initiatives in the community.