ABOUT THE OSTOMY STUDIO
The Ostomy Studio is a place where you can come and learn how to exercise safely and effectively, before or after stoma surgery or reversal, or at any time in your life, even if your surgery was years ago.
Using clinical Pilates, I will teach you how to correctly train your abdominal muscles and rebuild strength in your body.
Restoring your confidence and helping you get back to doing the things you love.
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Classes are online over video. Delivered via Zoom. So you can join in from the comfort, safety and privacy of your own home. Just join the class on video and follow along. I can see you from my studio so can check you’re doing things correctly.
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Classes are aimed at different abilities, so be sure to select the right level for you. Check out ‘Online LIVE classes’.
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Or if you can’t make any of the class times, there are ‘ON DEMAND’ videos to follow when it suits you.
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You can even book a 1:1 if you want a bit more TLC or have something more specific to work on.
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Why did I set up The Ostomy Studio?
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The Ostomy Studio is the first-of-it's kind online specialist clinical Pilates studio for people who have an ostomy. Providing safe and appropriate exercise classes that you can trust.
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After my own ostomy surgery in 2010, I realised there was little information about abdominal exercise and rehabilitation for people with a stoma.
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Many people with stomas are fearful of exercise and worried about parastomal hernias. And this is stopping people from living their lives.
This desperately needs to change. We deserve better.
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With my professional qualifications and personal experience of having a stoma, I’m in a unique position and it’s my privilege to share this insight.
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I’ve now spent a decade training patients, educating nurses, doing research, training health care professionals and speaking at conferences around the world about exercise, rehabilitation, Pilates, stomas and hernias.
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Exercise with a stoma is a neglected topic but I have started to shine a much-needed light on it.
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I want to change the conversation. To show the world that having an ostomy doesn’t have to stop you doing absolutely anything you want. And Clinical Pilates is at the very foundation of your recovery and movement rehabilitation.
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And so finally, The Ostomy Studio is here, pulling together all the strands of my work, experience and expertise. I hope you’ll love it and I can’t wait to see you in a class soon.
ABOUT SARAH
Expert - Qualified - Ostomate
I’m a clinical exercise specialist, certified clinical Pilates instructor (APPI trained) and cancer rehabilitation instructor. I have 25 years’ experience in teaching exercise and fitness and I hold a masters’ degree in sport & exercise science. I run a private oncology exercise practice (www.sarah-russell.co.uk) and am the author of The Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit. I also have a stoma.
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I have travelled the world speaking at international conferences and training nurses and healthcare professionals about the importance of exercise and rehabilitation after stoma surgery. And I have published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals about stoma/exercise and hernias.
Alongside my own private practice, I am proud to hold the following consultancy positions:
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Clinical Exercise Specialist Consultant for the Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association
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Global Exercise Specialist to ConvaTec
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Clinical Exercise Expert for My IBD app for Ampersand Health
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Volunteer Oncology Exercise Specialist at Hospice in the Weald, Kent
MY PERSONAL STORY
How I Got Here
I have had an ileostomy since 2010 after diverticular disease and peritonitis meant I needed emergency life-saving surgery. I’ve had five major surgeries and 3 different stomas.
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Before I became ill, I was a fitness trainer, competitive runner and GB triathlete. Initially I was worried that I might not be able to do those things again. In fact, the first thing I googled when home from hospital was ‘disability sport’.
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But as I recovered, I found that I could run, hike, swim and cycle and (with a bit of forward planning!) it didn’t seem to stop me doing anything. I learned very quickly that I was anything but disabled.
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10 years on I’ve now completed over 34 marathons and various ultra-distance runs around the world, including the Himalayan 100 and the TransRockies 120-mile stage race in Colorado. I’m not especially competitive or fast these days, but I just love being outdoors, running, hiking mountains, cycling, being with my 2 Labradors Tess and Tara, and enjoying the trails. I swim, train with weights, coach runners and teach Pilates.
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But my greatest passion is sharing the joy of exercise with others and I most love working with clients in overcoming adversity, surgery, illness and cancer.
SARAH'S STORY
Stories about life and sport - a film by Focuspull
MY QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
BSc and MSc Sport and Exercise Science Degrees
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BASES Certified Exercise Practitioner
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APPI Certified Clinical Pilates Instructor
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Diploma in Biomechanics Coaching
including Low Back Pain Specialist
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CanRehab Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor
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Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
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UKA Coach in Running Fitness
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Associate Member of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN)
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PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH
