A YOGA and Pilates instructor took students on two days of connecting with the body, mind and spirit at a historic and picturesque Essex venue.

Jade Gooding took residents on 48 hours of health and wellbeing fun at a mindfulness retreat at Hedingham Castle.

Jade started her career in the fitness industry in 2006 as a gym advisor, personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

In 2010, she had an accident which damaged her cruciate ligaments.

During recovery she used Pilates methods as rehabilitation, and said she was “amazed by how incredible pilates techniques can be”.

Jade qualified as a Pilates instructor in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since.

Halstead Gazette: IN THE ZONE: A class taking place inside Hedingham CastleIN THE ZONE: A class taking place inside Hedingham Castle (Image: Public)

She said: “I found yoga a few years later in 2013 when I was going through a very tough period in my life.

"Yoga helped me find myself and rebuild as a happier version of me, which has not only benefitted me, but my family too. I trained in Hatha yoga in 2018.

“Pilates and yoga have changed my life and altered my path.

“I love guiding people through practices in the hope that anyone joining me on the mat finds some benefit.”

On World Mental Health Day, Tuesday, October 10, Jade came together with students for a mindfulness retreat at the stunning Hedingham Castle.

Halstead Gazette: SCENIC CLASS: Students were treated to stunning views during the retreatSCENIC CLASS: Students were treated to stunning views during the retreat (Image: Public)

She said: “Over two days, 48 people joined together to help recharge, heal and rejuvenate one another.

“We brought our minds into our bodies with Pilates and barre classes on the top floor of the castle and we tapped into the healing power of mother earth, with an outdoor yoga flow by the lake.

“After eating the rainbow with a delicious vegan lunch, we chatted, laughed, cried and opened up together over cake.

“The days closed with a restorative yoga and healing gong bath in the castle basement, where the setting was just awesome.

“The power of a community can be so magical, and this was truly shown over the two castle day retreats, where we shared, moved and raised awareness in body, mind and spirit."

Visit pilatesandyogawithjade.com for more information.