December Talk with Leigh Winchcombe

It's almost Christmas and December is becoming more festive. Today we're talking to
Leigh Winchcombe who is a soft tissue therapist and exercise instructor of Flockly Health and Fitness who provides injury rehabilitation and pain management, sports massage and clinically minded Mat Pilates classes. Her business is based in Washbourne House Therapy Centre in Wroughton.

It’s December – is this a busy time for your business? 
This is the first proper December since my business launched in January 2020, last year of course we were facing many restrictions so certainly this December is busier than the last!

I am expecting to be a little quieter with schools breaking up and clients planning trips to see loved ones. With that in mind I’ve got lots to keep myself busy such as planning for January classes which includes a new ‘Back Care’ class launching 12th January at Washbourne House, advertising my services, writing content for my website and social media pages and also beginning to study for a new qualification in March which I’m very excited about

Christmas is coming – what does Christmas mean for you? 
It’s all about travelling across much of the South to visit friends and family in the lead up to Christmas. I’ve lived in a number of places since I was 19 so most of my friends are dotted around and my family are in Southampton. December is always used as a time to catch up with those important to me.

What’s on Santa’s List for your business in 2022? 
I’ve just recently signed up to complete a Level 4 Exercise for Neurological Disorders qualification in March which I am really looking forward to. It will add to my skills and broaden the scope of the type of clients I will be able to help next year. So passing this by the end of March is certainly on the list! 

And what’s on your list personally? 
I am looking to buy a property next year so it’s very much about saving all the pennies at the moment to make that a reality!

What has been your greatest business lesson this year? 
That sometimes even though you think you have a winning formula for your business / activities you may still have to make changes to it to keep things fresh. For me I’ve realised it’s ok to change things up and it doesn’t mean I’m failing.

What have been your business highlights in 2021? 
Getting the opportunity to work with a couple of elderly clients in the last six months who suffer with illnesses such as Parkinson’s or dementia. The fun they bring to my days and how interesting it has been to find out about their lives, as well as the buzz I get seeing their mobility and wellbeing improve. To feel like you make a difference to someone's life is a lovely feeling.

Building a great community feel in my Pilates classes, filling the studio at Washbourne House with laughter and helping many people throughout the year improve their health in some way - it’s exactly why I have decided to follow this path.

What have been your personal highlights in 2021? 
This is going to sound corny, but I met my partner in February this year and it’s been an amazing 10 months getting to know each other. He’s certainly one of my biggest supporters and is just as excited by my new business as I am. He’s forever saying we’re a team, and who doesn’t want to be part of a team right?! 

Completing my Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapy diploma which I started in September of last year, and with all the different lockdowns and restrictions it made it quite challenging and delayed its completion, as well as a lot of learning being completed remotely when it wasn’t due to be. It was very much a relief when I submitted the last of the work! 

Have you got any special offers or deals you’d like to mention? 
If you’re looking for the gift for someone who has everything I’ve got gift vouchers available which can be used towards Sports Massages or even for a group of Pilates classes.

In January I will also be launching my ‘Back Care’ classes at Washbourne House which are designed to help those who suffer with back, neck, shoulder pain and might have been diagnosed with things like a prolapsed disc or other spinal conditions. They will be small bespoke run classes, everyone's situation will be taken into account when the classes are designed and you’ll get a personalised programme to follow in your own time. 

As well as this you’ll be learning lots about back health and getting guidance from me throughout the programme. Spaces are limited to ensure I can offer a high level of support throughout! 

What would be your best piece of advice for anyone in business for 2022? 
Never stop investing in yourself! Whether that is through courses, reading, volunteering, picking the brains of those around you - maybe even getting a mentor! Investing in yourself in my opinion is the best use of your time and your money, and it will only ever help you be at your best.

And finally:
Just to say a big thank you to all my amazing healthcare colleagues at Washbourne House Therapy Centre for your support during 2021. It’s amazing to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team where if you’re ever unsure you can always check in with someone and come up with treatment ideas that will most benefit your clients. They are a great bunch and their support has been extremely valuable this year.

For more information visit www.flocklyhealthandfitness.com