It’s been one of the most popular buzzwords throughout the fitness industry for decades, yet has escaped this humble writer’s attention for too long. Not anymore, though.
When it comes to strengthening and activating your core muscles, Pilates is the real deal – trust me.
As someone who weight trains five times a week, plays football and basketball regularly, it was fair to say confidence was no issue when it came to testing out ‘Real Pilates’ Reformer class. Now, admittedly, some prior research would have quickly dissipated that foolhardy conviction because it turned out to be one of the toughest, but most importantly, enjoyable workouts I’ve experienced.
Some of you, particularly fellow men, may raise an eyebrow to that statement, but believe me, just try it and you’ll know.
However, first some background, thankfully provided by the incredibly knowledgeable STOTT Pilates trainers, led by passionate founder Reza Alavi, who inhabit the brandspanking new studio in the heart of the sleek ONE JLT building.
The Pilates Reformer uses a device originally invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1900s when he rigged up springs to hospital beds to help bedridden patients exercise. Of course, as our understanding of the body has grown, so, too, has the development of his rehabilitation programme, helping everyone from professional athletes to those recovering from cancer.
As the region’s largest STOTT Pilates teaching facility, it’s fair to say there are few better introductions to this form of exercise regime.
The combination of state-of-theart facilities and award-winning trainers made for an eye-opening experience. And when you first lay eyes on the Reformer, it eerily resembles some sort of torture device with its composition of bands and springs.
But thankfully the class trainer Tahlia was on hand to help me settle in. The class size was just right – full, holding about 12 people – and the pace was perfect.
Tahlia would quickly explain each move, which we performed for around 12 repetitions, giving you plenty of time to feel the burn, maintain momentum and keep things interesting. Although I was definitely the first to break out into a sweat, there was never a feeling of being overwhelmed, which you’d expect as Pilates technique focuses on control and form. Though the first reformer was designed to help rehabilitate wounded soldiers, the modern equipment helps students perfect their technique.
“Pilates is great because there is a lot of rehabilitative aspects to it and then once you start learning and embedding the basic principles of Pilates into any form of fitness you do then you prevent injuries,” Alavi says.
“A lot of marathon runners, cyclists, horse riders, of course the Royal Family do a lot of serious professional equestrian, they come to us because they want to make sure they have the right posture, strong core and prevent injuries etc. We have a lot of private sessions, one-on-one and personal training sessions based on Pilates.
“Injuries have come from all kinds of backgrounds, it could be from something like cross fit to people who are reconstructing after cancer. People from all walks of life, all ages and all backgrounds.
“When there’s a unique thing about the person then of course we prefer the one-on-one training because we want to tailor the exercises to the body but when the person is ready to go into a group class they do so.”
Well, just given @Real_Pilates a go. First time ever trying Pilates and it was very cool. A welcome change of pace from the weightlifting!
— Alex Rea (@AlexReaSport) June 27, 2016
No matter your background Pilates will make you stronger.
Studies have shown that a twiceweekly class can lead to significant increases in the endurance of muscles in the abdomen and upper body. And for someone like me who already weight trains, it’s the perfect complement to my regime because it negates the worry of fitness plateau. But why have people like myself, neglected Pilates for so long? A lot of it, is perception.
Medical professionals prescribe Pilates as the best form of rehabilitation but it’s not been promoted as it should be, as an integral part of injury prevention rather than post-injury. But with 75 classes per week at ‘Real Pilates’ there is no excuse to ensure your body is well maintained. Just ask Tahlia.
“Pilates honestly caters for everybody!” she says. “The elderly, sports stars, any special population – pre/post natal for example – rehab, injury recovery as well as injury prevention. It is used for performance enhancement, to teach you guys how to correctly lift, and make the most of the weight training, to compliment weight loss, to tone and firming, balances flexibility, core strength and muscle strength, stress relief… The list goes on.”
What: Real Pilates
Where: ONE JLT
Verdict: 9/10 As a complete newby to Pilates the depth of knowledge from the trainers was crucial. Areas of my body which had been neglected in weight training were given a real workout and I’ll be going again that’s for sure.
