Bootcamp Pilates! There are four
studios - I went to the Hoxton one at 152-160 City Road, London, EC1V
The website says 'forget any other
form of so-called full body work-out'. I'm pretty sure I'd be out of a job as
booty blogger if that turns out to be true, so I thought it was a good idea to
check.
(Not me...just a great pic!)
For those of you who have never done
a reformer class, the workout beds are based on Joseph Pilatesʼ principles of
100 years ago. He was held in a camp during World War 1, and helped his
bed-bound inmates to use their beds to exercise while they were lying down, by
using bedsprings, cables, and pulleys. It makes it sound like a form of
torture, I know, but bear with me.
I've done reformer classes before,
and they are telling the truth when they add the word 'bootcamp' to the title
here. It hurts, and it's hardcore. But in a good way! You basically lie on a
bed made of comfy leather padding, wood and metal, and do a variety of
exercises using your body as the weight, and springs and pulleys for
resistance. Many of the exercises are simple planks, push-ups etc, but there
were some hilarous bunny hops too, and a standing slide on the bed that vaguely
resembles surfing.
The instructor was really attentive
and sweet. She made sure we knew everyone was comfortable, and knew what we
were doing. She also made a massive effort to make my friend and I feel at
home, as we were newcomers to the class. But, she was an iron fist in a velvet
glove - every pose was held for longer than other classes Iʼve done, and every
move had more reps than Iʼm used to! Feel the burn!!!! As Iʼm a little
competitive, I refuse to stop early, although our teacher did remind the class
that we could rest whenever we wanted to.
The studios are really lovely, and
just a quick hop from Old Street roundabout (grab a coffee at Shoreditch Grind
on your way - yummy). The studio is light and airy with high ceilings, and loads
of room. The changing rooms are small, but clean and tidy, and they provide
complimentary towels. Can I just pause for a little rant here. I love a free
towel. I actually get really excited when gyms give you a towel to use, free of
charge; less washing for me, no damp heavy towel to drag around all day. So
simple, but so satisfying. Happy days (rant over)!
Apparently Nicole Kidman, Jennifer
Aniston and Elizabeth Hurley all like Pilates reformer classes. Iʼm not sure I
look more like any of them after one class, but I certainly felt the effects of
my workout on my core muscles the next day. Sitting up in bed the next morning
was rather painful, but I do like to feel the burn, and had pushed myself quite
hard in the class.
Best bit - It felt like a proper
workout that would strengthen and stabilise my muscles.
Worst bit - It wasnʼt all that much
fun.
Good for - Getting stronger and
leaner
Score - 7/10
No comments:
Post a Comment