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Pilates

by Melissa Dick

Invented by Joseph Pilates way back in the 1920s, pilates is now widely regarded as one of the most effective fitness regimes for back and posture problems, and the best way to strengthen the core muscles in the back and stomach areas. Pilates - especially the kind performed on a reformer bed with weights - has become a big hit with celebrities in the US and the UK and as a form of exercise its popularity has grown over the last decade. It promotes entire well being and is renowned for strengthening muscles as well as lengthening them. It is without doubt one of the best ways we've found for both men and women to tone and resculpt the body with out bulking up too much.

There are different types of pilates so read ELLEs reviews to find out which type is the best for you.

Pilates

by Ten Pilates

Price: £25 per class

Stockist: Ten Pilates (020 8969 9677 )

If you haven’t twigged on to the benefits of Pilates yet, head to London’s Green Park where you’ll find the brand new Ten Pilates studio.

As soon as you enter the new TenPilates studio in Mayfair, you get the feeling this is going to be no ordinary work out. Receptionists are welcoming, changing rooms plush (even stocked with GHDs) and the atmosphere is relaxed and calm, unlike ordinary gyms which tend to be frantic and noisy. This is not demotivating however, the calm atmosphere makes you surprisingly focused so that by the time I enter the small and intimate studio with floor-to-ceiling mirrors (so you can check your posture not your blow-dry!) I’m ready for action. TenPilates is performed on a reformer bed, which means the work out combines traditional Pilates moves with weights and resistance for the ultimate toning work out. As the class is small (maximum of 6) my trainer keeps a close eye to check I’m performing each set of exercises in exactly the right way and maintaining the correct posture. For optimum results - this is key to Pilates. We take each set of repetitions slowly, which is agonising – but control is crucial, and the hour is over in a flash, I actually find myself wishing the class was longer! I feel like I have really worked out, getting the most of every minute, but I’m not worn out and feel a definite post-exercise buzz. The next day I am aching everywhere – especially my abs, core and inner thighs, and the aching lasts for three days, even so I can’t wait to sign up for my next class. I’m hooked.

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Traditional Pilates

Pilates is a series of gentle, muscle strengthening exercises that was devised in the 1920s by Dr Joseph Pilates as a way to rehabilitate injured World War I soldiers and patients with back and posture problems.
It was based on principles that work to improve flexibility and strength and to create balance and well being in the body through breathing and physical functions that lead to physical and mental relaxation.

Although Pilates wasn’t really accepted in the medical community till around 50 years later – it is now widely regarded as one of the most effective regimes for back and posture pr...

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Beautcamp Pilates

by Beautcamp Pilates

Price: Off peak single classes cost £23 and peak evening classes cost £25

Stockist: Beautcamp Pilates

Introduced to the UK from LA by pilates pro Dominique Day, Beautcamp Pilaties has a celebrity following that includes super toned stars like Jennifer Aniston and Madonna. There are now two studios in London you can sign up to and the class is growing in popularity.
Not for the faint hearted, anyone who thinks Pilates is for wimps - one of those fitness classes for people who like to buy nice gym gear but don’t want to break a sweat - should sign up for Beautcamp and prepare to be converted.
After one or two classes in the City branch studio with Pilates maestro Daniel Le Roux you’ll either be hooked or unable to walk without yelping, and quite possibly both. Like traditional Pilates ( link to definition), Beautcamp focuses on precise stretches and core strengthening routines, but by combining these with resistance and weights, aims to sculpt your entire body with carefully planned hour long and gruelling workouts.
Lunges, squats, sit-ups etc are all performed in repetitive sets on a bed called ‘the reformer’ which works with resistance ropes and weights. There’s no breaks, no rests and with classes a maximum size of nine - no copping out.
Classes aren’t cheap but this really is the ultimate and one of the most effective ways we’ve found to a toned body – which is why it’s so popular in Hollywood. Go three times a week and after a month you’ll see a visible change. Stick with it to get the abs you always wanted.
Best for: Toning

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