Mat Pilates. The dynamic reformer pilate’s less
cool, two-strap / thick-rimmed glasses wearing (pre-Geek Chic), more boring
sister. Before Reformer Pilates (been there, done that, hello Day 5) became trendy,
mat pilates was already around. But there was less hoo-ha about it – there were
no springs, no hoops, nor little slides to be playing with - there was just a mat really. And if
I’m honest, I kind of always thought it was the same as yoga but with less of
the spiritual, chanting flowiness.
And I was kind of right. There is less of the
spiritual element and no chanting but similarities definitely exist, in my limited
experience of either, between yoga and pilates in terms of focused breathing and
types of exercises. Under the coaching of instructor Maika (btw, I attended
this class on Monday, not Sunday), we were led through a number of moves at a relatively
swift pace. There was a lot of focus on pelvis alignment during the class and
rotating hips in sockets without moving the pelvis. Each isolated move was easy
to follow but with each move carried out for a while (due to s.l.o.w.e.r
countdowns from instructor Maika!) and very few rests between moves, your muscles
were still gently pushed without ever being particularly out of breath.
The class had ladies and gents of all ages, but be
warned, this class was packed! In a beautiful, airy studio (3rd sister
in the triyoga family), around 35 students filled the room. And I wouldn’t be
surprised if it was because of the small, bubbly, cheerful instructor Maika.
She was encouraging, cracked a couple of jokes during class and managed to keep
the class’ attention very well despite the huge number of students. Sadly,
instructor Maika was a bit camera-shy so no picture today!
In hindsight, I should have taken a picture (if allowed)
of the reception area. This triyoga studio is very big, with a large open-plan
ground floor reception / shop area / café / lounge area with homemade snacks
(some healthy, some less so!) and at least 3 studios upstairs (including one
that can take 35). Easily a space where you could hang out before/after class
having a snack or simply reading one of the many books available in the lounge.
Which I did for a wee bit after class, while the receptionists were on the
phone to potential students, patiently going through the different types of
classes and discussing which might be most suitable. In fact, the receptionists
at this studio were noticeably friendlier than their counterparts at Soho.
Perhaps it is the general layout and busier nature of this studio but there was
a distinct homely feel at the Primrose Hill studio. Or maybe it was just the smell of baking…
The Need To
Know:
-
Where: TriYoga Primrose
Hill (what if they open another branch??)
- Nearest
Station: Chalk Farm (6mins)
- When: Various types of yoga / pilates all day every day
- How Much: Intro offer of 2 weeks for £20, else drop-in
starts at £14/hr or class packages
- Special
Note: Same note re. booking system
as previous TriYoga reviews. This studio is bigger than both its sisters with a
more open community atmosphere.
The Want to
Know:
- Who’s it
For: For those who are afraid of
the dynamic reformer machine.
- Sweat
Scale: 5/10.
- Strength /
Cardio / Flexi / Tone: Mostly toning.
- Complexity: 4/10
- Fun Factor:
7/10 Brought up from a 6
because of instructor Maika’s cheerful self.
- Changing
Facilities: Big changing rooms, toilets, showers etc.
- Instructor
Inspiration: 7/10. As bubbly as a berocca!
The Stats:
- Total Time: 1hr 15mins
- Calories Burnt: 106
- Average
Heart Rate: 77bpm
- Max Heart
Rate: 115bpm
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