Day 5 ! Reformer Pilates

UK engineers do not get the respect they deserve. In some countries they are allowed a special prefix like our Doctors. Actually in India the prefix is “Er.” (which I would’ve thought is err…a bit tricky as people might just think you’re confused over your name). But in the UK, an engineer gets nada. Without them we would all be living in single storey makeshift houses, walking everywhere on land and swimming if we wanted to cross the sea. And we wouldn’t have time travel, holidays on the Moon or internet contact lenses to look forward to. So all in all, engineers are pretty important people who are overlooked and underpaid (according to engineer friends).

So, as I was midway through the reformer pilates class, I had a thought that the engineer who invented this machine must be laughing now. Instead of designing the HVAC (that’s engineer lingo for Heating, Ventilation and AirCon) system which no-one really appreciates, they designed a springy, slidey body stretch machine which becomes a fitness craze and ker-ching! Then after a google search, it turns out the machine was actually invented by Joseph Pilates, a gymnast / boxer / circus performer (all fitivities on the HitList!) while he was placed in an internment camp during World War I and where he arranged (engineered, one might say) the hospital bed springs to make resistance exercises for the injured prisoners of war. So, not an engineer.

But indeed a fitness craze. Someone you know will be doing Reformer Pilates. A friend, a sister, a colleague or the random lady you were eavesdropping on in the lift. “You really must try it, it’s sooo good for you!” And there are s.o. many places that offer reformer pilates class / tuition in London. I tried it at Bootcamp Pilates (on a friend’s recommendation, of course!) in Notting Hill. The instructor, Ben made the effort to say hello to everyone at the start of class, which was quite decent I thought and was also very good at describing what the moves were, (very helpful if new to the class). If you’ve not seen a pilates reformer before, it’s a machine with a sliding platform (for you to sit, lie, lean on) attached to various colour-coded resistance springs which can be hooked on/off according to your level. At one end there’s a foot bar (to rest your feet while doing exercises with a rubber ring between your legs) and on the other, a head rest (no explanation necessary) and shoulder pads (to grip onto for dear life during exercises), along with a number of straps to hook round arms, legs and/or feet. Actually re-reading this paragraph, it does sound like some sort of complex sex-related machine. Hmm.

On the class itself, there was a fair chunk of abs holding, pulsing, squeezing buttocks, lunges (which you think is easier to slide your front leg into place on the platform, but in fact much harder to hold in place). Because the transition between moves was quite fast and you didn’t know what was coming next, I found the class passed incredibly quickly. Your mind is concentrating on the moving part of the machine, your posture, the sequence, your breathing and listening to the instructions so you’re distracted from the fact you are actually working out. I assume each class is different moves (I will test this theory) but still all of the toning nature. You may be able to get away without a post- workout shower but still expect to be surprisingly sore the next day (post-post edit). Definitely a good all round toning workout, without feeling like a workout.

The Need To Know:

- Where: Bootcamp Pilates Notting Hill (a few studios around London).

- Nearest Station: Royal Oak (4mins) or Bayswater (7mins walk).

- When: Classes on most days throughout the week, reformer pilates-dedicated studios.

- How Much: Intro offer £12 for 2 off-peak classes or £18(off)/£25(peak) per class or multi-class packages.

  

The Want to Know:

- Who’s it For: Those who are a fan of toning, lengthening and generally more low intensity classes. It’s not a cardio blast.

- Sweat Scale: 5/10 (Probably more 4 but I sweat when new in a class).

- Strength / Cardio / Flexi / Tone: More flexi and tone and some strength.

- Complexity: 6/10 Once you’re used to the machine, it’s kinda straightforward. Be mindful of long hair and moving parts.

- Fun Factor: 7/10 Bars and springs, loops and rings, it’s like a mini playground!

- Changing Facilities: No shower, no know.

- Teacher Inspiration: Friendly and easy on the eye.

The Stats:

- Distance covered: 0km (indoors)

- Total Time: 52mins

- Calories Burnt: 129 (seriously, that's it)

- Average Heart Rate: 92bpm

- Max Heart Rate: 135bpm

The Studio (I know its blurry)

Instructor Ben (and Free Apple!)