http://www.mystokenewington.co.uk/place/tenpilates-barlbyroad-london
15-12-2010
Like traditional Pilates, TenPilates’ Dynamic Pilates promises to strengthen and engage your core waist and lower back muscles, improving flexibility and posture. However, it also offers an intense full-body workout designed to give you a slimmer figure and lean, toned muscles. Plus, there are only a maximum of 10 people to a class, so the trainer can ensure you don’t put a foot (or any other body part) wrong.
Interestingly, the business came about because co-founder Jo Mathews experienced a horrific car crash, fracturing her coccyx and twisting her pelvis, five years ago. She met her business partner and TenPilates’ master trainer, David Higgins at a Highgate rehabilitation gym, where he helped her to recover.
The Process
As I work out regularly, I joined an intermediate class. Unfortunately this took place during London Fashion Week, so I was slightly the worse for wear. Not good when you have twice as many exercises as the beginners’ class to get through. I didn’t have just one trainer, though; a new trainer was shadowing (would-be trainers are trained, no matter how experienced they are). What’s more, a tall, athletic American woman to my right, also advised me.
The workout takes place on a Reformer with its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys which provide resistance and improve your posture, balance and all-important core strength. Each exercise moved smoothly to the next and I often used a pole for balance, while my more experienced classmates used free weights. My whole body was soon shaking, but I did spot the woman to my left also trembling.
The Result
Dynamic Pilates packs a punch. The only thing it doesn’t work out is your heart, so you would need to combine this with a cardio exercise. When I mentioned the workout to my personal trainer, she was impressed. Believe me, that was a good sign – she puts most of the guys to shame in the men-only class!
Introductory class £12.50; £25 per class thereafter; discounts for block bookings
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15-12-2010
TenPilates has recently launched a new workout, Cardiolates. This class is designed to give you a full-body workout and is best suited for people who want an intense exercise. However, it is also a low-impact class – the combination of Reformers and stationary spin bikes minimizes risk of injury to the joints. The first half of the session takes place on the bikes, working the lower body and raising the heart rate. Participants move on to the Reformer beds for the second half of the session, focusing on the core, upper body, flexibility and posture.
The Process
I headed to the Notting Hill studio, which has recently moved to its bigger, brighter new location round the corner from its previous address. There were 10 (the maximum number of people to a class) – all women – of us in the bright, smart class which looked out onto a leafy street. The glamorous-looking women were friendly and welcoming. We each grabbed a towel and took a bike either facing the mirror or the frosted window. Our trainer, David Higgins, checked we had our seats at the correct level before putting us through our paces to a dance soundtrack of Sophie Ellis Bextor and Moloko. It was tough, but the 30 minutes went quickly. Moving onto the Reformer beds didn’t mean the pace slowed. After a brief stretch, the exercises included lunges with weights and stomach crunches, using the beds to work the core muscles in combination with other muscle groups.
The Result
This was a challenging workout which left me in no doubt that it burns plenty of calories, builds core strength and improves flexibility and posture.
Introductory first class £12.50, normally £25 for a one-hour Cardiolates class
Read more reviews by West London Living
West London Living is an online listings and lifestyle magazine compiled by local experts, covering local life, culture, fashion, restaurants, bars, pubs, sport, health and beauty.
This blog post was brought to you by Spinal Q, SpinalQ, home of the Q Brace, Qbrace which can help you rehab injuries and achieve better posture in conjunction with diet and exercise.
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