Pilates reformer class: week four at Equinox

 
20 March 2013

Pilates is something I've always been desperate to try - especially the proper machine stuff - so I jumped at the offer of a one-on-one reformer class at Equinox.

A complete novice, I was attracted by its promise to strengthen and stretch your body at the same time - so you don't have to turn into a beef cake.

Jayne, my instructor for the session, also points out that: "It's a full-body workout with an emphasis on the core - no muscle is over or under worked." So equally you don't have to worry about getting big hams or massive shoulders.

Entering the pilates studio, I was confronted by a set of machinery that I'm sure Christian Grey wouldn't be adverse to: endless bars, straps, pulleys and gears to contort you into various positions.

Jayne interrupts my thoughts and gets me started, as a complete novice, with some gentle stretches and spinal curls. Pilates is all about how you hold your body and the quality of each movement, rather than the speed of reps you rack up. Within five minutes I'm told I need to pull my ribs - it's a strange sensation to be so aware of how every part of your body is aligned, and so aware of your breath.

Next we move onto the reformer machine to get started on a series of exercises that work our my arms, my legs and my core. Lying down on the 'carriage', I pushed against the resistance of the springs - working to hold my spine and challenge my core. Variations (and further resistance) are achieved by hooking your feet into straps, holding a 'magic circle' (everyone should buy one) between your ankles to work your inner thighs, placing my hands in the straps to curl my stomach muscles. Feeling them work is very satisfying - each muscle vibrates with the effort of controlling my movements. Again it's about quality not quantity.

I find the various exercises challenging, not in the sense that I get tired or sweat, but in my struggle to align each part of my body correctly. Luckily Jayne is on hand to correct every wrong move - something which makes me wonder how useful a group class would be.

But from just one lesson, you can find out your body's basic strengths and weaknesses, wonts and quirks: I stick my ribs out, my balance is a bit off and I hold one hip higher than the other. Overall, you come out of the class aware of each minute movement.

At work I strive to sit up straight - something my mother has been trying to get me to do for years.

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