My exercise of choice is usually something pretty high-cardio. Over the years I’ve spun, run, jigged and zumba’d my way around town. Despite needing to chill-out and tone-up I don’t find stretchy and relaxing exercise very effective or calming. In fact, quite the opposite. However, there came a time last year when a certain bottom in a certain Sarah Burton bridesmaid dress pushed me to give Pilates a proper ‘go’.

Picture thanks to heraldpost @ Flickr.com

What is Pilates?
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates and has been practised all over the world. There are two forms of Pilates – traditional and contemporary. Some Pilates classes use fully-equipped studios (with machinery such as the Trapeze Table designed by Pilates). I, however, am talking about contemporary, mat-based Pilates where the only equipment needed is a mat and perhaps a resistance band.

Mummyratesit tries: Zumba

Intended to strengthen both body and mind, Pilates focuses on exercising the whole body whilst developing, toning and strengthening the core muscle group. Most of the core muscles (abs, back and pelvic floor) are the ones that pregnancy has completely knackered.

Pilates is slow-moving and very much a focus-based exercise. You follow an instructor who will tell you when and where to pull in and how to breathe.

What do you do in Pilates?

The lesson starts with gentle warming up and then moves to regular exercises called the 100 where you hold the position for a beat of 100. One of these 100 exercises is where you lay on the floor, legs extended at 45degrees, head off the ground and you pump your arms up and down. It sounds easy but it really kills your stomach muscles. The teacher will probably tell you to ‘zip in and zip up’ and something about the 7th floor which is all Pilates talk for pulling in your stomach and pelvic floor muscles. You can also expect to hear plenty of instruction about breathing, often exhaling on effort.

Picture thanks to heraldpost @ Flickr.com

My favourite exercise and the one I find the most effective is when you are on the floor on all fours. You then have to reach out one arm and the opposite leg. You suck in your stomach muscles to help you balance. After holding for a while you then swap over and do the opposite arm and leg.

A lot of the exercises are quite sweat-inducing and require concentration so I’ve not had time to drift off and think about hanging out the washing, getting the kids to do their homework or what I’m going to cook for tea.

What are the benefits of Pilates
As well as stronger muscles the noticeable effects of Pilates are an improvement in posture. Without really thinking about it I now find myself regularly pulling my shoulder blades back and downwards. When I’ve finished the class I usually come out feeling a couple of inches taller. I have also noticed an improvement in the pelvic floor department (more of this to come when I review a new Pelvic toner in the next few weeks).
Don’t be fooled by the gentleness of the exercises. My word, sometimes I can barely laugh as my stomach is so sore from doing Pilates, so be prepared to feel ‘it’ a few days after a class.

Do you have to be super fit or skinny to do it?
No, and in fairness I think every exercise I review will be the same. A good Pilates instructor will adjust exercises to your capabilities. In our class we are all different sizes, shapes and ages. Some are super flexible whilst overs can’t bend over and touch the floor with their hands.

Pilates in Crystal Palace, SE19
Antenna Studios, Tuesday 10.15-11.15
Christ Church, Friday 10 – 11, Christ Church, Gipsy Hill
Triangle Pilates
Pilates with Julia @ The Little Escape

Read all about it: Mummyratesit tries: Zumba
Next week: Mummyratesit tries Hot Yoga – ouch!