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Dynamic Pilates, TenPilates

Dynamic Pilates at TenPilates

The Blurb:

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.

Lucy worked out at the Notting Hill studio (there are also studios in Chiswick and Mayfair). TenPilates, 2–4 Exmoor Street, London, W10; www.tenpilates.com; 020 8969 9677

Tried & Tested | ,