I must first start by apologising to those who have been waiting to read the second part of this post - it is massively overdue. Where is the time even going at the moment? I'm constantly shocked to wake up and find we're almost in August!
Anyhow, avid readers may recall that back in June undertook a mini fitness mission consisting of trying ten classes at Ten Pilates, the dynamic reformer workout with studios across the city. Let me just clarify, I hate exercise. I have never been sporty, nor a gym bunny. At school I paid my friends to do my sports days races for me and as an adult the idea of joining a netball team or taking up a gym membership literally leaves me in a cold sweat. I've never been a fan and I never will be.
At least so I thought....
Since hopping on to the reformer I may well be on my way to being converted. Have I actually found a form of exercise I might...like? For those who aren't familiar with Ten Pilates, the classic reformer consists of a movable 'bed' on which you sit or lie (see, told you I liked it...) with a series of springs offering different levels of resistance, along with pulleys that can used around the hands or feet for various exercises. It may look fairly harmless but don't be fooled - it's a darn tough workout. The classic classes all focus on reformer work and though content changes each lesson, there are certain exercises that are repeated regularly, be they for abs, arms, legs or butt. How hard could it be I thought? Turns out, very. Staying static on an ever-sliding carriage forces you to use your core; I was complimented several times by instructors that I'm extremely flexible (a pleasant side effect of years of dancing as a teenager) but I quickly discovered I have absolutely no core strength of which to speak. Luckily that's something that's always worked on!
Like traditional Pilates, this style is designed to engage and strengthen your core waist and lower back muscles, helping improve posture and prevent injury. Unlike traditional Pilates, it also delivers an innovative, intense and highly effective full-body workout designed to give you a slimmer figure and lean, toned muscles. Fast.
Classes vary from location to location, but with five locations across London - Notting Hill, Mayfair, City, Hatton Garden and Chiswick - plus a pop up studio in St James', there something to suit everyone. Classic dynamic Pilates takes place on the reformer, with beginners classes designed to build up strength and flexibility whereas moving up to intermediate level you'll quickly see new levels of core strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness. Your posture will improve; you’ll stand taller and straighter, and your physique will become leaner and more toned. Even after just a handful of classes I noticed a difference; whereas the first was most certainly a challenge, by the third and fourth I already felt my strength improving, certain parts of me feeling much more toned and a general sense of it getting, while not easier per se, definitely less of a challenge!
I admit I wasn't brave enough to try the Cardiolates, as it's only really suited to intermediate or advanced clients. The Cardiolates workout uses the latest Spin bikes alongside the trademark reformer beds to provide a perfect combination of body-sculpting, weight-loss and cardiovascular endurance benefits. It was definitely more of a challenge that I could face at my beginner level, but I may yet make my away to it one day.
Another class I did try however was the latest addition to Ten's repertoire, TenBarre, currently only available at the Notting Hill studio. A unique take on the barre workout which has become a major fitness trend in recent years. With all instructors being current professional dancers, they certainly give you a workout akin to one you'd expect from such a calibre of trainer. A fusion of ballet move and Ten's trademark dynamic Pilates, rather than a typical mix of ballet and yoga, it's no picnic. TenPilates has an approach that involve rocking the muscles to point of fatigue and TenBarre in no exception; far from being a girl, flowing ballet class, you will sweat, and you will uh, and you will probably get cramp in your calves at least once, by you'll feel amazing afterwards and I'll leave walking that little bit taller and with a spring in your step.
Next up was the Ten HIIT, available in either a mixed class or, at Notting Hill only, single sex. High Intensity Interval Training combines short, sharp bursts of intense exercise with periods of lower intensity recovery periods, to boost overall fitness, strength, stamina and overall physical fitness, combining boxing training, weights, TRX, strength training, body-weight and plyometric routines. Having been to a number of HIIT Classes before I was aware of what to expect; a knackering, sweaty, challenging class that ultimately leaves you totally floored but feeling a massive sense of achievement and leaves your metabolism boosted for up to 24 hours afterwards.
That's not the full of extent of what TenPilates can offer though. With specialist Pre-Natal and Spinal Mobility classes available, as well as Mat Pilates by arrangement, there is something to offer everyone who may be looking for an alternative workout or something less high intensity than classic gym routines.
I trialled ten classes over the course of a few weeks and was seriously impressed. After just a few classes I noticed improvements in my strength, flexibility, core and body tone. My general fitness felt better and the classes most certainly started to feel easier and go much faster. Whilst still tough and undoubtedly sweaty, I really started to enjoy them, so much more than I have ever enjoyed a traditional gym workout. Be warned; it's not cheap. A single hour long class is £28 and, though this price does go down the more classes you buy, it's a pricey fitness choice if you do use it as your main workout. Compare the enjoyment factor and speedy results to a classic gym workout though and I know where I would rather spend my money. I might have to give in and join a less expensive gym, but TenPilates will definitely be staying on my radar as a brilliantly inspiring workout that gets amazing results, fast.
For mor information and to book visit www.tenpilates.com
Love Laurel x
DIsclaimer: That's not me in the picture...though I wish it was...
