Pilates! Contrology

Around DB
Jul 2, 2021
2 min read

Alryn Fermin of The Beat shows Rachel Sadler how to get a long, lithe Pilates Body

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportaits.com Pilates is the art of controlled movements, aimed at improving flexibility, building strength and developing control and endurance in the entire body. Practice it enough and you will get a temptingly toned ‘Pilates body,’ while alleviating ill-health and stress.

PILATES WAS INVENTED BY JOSEPH PILATES

during World War One while he was interned at a prisoner of war camp on the Isle of Man. Pilates has since become a global fitness phenomenon.

THE NINE PRINCIPLES OF PILATES

are concentration, control, centre, flow, precision, breathing, postural alignment, relaxation and stamina. Workouts are centred around engaging the core muscles through a series of movements that stabilise and strengthen the body.

PILATES IS A LITTLE BIT LIKE YOGA

in that it’s a ‘mind-body-spirit thing,’ placing a focus on breath and flow to facilitate movement and induce calm.

ALMOST ANYONE CAN DO PILATES

and feel the benefit. The movements are precise so it’s suitable for pregnant women and for people with long-term injuries. For some, it’s like rehab. Pilates is also a challenging workout for dedicated sportspeople, providing an important boost to their existing training regime and physical development

YOU CAN PRACTICE PILATES OFF THE MAT

. Joseph Pilates accompanied his mat-based method with various pieces of equipment, each designed to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment and increased core strength. The Pilates Reformer is the best-known and most popular apparatus in use today

BOTH THE EQUIPMENT AND THE EXERCISES

can be modified and adjusted to suit the individual, which makes it perfect for those looking to tone up, rehab from an injury, or train for a particular sport. The Pilates Reformer is best for individuals who are seeking to achieve core stability and good postural alignment through a low impact, full-body workout.

THE BEAUTY OF THE PILATES REFORMER

is that the length of the bed (and the bars) can be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs. Spring strength can also be adjusted to increase or decrease the resistance. Handheld weights provide an extra challenge, and there’s the option to add a jump board for a cardio workout.

PILATES MAKES YOU FEEL STRONG, tall and confident.

It works the deep local muscles, whilst many other workouts only target the global muscles. Pilates is a full-body workout, allowing you to recruit and target specific areas, which makes it a great complimentary or standalone form of exercise.

Arlyn Fermin is a Pilates Reformer teacher at The Beat here in DB. To find out more call 5721 3000 or visit

​