If you are looking to expand your workout or take it to another level, look into Reformer Pilates. The city’s original ladies-only studio is a great place to get bendy for the first time.
We’ve all heard about Pilates. Everyone from Madonna to David Beckham sings its praises; the exercise is the clear choice for those looking to lengthen and tone, but where does one start if they want to give it a go? Yalla took a turn on the Reformer Pilates device at The Studio in Khalidiyah and thinks it’s a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here’s why!
The first time you take any new fitness class can be a little intimidating. But for some reason, Pilates has an extra air of a certain Hollywood exclusivity. Perhaps it’s the Reformer machine, with its straps and springs and torture device façade. Or it could be the new lexicon of exercise names that you need to learn to just to follow your instructor’s orders.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well. You can do Pilates with or without equipment (more on that below), but no matter what, expect the moves to involve slow, precise movements and breath control. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily alignment, while getting one heck of a core workout.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Pilates on a reformer bed really helps to target those smaller muscle groups, so you form long, lean and toned muscles. The Reformer bed is a sliding platform complete with stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance. The machine gives you added resistance and a sliding surface that challenges your workout. It often feels like you’re flying or gliding while you are doing your core reps.
Reformer beds use different weighted spring combinations to adjust the resistance (to make it harder or easier to move the carriage back and forth), but a lighter resistance doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier. Adding on an extra spring adds resistance and works to build strength in bigger muscle groups, but the lower the weight relies on your stabling muscles -– and this is where the shakes generally come in, and believe me, they are fierce.
The Benefits of Pilates
Aside from the very obvious benefits of strengthening, toning, and core work, a Pilates workout offers a very low risk for injury, and exercises can be modified to suit any fitness level, which is a breath of fresh air for a recovering runner, such as myself.
The Verdict
Reformer Pilates looked a bit daunting, and, well, it is a bit if you have never done it before. My instructor Roi was a gem though. She explained everything to me very carefully and professionally. It was a core workout like no other. My core muscles quite literally shook throughout the hour. I was certain that I would be in immense pain the next day, but like Roy said, I just left feeling energized and more flexible: like I had had a great workout without damaging my body. Pilates is a win-win!
Yalla says give it a go! It’s only takes a couple of sessions on the machine to better understand the movements. In no time, you’ll be bending it like Beckham and moving it like Madge and achieving flexibility goals no matter what age you are! Head into The Studio for a fitness evaluation and a Pilates education. They offer a variety of classes for every fitness level.
Learn more at www.thestudiouae.com
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
International Yoga Day is on 21 June. To celebrate, The Studio will offer two free trial classes on 18 June. At, 11 am, there will be a free Vinyasa Class with The Studio founder Mariam. This is exciting, as you can be among the first to experience her first return to teaching since last year. Then at 7 pm, try a free Meditation Circle class with Laura. Follow Yalla Abu Dhabi and The Studio for more information!
