We are very pleased with our new Pilates HQ cotton bag which can now be purchased at our studio shop. We hope you like it too! Buy any class pack of 5 or more classes at Pilates HQ before the end of September and get a free Pilates HQ cotton bag! Great for carrying your pilates kit or shopping around town.
Bridget March, Cosmopolitan.co.uk’s Assistant Editor, has completed a 6 week programme at Pilates HQ to get beach ready. Read about her bikini body confidence challenge below and at http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/lifestyle/diet-fitness/bridget-marchs-bikini-body-con
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Bridget March’s bikini body confidence challenge
July 2011
In pursuit of a perky derrière Cosmo’s Assistant Web Editor is trialling Pilates classes and a cellulite-busting sugar-free diet
Week three
I started off well this week but a traumatising incident threw me off track on Wednesday night. A whole plate of food, complete with mustard and tomato sauce (which clearly knew I shouldn’t be eating it) was catapulted from a table at a BBQ face down onto my prized Mulberry handbag.
The sparkle tweed leather drank it up and no amount of attempted recovery kept it alive. Ruined. Anyway the point is I went home and scoffed handfuls of jellybeans which were the nearest treats to hand. And they tasted a-may-zing.
I’d like to say it made me work even harder for the rest of the week, scrutinising every salad dressing and vitamin coating for sugar but no, I’ve kind of lost momentum and am crazing sweets.
I’m still focused on the fitness though and loving the Pilates. It’s incredible for relieving stress.
Toosh-wise I’m feeling slightly perkier. I’m no P-Middy yet but I feel like the shape of my bottom is rounder and looking lifted. Hopefully I’m not imaging it!
I definitely think I’m building muscle generally. I feel stronger all over and am ten times more aware of my posture – which has an instant slimming effect in itself.
Week four
I knew this week would be a struggle as I had a four-day hen do from Thursday – Sunday and the bride-to-be is not the detox, health spa kinda gal.
Anyway, I packed in my three Pilates classes at the start of the week; Monday and Wednesday evening and Thursday morning before going away.
I actually did a beginners class to fit in with my schedule and instead of being limiting as I was worried it might be, it was really useful for reminding myself of best practice and it still pushed me as hard, just with more detailed direction.
I also had another new trainer this week which was great for getting another perspective on Pilates practice and mixing up routines.
But the best bit was what I noticed when getting changed after my third session this week; the formation of a six pack! (Or possibly a four pack, either way – woo hoo!) It’s proof that the sculpting effect is really taking place and it’s totally boosted my confidence.
On the diet side I was super-strict up until the weekend, even going to Pizza Express with friends to watch them eat dough balls, pizza, ice cream sundae and drink wine whilst I munched on a dressing-free salad, but then I know the weekend would be a challenge – and it was. I didn’t totally binge but I did forgo the sugar ban on the drinks. It felt too antisocial not to go in on the rounds of wine and there might have been a bit of tipsy sweet-scoffing too. But I refused all chocolate (and there were bags of it) even with a hangover, which was disciplined of me.
Surprisingly the scales say I haven’t put on any weight from the weekend, but I do feel bloated and depleted of energy. I can’t wait to get back to Pilates now.
Week five
Wow, post the hen weekend Monday and Tuesday were a struggle this week. The tiredness made me hungrier as my body was craving energy and all I wanted was sugar but I recognised that’s the worst move.
My first Pilates HQ class of the week was after work on Tuesday and I really pushed myself, determined to feel virtuous again! Whilst I thought I wasn’t on top form, the trainer commented afterwards that I have a ‘really strong core’. Amazing! This has boosted my confidence and must prove that my body is really changing. I love the new awareness I have of my posture and core and it’s making me a lot more conscious of what I’m putting into my body too.
I went to my second class on Wednesday and was perhaps a little overzealous following my confidence boost from the trainer, as afterwards my stomach felt sore. I think I may have pulled/strained an oblique muscle. That’ll teach me! On Thursday I trialled a beauty treatment, the Decleor Slim Effect, which involved a stimulating scrub and vigorous massage targeting those wobbly areas housing stubborn fat cells. The massage definitely corrected my muscle ache and left my bum and thighs feeling much tighter and my entire body baby-soft.
My 8am Friday class was intense but rewarding – I’m loving finishing the week feeling in top form, although I fear I’m getting into a pattern of slightly undoing my hard work at the weekends. It goes to show that maintaining your optimum body state is just as hard as finding it in the first place.
Week six
I can’t believe I have reached my sixth week of the diet, but I’d better – I’m off on holiday on Monday and will be revealing my bod on the beach. Eek!
So, I did two intermediate classes this week at Pilates HQ and one cardio class which was hardcore! An instructor named Sharon took the Thursday evening class (although I don’t think she does every week) and she really puts you through your paces.
Amazingly she mentioned that in a cardio class you can burn approximately 600 calories and around 400 in a regular class. I had no idea it was such an effective fat-burner alongside the other benefits it boasts.
Whether it is this, or the lack of chocolate, cake and cocktails for the last six weeks I’m not sure – but I’ve now shifted 3lbs. Hurrah!
My main aim was not to lose weight and I stick to that but I feel great for it and there’s no denying I’m completely different in other ways too. Even my boyfriend has noted I’m more confident, firmer, and flexible – and that’s enough evidence for me.
The sugar denial has been the hardest part but it’s totally worth it to be happily baring all on the beach. So long sarong!
Bridget March, Cosmopolitan.co.uk’s Assistant Editor, has begun a 6 week programme at Pilates HQ to get beach ready. She is now on week 3! Read about her bikini body confidence challenge and follow her progress below and at http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/lifestyle/diet-fitness/bridget-marchs-bikini-body-con
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Bridget March’s bikini body confidence challenge
June 2011
In pursuit of a perky derrière Cosmo’s Assistant Web Editor is trialling Pilates classes and a cellulite-busting sugar-free diet
No matter what my size I’ve never felt bottom-confident. Despite not being overweight you’ll never, ever catch me in a pair of jeans without a long top and I always dread the bikini reveal every summer.
And I fear the situation’s getting worse – the further I get into my twenties the more I’m noticing cellulite in certain lights and I’ve long had a phobia of cottage cheese!
So… operation bum-boost! I’ve decided to start Pilates classes (Pippa Middleton’s toosh-toning exercise of choice), eliminate sugar from my diet and cut down on caffeine as both are thought to be bad for bums.
My aim is not to lose weight (although let’s face it, if I shift some pounds I’ll be chuffed), but to tone up, increase my flexibility and make my muscles longer and leaner.
I have embarked on two to three classes per week at Pilates HQ, a specialist Pilates centre that offers traditional and cardio classes using reformer machines and have cut all refined sugars from my diet (natural fruit sugars and champagne allowed… I literally can’t say no) and shrunk my four/five daily tea and coffee cup consumptions to two.
I will update my progress weekly…
Week one
I have so far been to four Pilates classes, two intermediate classes (even though I’m a beginner – I am ambitious and the time slots suit better!) and two cardio classes which are different in that a ‘jump board’ is attached to the base of the reformer beds allowing you to perform high-energy jumping sequences against it.
All four have incorporated very different, detailed, controlled techniques and while at times I worried my muscles might rip and that my thighs might be on fire, what impacted me the most was how incredible I felt after the classes. I was going in tense and tired and leaving lifted in both my mood and physique. It instantly lengthens your limbs and improves your posture and by focusing intently on your breathing and body it clears your mind and oxygenates you with mood-boosting serotonin. I think I’m hooked…
Sugar-wise I haven’t buckled yet, but have stocked up on sugar-free Polos and had a Starbucks Frappuccino Light. I know sweeteners aren’t good for me either but I figured it’s better than cheating.
Surprisingly I’m finding the caffeine reduction harder than giving up the sugar but I have tried my very hardest to stick to two cups a day and it helped that I had a weekend away in Marbella with twenty other beauty journalists to keep me disciplined.
Admittedly I had a spray tan before I went – which massively helped – but I definitely felt more confident having been on my mission a week when I was wearing my bikini in the sun. If this is how I feel now I can’t wait to see how I feel (and look) for my holiday to Croatia in July.
Week two
I managed one intermediate class this week and two cardio classes. Pilates HQ is fantastic in that I have now only had the same trainer twice, so each session is incredibly varied which I understand is good so you don’t plateau.
The classes are also really small (with a max of eight people) so you get plenty of personal attention and direction which is brilliant being a relative beginner.
I am already seeing the effects physically. My posture has instantly improved and I am definitely more aware of my core but I’m also looking more toned and my boyfriend has commented that I am ‘firmer’ – bonus!
As demonstrated to my friends after a couple of (sugar-free) drinks on Friday night, I am closer to touching my toes without bending my knees. Something I have NEVER been able to do but I am determined to.
Interestingly I met a leading beauty therapist this week and quizzed her on cellulite-cures. She said some exercise can actually enhance the appearance of it, as bulked-up muscle can exaggerate the toxins at the skin’s surface. She said exercises such as walking, Pilates (hurrah!) and yoga are better than things like running or cycling which can build muscle instead of toning it.
Diet-wise, even though I had a dinner out this weekend and a home-cooked roast yesterday I have steered clear of the sugar and I have finally lost that last pound that I’ve been struggling to shift for yonks. Here’s hoping it’s not just fluke!
Today, being a Monday, I am struggling caffeine-wise and as I type am sipping on my third cup. I vouch to return to two cups from tomorrow!
Week three
I started off well this week but a traumatising incident threw me off track on Wednesday night. A whole plate of food, complete with mustard and tomato sauce (which clearly knew I shouldn’t be eating it) was catapulted from a table at a BBQ face down onto my prized Mulberry handbag. The sparkle tweed leather drank it up and no amount of attempted recovery kept it alive. Ruined. Anyway the point is I went home and scoffed handfuls of jellybeans which were the nearest treats to hand. And they tasted a-may-zing.
I’d like to say it made me work even harder for the rest of the week, scrutinising every salad dressing and vitamin coating for sugar but no, I’ve kind of lost momentum and am crazing sweets.
I’m still focused on the fitness though and loving the Pilates. It’s incredible for relieving stress.
Toosh-wise I’m feeling slightly perkier. I’m no P-Middy yet but I feel like the shape of my bottom is rounder and looking lifted. Hopefully I’m not imaging it!
I definitely think I’m building muscle generally. I feel stronger all over and am ten times more aware of my posture – which has an instant slimming effect in itself.
PILATES HQ’S SHOP IS NOW OPEN
We have opened Pilates HQ’s shop and are on the lookout for items to make your pilates practice more enjoyable. Our shop currently sells Vita Coco coconut water and ToeSox pilates socks.
Vita Coco is perfect for keeping you rehydrated after your pilates class! VitaCoco is 100% natural, fat free, cholesterol free, and a 330ml serving contains 15 times more potassium than sports rehydration drinks.
ToeSox have a patented non-slip grip that is ideal for use as pilates socks. Its five-toe design allows the foot to perform naturally, encouraging toe separation that increases control while strengthening foot muscles and increasing blood circulation
Pilates HQ’s latest review of our cardio pilates classes in WOMEN’S FITNESS magazine – February 2011.
Reformer Pilates was one of the biggest fitness successes of 2010, and it’s not hard to see why. The workout, which swaps traditional mat-based moves for a Pilates machine featuring a sliding carriage with sets of hand and foot strap, really can make a huge difference to your body. Yep, it does look like a torture device, but don’t be put off! This revolutionary machine helps to tighten and tone your wobbly bits in a mere 60 minutes through a variety of resistance moves.
But what about when you want your cardio and strengthening fix in one hit? Pilates HQ, a new north London studio, has found the answer! By remodelling the regular reformer workout with a jump board (a padded springboard attached to the end of the bed) instead of the usual fixed platform, you get an energetic yet low-impact workout. Genius!
THE CLASS
The workout is carried out in a studio with multiple beds, with the class limited to a maximum of nine. Starting on the machine we warmed up with a series of stretching exercises, moving the sliding carriage back and forth, powering our legs against the resistance. Next, we continued with sets of stretches and toning moves that included lunges, leg circles and crunches designed to work the core and lower body, all the while trying to maintain focus on our breathing patterns. Taking the workout up a notch, we mixed in a series of heart-racing jumps with our feet placed together, in plié position, hip-width apart and on one leg bouncing away from the spring board as fast as possible, in order to give our thighs and bum a workout.
‘YOU PERFORM MOVES THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO GIVE A LUST-WORTHY SET OF SLIM THIGHS AND TARGET THOSE DEEP ABDOMINAL MUSCLES’
WHAT TO EXPECT
Any form of Pilates provides a great sculpting workout for the body. But what’s good about Cardio Pilates is that you get to raise your heart rate while performing moves that are guaranteed to give a lust-worthy set of slim thighs and target those deep abdominal muscles, which often don’t get the attention they need.
THE VERDICT
This is a great workout to tone your weaker spots and offer superb sculpting benefits for the bum and legs – although sadly there isn’t really any focus on the arms. As the class is limited to small numbers you get the individual attention required to ensure proper technique. Although it’s 60 minutes long, you are getting a cardio session and a strengthening workout, so it’s great for people who can’t squeeze in many gym sessions a week.”
We are very pleased with our reviews of our Cardio pilates classes! If you haven’t tried them yet be sure to sign up!
Cardio Pilates advanced classes
Using reformer beds and ‘jump boards’, the new cardio classes at Pilates HQ incorporate traditional Pilates moves into a high-powered workout loved by the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow
Bridget March 04.01.2011
The art of Pilates has evolved a lot in recent years and there are now many takes on the traditional exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and body conditioning.
The latest is introducing cardio into classes, meaning you can burn fat as well as sculpt your body and improve posture and flexibility – a winning combination.
At Pilates HQ in Angel, London, the cardio classes are done on the reformer Pilates beds which are multi-purpose machines with a gliding platform that you exercise on using springs, straps and pulleys for resistance. Using these already makes the traditional Pilates techniques more dynamic, but the new cardio elements really up the ante.
The major difference is the use of the ‘jump boards’ which are fitted to the base of the reformer beds to allow you to perform fast fat burning jump routines off the board whilst lying down.
You do various sequences with increasing resistance levels by selecting different spring tensions. By the last couple of routines your thighs and gluts are seriously burning and you can’t fail to feel the effects the next day.
But it’s not just your lower body that benefits; your upper body is sculpted by using the reformer pulleys in various ways and with weights. Throughout the class your abs are constantly engaged and strengthened plus your heart is always pumping so you know you’re burning calories.
Classes are an hour long but they fly by thanks to the motivational instructors, music and varied exercises. For these energetic classes it helps to have experience in the Pilates technique and good core awareness although its easy to pick up.
It’s rare you find a workout like this that is fun yet seriously effective and relaxing. We can so see why the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston are already hooked – and you can’t argue with their phenomenal physiques!
Classes start at £14.50 with no membership fee. See pilateshq.co.uk
We are delighted to announce the introduction of Pilates HQ’s NEW cardio pilates advanced classes. The cardio pilates classes use ‘jump boards’ which come fresh from the US and are used by Hollywood A-listers. This is a hot new cardio addition to the pilates work out which will be seriously high energy yet low impact. The jump boards are fitted to the base of the reformer beds and will allow you to perform rapid calorie burning “jump” sequences with appropriate spring tensions off the padded jump board. The workout will strengthen your abs, legs and gluts in time for the party season and is guaranteed to get your heart pumping! To participate in this class you should be experienced with the pilates technique and have good core awareness. See our timetable for cardio pilates class times!
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