GRABBING on to one of the straps dangling from the ceiling for dear life as I dropped to a squatting position, I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

An hour later I left the TRX Pilates studio in Old Town on cloud nine, ready to conquer the world or at least face the rest of the day.

The session had been one of the most physically challenging I had experienced – and I am no novice, I have spent the past year strengthening my core in hot yoga. There were the squats, the rounds of crunchies, planks and side planks on one arm to mention a few.

And yet instead of wobbling back to the office on the brink of collapse, I felt invigorated and energized.

“It is challenging but you can go at your own pace,” explained Pilates teacher Gemma Bowen. “Every exercise has breakdowns. You can start off really slowly and gently and eventually build up stamina and do the more advanced moves.

“The important thing is to relax. It’s really great for people who lead a stressful life. You learn to isolate and target muscles to work on them, and the rest of the body can relax.”

Pilates was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates, who believed mental and physical health were closely connected. His method was influenced by western forms of exercise, including gymnastics, boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling.

The discipline aims to strengthen the body in an even way, focusing on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.

TRX Pilates – not to be confused with regular Pilates – involves using the suspension trainer during Pilates exercise.

After putting an end to her professional ballet career at the age of 21 Gemma started half-heartedly teaching dance when she was ‘converted’ to Pilates.

“My dad had back pain and his physiotherapist told him to do Pilates,” she says. “I read up on it and decided to join in. I was hooked. It is really close to dance. You have to be really aware of your body. I loved it.”

She enrolled on a teacher–training course in Covent Garden twelve years ago and has been spreading Pilates’ philosophy in Swindon ever since.

Not a mere workout, Pilates enables people to improve their posture, body alignment and increase muscle-definition. Over the years Gemma has also helped clients deal with injuries and back pain.

“People can get that overall body workout, tone in the core and sculpt their muscles but it can also help prevent or work on injuries,” adds the 33-year-old. “I really enjoy helping to rehabilitate a client. Some have come to me with injuries and they have gone away. I also work with clients who have Parkinson’s and fibromyalgia. It can easily be adapted.

“Pilates can completely change someone’s posture. It’s about retraining the body. Many people have jobs where they sit down, they get weak cores, turned shoulders. Pilates allows them to open up their chest and strengthen their muscles and prevent injuries. Eventually the goal is that they learn to self-correct. The more you do, the quicker you see the benefits.”

Before starting classes, Gemma holds an initial consultation, which costs £15. During the session clients will be ask to fill in a health questionnaire. She will then assess their posture, body alignment and teach them a series of exercises.

Each block of six classes is £48. Private lessons are £30.

To find out more call Gemma on 07935 398686, email gemma@swindonpilatesanddance.co.uk, visit www.swindonpilatesanddance.co.uk or www.facebook/swindonpilatesanddance.

 

PILATES CLASSES

Monday, 11am, at Christ Church in Old Town

Monday, 7pm and 8pm, at Croft Primary School

Wednesday, 6.30pm and 7.30pm, at Croft Primary School

Thursday, 9.30am, at Lawn Community Centre

Thursday, 12.30pm, at Swindon Dance

 

TRX PILATES CLASSES

Monday, 12.30pm, Honour Health & Wellness, High Street, Old Town

Wednesday, 10.30am, Honour Health & Wellness, High Street, Old Town