Could Pilates lead the way for 2014?

The feasting, drinking and general overindulgence should have come to an end by now but has the healthier lifestyle kicked in yet?

It’s not too late to start the New Year’s resolutions now and if the half marathon sounds a little too strenuous on the muscles and joints, then pilates at Bermuda Bodyworks could be just the ticket.

Pilates requires no bouncing, jarring or major stress to the body, and so it is ideal for those who may shy away from certain types of fitness due to joint pain or muscle weakness.

Owner of Paget-based Bodyworks Jane Christie trained directly under the legendary Romana Kryzanowska, Grand Master Teacher (who was personally trained and selected by Joseph H Pilates himself to continue his life’s work. She became a Guild Certified Pilates Instructor in 2001.

Body and spirit

Its founder defined pilates as “the comprehensive integration of body, mind and spirit”.  

It is designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to its natural balance. 

“There is no physical pre-requisite to practising Pilates,” says Christie.  “Anyone can do it from pregnant/post-natal moms, top class athletes, dancers, seniors and those of all sizes and fitness levels.  

“We are also seeing a large number of business people flock to Pilates looking for relief of back, neck and shoulder pain caused by sitting at a computer most of the day. Pilates relieves stress and helps them concentrate and be more focused. Post-holidays is an ideal time to try Pilates as it increases circulation and moves the ‘toxins’ in your body through your circulatory system and out through the kidneys.”

Bodyworks recently celebrated its 12th anniversary having set up shop in 2002 and each team member is uniquely specialized. 

The team includes instructor April Summerlin who brings years of passion for fitness and nutrition to Bermuda Bodyworks.

Brian Eshleman has just recently returned to Bermuda Bodyworks after teaching on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is a certified Pilates instructor and licensed acupuncturist.  Christie said: “Acupuncture is a modality that complements Pilates, treating the same issues commonly seen in a Pilates studio. This is a tremendous benefit to our special needs clients with physical limitations, pain, joint problems and musculoskeletal issues. Brian is excellent working with these issues to get the client moving in a good way and giving them a new lease on life.

Speaking of her introduction to pilates she added: “I was seduced into a world where anything was possible. It gave me a sense of gratitude when I would see people from all walks of life come into the Pilates studio with every conceivable ailment and injury and see them go from being frail to being vibrant and strong. It was life changing for me. And now, to be here 12 years later celebrating our anniversary and still sharing what I love, truly is a gift.”

The benefits of Pilates are many — injury prevention and rehabilitation, core strength development, posture improvement, promotion of weight loss and stress relief. 

“It also increases energy, flexibility, and awareness of the mind/body connection.

For more information visit: www.pilatesbermuda.com