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pilates


The Heartcore method fuses aspects of classical pilates with circuit training


enthusiasts, with fusion helping to eliminate the stereotypical view of pilates as a rehabilitation method for a mature population. Vanderboom believes fusion has the power to keep pilates enthusiasts hooked by challenging beginners, providing intermediates with a change, and allowing the advanced to augment their skills. In London, meanwhile, Heartcore


managing director Jess Schuring has developed a workout that fuses aspects of classical pilates such as posture, breathing and core alignment with the intensity of circuit training on custom- designed reformers. Imported from the US, they have a stronger resistance than traditional pilates reformers and are wider and longer, making them equally comfortable for men and women. ‘Spincore’ classes, integrating time on the bike with a session on the reformer, are also available, and plans are in place to introduce ‘Kettlecore’ this month, fusing pilates with kettlebells. Having established her fi rst studio in


Kensington three years ago, Schuring has responded to demand by opening another three locations, all of which incorporate high-end design with a limited number of up to six machines. “Our approach caters to a diverse demographic and results in long- term commitment because it’s fun and energetic,” says Schuring. “I fully support classical pilates exponents, though, and am careful to point out that Heartcore is a fi tness programme that simply draws on pilates principles.”


considerations Contemplating the potential benefits of fusion classes for clubs, Nora St John, director of education at Balanced Body, states: “For members it’s a good way to be introduced to pilates principles. As they get hooked on this portion of the class, many tend to gravitate towards more specific pilates-based classes.” But for Leigh Robinson, group


managing director of Body Control Pilates UK, the advantages of fusing disciplines are not so clear. “While we believe pilates itself should be adapted for people of all fi tness levels, body types and age, we don’t think it should be compromised by combining it with other, often unrelated, regimes. We can see the benefi ts of adding cardio


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work to an exercise routine, but it should be kept separate,” he says. Robinson understands that pilates is


relevant to other disciplines, but argues that its inherent versatility means that a qualifi ed teacher should know “how to continually challenge clients on the mat or reformer and up the tempo where necessary”. Furthermore, he rates the growth of group equipment classes over the past couple of years as the big pilates trend of note. So what are the other considerations?


Chris Onslow, managing director of Pilates Solutions, the training and distribution arm of STOTT PILATES, comments: “It’s a natural progression to embrace kettlebells, body weight suspension and other contemporary fi tness methods, but the key is that sessions are led by a qualifi ed instructor who sticks to the core principles in the teaching of the fused class.” Vanderboom adds that it’s important


to fi nd instructors who are “capable of fi nding the right balance of the two genres so that the session does not become just another aerobics or body pump class”. Gianni mirrors these concerns when she says that teachers should have a background in whatever discipline they’re adding, so that the pilates component is not lost and the session does not fall out of balance. St John provides the following


advice: “Often fusion classes are not well thought out and end up being a random assortment of exercises and props without logic. Any fusion programme should follow pilates principles of breathing and control, as


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well as key movement principles of core engagement, fl ow and stabilisation.” She adds that pilates instructors should also have a fi tness background if cardio activity is involved. Another important consideration is


the club’s existing timetable. Curry, for example, says it’s essential that fi tness facilities run separate core pilates and group cycling classes before they attempt a fusion, while Vanderboom recommends her clients prepare by participating in introductory mat- or pilates-based classes. In terms of space, fusion classes


do not require any additional room compared to traditional mat- or equipment-based classes; an existing studio space or even the centre of a gym fl oor can be utilised for fusion mat classes, with equipment or circuit-type stations placed around the edge. Clearly, when it comes to the


fusion versions of equipment classes, a dedicated pilates studio is a minimal requirement. So can clubs afford to ignore


the trend? Vanderboom concludes: “If we take notice of the US and Canada, more speciality studios are opening and presenting pilates and reformer classes in nicely-designed settings. By introducing fusion, clubs can compete and potentially widen their market to include a broader demographic: young and old, de- conditioned to fi t, sports enthusiasts to athletes, plus male and female clients.”


healthclub@leisuremedia.com neena dhillon


august 2010 © cybertrek 2010


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