HIIT, CrossFit, dance workouts complete with rave glow sticks and disco lights... It would be impossible to count the different fitness trends that have emerged over the past few years. And while all are effective in their own unique way, there’s one 100-year-old exercise that, once declared out of style in 2015, is back in business as the insider-favourite body sculpting class, and you might even have Harry Styles to thank. It’s time to get familiar with Reformer Pilates.
While its intimidating-looking beds wouldn’t seem out of place in a medieval torture chamber, the low-impact workout is loved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Meghan Markle, Kate Moss (who boasts a Dhs14,000 reformer in her own home) and Mr Styles himself, who caused quite a stir when he was spotted at a class posted on London’s Exhale Pilates Instagram page earlier this year, sandwiched between professional boxer Derek Chisora and actor Giancarlo Esposito.
Pilates, of course, is nothing new. Developed by German performer and boxer Joseph Pilates in1926 during his time spent imprisoned in England during the first World War, it was originally popular with dancers who loved his rehabilitation exercises and were looking to strengthen the body and mind through core and breath work. Not long after, the fitness buff went on to create the reformer machine’s spring-based resistance system, from which emerged a gliding, zero-electricity workout. Today, with regular workouts, it promises improved posture, a long and lean figure, and a relaxed state of mind
“Gone are the days of leaving a HIIT class that mentally takes you 30 minutes to calm your nervous system back down,” Elle Sawyer, founder of Dubai-based studio POSTURE tells MOJEH. Elle found herself having to add extra Pilates classes to the studio’s schedule this summer to cope with rising demand, which she says is typically unheard of. “Instead, you can have an hour to yourself to connect your mind to your body and think about nothing else other than co-ordinating your movements and coming away feeling refreshed and toned.”
The key aspect of Reformer Pilates is core activation, with each class strengthening specific muscles within the group to help improve posture, prevent injuries and provide a stable base for the rest of the body. “When practising Pilates on the floor, you rely solely on your body weight without any external support,” explains celebrity instructor Yasmin Karachiwala, founder of PAD: Pilates & Dance in The Greens. Yasmin is renowned for sculpting the bodies of Bollywood superstars like Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. “Lying on your back and trying to raise your legs towards the ceiling without the aid of your hamstrings, for example, can pose a challenge for many people because they lack the necessary strength in their hip flexors to hold their hips in that position. The beauty of the reformer lies inits ability to place your body in positions you wouldn’t typically be able to achieve otherwise, which only serves to enhance the benefits.” The unique springs on the equipment also create a distinct resistance compared to conventional weights as, when working with spring tension, you must control every movement in both directions. “This controlled resistance is what leads to better results, as the muscles have to adapt to the constant level of tension,” adds Yasmin.
From increased core strength and injury prevention to improving posture, flexibility and so much more, it’s no surprise that Reformer Pilates is considered the jack-of-all-trades workout. And if you’re looking for that slimline silhouette that is currently in vogue, then there really is no better style of exercise. “It’s all about developing long and lean muscles as emphasis is on controlled and precise movements that target specific muscle groups, allowing for a lengthening and strengthening effect without causing significant muscle hypertrophy, otherwise known as bulk,” Tamara Ghazi, medical director and holistic chiropractor at Dubai’s Diversified Integrated Sports Clinic tells us. “As it often involves high repetitions with low resistance, it results in that longer and leaner physique.”
And it isn’t just for the fairer sex, either. “It’s often a misconception to believe that Reformer Pilates is mainly for women,” Dina El Shurafa, founder of homegrown fitness brand Reform Athletica, which has just opened its doors to its second studio in ICDBP, DIFC, tells MOJEH. “An increasing number of men are now incorporating the Reform Method into their workout routine and are seeing the real benefits. From increased mobility and flexibility, more muscle definition and core strength, or simply becoming a better runner when preparing for a race, it gives them that added edge.” Over at PAD, 25 percent of its customer base are also men, a figure that increases weekly. “After all, Joseph Pilates boasted an impressive 8-pack until the age of 82,” adds Yasmin.“Our aim is to appeal to more male individuals and demonstrate that Pilates is a practice that benefits everyone, regardless of gender."
Lauren Masaoka, owner of London’s Notting Hill studio Pilates in the Clouds, is no stranger to the current Reformer craze. In fact, she is one of its early trendsetters. Counting models such as Jourdan Dunn among her client base, it’s easy to see why she appeals to the It crowd, with her studio boasting beautiful light wood and white leather apparatus, which cost almost Dhs20,000 a piece, plus a waitlist in the hundreds. It’s no surprise then that her new studio in Kuwait, which opened on July 1st this year in the Altujjar Building, has quickly followed suit. “We kept close to our London flagship roots and focus on private and semi-private sessions with a maximum of four in a class to ensure personal attention for maximum results,” she tells us. “We were fully booked from the first week and currently have a waiting list.” With Lauren’s clients in London and Kuwait valuing both privacy and discretion, you can’t see the studio from the street and, as to be expected, the studio itself is a stunning space with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the studio with natural light.
Aesthetics and exclusivity aside, as with everything in life, when it comes to seeing results from Reformer Pilates, consistency is key. As Joseph Pilates said: “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will feel the difference, and in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body.” The real beauty of the workout, however, is that it can suit almost anyone. “We have clientele with an age range of 11-93 years old, and they have all benefited in one way or another,” enthuses Lauren. “Be it overall toning and sculpting, complete rehabilitation of a serious injury, or simply being able to do something like touch your toes after one session, for someone who otherwise hadn’t been able to for years, I’m so pleased the world is finally waking up to this method’s diverse benefits.”
The Best Pilates Studios From Around The World
From London to New York, up the ante on your next big workout at one of these exclusive — and suitably stylish — Pilates studios
Exhale Pilates, London
The Primrose Hill studio that went viral last year when owner Gaby Noble filmed long-time client Harry Styles on a reformer, Exhale Pilates is all about knowledgeable, friendly and infectiously energetic instructors, as well as super-small class sizes. Expect traditional Reformer Pilates classes, as Joseph Pilates himself originally designed it.
Flatiron Pilates, NYC
Brainchild of Amy Nelms, the New York-based instructor loved by the likes of Emma Corrin, Lily Allen, Poppy Delevingne and Alexa Chung, Flatiron Pilates built up its roster of private clients the word-of-mouth way. The space in the Flatiron District of New York is all dark wood floors, ivory leather equipment and views of the Empire State Building, and private sessions can cost upwards of US$500.
Paris Pilates, Paris
All gilt mirrors and pretty pink equipment, Paris Pilates is by far the most Instagram-friendly studio in the French capital. Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissment near Rue du Bac metro station, there’s an equally stylish outpost in LA too, with slick white machines, plus a changing room with mustard velvet draperies and lockers finished with faux marble. Expect 50 minutes of Reformer Pilates with weights.
The Best Pilates Studios in the UAE
If you’re looking for a Pilates studio closer to home, here’s MOJEH's pick of the bunch...
Posture
Situated on the Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile — with a secret second studio location opening soon — POSTURE offers all aspects of Pilates, from Reformer and mat work to Cadillac and private one-on-one sessions. Be sure to book at least a week in advance — regulars joke that it’s easier to get invited to the Met Gala than book a last minute class. Book now
Pilates In the Clouds
Already popular with local editors, influencers and well-known personalities, Kuwait City’s most exclusive Reformer Pilates studio has brought in instructors from all over the world to ensure maximum results, with private classes setting you back almost Dhs500.
Reform Athletica
Brainchild of Palestinian lawyer and fitness buff Dina El Shurafa, and inspired by the vibrant fitness communities of London, New York, LA and Hong Kong, Reform Athletica has two equally-excellent branches in Dubai — one in Jumeirah and a second recently-opened outpost in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC. Known for its fun-yet-challenging workouts, the signature Pilates, inspired by Reform Method and Microform, is the best of the bunch. Book now
