Detchie on the Reformer with Jump Board
Detchie in action on the Cadillac Pilates equipment.
I have always had this misconception that Pilates is strictly for women until my good friend, Bernadette Recto, a STOTT certified Pilates instructor in all equipment and ISP (Injuries and Special Populations), busted that myth by patiently explaining to me that it is not gender-biased and besides, its creator, Joseph Pilates, is a man himself. I guess the media has a lot to do with this perception because of some female celebrities endorsing Pilates and maybe because of its adaptability to different body types and fitness made it popular among women. This is already changing and, in fact, Detchie gets a lot of male clients for both private or group sessions who want a variety of physical challenges and some for rehabilitation. Hockey and football players are just some of the athletes who are into Pilates to enhance their performance and build core strength. However, Pilates aims to improve one’s strength, stability, flexibility and agility resulting into a leaner body and flat abs. Given that, how can Pilates be female-oriented when having a leaner body is a common goal among men and women?
To further bolster the truth about Pilates, Bernadette volunteered to give me a sample of the technique so I could experience it first hand. We went to this very inviting and modern Pilates studio in Whitby, ON aptly called “Pure Pilates” and introduced me to the different equipment like the Reformer and the Cadillac that I eagerly tried with Bernadette’s supervision. Did you know that the technique does not only involved equipment but mat floor exercises as well? She also taught me some basic principles like controlled movement and the proper breathing like inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your pursed lips. I also found Pilates fun when I tried the Reformer with the jump board and you jump horizontally with the help of the rails protecting your knees and kneecaps. How cool is that?
What makes the total experience most endearing and makes you feel good about yourself was the fact that the instructor patiently explains the whats, whys and hows plus the fact that when you see the passion naturally coming out of her, you eventually catch it too. Never mind that Bernadette is my friend but this is the first time that I saw her at work and she is truly passionate about Pilates. She emphasized that it is important to have an instructor for a private session if you are a beginner so you could do the exercises safely and effectively. So if you have a lower back problem like I do and want to have flat abs, Pilates is the answer!
What makes the total experience most endearing and makes you feel good about yourself was the fact that the instructor patiently explains the whats, whys and hows plus the fact that when you see the passion naturally coming out of her, you eventually catch it too. Never mind that Bernadette is my friend but this is the first time that I saw her at work and she is truly passionate about Pilates. She emphasized that it is important to have an instructor for a private session if you are a beginner so you could do the exercises safely and effectively. So if you have a lower back problem like I do and want to have flat abs, Pilates is the answer!
pilatesbybernadette@gmail.com (M) 416.779.0235
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