Pilates for the 21st century

Imagine all the legendary silhouette-sleeking power of Pilates - but with the cardiovascular benefits of an aerobics class, or a step workout. And imagine feeling amazing - and seeing results - in just 10 sessions. TenPilates is London’s newest Pilates destination for women and men seeking a slimmer figure, toned muscles and fast results.

Whether you’re a Pilates ‘virgin’ (TenPilates offers special beginners’ sessions) or have been following Joseph Pilates’ exercise system for years (and want to experience even greater body-shaping benefits), TenPilates offers a warm welcome, a highly enjoyable experience and one of the most effective and dynamic body-sculpting workouts you can find.

TenPilates isn’t mat-work: each client (no more than ten to a class) works out on their own state-of-the-art Reformer bed, following a varied routine led by Pilates and fitness expert David Higgins (who previously set up Beautcamp Pilates). During the 55-minute class, David is able to monitor each client as he moves around the room, adjusting individuals’ posture and positions to optimise their individual workout. And in the studio, with 1500 square feet of studio space (just off Ladbroke Grove), there’s the luxury of space that so many London gyms and workout studios simply don’t offer.

Crucially, TenPilates makes exercise on the Reformer far more accessible than in most studios, with an introductory session priced at just £12.50, and regular classes priced from just £15.50 each (depending on the ‘block’ of classes booked). No wonder some TenPilates clients come every single day. (Yes, including Sundays…) And of course, they have the ‘perfect 10’ bodies to show for it.

“The important thing about this style of Pilates is that it offers a good aerobic workout,” explains David. “Most of us have super-busy lives, so the idea behind this revolutionary system is to combine the body-shaping, core-strengthening power of Pilates with the cardiovascular workout our hearts and lungs need. Unlike aerobics, though, you’re not jumping around and causing pressure on the joints, which can lead to problems later.”

Because of its fitness-boosting potential, TenPilates is becoming very popular with male clients, who are usually far outnumbered in Pilates studios.

What’s more, David explains, no two classes are the same, “so there’s absolutely no opportunity to get bored.” And in addition, carefully-chosen fast paced music playing in the background helps ease clients through the class’s different phases: a gentler warm-up, super-dynamic pacy class, and of course the cool-down that bodies need. “The class is fun, exciting - and effective,” says David. “And you see results so fast; it’s easy to stay motivated.”

David Higgins - who has a degree in Exercise, Physiology and Sport from Victoria University in Melbourne - trained in Reformer Pilates in Beverly Hills, with L.A.’s Pilates guru, Sebastian LaGree. He moved to London in 2004, initially working as a personal trainer, but rapidly became one of the most sought-after Pilates trainers in town, with a stellar clientele. (No point asking who; he’s far too discreet).

TenPilates is the brainchild of David and co-founder Joanne Mathews - a marketing industry dynamo (and former county level swimmer, tennis and squash player) who first encountered David as a client, when he helped rehabilitate her after an injury. Joanne - who is also a qualified NLP practitioner - now runs the business side of TenPilates, with plans to take this revolutionary exercise concept nationwide.

TenPilates is located at Pall Mall Deposit, Studio 2 & 3, 124-128 Barlby Road, London, W10 6BL.

For more information, visit TenPilates.com.