Smash the stereotype: Our director is a Pilates teacher

Pilates is one of the fastest growing exercise regimes in the UK with over a million people now taking regular classes.

Until the 1990s it remained a well kept secret and was popular only with actors and actresses, sportspersons, the rich and the famous attracted to a workout that built strength without adding bulk, balancing that strength with flexibility, and achieving the perfect harmony between mind and muscle.

Now, it has become widely available and because it is suitable for literally anyone, its popularity is soaring.

We talked to Alison Burgin, one of Badenoch & Clark’s executive directors, to find out why she got involved.

LC: What got you started with Pilates?
AB: Most people take up Pilates for health reasons – often to help a bad back, or to gain strength after an injury, but I heard it was a great way to get a flat stomach without breaking sweat.

LC:And what got you hooked?
AB: When I started, I had no idea it could be so relaxing. I’ve got a pretty stressful job and because I concentrate so hard on my body when I’m doing Pilates, there’s no room in my head for anything else. This is a really good way to switch off from the stresses and worries of my day job.

LC: What are you concentrating so hard on?
AB: To make Pilates beneficial, you need to be totally aware of your body – each and every muscle engagement. This is why it uses my mind as well as body. This total concentration, to the exclusion of everything else that’s on my mind that day, really enables me to unwind. I get a great night’s sleep afterwards.

LC: So, you’ve got a flat stomach – what are the other benefits?
AB: It’s popular with back pain sufferers because it works on your core stability and muscle strength. This helps posture, which in turn alleviates many other joint pains – knees, shoulders and back pains are often due to poor posture. And, like yoga, it follows a strict breathing pattern; good breathing techniques are a definite health plus too.

LC: Let’s be honest – most people do want to be healthier, but they want to look better too. It all looks fairly simple and gentle. Does it really make you look better?
AB: When done correctly, Pilates works your muscles hard and really tones them. Toned muscles give good body shape. Then, that great posture I mentioned earlier; good posture definitely makes you look better – you literally stand taller, more elegantly, more controlled.

LC: And you’re a Pilates teacher as well?
AB: Yes. In a former life I was a teacher and I loved it. Teaching Pilates fits in well around my other work commitments and gives me the opportunity to teach without having to work in a school! Also, all my pupils really want to be there! My teacher training took quite a long time, but the programme was flexible and I could fit it around my main job which I still love. Everyone I teach Pilates to gets something very personal from it – I’m delighted to be able to do that for them.

LC: Can you teach anyone?
AB: Absolutely. My 70 year old mother does it, my friend’s 15 year old daughter does it and I teach regular classes for work colleagues too. And one of my students is now training to be a Pilates teacher and that’s very rewarding for me.

LC: And is it just women?
AB: No. More and more men are using Pilates as part of their fitness regime. Many top athletes and sporting teams use it as part of their rigourous regime.
Alison has been teaching Pilates for 4 years. More information can be found at www.bodycontrol.co.uk, one of the biggest Pilates organisations in the UK.