Many of our clients come to Pilates because they want to get a flatter stomach and strengthen their muscles. After a while some realise the benefits that it has on their minds too. Here are the proven ones: PILATES IMPROVES YOUR BRAIN POWER It is believed that as we get older, past our late 20s, we start to lose a very small portion of our hippocampus. Area responsible for memory and learning. Some studies have proved that exercise improves neurogenesis – creation of new brain cells. It also protects existing cells by prompting an increase in B.D.N.F. production – a nerve protecting compound ..read more

Now the days are getting colder. We thought you might be interested in a juice that will help get rid of those horrible cold germs. The turmeric also acts as an anti-inflammatory too. Apples – 2 medium Carrots – 3 medium Celery – 3 stalk, large Ginger Root – 1 thumb Lemons (peeled) – 1 fruit Pears – 2 medium Turmeric Root – 4 thumb The post Cold Buster Smootie appeared first on Contour Pilates ..read more

No matter where you are or what you’re doing right now, we encourage you just to take a moment to…. B R E A T H E That’s right. Go ahead now.  Inhale deeply and fill your lungs with as much air as possible. Remember all those techniques your Pilates instructor taught you on the Reformer!  Now Exhale deeply. As you do, allow all the stress, anxiety, negativity and fear that’s built up so far today to leave your body. As you Inhale once more, be open to the possibility of health, abundance, optimism, and ease filling you up inside. Feeling better already? Great! So let’s tackle what’s ..read more

A WHOLE BODY WORKOUT – 15 minute BARRE, by Jessica  https://vimeo.com/398470566 BACK EXERCISES – A BACK STRENGTHENER, by Rona  The soft ball, as usual, may make you wobble a little. Keep trying and it will get easier. Position yourself on all fours. Make sure your hands are under your shoulders, and knees under your hips. Level one – Extend your leg, and bring it back. Level two – extend the opposite arm at the same time as extending the leg. Extra challenge. Put a soft ball under your knee and repeat either level one, or two. Do 5 times on each side. Level three – All ..read more

If your inbox is anything like ours this week, it’s no doubt flooded with communications about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the increased importance of sanitation. It’s big business for anyone pedalling loo roll, hand sanitiser, good old fashioned soap, and FEAR!  2020 sure has thrown its share of challenges our way (and it’s only March!) What with the incessant rain, Brexit, #Sussexit and now Coronavirus, the populist news has been having a field day.   Sadly, there’s so much misinformation out there. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to believe. One thing we do know thou ..read more

January has been and gone and February is about to bid so long! While we’ve had our fair share of blustery storms in 2020 the days and nights are thankfully getting longer and lighter. So if you started off the New Year all guns blazing with a new fitness regime (hopefully Reformer Pilates) but found yourself less committed through dark and dreary February, now is the time to get yourself back on track!  Here at Contour Pilates in Essex, our lovely instructors are ready to put a “spring” back in your step and prep your for the summer months! So we thought we’d ask them what their top tips ..read more

The key to motivation when it comes to achieving your 2020 health and fitness goals, lies in entertainment and interaction. There are more products out there than ever before that can help you stay on track. Whether you’re counting calories and macros, looking to make your stride pattern more efficient, or interested in knowing what food types are safe to eat according to your DNA, there’s a slew of innovative apps and wearable tech out there. Here at Contour Pilates in Brentwood, we’re so much more than a Reformer Studio. We like to make it our business to understand and be a part of the more ..read more

We’ve plenty of men and women coming through our doors here at Contour Pilates in Essex who are in their 40’s, 50’s and even their 60’s. Pilates doesn’t discriminate against ability, gender, fitness levels, flexibility, stamina or age. Quite the contrary, it embraces and celebrates all of them, and we absolutely encourage everyone to relish in whatever decade of life they’re at and join us in a Reformer class. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that Pilates is a must for anyone in the throes of their own midlife crisis! It’s cheaper than a fast car, and the rewards are deeply more gratifying. A ..read more

2020 isn’t just the start of a new year. It’s also a new decade. Isn’t it time you committed to finally putting yourself first for a change? Health is wealth, after all. If you focus on self-care and self-love, you can be a much stronger and more positive person for all those around you. Forget all this new year, new you nonsense.  We’re pretty sure you’re amazing, just the way you are! However, imagine just how much better you’d feel if your mood was improved, your posture aligned, your energy levels increased, your core strengthened, and your flexibility improved?  Sounds pretty am ..read more

Right about now, you’re probably in what we affectionately call limbo-land. That “Twixmas” time when Christmas is over and the New Year is yet to roll on around. This year it’s extra special as it heralds the start of a brand spanking new decade. Full of optimism and promise! Nothing is impossible. Whether you want to run a marathon, hold the plank for 2 minutes, learn a new language, or even become a participant of this year’s Master Chef! The trick is to… Get yourself started. Right now you’re probably sat in your pyjamas, watching Xmas movies and saying to yourself,  “I’ll start again ..read more