Absolutely magazine visit myPilates London

‘When I arrive at the My Pilates London Studio in Putney on a rainy Friday morning, the first thing I do is warn founder Pete Pallai that I’m not very flexible. “My range of motion is terrible,” I say. 

I’m here for a one-on-one session and I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Reformer Pilates is having a huge surge in popularity right now, and it’s my very first time trying it out. 

Pete explains that although flexibility is often the thing people tend to think about when it comes to Reformer Pilates, it’s actually only one part of it. He tells me that Pilates was initially called ‘Contrology’. He prefers this name as it better describes the process of learning to move your body with more strength, control, and awareness. 

Pete is a two-time Olympian bobsledder and former rugby player. He discovered Reformer Pilates late into his career and is extremely passionate about its benefits for both women and men. 

Now an experienced Balanced Body (the largest Pilates company worldwide) trained practitioner, people of all levels come to Pete for his expertise. He divides his time between running courses for Pilates instructors, leading advanced-level classes, and giving one-to-one sessions. 

Pete takes me through some basic moves, modifying them as we go to make the session uniquely bespoke to my needs. Pregnancy and life with a toddler has left me with pain in my left hip, and I’d like to work on strengthening my core. I slide up and down the machine, working my whole body – from my legs and glutes, to my arms and chest. At points, my legs are burning and trembling, but I actually surprise myself in the range of movements I can do. 

The challenge is concentrating on my breathing whilst making sure I’ve got the correct form. Pete explains that you really have to focus. He tells me that this is another thing that people really enjoy about Reformer Pilates – it’s time where you have to leave the day’s stresses behind. 

At the end of the session, I might be leaving with slightly wobbly legs, but I think Pete’s enthusiasm for Reformer Pilates might have just rubbed off.’

Come and experience it for yourself. Book your session today.