By Jazzy Tasdelen – Fitness Contributor

There are so many exercises that are not “marketed” to the plus size babe. Often curvy girls are simply put in the “fat” basket of fitness programs and instead, encouraged to diet, take pills, or try every new un-researched weight loss fad that is invented for a quick buck with no results. Being Plus Size doesn’t mean that we don’t want be fit. Our health and well-being matters!

Pilates, Yoga, Running, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Hip Hop Dancing, Zumba, Water-skiing, Xtend-Barre, the list is endless of things to do, if we are just brave enough to give it a go. So come on this fitness journey with us, and in each new issue of Big Is Gorgeous, we will test run, trial, explain and share our experience of adventurous new activities. We are going to smash the stereotypes. It’s time to be fit and flaunt our curves, and have heaps of fun whilst doing it!

First of the block is Pilates!  Often put in the same group as yoga, Pilates is a body conditioning form of exercise invented early in the 20^th century by Joseph Pilates.  He also coined the term “Controlology”, and the 11 million or so people that practice Pilates believe that it is as much about the control of the mind as it is about the control of the physical actions. This physical fitness system engages the body’s core. This is very important for inner muscle strength, posture and elongation of the spine. It also helps with flexibility, breathing and mental stamina.

Unlike Yoga, the focus is more on a body workout, then gentle stretching and mediation. Pilates uses equipment called “Props” that add to the intensity of the movements. There is also large metal and wooden pieces with the main apparatus being The Reformer. This device uses springs and a sliding board to change resistance levels during your session.

Pilates is done in socks with a “sticky” rubber sole or with the use of small square rubber mats so you do not slip while you are completing the movements. You are also encouraged to wear comfortable stretch fabrics so your instructor can watch your body movements to ensure your form is correct. Pilates should ALWAYS be done with a qualified instructor, as your body is often in positions that are quite different from day to day actions, and may lead to injury if not completed correctly, in extreme cases.

Jackie and her team at The Pilates Place are fantastic. When you climb the stairs to the 2^nd level shop house studio you are immediately taken by how quiet and calming the space is. There is a soft flow of natural light that streams through the windows and bathes the space in a beautiful golden hue. When you enter, you are kindly requested to remove your shoes by a sweet sign on the door. At reception you are greeted by the gorgeous Lynn whose reassuring smile helps to calm any nerves you might be feeling.

At first glance into the mirrored private session studio, you may be taken aback by how intimidating some of the equipment used for Pilates looks. Think medieval torture chamber and you are on the right track! However, once each piece is explained and you are shown how to correctly use it, the fear goes away and a wonderful sense of achievement fills the space.

Private lessons are a great way to get started as it’s one on one tuition from Jackie or one of her qualified team members.

Does Pilates sound like something that interests you?

Jackie & the team at The Pilates Place is giving 4 of our Big Is Gorgeous beautiful readers the chance to win a private lesson at the studio! (Lesson value $110, not transferable for cash or other classes) All you have to do is email us at (insert email address) and tell us in 25 words or less, why you want to have fun getting fit?

Competition closes 28^th Feb 2014. Winners will be notified by email and announced on BIG social media.

Connect:

Call: +65 62276997
Visit: 60 Tras Street, Unit 02-01
E-mail: tras_info@thepilatesplace.com.sg

Web: www.thepilatesplace.com.sg

Social:   www.facebook.com/thepilatesplacesg

www.twitter.com/thepilatesplace

www.instagram.com/thepilatesplace