01
20/1/09
17:07
Page 1
February 2009
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Poor quality Pilates is slammed By Mary Ferguson A PROFESSIONAL Pilates instructor has criticised gyms for offering substandard classes run by underqualified instructors. Huddersfield-based Graciela Kaplan – who has been teaching Pilates privately for ten years – told Workout that since the discipline exploded into the mainstream, too many clubs are offering poor quality group exercise classes. She said: “There are lots of quick-fix training courses around that don’t represent what Pilates actually is and it doesn’t work when people continuously drop in and out of classes, which often happens at gyms. “Pilates is a progressive exercise regime and to feel the full benefit you need at least 12 consecutive sessions.” She said gyms need to employ properly trained instructors and be prepared to pay for them. “Operators could pass the extra cost on to their members by charging them a bit extra for a better quality class.” Graciela, who used to be a profes-
sional ballet dancer, said that some people she has spoken to have complained of sore backs after attending a gym-based Pilates class – and badly-run sessions may put people off continuing with the exercise. “Too many instructors use their classes as a workout for themselves too, meaning they don’t pay enough attention to the members, who often struggle. “I’m sure there are lots of gyms out there doing a great job and employing great instructors, but from my experience there are still many not getting it right.” To ignite more interest in the discipline Graciela has developed a new form of Pilates that she hopes to offer to gyms. Walkilates fuses aerobic exercise with Pilates moves to create a calorieburning class suitable for beginners and more serious exercisers. She added: ‘I’m the only person to offer these classes in the UK and the response so far has been amazing. Eventually I’d like to train other instructors to offer them and I’d love to introduce the concept to gyms.”
No 185 £3
Criticised advert is withdrawn
Former independent gym owner Magnus Scheving takes the lead role in global phenomenon LazyTown as Sportacus. He is in the UK piloting a new franchise of kids fitness classes and has just returned from a telethon in Mexico which was broadcast to 50m people. For more on LazyTown’s plans for the UK see Page 3
A NATWEST advert that advised people to abandon their gym memberships has been withdrawn following widespread criticism from the fitness industry. The Money Sense ad focused on the cost-saving benefits of giving up membership fees in favour of ‘running down the street’ for free. However, leaders from the health and fitness sector described the advice as irresponsible and misleading, and went on to register complaints with NatWest, the prime minister, secretaries of state and the Advertising Standards Authority. The FIA was also concerned that the advert could have a negative impact on the recently launched £275m Change 4 Life campaign and sent out a template letter to help gym owners register their disapproval of the ad. Dave Stalker, operations director at the FIA said: “As the representative body for the fitness sector, the FIA is committed to protecting and supporting the industry’s interests in whichever way we can. We are delighted by this result and extend thanks to all who joined together in support of the industry.”