Mat work is a great way to activate your core and build up its strength. Photo: Wendell Fox from The Canberra Word of Mouth

When I hear the words “Pilates reformer” I think of the videos littering Facebook that feature people rolling over themselves or getting trapped and tangled in a way that both amuses and shocks me with its dangerous yet ridiculous nature.

So I was a little nervous when Dan Baker of Pilates with Dan invited me to his studio in Scullin for a one-on-one Pilates class (private lesson). The reformer and its accomplice, the Cadillac, are slightly intimidating pieces of equipment. The Cadillac is a bit like a massage table with a four poster frame, while the reformer is a sliding, spring loaded platform.

Luckily, I had Dan’s guidance and knowledge to help me along the way. We started with some exercises that focussed on alignment and breathing. Dan was quick to point out that I have a severe preference for my right side. This in itself was really helpful discovery because it meant that for the duration of the session, Dan was able to give me instructions to help me overcome the imbalance and strengthen the weaker side of my body.

If you’re reading this thinking “Oh yeah, I know Pilates – it’s just like yoga right?” you are mistake.

It’s actually completely different.

Generally, traditional yoga tends to have quite a spiritual basis, with a focus on meditation and flexibility, while Pilates is very physical with a focus on toning. Dan explains that breathing in Pilates is about engaging your core and drawing in oxygen in a way that is most efficient for the movements that you’re completing.

After a run through the breathing we moved onto the reformer. Training using a reformer is a very unique experience and something I’d never tried before, but that I’d do again in a heartbeat! I found it a little bit tricky at first, purely because it’s such a different way of moving your body. The exercises that Dan ran me through used slow, controlled movements. He explained that Pilates was originally named contrology and I can see why.

Using the reformer…Photo: Wendell Fox from The Canberra Word of Mouth

The moving platform means that you really have to focus on controlling your body or you’ll bounce around – or do the aforementioned roll and tangle. Dan’s guidance assured I felt safe throughout the class while having a really good workout. Despite the slow nature of the movements, I was sweaty and my muscles felt fatigued.

I would definitely recommend the one on one studio classes, especially to those who’ve never tried Pilates before or are looking to get a comprehensive understanding of the movements. Dan makes sure that your body is perfectly aligned—from the tip of your head to your toes. It’s a good one to try before you give Dan’s mat classes a go, which were next on the agenda for me!

The mat classes are held at the Gold Creek Aquatots Swim School located at the Gold Creek Country Club, and are offered in two different levels – Beginner and Continuing. While both classes are reasonably small, the beginner classes only have a few students to ensure that you get sufficient attention while you’re learning the basics.

Both classes used similar movements, and it was interesting for me to see how Dan translated the exercises that we used in his studio to those on the mats. While a lot of the movements used bodyweight resistance, we also used equipment including therabands, the Pilates Magic Ring – even the studio walls!

Mat-work classes at Pilates with Dan. Photo: Wendell Fox from The Canberra Word of Mouth

Be prepared to really use your core. Even when you’re doing exercises that target other muscles, Dan reminds you to engage your core muscles and your pelvic floor. By the end of both classes I felt like I’d had a quality workout, although obviously the continuing class is slightly higher intensity than the beginners.

Dan also offers Mums with Bubs classes, which target the areas of the body that need the most work post pregnancy, but are delivered in such a way that if you need to tend to your bub you can do so without feeling like you’re missing out on the exercises. Or disrupting other class members.

Special Offer for HerCanberra readers

Pilates with Dan is offering two special offer to HerCanberra readers.

Offer 1

Book in for next term’s Mat-work classes, mention this HerCanberra Roadtest and receive a $10 discount. The four week term usually costs $60, but you’ll only pay $50.

Offer 2

On 17 December at 7pm, Dan will run a special free end of year class at Gold Creek Aquatots Swim School (located at the Gold Creek Country Club). With only a limited number of spots left, booking is essential. The free class is for all levels and is designed for a bit of fun, allowing new people to get a taste of Pilates without being too intimidating—plus there’ll be Christmas gift bags with some goodies to give away too!

The essentials

What: Private Pilates Lesson and Mat-Work class
Where: Pilates with Dan, 1 McGinness Street Scullin
When:  Contact Dan to book in a private lesson. Mat-work classes take place Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays.
How much: From $55. Visit the website for more details.
Web: www.pilateswithdan.com.au

All photos courtesy of Wendell Fox from The Canberra Word of Mouth.