Move over reformer Pilates, there’s a new kid on the block and it goes by the name of Bodhi.
LA’s latest fitness export has landed and with A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Rosie Huntington-Whitely rumoured to be fans, we knew we had to check it out. Developed in California by Khita Whyatt and Kirsten Sell; it uses TRX-like suspension ropes that take you away from gravity, firing up your core and making your whole body work hard to stay balanced helping you to become more stronger and flexible (FYI – on first appearances it all looks very 50 Shades of Grey). But do not be deceived, although swinging on a bunch of ropes may not look like much of a workout, it is harder than you think and because you are engaging lot of muscles at once, it challenges the body in many different ways and you’ll discover muscles in places you didn’t even know existed. So thorough is this technique that the day after I tried it, my armpits genuinely ached for days.
We caught up with Dawne from BePilates (the only place you can try this new workout in London) to find out exactly why Bodhi is the new exercise du jour…
Will I get a Six Pack?
Bodhi challenges both your centre of gravity and your base of support as you take yourself out of balance in an unstable environment to effectively challenge the structural muscles of your core. As you work with and against gravity to find balance, postural muscles effectively engage to protect your spine. This unstable and unpredictable environment offers fantastic opportunities to continually challenge and “awaken” your core muscles.
I have never done Pilates does that matter?
Bodhi is a great option for most clients and provides a full-body workout for the beginner to the super advanced practitioner. It adds a new element to Pilates inspired exercises and helps you to find better, more efficient movement in all of your life’s activities.
What about all the Pilates teachers out there? Can they teach Bodhi too?
Bodhi teacher training is a great continuing education opportunity for Pilates teachers and other fitness or movement professionals. The successful teacher has attended our training course for 2 days in-person, plus an additional 20 hours of personal practice and 20 hours of student teaching before they pass a final practical examination. Our first teacher-training course will be winter/spring 2016.
You can try Bodhi at BePilates, 78a Chiltern Street, London, W1U5AB
Image: Pinterest
Words by Sadie Reid
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