Pilates (pronounced pil-ah-tays) is a method of body conditioning based on the work of Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). He called his method The Art of Contrology which refers to the way that it encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.

Pilates strengthens the core postural muscles of the body, stabilises the torso and improves the body’s flexibility and strength without building bulk. It also involves concentration and the co-ordination of breath and movement, helping to balance the body and mind.

The result is a more balanced body with increased strength and flexibility, enabling your body to move more efficiently and effectively.

Pilates can benefit anyone at any age or level of fitness and it can also be an excellent way of releasing tension and stress for those living and working in a busy environment.

The Chamber’s very own Pam Holstein says “Every woman hates a part of her body and I hate my lower abs! Any exercise I’ve ever done has always been around trying to do something about this. I’ve tried swimming, weights and ‘crunch’ classes in a number of different gyms and have never really achieved results that I’ve been satisfied with.

“Once I began to do an hour of mat based Pilates once a week, I saw the benefits pretty quickly - I had the flattest, most toned lower abs that I’ve ever had in my life! I stopped going to ‘crunch’ classes because I realised that that 80% of the exercises in the class were not reaching the parts of my body that I wanted to work on and I was spending too much effort trying to keep up rather than concentrating on being in the correct position, focusing on the muscles that I wanted to work and breathing correctly.

“I’m not a gym bunny, I don’t really like exercise but the benefits of Pilates are the greatest motivator that I’ve ever had!”

Flex Studios is a unique, exclusive, private members-only club located in the heart of Liverpool’s financial district. The studio boasts a wide range of specialist Pilates equipment and machines, unrivalled anywhere else in the North West. Facilities also include a separate matwork studio, changing rooms, mezzanine café area and landscaped yard. All teachers are Body Control Pilates® qualified and class sizes are kept to a minimum as we believe this is the best way to offer a first class personal service.

If you would like to find out more or perhaps book a free trial session at Flex studios, then email info@flex-studios.co.uk and quote ‘Commerce Newsletter’ or visit the website at www.flex-studios.co.uk

This offer is only valid for readers of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce News.