DECEMBER 12, 2009 -- Pilates practitioners (estimated at over 11 million of us) can take a note from car enthusiasts and their souped-up engines. Pilates “SPX” is a revved-up version of the system developed by Joseph Pilates.
The traditional method uses the mind to control core postural muscles, teaches awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aims to strengthen the deep torso muscles. The technique provides results often without breaking a sweat.
Pilates Plus La Jolla offers a race-car version of Pilates, aimed at making your pores produce some liquid exhaust. The 40-minute sessions jump start your metabolism while toning the entire body. SPX creator Sebastien Lagree infused core stability with muscle dynamics. With resistance and counter-resistance sequences, muscles hit peak contraction and maximum exertion.
“Circuit-training-style Pilates with a cardio base works each muscle to exhaustion, which transforms the shape of the muscle and makes you feel tighter,” says Pilates Plus owner Jessica Tomson.
After Tomson trained with Sebastien Lagree in West Hollywood, she began dreaming of a studio of her own here in San Diego. Her dream was actualized in January 2009. As an SPX partner, versus franchisee, Tomson leverages the promotion gained from Lagree’s features in InStyle, PilatesStyle, Los Angeles Magazine and on Live! With Regis and Kelly.
With several traditional Pilates classes under my belt—and Wunder Unders—I left my downtown comfort zone to experience Pilates with a punch. There are just eight reformers (Pilates machines), and that means I get a lot of personal attention during this training session.
With no rest between exercises the heart accelerates quickly, while condensing the time to get a complete body workout. Before I know it—like a drag race—the time is up, and we move to roll downs and stretching. I find it fast, fun and efficient, definitely not the ol’ station wagon Pilates.
Lagree has said: “If you don’t want a tighter ass, don’t come here.” After 40 minutes, my glutes and core are exhausted. The principal focus is to strengthen, tighten and tone with strength training and cardio elements, while including the lengthening, therapeutic benefits of traditional Pilates.
The high intensity reduces the time needed for a total body workout—and you’ll be glad when the instructor waves the checkered flag.
