How long have you been a Pilates By Bel member?
I’ve been doing Pilates By Bel since July 2020, right in the middle of lockdown when Bel was offering Zoom classes and recording them for those that missed them (me!). I was on maternity leave with my first child, who’s now five! At the time, I was in desperate need of support for my core, as I was dealing with persistent diastasis recti and wanted to rebuild my overall strength.
I’ve since had a second child, and PBB has been the one consistent exercise I’ve enjoyed, and seen results from, over the last five years.
How has Pilates By Bel impacted you?
Pilates has been absolutely transformative for me, both as a mother and as a facialist.
After having two very large babies within two years, my body went through significant changes. Regaining strength and alignment became essential not only for my physical recovery but also for my overall wellbeing.
Pilates helped me rebuild my core from the inside out, drastically improving my posture and the way I carry myself daily. I went from waking up with horrendous back pain and persistent sciatica to being completely pain-free – it’s difficult to imagine my life without it.
As a facialist, Pilates has also been a game changer for my work. I spend hours leaning over clients, which places a lot of strain on my upper body. Proper alignment and core strength have been crucial in preventing neck and back issues.
Fave PBB exercises?
I love the core-focused sequences, especially anything that targets deep abdominal muscles without straining my body.
I particularly like Bel's triset sequences for a challenge, and the glute bridge variations with bands are a favourite of mine. They always leave my legs and core feeling strong.
I also enjoy PBB exercises that focus on posture and upper body mobility. The gentle stretching and mobility flows are perfect after a long day of leaning over my treatment table or carrying toddlers.
Go-to PBB class?
I’m really excited about the new strength-focused classes!
As women, incorporating strength training is so important – not just for building muscle but for supporting healthy ageing. I’ve been incorporating strength via other apps so being able to have Pilates and strength all under one roof is perfect. I also have osteoporosis in my family, so I feel like I’m investing in my future (and skin) – it can boost collagen production, improve bone density, and help us maintain long-term mobility so it’s win-win.
I also tend to gravitate towards full body Pilates classes around the 20-30 minutes but that said, I’m a bit lazy when it comes to choosing what to do. I tend to just follow the weekly schedule. I need to be told what to do when it comes to exercise, and I trust Bel implicitly to guide me through exactly what my body needs.
What is your advice to anyone unsure about online Pilates?
Just start! The beauty of an online subscription is that you can move at your own pace, in the comfort of your home, and fit it into your life no matter how busy things get.
I’m more often than not doing Bel’s classes in my PJs before the boys wake up or while dinner cooks. Bel makes it easy to feel supported and guided with her expertise, even through a screen.
It’s an investment in your strength, mobility and overall wellbeing that you’ll never regret.
For me, it’s been invaluable not only for recovery but also for sustaining my energy and alignment in my day-to-day work as a facialist and mother of two very busy boys.
To join the Pilates By Bel movement, start your free trial here. For more info about Pilates By Bel, head to pilatesbybel.com.
