Reviewer: Charlie Norton - 'LAD’S ARMY'
Think you're fit? Think again. Beautcamp Pilates takes the famously sedate form of exercise and gives it a shot of pure testosterone.
The core fitness that Pilates gives you is proper fitness. Now there's a hard-core class for men and the promise of a body like tungsten if you can make it through a series of classes without passing out or getting a hernia.
Boy it's a really tough work out. Gung ho trainer Matt Field mixes it up with shadow boxing, hamstrings, endless press-ups, and such a dazzling array of stomach exercises that it makes the sit-up seem like an old school memory.
I was truly clinging on by the end with shaking muscles. But it's worth it - in fitness terms, this is truly a great way to abuse an hour.
Lydia Williams: BRIDAL BODY OVERHAUL
I had to up my game, with the Big Day looming ever nearer my dancer-like body wasn't coming quick enough for my liking. Step forward Beautcamp Pilates' private tuition service and my swoonsome Mens Health-worthy trainer, Matt Field.
I was lulled into a false sense of security by his friendly, charming banter, yet as soon as we got down to business, as it were, he made me work until I shook and began to emit sounds that should only emanate from a maternity ward (it wasn't pretty). Now I know this is what I had signed up for, but boy did he put me through my paces. He managed to extract from me, between what felt like a billion tricep dips, the exercises that I was particularly struggling with (the list was long), and broke each one down to build up my confidence and to ensure my technique was just so.
Matt imparted loads of secret tips and hints to tailor the class to my own level (e.g. survive) and also focused our hour together on the 'Bridal Hotspots' - bingo wings, upper back and abs (who cares about legs, they'll be under 100m of silk satin). With my new found skills I'm off for my next class in the morning...wish me luck.
Health - Ask The Expert: Back Care Supplement.
If you wake in the morning with lower back pain, your core muscles need work.
Reviewer: Clint Witchalls.
Think pilates with copious sweating. There's no lying around, feeling each vertebrae unfurl on a yoga mat. Sure it strengthens your core muscles. Sure it helps improve your posture, but it also gets your heart beating like a hummingbird's wings.
Matt, the instructor, is a good ad for his product. He's a well toned, 20-something year-old.
It was the longest 55 minutes of my life. Judging by the longevity of the muscle ache, I would say that Beautcamp is pretty effective. And men, don't be put off by the poncy name. This is a seriously good workout. I'm writing this blog post four days after the class and I'm still walking like I've got rickets.
I’m having no problem fitting in Matt’s exercise plan and already feel less tired.
“not only does he have me performing exercises I did not even know existed, he uses every psychological trick in the book to keep me going.”
“Matthew is having none of my indolence. Having taken impressive readings for my blood pressure and heart rate, he is aware that I’m capable of doing more than I care to admit.”
“Next day I wake up with aching abdominal muscles. I am delighted. The personal training session has clearly worked as intended – and if I keep up the good work I won’t have to succumb to elasticated waistbands and Bridget Jones style big knickers after all.”
“I am not alone in thinking this is the best way to achieve your personal fitness goals.”
“given my shortage of willpower and spare time, having a personal trainer seems to be the perfect solution.”
Suzanne savill, Western Daily press, Sept 2001
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| "Thank you Matt! If it wasn’t for the cars in the carpark you’d never know that we weren’t professional footballers! We train and feel like premier league players and who knows - in a few years we might be!" Mike 33 (now feels 23). |
Matt Field Personal Training