Yoga with a Twist

AFTER 10 sessions of doing this body conditioning programme, you’ll feel a difference,’’ said Joseph Pilates, the founder of ...

AFTER 10 sessions of doing this body conditioning programme, you’ll feel a difference,’’ said Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates system. ‘‘In 20, you’ll see the difference, and in 30, you’ll have a new body.’’

I’m convinced about the veracity of his statement because the svelte, 24-inch waisted, mother of two, Queenie Dhody is a living example of the effectiveness of Pilates. ‘‘Pilates not only adds variety and intensity to my exercise routine, but also streamlines my muscles, gives me flexibility, endurance and power as well,’’ says this gorgeous former Miss India. She finds that Pilates is actually a ‘‘mind refresher’’ because it makes you concentrate on your body. So, Queenie makes time for Pilates from her frenetic jet-setting schedules and her recently set up jewellery design business ‘‘Jewels by Queenie’’. She gets into her most comfortable clothes and works out in her children Tiara and Rajveer’s bedroom.

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Of course, we need to learn the technique from a qualified teacher. Ava Verma, who studied at the London Pilates Institute, has been giving Queenie lessons. ‘‘It all dates back to Germany in 1880,’’ Ava explains, ‘‘when Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever as a child. His determination and drive to overcome those ailments led to the study of both Eastern and Western forms of exercise: and it is yoga inspired.’’

In the early 1920s, Joseph Pilates took this system to the United States. His studio in New York caught the attention of the dance community. Now, it is practised by pregnant women, senior citizens, people who suffer from lower back problems or those simply in need of general conditioning.

Ava teaches Pilates mat work which is adapted from the original exercises performed on specialised apparatus. Queenie is quick to explain that the exercises are simple to do but require patience, concentration and continuity. ‘‘The idea is to isolate muscles and to use the minimum number of muscles to perform a particular movement,’’ chips in Ava.

The exercises concentrate on the core of the body: the deep muscles of the spine, pelvis and abdomen, strengthening and improving co-ordination. Is it any wonder that Ava’s favourite quote is, ‘‘Pilates is an exercise regimen which will give you the strengthening benefits of a gym workout, the flexibility of yoga and the grace and fluidity of ballet.’’ Of course, Queenie supplements Pilates with yoga and healthy eating. Pilates, meditation, plenty of water and a sustained faith are what keep our queen of the champagne circuit in sparkling form.

Ava Verma, Pilates instructor Pune: 95206126319/Mumbai: 022-23680717

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