Some like it hot

I have to admit that I don't (like it hot, I mean) when it comes to Pilates. Maybe it's my all-too-obvious Northern European genes, but I don't relish exercising in hot weather. If my Viking ancestors had encountered the 33°C we experienced this weekend in London, I'm fairly sure they would have hopped back into the longboat and returned fjord-wards.

When hot yoga became a thing a few years ago, a (heat) rash of new studios opened up near me. One of them got in contact to ask if I would be interested in teaching "hot Pilates". I politely declined, explaining that it wasn't really my cup of tea. What I was actually thinking was that they had just dreamt it up as a way to get more use out of the fancy infrared heating panels the studio had installed at great expense - what's known in business as "sweating the assets" (appropriately in this case). 

I don't think Pilates exercises benefit from being done at anything warmer than a comfortable room temperature. So the question is: what do I do when the temperature rises? The answer is that I transition to my hot weather repertoire. 

I try to select exercises that feature small, precise movements, to strengthen muscles without generating excessive heat. I pause and rest more frequently, encouraging people to sip water often. I also include more stretches, taking advantage of the slightly looser muscles that warmer temperatures bring. And, in case you were wondering, the big, sweaty exercises like The Hundred, Criss Cross and Teaser are either modified or given the summer off (probably spent backpacking along the South West Coast Path, which I hear is all the rage now).

Of course, if you're very keen to avoid exercising at all during the heat of the day, you can always request a recording of my online classes. That way you can do the class in the cool of the evening, early morning or at any time you wish, up to seven days after the class.

If you'd rather just sit and read a book in the sun until the weather cools down, then I have some good news for you...but I'll announce that next time. (Quick clue: it's hot off the press)

Having said all that, it would be cool to see you at one of my online classes. For details, and to book, go to the online classes page of my website by clicking here.

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