• Tell us about your journey with this activity – when and why did you start it? 

• What are the benefits you experience from participating? (These could be benefits that you experience before, during, or after)  

• What motivates you to keep participating?

• Describe an ideal session of your activity: where are you, who are you with, what makes it perfect, and why?

• What brands are part of this outfit?

• Describe how this outfit makes you feel physically (fit, feel, function, fabrics) and emotionally.

• What do you like about this outfit? What works well? (Be as specific as possible!)

• How could these items be improved?

• For what other occasions/activities would you wear this outfit for, and why?

• Describe your activity: what is the experience like, what are the movements like?

• What are the senses (sights, sounds, scents, touch, taste) you experience before/during/after?

• Who are the kinds of people that take part in your activity?

Pilates (Mat, Reformer, Lagree)

Barre

Dance

Calisthenics

Zumba

During the session, I was feeling stiff and a bit groggy, but thankfully, Rachel—the instructor—is fantastic, so that helped a lot. We started with some breath work to warm up, which felt nice, and then we focused on obliques. We're building up to this move called Snake, which is something we've practiced in stages over a sfew sessions. Which is a great way to progress and learn new stuff. My move of the moment is the helicopter move; it makes my hips and inner thighs feel really juicy. I like that the session has a build, so it never feels too easy, but always manageable and engaging. It’s tough, but I like that—it pushes me, which I need.

After the session, I felt bloody great. Whilst I was killing core on the reformer bed I can see the sunrise through the skylight in the studio which was gorgeous, such a nice contrast to the dark, cold morning I had just come from. It was so satisfying knowing I’d already done something productive before 8 AM. It gives me that little achievement early in the day, which is something I really need, especially as a self employed person who has to build the shape of their days.

Before and after class, I had brief interactions with Rachel and a couple of other participants. I said hello to the owner of the studio too. I find the post-class chat a bit eggy, and I’m more about just getting in, doing the class, and leaving quietly. I spoke to Rachel briefly before class when I jumped on my machine and then thanked her after class for the tough session. Everyone else rushes off to start their days, and there is a session straight after so it's a bit of a quiet atmosphere, which I like.

What trends are interesting/exciting?
I’m excited about the movement towards making Pilates more inclusive and diverse. For example, seeing queer male instructors, like my friend Ben Stott, disrupt the traditional Pilates image and bring new energy to the activity is really inspiring. It’s nice to see people challenging the stereotypes and opening the practice up to different kinds of people.

Are there any trends you dislike or avoid?
I dont like posey pilates.

Are there any events or moments that are important to your activity?
No. I guess being conistent.

Who or where do you turn for inspiration related to your activity?
My friend Ben Stott is a inspiration for me. He’s a queer male instructor who’s worked to disrupt the traditional Pilates culture. We used to work together years ago, and I’ve followed his practice since. He brings a unique perspective and energy to the practice that I find refreshing and motivating. Ben’s approach makes Pilates feel more accessible and challenging, while also being welcoming for people who don’t necessarily fit the mainstream image of a Pilates practitioner.

What other fitness activities are similar to Pilates?
I think Pilates is most similar to ballet in a lot of ways. Both activities emphasize strength, flexibility, and precision in movement asn well as using breath. Pilates, like ballet, creates heat in the body and requires a lot of core engagement and focus on technique. There’s also a lot of attention to posture, alignment, and muscle activation, which is very similar to what you’d find in a ballet class. It’s that combination of strength and fluidity that connects the two. I also like that its expert led and they are vocal about corrections ( like a ballet teacher would be)