Marianna, a professional contemporary dancer, comes all the way from Cyprus and it has been one year since she began training with Tempo Pilates. Read her interview, including summer recommendations, below:

 

TP: Tell us about your favourite exercise on the reformer:

Marianna: I really like the long stretch on the reformer, it really challenges the core strength, especially when you reduce to a lighter spring load!

 

TP: What can students expect from our new Contemporary Pilates classes, and what are the benefits?

Marianna: The Contemporary Pilates classes are focused on the classical Pilates repertoire, reinforcing the basic principles of the Pilates method and encouraging students to learn the proper technique and alignment that will make exercise both safe and effective.

 

The classes are suitable for absolute beginners and clients that are recovering from injuries as they provide a slower pace through the pilates vocabulary. That being said, advanced students could also benefit from these classes. Instructors will always give a more challenging option for a client with a greater body awareness and it would be good for them to go through the basics again and improve their posture.

 

TP: What are your favourite pre/post exercise foods?

Marianna: Pre-exercise, having a banana. Post-exercise in the winter I was craving broccoli (not sure why) and now with this lovely weather a sweet juicy nectarine!

 

TP: A sportswear brand whose products you enjoy?

Marianna: I’m not into brands! I’m a contemporary dancer and I always like to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in!

 

TP: Another group exercise studio you like in London?

Marianna: At the moment I am into 1Rebel, their reshape classes, as I am trying to improve my running skills.

 

TP: What’s your favourite summer activity in London?

Marianna: Picnics in Victoria Park!

 

TP: A holiday destination you would recommend?

Marianna: CYPRUS!!!!!!!!!

 

TP: Your favourite local places to eat and drink?

Marianna: I like a small Vietnamese restaurant on Dalston Kingsland road (Mien Tay) and the Kenton Arms for a beer in the garden.

 

TP: Your favourite song from our playlist?

Marianna: Milk & Sugar – Ready Or Not.

 

TP: A public figure you look up to?

Marianna: Ohad Naharin, choreographer and creator of Gaga movement.

 

TP: A quote you like to live by?

Marianna: ‘Παν μέτρον Άριστον´ in Greek means ‘Everything in moderation’.

Natalia, a WC2 | Covent Garden local, is our Student Of The Month for July.  Read our interview with her below.

 

What made you decide to join Tempo Pilates?

I joined due to back and hamstring injuries. A friend recommended Tempo Pilates and I loved it from the first class.

 

How many times a week do you come?

Lately, I average about once a week (with a sneaky extra class now and then) due to the demands of my little girl. However, in an ideal world, it would be at least three or four times a week.

 

What I like the most about Tempo Pilates is…

The constant challenge, the variety, the music, and the feeling of being stronger and more centred as a result.

 

What other forms of exercise do you enjoy?

Dancing, walking, HITT, more dancing.

 

What is your favourite Tempo Pilates playlist tune?

Loved the The Cranberries – Dreams (Dr. Kucho remix),  February 2018 playlist 🙂

 

Any favourite local places for food and drinks you can recommend?

Timber Yard, Boki, Flat White, Tintico. Anywhere with excellent coffee and a chilled vibe.

 

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Dark chocolate, obviously.

 

What motivational quote do you associate with?

“Not all those who wander are lost” – J. R. R. Tolkien

 

What are your new year’s resolutions for 2018?

Be more mindful.

 

Photo by Luce Newman-Williams Photography

SHOREDITCH LONDON E1 | TEMPO PILATES REFORMER CLASSES

“The best studio I have been to in London.  The space is stylish, the staff are really friendly and all instructors all have their own style and music which keeps it interesting. It is the perfect combination of challenging exercise in an environment that is good for the soul. I definitely recommend it!”

– THANK YOU SARAH

Georgina is a familiar face at our Reformer Pilates studio based in London WC2 | Covent Garden and also our Student Of The Month for May. Read our interview with her below.

When and what made you decide to join Tempo Pilates?

I joined approximately a year ago due to becoming injured with sore knees and my thyroid condition causing more fatigue. I didn’t want to give up exercise as it is something I love doing. So my friend asked me to try Tempo Pilates classes and now I’m hooked!

 

How many times a week do you come?

I aim for 3x classes a week. I like to do one Up-Tempo Pilates class and 2 Intermediate Plus classes as I like the variety and monitoring my progress.

 

What I like the most about Tempo Pilates is…

The music and the challenge of making each reformer pilates exercise more of a challenge. I love that the trainers know when and how to push me.

 

What other forms of exercise do you enjoy?

Yoga, running and some HIIT when I feel able.

 

What is your favourite Tempo Pilates playlist Tune?

I love them all!

 

What’s a great film/exhibition/concert you’ve seen recently?

Red Sparrow- Awesome film!

 

Any favourite local places for food and drinks you can recommend?

Foxlow in Farringdon or Moro in Exmouth Market. It is my favourite place in London!

 

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

A glass of red and thick cut chips!

 

What motivational quote do you associate with?

Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.

 

What are your goals for 2018?

To cut down on alcohol and consistently get to Tempo Pilates 3x a week.