January has long gone, as have my continued resolutions of maintaining some type of fitness regime. I have every excuse possible as to why I don’t make it to the gym, jogging or kickboxing…basically anywhere that involves sweating. Like any woman I desire for a trim tum, toned physique and all round physical well-being. But time, work & a social life leave me unenthusiastic for being put through my sweaty paces.

I was introduced to reformer pilates by a good friend of mine, a non dairy eating, nuts and berries type who as much as it pains me to say looks fantastic on all of the above. I’ve tried her cleanses and diets but ultimately I’m a foodie so exercise is my only option.

As a west London native I have everything conveniently on my doorstep including Bootcamp Pilates near Notting Hill. It boasted great reviews and class times are convenient enough for a post-work or a mid-morning weekend workout. Best of all the first class is free so there was nothing to deter me. Greeted by friendly faces and a class full of beginners who all seemed as anxious as me. Or so I thought, misinterpreted anxiety was in fact sheer lust for our trainer Nico Algeri who bounced around the room with his dimpled grin checking the resistance on our reformers. With Jay-Z bumping in the background Nico took us through a series of strength building exercises with varied weights, using boxes and poles to add versatility to the core functions of the sliding reformer.

Conclusion; great music,  perfect number of students, with amazing encouragement and all round fun yet challenging exercises from Adonis…sorry Nico. Never before have I had such a gruelling workout, felt amazing and been in a hurry to book another class. With locations in most of my favourite haunts around London, Hoxton, Richmond and Fulham Bootcamp Pilates has the recipe for success. Not to mention the free apples they give you after class..