A study reported in the national press this summer confirmed it: one in three French people now take part in fitness activities, twice as many as twenty-five years ago. Weight training, CrossFit, Hyrox, yoga, Pilates – sport has become an integral part of our lives. And in my studio, right in the heart of Cannes, I see this every week. After more than twelve years of teaching Pilates as a qualified teacher, I wanted to tell you what this wave is changing, and what it must not allow us to forget.
Sport is everywhere, but not just any old way
I’m delighted to see so many people getting back into exercise. But there’s a downside to this enthusiasm: people often confuse quantity with quality, and intensity with benefits. Pilates, on the other hand, isn’t designed to exhaust you. It works the body deeply, without putting strain on the joints, to build lasting strength. This is what I explain in the benefits of Pilates for the body and mind. And if you’re still not sure about yoga, I’ve compared the two in Pilates or yoga – which one should you choose?.
Authentic Pilates – the kind I teach
Given this success, many different types of exercise are now known as Pilates. At the studio, I remain faithful to the Joseph Pilates’ original method, demanding and precise. On the Reformer, every movement counts: alignment and breathing come first; it’s never about performance for performance’s sake. That’s also why I prefer small groups and private lessons, so I can correct, adjust and take the time with each person. To understand what sets the Reformer apart from floor work, I explain it in Pilates Reformer or Mat Pilates.
In Cannes, an audience of all ages
I see a wide variety of clients: working professionals looking to relieve back pain caused by long hours at a desk, expectant and new mums seeking a gentle form of exercise, and older people keen to maintain their mobility and balance. Pilates adapts to each individual, at their own pace. When back issues are involved, I take special precautions, as I explain in Pilates and back pain.
Fancy giving it a go? Get off to a good start
If this trend has inspired you to give it a go, my advice can be summed up in one word: support. You don’t need to be flexible or athletic; I’ll guide you step by step right from the very first session. I’ll explain where to start in Pilates for beginners in Cannes, and how Choosing a Pilates studio in Cannes without making a mistake. The easiest thing to do is still to pop into the studio for a taster session.
Fitness has become a permanent fixture in the daily lives of the French, and that’s good news. In Cannes, I’ll always be there to remind people that looking after your body isn’t about intensity, but about doing it right. See you soon at the studio, right in the heart of Cannes.