In a world of wellness fads, diets and hacks, Pilates has remained consistently popular for many years. First developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, it’s a series of small movements paired with breathwork that targets muscles, builds core strength and improves posture and stability. We chatted with COCO Pilates’ Clarisa Nel about opening her own boutique practice, how she began her journey and why she loves it.
Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit,
How did you get into Pilates?
I was introduced to it by a physiotherapist in 2007 when I was suffering from intense neck and shoulder pain due to work related stress. The maintenance effect was so profound – I was hooked. For the next 8 years I attended classes and my love for Pilates grew stronger as I could see the positive effect that it had on my mind and body. In 2015 I started training as a Body Control Pilates Instructor while still working full time in the fashion industry. Balancing work, study and being a new mom was a challenge, so when I completed my first level of training I knew it was time to make a career change. I started to teach Pilates full time and initially worked for other studio owners before opening COCO Pilates.
Please tell us a bit about why you decided to start your own practice?
COCO Pilates opened in February 2018. With the studio at home, it offered me the flexibility to be with my then toddler son. This was a small step in a big dream. The studio was a small space where I could only fit two reformers, but it was good enough for me. My vision was to work with clients on their individual needs and offer personalised attention, and I really enjoyed supporting my clients in their health journey. However, it was time to move into bigger premises and my new studio at @Sandton Hotel in Benmore Gardens embodies the spirit of COCO Pilates – kindness, care, acceptance, positivity and self-love.
What was it about Pilates specifically that led you to focus on it?
So much! The fascination with the body, how it moves, how the musculoskeletal system functions and the mind and body connection can enrich our overall wellbeing.
Also, Pilates feels good! Exercise is not meant to be torture. Functional movement encourages a healthier life. Strength is not punishment, it’s a reward earned by consistent focus on alignment, breathing and centring. Pilates helps your body heal through movement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy, and sometimes the smallest movement performed correctly can be the most challenging.
What do you enjoy the most about it?
As a teacher I absolutely love the look on clients faces when I first introduce them to the magical feeling of Pilates. I also love how adaptable Pilates movements are – it can drive the performance of elite athletes and build strength in rehabilitation patients.
Why has Pilates remained relevant for almost a century?
Pilates movements are fact based. It’s simple and works with the body anatomy in a slow and controlled manner that is attainable to anyone. It compliments any age, any fitness level and all body types. I know recently there has been a trend that Pilates is a body sculpting weight loss miracle, but that’s not true. There is no miracle weight loss fix and Pilates is so much more than that.
Can you tell us about the reformer classes you offer at Coco Pilates?
Reformer Pilates offers clients the opportunity to add a variable resistance source to their body’s movement, benefiting overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. The resistance from the Reformer allows muscles to lengthen as it resists, achieving long and strong muscles without adding unnecessary bulk.
While you can perform the same series of exercises on the reformer that you can on the mat, the workouts are notably different. Mat classes utilise the body weight for exercises, while the Reformer adds resistance to the Pilates exercises via the use of the springs that form part of the machine.
I love both reformer and mat Pilates, they are both beneficial. In the studio I incorporate mat Pilates and the use of others small Pilates props for a balanced full body workout.
While you can perform the same series of exercises on the reformer that you can on the mat, the workouts are notably different. Mat classes utilise the body weight for exercises, while the Reformer adds resistance to the Pilates exercises via the use of the springs that form part of the machine.
I love both reformer and mat Pilates, they are both beneficial. In the studio I incorporate mat Pilates and the use of others small Pilates props for a balanced full body workout.
What should people know about Pilates?
It’s never too early or too late to start.
Benefits of Pilates
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Increased energy levels
- Improved flexibility
- Improved memory and thinking through
- concentration and breathing exercises
- Improved spine alignment and posture
- Improved core strength
- Better quality of sleep
- Increased focus and mental alertness
- Enhanced immune system functioning
- Increased productivity and motivation
- Improves your balance
- Gives you a general sense of well-being
- Gain and maintain good posture
