PP Instructor Feature

MICHELLE M
1. What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum? 

In England, pilates classes are very traditional...  Pilates Platinum was where I first encountered this 'west coast' type of pilates and it transformed my body very quickly. I wanted to take it with me anywhere in the world and so I trained in both SPX/Lagree) and STOTT (classical).  Originally,  it was passion that drove me - I didn't have the intention of teaching anyone but myself.  I consider Pilates Platinum to be the original studio of this pilates inspired workout movement in Los Angeles.  

2. What is your favorite exercise to put your class through? 

Skating!  Outer thighs... that saddle bag area,  your gluts and hamstrings... What more can I say?

3. Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

The mental exercise of getting out of bed and into the studio.  Everything after that is achievable.

4. What is your favorite way to exercise? 

Lagree Fitness/SPX Pilates!!!  This machine is unique.

I personally don't want to bulk out (and have a tendency to with other workouts) - I'm looking for that lean, feminine, athletic, dancer aesthetic.  (Side note to the boys: I've trained world class athletes and ex-Special Forces - I can build you up if that's what you want, no problem, let me know!).

Maximum results, shortest amount of time - like most people, I don't have time to spend on workouts that are pleasant, but don't give me results. This technique has outlasted and will continue to outlast the fitness fads out there plus it's safe - high intensity, low impact.  There are also unlimited combinations, so just when you think you've mastered the workout... 

5. What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

Healthy - smoothies - I'm a dab hand with a blender... The stove... not so much.

Unhealthy - NYC pizza

6. What is your most unique quality?

No one else in the world has my fingerprints. You get a British accent in my class for free.

7. Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

My bed. C'mon, I'm regularly up at 5am to teach! 

8. In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?

You'll get addicted to the results...

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration to workout?  My pilates clients keep me on my toes and inspired!  They're  amazing, strong and disciplined for being there before/after work, often at farmer hours!  I would feel like a charlatan driving them towards their personal peak condition and yet not doing the same for myself. Also, quite frankly, feeling good and staying young inspires me! I plan on living until age 200.

What advice would you like to share with the platinum blog reader.
If you're new, try it at least 3 times... First time can be a shock! :)

Use the collective energy in the room, not to compete with, but to inspire and support - borrow it to push you to be better.  

Don't feel you're fit or fit enough? Where you are now physically is a residual of who you were, old habits, not who you are NOW or where you will be a few months ... I've seen so many people transformed with this fitness technique. It doesn't take as long as you think.

The moves you find difficult are very often the moves your body needs the most!

Recovery is key to allowing your body to adapt (and change) to cope with the new demands you put upon it.  So if you want to see results, allow your body to recover! Working out immediately (if your body hasn't recovered) is often counter productive!

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)

Something with tequila and chili...  Tequila is derived from agave, which is considered healthy... But let's face it, tequila is a little bit naughty... Gives you a GOOD kick, which says it all about my teaching ;) 

 

PP Instructor Feature

Hilary Curwen

What inspired you to become a Pilates/spin instructor or what inspired you to want to be a part of platinum?

I was a client first, while I was a personal trainer. I found myself happiest when doing pilates, then started integrating it into my training. I decided then that I would just go full on with teaching pilates. I was spinning since highschool and thought.. "hey I can do this too!"

What is your favorite exercise to put your class through?

Plank Wheelbarrel

Which exercise do you think is the most challenging or most effective?

Bunjee... we hate it but it WORKS

What is your favorite way to exercise?

Changing it up consistently. I never want anything to be easy. I try to beat my own time when I run, or when I do yoga I go for the posture that really challenges my balance to the point where I do fall.

What is your favorite healthy food and what is your favorite unhealthy food?

Roasted Cauliflower.  Ice cream..

What is your most unique quality?

I am super independent.

Where is your favorite place in LA and why?

Brentwood farmers market... I have a health food addiction and love grocery shopping.

In one sentence...why should someone take class at platinum or why spx Pilates?

The time goes by so fast and you know you have fatigued your body.

Where do you find inspiration?

My mom:)

Describe the energy and type of music you like to play for class.

I listen to EVERYTHING, and play Top 40's, and mashup and remixes.

What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with the platinum blog reader.

Stick with it, you have one body.

And last but not least. If you we're to have a cocktail named after you what would the ingredients be. If you can think of its name share that as well :-)-- 

coconut water, vodka, fresh mint, juiced strawberry 

PP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Learn about the Instructors at Pilates Platinum

I am happy to announce that periodically I am going to feature an instructor from Pilates Platinum.

It will give you guys an opportunity to learn something more about each and every one.  Maybe you learn a new quality about them you didn't know before, become inspired by their story or secretly 'stalk' a instructor you have been wanting to try and now that you have learned more about them through their feature you now feel more comfortable to jump in their class.

I am very grateful for each and every instructor of the Pilates Platinum team and I look forward to sharing their greatness with you too!

In their features some of them may name a type of class at Pilates Platinum.  Below I am copying from our website a summary of those different classes as your reference.

PLATINUM PILATES
We are excited to offer our classes on the state of the art Megaformer, which was created upon the principles of pilates. Our Platinum Pilates class works the entire body in just 55 minutes! Simply put, this is the most innovative and aggressive approach to full body conditioning. It is a high octane, shirt-drenching workout that strengthens your body, tightens your muscles, elongates the body, burns fat, improves endurance, jump-starts your metabolism and restores your body’s natural balance. Our Platinum Pilates class is a fusion of pilates, cardio and strength training, and achieves muscle definition faster than traditional pilates and/or weight training alone. In addition, this quick and effective workout allows you to stay focused and get the most out of every minute. The composition of this method is significant in that it encourages maximum exertion without stressing the joints and spine. It is a revolutionary total body exercise program.

The music is great, the energy is high – this is a workout you’ll be able to evolve with and it will soon become something you can’t live without. And did we mention that it is really fun, too?


PLATINUM CYCLE
Platinum Cycle is a 55 minute, high energy, low impact, cardiovascular workout with music. Each trainer takes you through a unique sequence that will challenge you mentally and physically. You can burn more calories in a 55 minute class than any other form of cardiovascular workout. If you are a beginner, don’t worry as you can take the class at your own pace as you are in complete control of your workout. For those of you that have biking shoes, all of our bikes are equipped with LOOK and SPD clips. If you don’t have biking shoes we have baskets that can be applied to the bikes so you can use your own athletic shoes.


PLATINUM 30/30
For those of you who like to mix it up – try our Platinum 30/30 class! Fire up your body and core with 30 minutes of a Platinum Pilates workout to strengthen, lengthen and tone your entire body! Then finish off your workout with a 30 minute Platinum Cycle class. Platinum 30/30 shalt leave no muscle untouched!


PLATINUM CYCLE WITH WEIGHTS
Our full body indoor cycling workout that incorporates weights into this 55 minute class. Designed for fat burning an strength training, lose yourself in the music, energy and mind/body experience.


PLATINUM BARRE
Our Platinum Barre classes are sure to add another body bending, high cardio alternative to your workout, so you can continue to push yourself to new levels. Combining moves from our muscle-carving, state of the art Proformer with the graceful structure and toning of traditional barre classes, it is certain you will build your cardio and perfect your fluidity as you move between the two in each class. Perfecting form and alignment will initially be challenging, but with practice, proper form and alignment will become natural not only in your daily workout but in your everyday world. Your posture will never be better!