Why Supermodels Swear by Pilates

Have you ever heard the stories behind how supermodels undergo rigorous diet and fitness regimens to sculpt their bodies before a big shoot or show? Wow, what a regimen they go through. First, to maintain those long and lean figures, supermodels actually make it a point to avoid certain workouts that aim to build bulk. A popular workout method that hit mainstream a few years back is the Pilates method. Rumor has it that Pilates is the secret to maintaining a lean-toned model figure and a supermodel staple in their work outs. Hannah Ferguson, a Sports Illustrated model who is a regular Pilates devotee, says she loves her Pilates workouts because they tighten and tone her muscles. “This helps when modeling swimwear and lingerie, to keep my body parts where they are supposed to be.” Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge trains with Pilates to sculpt her body from head to toe. “It really changes the way my body feels,” she says. “And after I finish, it’s like I’ve had a massage.” In addition to making you feel incredible in and out of your clothes, Pilates truly can change your body. If you haven’t tried or heard of Pilates, you are in for a treat! The originator, Joseph Pilates, described the guarantee benefits of his method: “In ten sessions you will feel a difference, in twenty session you will see a difference, and in thirty session you will have a new body.” Now that’s a guarantee you are sure to love! Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel believes that every year she grows more into her body, her career, health, mind and inner spirit. She feels the responsibility as a woman to stay lean and in shape and admits, “It isn’t easy.”Swanepoel’s workout regimen includes Pilates, toning, yoga, cardio, and boxing; she loves to change things up. Swanepoel has said, “The most fun part is treating it like a project and seeing how far I can push myself in that time, seeing my body change and get stronger. The best part about training for a show is the amount of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears you put into something you always dreamed of doing.” Supermodels are always singing the praise of the total body workout that the Pilates Method provides. Many combine Barre work, resistance bands, and yoga with their Pilates workouts for an added bonus. Are you for the supermodel workout challenge? Their workout schedules are strict, with daily workouts that can be up to two hours, five to six days per week. Hmmm, we may have to schedule some vacation time from work! Then they combine their workouts with clean eating, plenty of hydration, and a good night’s sleep. I guess that means no more wine Wednesday or Taco Tuesday for us! Wondering how often we should train to receive the Pilates guarantee of a new Pilates body in 30 sessions? Well, they say Pilates workouts should be scheduled two to three times per week. Ok, that is doable for us. If you really want to go full speed Pilates, you can take a class daily, mixing and matching Pilates mat and group equipment classes. I love the idea of mixing Pilates mat and equipment classes for a variety every day. I think we are ready to train like a supermodel! Now all we have to do is check out a local Pilates studio or gym for their Pilates class schedule. Ready, set—it’s time for our Pilates body makeover!