David started his career in Pilates in Los Angeles as a celebrity trainer before moving to London in 2005. Being the guru of Pilates, we asked David a few questions about its benifits

 FF: How did you get into Pilates?
DH: In 2001 I was playing semi pro Australian Rules football in Melbourne. I received a shoulder and chest injury that restricted me from ever playing football again.
At the same time I was studying towards an Exercise Rehabilitation degree at Victoria University.
I had to Rehab myself and as I did I found out about Pilates. Pilates played a large role in my rehabilitation process, and ever since then I have loved it.
 
FF: Do you find more men than women practice Pilates?
DH; Over the year there are more and more males in our classes. I think it’s a sign of the times.
People are now leaning toward a corrective exercise fitness program as opposed to the traditional gym workout.
However, females are still the majority of our clients.
 
FF: What are the benefits to Pilates?
DH: What we practice at TenPilates is Dynamic Pilates. It’s a results driven, educated and fun reformer based class. We say its more of a whole body fitness based exercise program that not only focuses on your core, correct muscle activation and sequencing, but also you work the muscles to fatigue, with the aim to strengthen and tone (not bulk).
 
FF: How often do you recommend that people practice Dynamic Pilates?
DH: To start to see results. We suggest starting 2 x week building up to 3-4 week.
 
 
FF: How toned can you expect your body to get, and how quickly?
DH: This is the golden question. Depending on your starting fitness levels and eating habits, we say after 10-20 sessions you should be feeling and see a difference.
 
FF: What is your top tip to anyone who wants to get started?
DH: Set realistic goals then gradually build yourself into the exercise program. Don't go to crazy at the beginning, that is when injuries occur. Break your goals down into 'bit-size-chunks'. It will make them a lot more manageable.
 
FF: What is the biggest advantage to practising Dynamic Pilates?
DH: You gain not only a solid fitness level with results to show, but you also gain an understanding of how your muscles work. Thus allowing you to gain and maintain control of your body.
 
FF: What is the best fitness advice you have been given?
DH: Anyone's body, regardless of age and injury, can achieve breath taking movements, its all about how you train and control those movements. Basically, it’s never too late to start exercise.

www.tenpilates.com