Fifty Shades of Grey Pilates Workout

It's exhausting enough just reading about the exploits of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, much less reenacting them.

  

But with sales of sex toys, blindfolds, whips and handcuffs exploding by over 400 per cent thanks to EL James saucy trilogy, Fifty Shades Of Grey, it seems plenty of couples are getting more energetic than usual in the bedroom.

  

And now a London Pilates teacher based in Harrow is promising to help flabby-bodied fans build strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration with a specially designed Fifty Shades workout.

Korin Nolan, an instructor at Bootcamp Pilates, has long known the benefits which can be reaped by practicing Pilates, and has now heralded it 'the best form of sexercise' and an ideal way to give yourself the sort of body you would need to carry out one of EL James' racy workouts.  

She said: 'The Fifty Shades phenomenon has taken the world by storm.

  

'Not only are people investing in silver balls and cable ties, but they are also making more of an investment in their bodies too.

  

'Being in the peak, physical condition that Grey requested Anastasia to be for his Red Room of Pain means increasing our stamina, energy and flexibility for our very own re-creations of the hit novel.'

  

With celebrity fans such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Courteney Cox, Liv Tyler and Liz Hurley, Drew Barrymore and, of course, Pippa Middleton, it seems women everywhere have cottoned on to the fact that it is a terrific way to tone the body and build core strength without bulking up into a bodybuilder.

 Stretch: Korin Nolan demonstrates part of her Pilates workout inspired by Fifty Shades Of Grey

  

Nolan said: 'I used to be quite weak in the upper body (like many women, as this isn't naturally our strongest area), but I am now able to successfully perform numerous advanced exercises where I am required to use my upper body - an ability that I am sure would come in useful in The Red Room of Pain.'

 

SO, HOW CAN PILATES IMPROVE ME ?

1. Increased physical stamina

A key element to Pilates is muscle control. Joseph H. Pilates originally called his form of exercise 'contrology'. The exercises are not done quickly. Control is the focus rather than speed. It's not how fast you do the exercises that produces results, it's technique. Pilates gives you steady strength and stamina.   

2. Your body as exercise equipment

Unlike working out with machines at the gym, in Pilates you are using your own body weight to perform the exercises. This increases body strength meaning you won't become tired so quickly.   

3. Better concentration

One of the first things you learn with Pilates is focus and concentration. In order to work your body correctly, safely, and efficiently, you must concentrate throughout the exercises. You cannot be thinking about your 'to do' list - you must be fully present. Pilates trains your body and mind to be totally present.   

4. Greater flexibility 

Pilates gives you more muscle flexibility and improves the health of your joints. It also increases back and hip flexibility and eliminates back pain sometimes felt after sex.   

5. Increased blood flow

 

Pilates' focus on 'scooping', or pulling the navel to the spine, brings increased blood flow to the pelvic area. This continuous rush of fresh blood and oxygen results in an increase in libido.   

6. Reduced stress level

One of the main reasons couples do not have sex more often is stress. The Pilates method of breathing teaches you breath control. It was designed to cleanse the bloodstream through oxygenation, by bringing fresh blood to all of the cells. This method of breathing not only increases your physical health, it also reduces your blood pressure and triggers a relaxation response in the brain. Less stress equals more sex.   

7. When you feel attractive you are less inhibited

When you are physically fit and toned it gives you more self-confidence. Hesitation in sex has a lot to do with body image. You can't have great sex if you're self-conscious about your body. Pilates teaches you to love your body and appreciate its unique strength, beauty and power. This allows you to worry less worried about body image and have more fun.   

8. Sustainability and longevity

Sexual dysfunction in both men and women in their later years is often due to a prolapsed uterus or bladder.  Pilates focuses on the deep, unseen muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor, strengthening the muscles that support your internal organs. This benefit - along with increased overall muscle strength, greater flexibility, healthy joints and greater self-confidence - means that Pilates contributes to a great sex life well into your golden years.

Bendy: Pilates gives you more muscle flexibility and improves the health of your joints - it also increases back and hip flexibility

Your body is the exercise equipment: Unlike working out with machines at the gym, in Pilates you are using your own body weight to perform the exercises