Strapping Lasses

   

Fancy being strapped to a machine until you're begging for mercy? Sounds like a re-enactment of Fifty shades of Grey but in fact it's the latest and toughest trend in celebrity fitness. Jennifer Aniston, Liz Hurley and Cameron Diaz are all fans of Reformer Pilates, a hardcore, whole body workout with quick results.

Paul Jennings from boot camp Pilates says:

"Forget lying around on a mat and doing stretches - this Pilates uses a machine called a Reformer for a tougher workout. It lengthens and strengthens your muscles and, rather than building you up - like doing weights would - the result is a lean, sculptured silhouette."

The Reformer looks like a cross between a single bed and a torture chamber - but don't worry - it's not that bad. Instead of a mattress, it has a sliding carriage with adjustable springs to increase resistance and make your muscles work harder. Then a series of bar, straps and pulleys work different muscle groups.

Each hour-long sessions works legs, bums, abs, arms and core muscles. You'll do exercise standing, sitting and lying on the machine. Its hardcore session: you'll be hot, sweaty and worn out by the end but the pain is worth the gain; you'll see results after just 10 sessions - much quicker than regular Pilates.