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By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
“I started doing Pilates at the beginning of 2020. I researched workouts that would stretch my limbs and strengthen my core. I just felt it would give me the physical look that I wanted without being too strenuous.”
With more people invested in their health and appearance as of late, we’ve seen a surge in the amount of conversations offline and online about building skincare and fitness routines. There is a running online joke about eating apples and drinking water because your doctors of tomorrow are burnt out and underpaid, and we’ve all taken it very seriously. According to the Les Mills website, “Millennials and Gen Z – dubbed ‘Generation Active’ – now represent 80% of all gym goers.” Fitness fads are one of the most predictable parts of decades; 50s and hula hoops, 60s and vibrating belts, 70s and weights, 80s and leg warmers, 90s and ThighMasters, 00s and abs rollers, and 2010s and waist trainers. Now, it’s the 2020s, so bring out your mat and your tights because we’ve got Pilates at dawn.
The topic of Pilates has been trending on probably every social media app and is very likely on your “previously searched” list. You’ve probably considered getting into it, maybe also after seeing Lori Harvey and her perfectly sculpted abs at the amfAR Gala 2023 in Cannes, who swears by Pilates as her go to. However, this is a new territory and you don’t know exactly how to go about it. Or maybe you would just like to satisfy your curiosity. If you fall into either of these categories, you’re in luck!
I had the pleasure of speaking with a lovely lady and wellness enthusiast Tamara Otike Odibi who runs Matteabyher , a wellness community centered on sharing Wisdom, Wellness and Womanhood and has been into Pilates for some years now. She shared her experiences, routine, and all there is to know about this latest fitness trend.
I started doing Pilates at the beginning of 2020. I was searching for workout routines that would stretch my limbs and strengthen my core. After conducting some research, I discovered Pilates and felt it would give me the physical look I desired without being too strenuous.
When doing Pilates, I like to focus on various areas such as my core, back, glutes, legs, and arms. I believe in a well-rounded routine, so I also incorporate exercises to release tension and support my spinal cord. It’s essential to address different muscle groups for a balanced workout.
Living in Nigeria, where the weather can get quite hot, I prioritise activewear that allows me stretch comfortably and is breathable. It’s crucial to wear outfits that don’t restrict movement and help keep me cool during the intense Pilates sessions.
Since starting Pilates, I have experienced significant improvements. One noticeable change is that my back hurts less. Pilates has helped me strengthen my core and improve my posture, which has had a positive impact on my back health. Moreover, with consistency, I have seen my body become stronger and more toned overall. Pilates has truly transformed my physical well-being.
Absolutely! My advice for beginners or those considering Pilates is to start at your own pace. Pilates may not be super easy, but it is also not overly challenging. It serves as excellent physiotherapy and can be adapted to individual needs and fitness levels. Consistency is key, so make sure to commit to your Pilates routine and give yourself time to progress. With dedication, you will witness the positive changes in your body and overall well-being.
I attend Pilates classes at the Storehouse Wellness and Oma the Spa. Both establishments offer excellent instructors and facilities that cater to my Pilates needs. It’s essential to find a reputable studio or wellness centre that aligns with your goals and provides knowledgeable guidance throughout your Pilates journey.
Pilates has become an integral part of her fitness routine, bringing her physical strength, improved posture, and a toned body. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and recommends Pilates as a holistic workout that benefits both body and mind. Whether you are a beginner or someone curious about Pilates, her insights provide valuable guidance for embarking on this transformative fitness journey.
We might be at the cusp of a Jane Fonda-esque resurgence, with people’s excitement for workout routines extending to their workout attires. Besides beauty, the functionality of the attires are extremely key because what use are colourful Pilates leggings if you can’t do the downward facing dog comfortably? Workout routines like Pilates require stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat. So where can you purchase these items that are essential to your workout routine, and are within your budget? Don’t worry, I’m here for you.
MoldMe by Molly is a young fashion brand catering to women, offering a diverse range of top-notch athleisure, shapewear, and loungewear. It was founded in July 2020 by its visionary leader, Molly Fajemirokun and it is based in Lagos, Nigeria. The brand’s mission is to deliver affordable yet high-quality essentials that gracefully enhance and shape a woman’s natural form. This makes it a solid choice for pilates. It has its focus on empowering women to feel confident and at ease in any situation, making sure that every piece from their collection exudes both comfort and style.
Spiritgirl is the perfect brand for anyone interested in Pilates. Founded in Cape Town, Spiritgirl is the brainchild of Leigh Sarembrock, and with its vibrant colours and unique prints, it was made for the modern adventurer. The brand provides an alternative to thick and sturdy fitness outfits, using PET (post-consumer recycled plastic bottles) woven with spandex to create the ultimate Pilates-friendly workout clothes: breathable, comfortable, moisture wicking, quick drying and affordable. Spiritgirl was born with the purpose to inspire women to make more sustainable lifestyle choices. To create awareness around the heavy impact of single-use plastic on the environment and our oceans. The “I Am Water leggings” are suitable for Pilates, yoga and salt-water adventures, with 10% of the proceeds going towards I AM WATER Ocean Conservation.
Let’s be honest, you must have lucky girl syndrome if you can get your choice of pilates or yoga pants off Basics’ website. Why? They sell out FAST. Unlike the name suggests, the designs and construction of the pieces are not close to basic. With the lack of capitalization on the website and the core seamless backless crop tops, it is very clear who the target audience for Basics is, me… well and the rest of the younger active community. Basics was founded by Lamin Balogun and Wase Aguele.
Move Pretty is a South African athleisure brand known for its stunning sports bras and breathable pants. Like the brand name says, they aim to help women look and feel beautiful when training. Move Pretty focuses on craftsmanship and pays attention to detail, in a bid to provide women with beautiful, comfortable and breathable garments, perfect for all types of Pilates routines.
AFA Sports is a pan-African sports merchandise company which is inspired by African heritage. Founded in 2017, the Nigerian brand, AFA has been focused on showcasing originality and redefining the African story. The company became the first indigenous African sportswear partner to feature its products at the Olympics as it was the official apparel partner for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (which was postponed to the summer of 2021 due to the 2020 pandemic). AFA sports products include tracksuits, sports bras, jerseys, windbreakers, city joggers, biker tops and shoes. The Nigerian brand is also inclusive and makes women sport hijabs and the company selects textiles that resist humidity which is favourable in the Western and Central regions of Africa.
