From: Richmond Mag April 2003

The likes of Liz Hurley and Claudia Schiffer have turned Pilates into the latest 'must have' craze. Gyms across the country are jumping on the bandwagon by offering 'mat work classes' to large groups, but this is by no means a true reflection of what real Pilates is about.

Small groups with individual attention and special equipment are the order of the day for any self respecting Pilates studio. The gentle system, which focuses on small, controled movements and special breathing, has been widely endorsed by health professionals including chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.

But it's not just a remedial tool. Dancers, professional sportspeople and those of all fitness levels benefit enormously. Pilates flattens the stomach, improves posture, improves muscle tone and strengthens the back.

Bridget Cave had two Pilates studios - one in Hampton and one in Richmond but has since relocated to a larger studio in Teddington. Her clients cover a wide range of ability, fitness and age. What they have in common is how much they love her studio.

'I find Bridget's sessions a safe haven where I can leave stress at the door. I don't feel I'm lost in a faceless keep-fit fctory,' says Oscar winning make up artist Lois. 'It's focused, personalised and engaging,' says another client, while one lady tells me 'Pilates with Bridget has changed my body, my life and my mind.'

Bridget's clients have found the interesting and meditative sessions improve peace of mind and provide an antidote to the ravage of stress.

Bridget herself s a walking advertisement for the benefits of Pilates. Trained by guru Alan Herdman, who brought Pilates to the UK in 1970, she is slim, lean, toned and gloriously healthy.

If pumping iron or jolting joints is not your thing, and it's a toned, lithe and healthy body you are after, Pilates might be your golden chalice. As Joseph Pilates said 'You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 and havea new body in 30.'

Can't be bad.