Get back on track with pilates

Former aerobics instructors Kim MacKinnon and Tracy Walsh have started a new pilates business called Pilates on Trak.

Ms MacKinnon said pilates was a western form of yoga and, because it focused on improving posture, many people came out looking taller and leaner.

“Instead of working on your main muscles, such as a six-pack, we work on the supporting muscles, such as the abdominal muscles below the six-pack,” she said.

“The supporting muscles help you improve your posture, so that you stand straighter and taller and don’t slump your shoulders.

“It is also great for athletes because the exercises stretch the muscles.

“This gives an overall leaner, longer look, rather than beefing up the muscles to look bulky and domed.”

Ms MacKinnon said pilates increased strength, stamina, flexibility and energy, improved posture, reduced neck and back pain, decreased stress, improved sleep and strengthened abdominal muscles.

She said the program could be modified to suit 60-year-old women looking to improve posture or give the workout needed for elite athletes.

“We watch people as they perform and suggest minor adjustments to make themselves work harder.”

Pilates runs in 10-week terms, as this is the time space needed to see real improvements, for a cost of $120 per term.

Lessons are held at 10.30am Mondays, 5.30pm and 8.30pm Tuesdays, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Wednesdays, 9.30am Fridays and at 10.30am and 4pm Sundays.

Classes are held at the Albury Academy of Sport at 893 Chenery St.