Brooke Siler's absolution: how Pilates helped her overcome asthma and lose weight. - Pilates Body - book review

Brooke Siler's, The Pilates Body, is bringing Pilates into the home. When celebrities, such as Julia Stiles, Liv Tyler, Amber Valletta and Madonna, need to tone, lengthen and strengthen their muscles or relieve stress, they go to Siler's wildly successful 4,000 square foot "re:AB" studio in her East Village neighborhood. "When I first started training people, it was out of my apartment," says the Manhattan native. "Everyone liked the feeling of home so we tried to transfer that in re:AB." Apparently, Siler and her business partner have accomplished their goal. "I'd say 90 percent of the people who come here say it has such a warm feeling." Every detail gives off a homey vibe down to the raffia rugs, hardwood floors, potted plants, burgundy colored equipment and hardwood framed mirrors.

Looking at Siler's lean six-foot figure, it is hard to believe she ever worried about extra weight. However, this guild-certified Pilates instructor says she was about 20 pounds heavier seven years ago. Her extra weight and asthma left her looking for a successful form of fitness. "Pilates was a fluke," she admits. "I was between jobs and helping out at a fitness club. Someone brought the Pilates machinery to the studio and [I] became fascinated."

Unable to afford one-on-one classes, Siler tried the Pilates mat classes and "couldn't believe there was something I couldn't do because I'm very strong." Having honed her skills in health clubs for almost 15 years before entering the world of Pilates, Siler was shocked that she had trouble with the balance, coordination and stretching Pilates emphasizes. "I thought I found Nirvana. It was such a challenge. I found the visual cues use[d] to reach your goals really stirred my mind. I never connected body and mind with fitness. As someone with asthma, it also taught me how to breathe correctly," says Siler. "In general, Pilates teaches your body how to better process its energy. Pilates is based around the band of muscles that encircle your lower abdomen. It is your center and stabilizing core. Every muscle emanates from there. I think of it as a microwave oven--you start from the center and radiate out."

Not only does this 90-year old fitness discipline improve your posture, produce long, lean muscles and incredible abs, but it also lifts your spirits. "Everyone's anxiety goes down a notch [during] a Pilates workout. [Pilates] reshapes your body, helping you drop inches from your waist, hips and thighs. Plus it gives you endurance, energy and puts you in a good mood."

Siler's The Pilates Body also incorporates re:AB's 40 minute cardiovascular circuit training into their workouts. Beginning with the treadmill, clients segue into the recumbent bike, Versaclimber, Stairmaster, upright bike and rowing machine. "Having the enhancement of the cardiovascular circuit along with the Pilates classes is a winner, which is why we offer both. It's very important to get your heart rate up so doing cardio really helps," explains Siler.

Application to detail and keeping an eye on the future is what keeps Siler's studio busy. She teaches five hours some mornings, while other days she teaches four hours at night--Siler knows her clients have strength. "Strength of character, hot status or position. We have diverse types coming in here and they all want to feel good from their exercise program and leave with an internal balance."

Siler practices what she preaches. "Pilates is a philosophy of movement, so I live it. I listen to my body. I let my body dictate what it wants as far as food, too." Listening to her body usually means eating dark leafy greens topped with grilled chicken breast, chicken vegetable soup, grilled fish and no caffeine. Which is not to say Siler watches every morsel that goes into her body. "Oh no," she laughs. "I don't believe in restriction. Sometimes I'll crave spinach [so] I'll have some, [but] if the next day [I want] chocolate cake--guess what? [I'm] getting chocolate cake."

Bonnie Siegler has been covering celebrity fitness for American Fitness since 1990. Based in Playa del Rey, California, Ms. Siegler is an internationally known published writer whose work has appeared in McCall's, Redbook and InStyle.

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