Pippa Middleton's enviable figure has become one of the world's hottest talking points since her star turn as maid of honour at her sister's wedding. Britain's second most high profile brunette now has her own Facebook fan page. And her derriere was admired so much that women have been wondering how they too could achieve such a fantastic physique.
Well, the secret is apparently Pilates, a form of exercise which emphasises the balanced development of the body through core strength and flexibility. Devotees say the system promotes wonderful posture, as well as graceful and efficient movement. The London socialite attends classes at a small studio in the capital's Parson's Green area near her apartment, and she has written a testimonial on the fitness centre's website. "As someone who is always ‘on the go’, Pilates has been a wonderful escape from my busy lifestyle in London," she wrote. "Whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated."
The 26-year-old talks about the physical effects the sessions have had on her body. "Over the past few months I have noticed a huge difference in my core strength and posture. "From breathing techniques, muscle toning to overall flexibility and relaxation, my Pilates sessions have become something of a weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energised." The fitness system is championed by scores of A-listers, including Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet - who recently slimmed down and attributed the weight loss to 20 minutes of the exercise a day.
And 64-year-old Felicity Kendall showcased her amazing flexibility on 2010's Strictly Come Dancing, quite literally bending over backwards to show off the effects of her intensive Pilates regime. Whilst the discipline proves a great way to tone, it does not provide cardiovascular fitness, so Pippa teams the classes with workouts including swimming, jogging and tennis. While Oscar-winner Kate combines Pilates with walking all over New York where she lives. The party planner has always been a fan of exercise, gaining a sports scholarship at exclusive boarding school Marlborough College.