Latest news with #FlowAthletic
New York Post
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Common pilates act that everyone is guilty of doing at some point
An Aussie pilates instructor has called out an all-too-common exercise act that most of us are guilty of. Adelle Petropoulos, 30, teaches pilates full time and does four classes a week. After a recent class, the Melbourne woman took to TikTok to rant about something she sees in the studio all the time. 'If this ever happens in your pilates class, just stop moving. You've done your class, everyone's worked their little tushies off. The instructor put on harmonious music,' she said. 'Find your quiet, still space — that is not instructions for you to get up, take your straps off, and start cleaning your reformer.' She said all that can be heard throughout the quiet time at the end of the class are the sounds of cleaning spray and noisy personal items being bundled up. Petropoulos advised people to either leave before the quiet music or not come to the class at all, as it interrupts others who choose to stay. 4 An Aussie pilates instructor has called out an all-too-common exercise act that most of us are guilty of. photology1971 – Speaking to Petropoulos said that as an instructor, her job is to create the best 45-minute experience for every person in the room. 'When people start packing up before class ends, it disrupts that shared energy. It sends a message — intentionally or not — that the last few minutes don't matter, when in fact, they're often the most important: the wind-down, the breath work, the integration. Those moments are where the magic happens,' she told 'It's not just about etiquette, it's about respect — for the practice, the instructor, and most importantly, for the people around you who are still trying to be present. Everyone deserves that full experience.' 4 Adelle Petropoulos advised people to either leave before the quiet music or not come to the class at all, as it interrupts others who choose to stay. tiktok/@adellepetros She said she understood that most people didn't mean any harm by it, as they're just busy, but it can be incredibly 'disruptive' and 'pulls others out of the moment.' Petropoulos said most people agreed with what she said in the social media rant. Another action, from her perspective, that causes similar issues is using your phone in class. She mentioned that most people come in with great energy and respect for the space. 'Just a reminder that we're all human — no one's perfect! But if we can all stay present, support each other, and treat the space with care, it makes a huge difference. Pilates is about more than movement — it's a shared community-led experience, and when we all show up fully, the energy in the room becomes something really special,' Petropoulos said. Simon Ngo, from Flow Athletic, described Petropoulos' video as 'spot on and accurate.' He said while leaving during the cool down portion of the class at Flow Athletic, due to the relative intensity of the classes, it is quite rare it seems to be a fairly common occurrence in pilates in general. 4 'When people start packing up before class ends, it disrupts that shared energy. It sends a message — intentionally or not — that the last few minutes don't matter, when in fact, they're often the most important: the wind-down, the breath work, the integration. Those moments are where the magic happens,' she said. tiktok/@adellepetros 'I just feel like it's a 'what a shame' moment. It's as though you've gone to the effort of checking out the dessert menu but not ordered anything,' he said. 'Or more accurately, like you've ordered the dessert, it's arrived and you've decided to leave.' He said people should stick around for that part of the class, as it's part of it for a reason. 'If you don't start a class without a warm-up, why would you not finish with a cool down?' he said. 4 'It's not just about etiquette, it's about respect — for the practice, the instructor, and most importantly, for the people around you who are still trying to be present. Everyone deserves that full experience,' she continued. Somkiat – 'Otherwise, a class would have been advertised 5 minutes shorter. Plus, your instructors probably would have gone above and beyond to plan these Zen closing-out moments. 'As much as people are time poor and, rather because of it, these few minutes of slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves are the stress-buster and self-care everyone needs in these of world of being busy today.' He said in 2025, securing a spot in a pilates class almost rivals getting into the housing market so if you land a spot, 'stay for the full experience.'
New York Post
26-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
This science-backed workout makes you taller, studies suggest
A trendy workout has been praised not only for improving fitness and flexibility but also for its potential to make you look taller. Pilates, which has soared in popularity in recent years, is said to increase people's height due to its posture-improving benefits. Through pilates, strengthening and lengthening the core and spinal muscles can help you stand straighter, reduce slouching or spinal compression, and potentially add centimetres in height by promoting better alignment. Scientific studies have shown that pilates enhances postural alignment by increasing head and spine angles and decreasing thoracic kyphosis (the 'hunchback' appearance) and lumbar lordosis (the curve in the lower back). This improved alignment supports a taller, straighter look, creating the illusion of added height. One study found that this exercise style could increase height by up to 2.7 cm, especially after 10 weeks of pilates mat training. Pilates can help reduce slouching and spinal compression, potentially adding centimeters in height. REUTERS The researchers noted that this gain reflects better postural alignment, not real bone growth. Another controlled trial reported a significant height increase in a pilates group of middle-aged women, attributed to improved posture. Simon Ngo, Director of Pilates & Yoga at Flow Athletic, said that this effect is more about 'regaining our height' than actually growing taller. 'Due to gravity and us holding ourselves upright, over time the spine gets compressed and congested. Movements in all planes and directions, which are typically part of a pilates class, help decompress the spine and let us feel longer and taller,' he told He mentioned he personally feels more 'lengthened' after pilates due to certain movements he includes in his classes. 'Spinal flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation help the most,' he explained. 'In other words, any movements that involve bending forward, back, side to side, or twisting will help, with back bending being the most effective in countering the effects of prolonged sitting in today's lifestyle.' He mentioned that visible posture improvements won't happen overnight, but with consistent effort, 'perhaps 30 sessions or more' you might notice some changes. One study found that pilates could increase a person's height by up to 2.7 cm. Stephen Yang Chloe Atkinson, 25, told that she has noticed an increase in height since starting pilates at age 17. 'I'm hypermobile, and the body awareness pilates gave me helped me stand properly with less pressure on my knees, which made me seem taller,' she said. 'I'm about 5'8' and a half. Before pilates, I measured consistently at 5'7'. I also started strength training at 21, which helped my posture too.' Emma Maslen, 49, realised she was getting shorter over the years because of poor posture. Since beginning pilates three months ago and practising five to six days a week leading up to her wedding, she now 'finally' has good posture, reduced her 'hunchback,' and appears taller. 'I would estimate I gained a few centimetres, back to my original height,' she revealed. Deepak Shukla, 35, said that after sticking with pilates, he went from being a 'slouched office worker' to a 'confident six-footer'. 'Sure, the height might be due to better posture, but it feels real when I walk around feeling like I'm owning the room!' he said.
News.com.au
26-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
The science-backed workout that makes you taller
A trendy workout has been praised not only for improving fitness and flexibility but also for its potential to make you look taller. Pilates, which has soared in popularity in recent years, is said to increase people's height due to its posture-improving benefits. Through pilates, strengthening and lengthening the core and spinal muscles can help you stand straighter, reduce slouching or spinal compression, and potentially add centimetres in height by promoting better alignment. Scientific studies have shown that pilates enhances postural alignment by increasing head and spine angles and decreasing thoracic kyphosis (the 'hunchback' appearance) and lumbar lordosis (the curve in the lower back). This improved alignment supports a taller, straighter look, creating the illusion of added height. One study found that this exercise style could increase height by up to 2.7 cm, especially after 10 weeks of pilates mat training. The researchers noted that this gain reflects better postural alignment, not real bone growth. Another controlled trial reported a significant height increase in a pilates group of middle-aged women, attributed to improved posture. Simon Ngo, Director of Pilates & Yoga at Flow Athletic, said that this effect is more about 'regaining our height' than actually growing taller. 'Due to gravity and us holding ourselves upright, over time the spine gets compressed and congested. Movements in all planes and directions, which are typically part of a pilates class, help decompress the spine and let us feel longer and taller,' he told He mentioned he personally feels more 'lengthened' after pilates due to certain movements he includes in his classes. 'Spinal flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation help the most,' he explained. 'In other words, any movements that involve bending forward, back, side to side, or twisting will help, with back bending being the most effective in countering the effects of prolonged sitting in today's lifestyle.' He mentioned that visible posture improvements won't happen overnight, but with consistent effort, 'perhaps 30 sessions or more' you might notice some changes. Chloe Atkinson, 25, told that she has noticed an increase in height since starting pilates at age 17. 'I'm hypermobile, and the body awareness pilates gave me helped me stand properly with less pressure on my knees, which made me seem taller,' she said. 'I'm about 5'8' and a half. Before pilates, I measured consistently at 5'7'. I also started strength training at 21, which helped my posture too.' Emma Maslen, 49, realised she was getting shorter over the years because of poor posture. Since beginning pilates three months ago and practising five to six days a week leading up to her wedding, she now 'finally' has good posture, reduced her 'hunchback,' and appears taller. 'I would estimate I gained a few centimetres, back to my original height,' she revealed. Deepak Shukla, 35, said that after sticking with pilates, he went from being a 'slouched office worker' to a 'confident six-footer'. 'Sure, the height might be due to better posture, but it feels real when I walk around feeling like I'm owning the room!' he said.
News.com.au
03-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Experts reveal one item you should never wear at the gym
When it comes to gym etiquette, there's plenty of advice about what to wear and what to leave at home. But according to jewellers, fitness professionals, and medical experts, there's one item you should always remove before hitting the weights: your wedding or engagement ring. While it might feel unnatural to leave it at home, keeping it on could cause issues like bacteria build-up, injury, or damage to your ring. The impact to your ring Makayla Donovan, co-founder of TMC Fine Jewellers, emphasised the importance of removing your ring at the gym, even if it's sentimental. 'Lifting weights, using resistance equipment, or even doing high-intensity movements can put unnecessary stress on your ring,' she told 'Over time, this can lead to misshaping, scratching, or loosening of stones. It's just not worth the risk, especially with precious metals like gold, which are softer and prone to bending or marking under pressure.' Sweat, dirt, and bacteria that build up at the gym can also dull the ring's finish over time. 'It's something many people overlook, but grime can easily accumulate and go unnoticed, particularly with rings featuring intricate settings,' she said. It could affect your workout Ben Lucas, co-founder of Flow Athletic, agrees and points out that it could have consequences for your workout as well. If a ring spins around on your finger, it can become uncomfortable during certain exercises, he explained. 'This sometimes happens when you're in a plank position, such as plank dumbbell rows or during yoga,' he said. 'You might also cut your hand if you're unlucky, and get blisters from pinching or circulation issues too.' The potential health risks Following this, Dr Zac, a leading GP, warns that wearing your ring at the gym could land you in the ER. 'When you're lifting weights, gripping bars, or doing high-intensity workouts, your ring acts like a friction device,' he said. 'Constant rubbing between your ring and sweaty skin can cause ring rash (also called wedding ring dermatitis).' This is a type of contact dermatitis often triggered by trapped moisture, friction, and dead skin build-up. And if you're not yet convinced, it gets even more alarming. Studies have shown that rings can harbour up to 730 million bacteria, including dangerous strains like Staphylococcus aureus. That's the same bug that causes golden staph infections, some of which are antibiotic-resistant and can be life-threatening. 'If you happen to get a micro-tear in your skin, which is common during workouts, it could be the perfect entry point for infection,' he added. There's also the risk of allergic reactions to metals, especially if your ring is made from nickel or low-quality alloys. And if you're still unconvinced, Dr Zac suggests Googling 'ring avulsion injury' at your own risk. 'It's when the ring gets caught on gym equipment or a weight and rips off the skin or even degloves the finger,' he warned. So, what should you do instead? All the experts recommend leaving your wedding ring at home or in a safe place during your workout. If sentimentality matters, consider a silicone band, which is lightweight, hypo-allergenic, and designed to break away safely under pressure. If you really can't bear to take it off, training gloves provide some protection, but the safest option is to leave your rings at home.
