Show me YOURS
I recently had the opportunity to try out the newest addition to Nueva Andalucías fitness scene, YOURS Marbella. As someone who’s dabbled in every fitness regime under the sun (sometimes quite literally since living in Marbella), I felt excited if not slightly apprehensive about diving into their Reformer Pilates. A workout that’s harder than it looks, it’s the trend that’s taken the fitness world by storm, and with celebrities like Margot Robbie and Harry Styles swearing by it, I had high expectations. Barbie can’t be wrong, right?
Welcome to the Studio
Walking into YOURS, you are immediately ushered in by the calm atmosphere, with the soft lighting and Mediterranean style limewash walls. It’s located in the host of shops and restaurants adorning Marbella Arena, greeting you with all too tempting outdoor seating to enjoy views of La Concha. Inside boasts two studios, for Reformer Pilates and Strength Training respectively. The calm and serene atmosphere of the pilates room provides a sharp contrast to the darkened weight training studio, lit up by the vibrant LED lights that scream ‘energy’. But with state-of-the-art equipment and a cohesive minimalist design, both set the tone for a focused workout. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into creating a space that’s high-end and comfortable, with the added bonus of also being very instagramable, should you ever get a second to snap a pic.
I was warmly welcomed by the instructors who gave me the low down of classes provided- Reformer Pilates, Core Pilates, Strength & Endurance, Yoga, and even a Run Club! The once-a-week Run Club leads the group on an exciting run through Puerto Banus to soak up the Spanish sunshine, so make sure to keep an eye out for sign ups. As someone who’d describe their cardio level as only a touch better than embarrassing, I quickly decided to opt for the Reformer Pilates.
They offered two options, the beginner and the more challenging Dynamic classes to which I signed up to both; partly just to prove to myself that I could, but also of course, to get a full spectrum of what they offer… it couldn’t be that difficult, right?!
Begginer Reformer
The Foundations class is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to refine their technique. Under our instructor’s expert help, I was able to grasp the basics of the machine, all the bells & whistles included; its sliding carriage, springs, and straps. Although slightly intimidating from looks alone (as you can tell I had been a complete novice to this), I loved how this class really focused on slow, controlled movements to engage your core. And what seemed like initially gentle movements, surprisingly had me feeling the muscle burn still the next day!
These classes are known for their ability to improve flexibility, strength, and posture, and after one session, I could understand why. The emphasis on alignment and controlled breathing not only helped my technique, but also left me feeling more centred. Which as a whole is a great idea, you find yourself prioritising more the quality than quantity of the reps.
Dynamic
The next day, I was back and ready for action (muscle soreness aside) for the Dynamic class. This session is definitely more intense, designed for those who are familiar with the basics, and want to take it to the next level. It incorporates some faster-paced movements and more challenging exercises to really test your endurance and coordination.
I was a little concerned about this one, I’ll admit, but thankfully it took the foundational moves I’d learned the day before and built on them, introducing more dynamic sequences that engage multiple muscle groups at once. I loved the full body mobility of this, not just from a strength training perspective, but also for the amazing feeling it left in my hips and back by encouraging deep stretches and joint stability. And our instructor’s energy was just contagious; she’d completely got down the knack of hyping you up without overwhelming you.
More than just a workout
This way of working out feels like more than just a trend; this intense session delivers real results, while also prioritising balance and stability. One of the biggest draws is its low-impact nature, making fitness accessible for people of all ages, and levels. This is great for newbies, for those recovering from an injury, or anyone looking to improve their endurance. The controlled movements almost omit the risk of injury entirely, while still providing hardcore training with the added elements of balance and dynamic movements.
And with most of modern day life involving a great deal of sitting down, it could be the answer to helping joint mobility and posture, strengthening and stretching the muscles without the strain found in more conventional gym regimes.
Another major perk is the mental clarity that comes with it. It’s in that sense that it’s similar to yoga practices, with the focus on breath control and concentration during the exercises creating a meditative effect. And we could all do with a mental refresh a few times a week.
A Fresh Face in Fitness
It’s always an exciting time when another contender enters the always evolving health scene in Marbella. But there’s a lot that sets YOURS apart. Aside from the stunning space and top of the line equipment, the attentiveness from their trainers makes a world of difference. They love what they do, and do that while building a community of health enthusiasts, no matter of fitness level. And it’s not just about the Pilates, there’s the added buzz of more unconventional classes, like the outdoor Run Club, the yoga residency at Boho Club, or even the evening Sound Bath.
If you’re looking to mix up your fitness routine or simply want to try the workouts that have Hollywood’s elite hooked, I can highly recommend giving any of these classes a try. You might just find yourself joining the ranks of its most devoted fans.
