“Imagine an enclosure nestled in the charming landscapes of north-west London. Here, you’ll find an assembly of poised women reclining on equipment resembling elegant metal-framed beds, complete with towering corner posts designed to support graceful awnings. These beds are adorned with ropes and straps. What’s fascinating is how these women effortlessly slide their feet into attachments suspended above and use them to gracefully move their limbs in a fluid rhythm.
Amidst this serene atmosphere, a soft-spoken gentleman named James D’Silva, the visionary behind this highly sought-after workout, circulates among the participants. He offers encouragement and gentle guidance when needed, and a motivating tap on the back at other moments.
James D’Silva, a renowned figure in the fitness world with nearly two decades of experience, compares these innovative machines to the finest Pilates contraptions. He has an impressive clientele that includes celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. D’Silva recognized that traditional Pilates equipment had its limitations, hindering people from achieving a seamless training experience reminiscent of the fluidity found in yoga, which not only burns calories but also nurtures the mind. Thus, he conceived ‘The Garuda,’ an all-in-one apparatus, named after the mythological bird known for its transformative abilities.
The Garuda boasts a generous frame and ingeniously designed hoists and boards, enabling a wider range of motion. With this equipment, even those who consider themselves inflexible can experience acrobatic-like movements, although the next day may bring some muscle soreness.
The Garuda is truly exceptional and a revolutionary exercise tool that seamlessly blends movement, versatility, and precision. It offers an extensive array of exercise options thanks to its expanded carriage, versatile structural motion, and nearly limitless adjustability of hoists, cords, bars, and attachments. When combined with a divided carriage, it elevates exercise, body training, and rehabilitation to a whole new level.
Booking a personal training class with James D’Silva can be a bit challenging due to high demand, but there are alternative ways to access his training through his innovative DVDs, which he has created in collaboration with Trudie Styler.
While D’Silva recommends watching his DVD before starting, he assures that the routines are straightforward to follow. However, he emphasizes the importance of consistent practice for at least two sessions a week over three months to see results.
The latest fitness trend emphasizes achieving a swimmer’s physique – soft, yet strong, with well-toned muscles, as opposed to a bulky and lean look. In essence, you can transform your body into its finest shape with this novel form of Pilates.”