Garry Brough has HIV and joined the Positive Health Scheme at central London’s YMCA. He learned Pilates and is training to teach it.
I first started doing Pilates on the Positive Health scheme over four years ago. Having had two and a half years of chemotherapy for pulmonary KS and a very bad case of pneumonia, I was barely able to breathe while walking, let alone do any form of exercise. Pilates was recommended because of the fact that it is a non-aerobic, mat-based technique, which strengthens the body while relaxing it. I wasn’t up to bouncing around, but I could lie on my back so it was a good start for me.
In terms of bringing my body back to its current fit state, Pilates was the

first and most important step along that path and has provided a continuous physical challenge and support during these years of progress and recovery, which is why I decided to go on to teach it. (I am doing my teacher training with the Body Control Pilates Association.) I have changed my weight from 8 stone when I first joined the Health Scheme to 11 stone now.
Some of the main benefits of Pilates are improved flexibility and muscle strength (especially in terms of toning and firming tums and bums), more efficient respiratory and circulatory systems, better posture and joint mobility, lowered stress levels and a boost to the immune system.
The practice of Pilates is founded on eight principles - Relaxation, Concentration, Alignment, Breathing, Centring, Co-ordination, Flowing Movements and Stamina. The exercises slowly build on each from simple to more demanding and complex in technique.
The Pilates class at the YMCA’s Positive Health Scheme is suitable for people of all levels of physical ability, including those who haven’t done it before.
If you want to find out more, contact David James or myself at the YMCA on 0207 343 1721.
Body Control Pilates can be contacted on 020 7379 3734.