It was the funky logo of Authentic Body Control that drew me in. “I need that!”, I thought, though I had to google what it actually meant. The studio’s inconspicuous facade on Rollbergstraße offered no more clues as to what to expect. But soon enough, I was hooked. With a hip vibe that takes its cue from the logo, Authentic Body Control is part Pilates studio, part club/gym/children’s playground. I say playground because some of the Pilates equipment reminds me of the things I once played with in a sandbox. Like the “snail” (my word, not theirs) which is, I am told, used to strengthen the core. The most well-known Pilates equipment is the “Cadillac” and “Reformer”, which you may know from pictures (or workouts) as couch-like structures featuring loops and resistance elements. Their purpose is to train the musculoskeletal system precisely. Of course a little guidance on the machines is required at first, but it soon becomes easy. It is easier and more precise, in fact, than performing the exercises on the mat. And that’s what Pilates is all about: Precision. Precision and repetition.
I’m guided by Sara, who explains the movements simply and patiently. She offers private lessons and classes for three on the equipment as well as mat-based Pilates in another studio in Kreuzberg. Both can be combined by booking various packages, and the two practices reinforce each other: lessons on the equipment help you perform the exercises better on the mat. Sara also learned acupuncture back home in the USA, which in my case came in useful when identifying my weak points. The class begins with glitter sequins and ends with the “ELDOA” method, a series of minimal movements invented by a French osteopath to create space between the vertebrae. The movements can be difficult to grasp, but are useful in helping with back pain. The exacting precision of Authentic Body Control is lightened by Sara’s very relaxed manner. Maybe it’s her tie-dye shirt, the cups of tea or the glitter slippers you’re given at the beginning of the session? Whatever the secret, it all adds up to good vibes that make me want to come back. That, and getting authentic control over my body, one precision movement at a time…
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Authentic Body Control, Rollbergstr.24, 12053 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@authenticbodycontrol
