Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377.jpeg" alt="is trx pilates hard trx studio straps" class="wp-image-82860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6377-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Feeling the burn in a postcard pretty setting? Well, it could be worse I suppose. Nestled away on an Equestrian Centre in Swallowfield, you&#8217;ll find Berkshire&#8217;s only affiliated TRX studio. GB Triathlete (no biggie) and PT <a href="https://vanessapt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanessa Elliott</a> has been running a variety of TRX classes out of her gorgeous timber framed barn studio for just over a year now, with a number of her loyal and willing participants having followed her over from Mortimer. When you find an instructor that good, naturally you&#8217;ll want to cling on to them like Velcro.</p>



<p>While offering your more traditional <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/coolest-new-fitness-class-trx-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRX fitness</a> to TRX Pilates and Yoga, being TRX affiliated is a marker of recognition that the studio meets the highest possible global standards for TRX training, from the quality to the expertise of instruction. So, what exactly is it you ask? Think resistance training using straps that builds deep core strength, improves balance and mobility, and develops full-body fitness. It&#8217;s one of the very few studios in Berkshire that offers it. Curious? Definitely. So, with that, I swapped my trusty mat for suspension straps to see what the TRX Pilates hype is all about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experience">THE EXPERIENCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497.jpeg" alt="women doing trx pilates near me" class="wp-image-82864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6497-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Brand new for this year, <a href="https://vanessapt.com/trx-fitness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRX Pilates</a> is on every Wed at 6.15pm (block booking) and Fri at 12.15pm (pay as you go). It’s exactly what it says on the tin – a 45-minute fusion of traditional Pilates movements and TRX suspension mechanics. Expect slower, deeper movements that test your balance and set your core on fire. Due to the unstable nature of the straps, you&#8217;ll find yourself having to work just that little bit harder to stave off the shakes while maintaining your position. It&#8217;s low impact, but the intensity levels can be high.</p>



<p>Who knew a set of straps could humble me that fast? While this year I have taken up weekly mat Pilates, and don&#8217;t get me wrong, it can be tough, nothing quite prepared me for the TRX alternative. The class began with some gentle stretches (think ballet-style) to get the body prepared and lull me into a false sense of security. Turns out, this was about as relaxing as it was going to get.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491.jpeg" alt="trx pilates berkshire" class="wp-image-82861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6491-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Next thing, we hoisted our legs up into the strap (as graceful as you might expect) and set the glutes to work. Throughout the class, Vanessa was constantly on hand to guide people into the correct positions, make sure they were protecting their backs (something I really worry about), and provide that all-important moral support. </p>



<p>It was a world away from the hushed silence and calm of traditional mat Pilates. There was chatter, banter, and a hell of a lot of laughing through the pain. The only way really. There&#8217;s a real sense of community here, and you can tell people are genuine friends in the class. I think the social aspect is so important when it comes to exercise, and here, no one takes themselves too seriously. It&#8217;s warm, welcoming, and everyone is super-duper friendly.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492.jpeg" alt="trx pilates near me" class="wp-image-82862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6492-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>No rest for the wicked. We were straight on to the next move. Down we went onto the floor which is where the going really got tough. With our feet in the straps, we ambled up into glute bridges, before adding in frog legs. Keeping the  heels glues together, we extended our legs before bringing them back in. Burnnnnn. I was wobbling like jelly on a plate. The whole class is a real test of strength and balance.</p>



<p>The key thing is you can push yourself however far you want to take it. Vanessa provides two or three levels to each move (getting progressively harder, naturally), which means you can tailor the class to your level. There&#8217;s absolutely zero judgement, and a whole range of abilities, ages, and experience levels in the room. </p>



<p>However, there&#8217;s no denying, it was tough. By the end I was just about hanging in there (sorry &#8211; pun fully intended). On the very last move involving a one-leg glute bridge, my calf did seize up with a cramp (aaarghhh!) Vanessa told me it&#8217;s pretty common and just goes to show you really are pushing your body to its limits. Despite that, I genuinely think it was the quickest 45-minutes of my life. Time flies when you&#8217;re having fun, eh?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">THE VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499.jpeg" alt="is trx better than pilates women doing trx" class="wp-image-82865" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/trx-pilates-IMG_6499-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Spoiler alert: my abs are still shaking. You will burn, you will wobble, but you will feel absolutely incredible afterwards. Don&#8217;t go into this thinking it&#8217;s your traditional type of Pilates class. It&#8217;s not. I&#8217;d say it leans more into the territory of a fun core strength group exercise class using some of the Pilates moves you know and love. But either way, I can totally see how unreal the long-term benefits of this would be when done regularly. Vanessa is just fantastic and a trusted pair of hands too. Graceful? Maybe not. Effective and with a newfound respect for gravity? Absolutely. It&#8217;s a brilliant, feel-good class and I&#8217;d return for more in a heartbeat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p><a href="https://vanessapt.com/trx-fitness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRX Pilates</a> class prices vary. PAYG is £12.50 for Friday classes or bundles are available.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://vanessapt.com/trx-fitness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRX Clubhouse</a>, Farley Hall Equestrian Centre, Rowes Farm, Church Road, Swallowfield RG7 1TJ.</em></strong></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/coolest-new-fitness-class-trx-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy breaks a sweat at Berkshire’s coolest new fitness class</a></li>



<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/reformer-pilates-studio-ascot-naz-idelji/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascot’s coolest new reformer Pilates studio? Right this way</a></li>



<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/group-exercise-classes-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How group workouts boost mental health</a></li>
</ul>


Muddy tries Pilates… but not as you know it

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