Megaform Me - Q&A with Pilates Platinum owner, Heather Dorak

Sit down and take notes because I am about to wax poetic about my fitness craving, Pilates Platinum, and you are going to thank me for it. Yes I am absolutely addicted and it feeds me more than that Chicken Pad Thai and Fried Wonton ever could (but I can eat that now without feeling an ounce of guilt). I am not the girl who signs up to do a different workout everyday in order to “try something new," when I find something I like that I feel really targets the type of workout I need, I stick to it for a while and watch for results. If the mental and physical changes are both there, watch out because I will stand on the table in the middle of the cafeteria and preach the gospel of squats, planks and wheelbarrows to anyone who will listen…let’s go to church.

I found Pilates Platinum during an insomniac night on Instagram back in the fall and after only a few months of taking the classes regularly-I try to go 3-4 times a week-not only have I seen noticeable results but two separate fitness instructors I’ve worked with for the past two years have told me I looked leaner and one actually asked if I’ve lost weight. I will warn you that the first few times on the Megaformers (compare that to the mean girl in class who will quickly become your best friend) can be a bit intimidating as can terms like “Teaser,” “Scrambled Eggs,” and “Mermaid.” But if you stick with it long enough to get the hang of the transitions, you’ll never want to leave and you too will be obsessed with what the French Twist will do to your waistline…I could not be more serious about this, that impossible-to-reach muffin top will disappear. It took me about a month to finally feel like I knew what I was doing in class but only three classes to see a difference in my abs and arms.

There is so much more I want to say on this topic because I really feel like the workout has been life-changing: I drink less, feel so much healthier and, while I might order a kale salad occasionally, I don’t feel an ounce of remorse if I choose the pasta, but I’ll let the PP expert do the talking. I caught up with mega babe Heather Dorak, owner of Pilates Platinum and the reason I can now slide more comfortably into my skinny jeans, and she gave me a little more scoop on my new favorite pastime.

How were you introduced to Pilates?

Coming from an injury due to dancing, I was looking for a different way in which I could keep active. I stumbled upon a proformer pilates workout and have never looked back!

What inspired you to open a studio?

Like many of my current clients, I fell in love with the work out and experienced amazing results after just a short time. My passion for health and fitness inspired me to open my first studio in Hollywood in 2006 with three others opening since.

What are the perks of the machines? For those trying to decide between a regular Mat Pilates class or a class like Platinum on the Megaformer?

Simply put, the machines are more challenging due to the constant resistance applied to the body during the exercises. Mat Pilates can only utilize the body. With the machine the resistance can change, making it more challenging when your body gets strong enough, constantly changing and challenging the body!

What is your favorite Pilates move?

French Twist is one of my favorite and most challenging exercises. I haven’t come across another exercise in any other fashion that works the obliques and draws in the waist line like the French twist can!

How long does it take to see results?

This is a pretty varying answer due to our bodies being so beautifully unique. I can guarantee you will feel difference only from a couple classes. Depending on how consistent you are both in and out of the Pilates studio you could visually start seeing results in as little as two weeks.

What's on your playlist?

My songs are always changing. I often rely on my instructors to give the class great songs to work out to! They do a great job picking popular or at least upbeat songs that most people can find a rhythm too and enjoy their workout with!

How often per week do you take the class?

Ideally I like to get into classes at least 4 times a week. I travel quite a bit so this hinders my ability, but when I am out of town I like to check out other Pilates studios as well!

What is your workout look?

I like wearing tight capris and a loose tank top. If I am outside then I will put a hat on as well!

Where do you go to unwind?

The beach with my dog. I love walking along the beach and relaxing near the water with my dog.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Cookies-when I was younger I was called the cookie monster.

What is your fitness motto?

If it isn’t difficult, you aren’t trying hard enough but don’t torture yourself-working out and being healthy is about being happy.

Pilates Platinum has four LA locations: Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica and Brentwood. xx