Pilates is the way to a bottom like Pippa Middleton's - instructor Margot Campbell shows us how and gives her top toning tips

Margot's top tips

  • Focus on the little things, such as your posture. Just by sitting, standing and walking straight and tall will boost your positive attitude and so you’ll be more likely to grab that band and tone your arms while waiting for the kettle to boil.
  • Get into a few healthy habits, such as always walking up escalators rather than just standing there or doing a few toning exercises first thing in the morning. These small changes are the best practice you can get for strengthening your willpower.
  • If you are feeling a bit stuck, just grab your trainers and do something. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a squat or getting outside for a quick brisk walk. Starting is the hard part, so don’t think about it too much – just get up and do it.
  • Set daily goals. Write them down at the beginning of the day and then write down what you have achieved at the end of the day. Focus on what you do manage, not on what you don’t. Something is always better than nothing!
  • Ask friends and family to help you keep motivated with support and ideas. Encouragement is like a magic tonic for willpower.
  • Reward yourself.
  • Fit 5-minutes in where you can, every little helps.
  • Keep moving – try to do something every day.
  • At the end of each week, take a bit of time to focus on everything you have achieved, from the exercise routines you have completed to all the delicious healthy food you have been eating. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t achieved everything you set out for the week. Just keep moving forward – there’s always tomorrow!
  • Planning is key – Enjoy a latte or a cup of tea and some ‘me time’ while you devise your plan to change your body shape. You’ll need to call on all your motivation, so be realistic and don’t impose unfair expectations on yourself. Set goals that you can make happen and remember to give yourself some down-time.
  • Download your favourite tracks to help you along on your workouts – even doing the housework with the stereo on is a great motivator.
  • Set yourself a challenge to aim for – remember that 5K run you always wanted to do – well sign up now – you know you want to.
  • Think of your diet – planning your menus in advance, taking your lunch to work and scheduling your exercise activities will make a big difference to your overall health and waistline.
  • Keep food simple, seasonal, light, fresh and colourful and bear in mind the size of your portions – think moderation!
  • Fuel your workouts by having a banana or a bowl of cereal to get you started. Remember to make sure to eat some protein to help your muscles recover in time for another workout tomorrow.
  • Keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of still water and your favourite herbal teas.
  • Replace some of your sweet treats with other ways to be nice to yourself, such as taking a long, luxurious bath or curling up with your favourite book.

Margot has over 10 years experience in Pilates and has released a DVD 'The Perfect Pilates Bum'. Born and raised in Glasgow, Margot's clients range from children aged 10+, elderly patients, athletes, pregnant women and people with disabilities