‘Rear of the year’ Pippa Middleton swears by it, so just how good is pilates at helping you achieve that perfect bum?

Pilates guru Margot Campbell and KATE WHITING explain why it’s the perfect exercise for everyone

As recommendations go, none could come more highly for a pilates teacher than from the Duchess of Cambridge’s little sister.

Cast your mind back to April last year when, besides the lacy number worn by Kate, all eyes were on her sister, Pippa Middleton, and more specifically, her rear. Now the woman Pippa credits with helping her create that internationally renowned hour-glass figure, has revealed her secrets.

Pilates guru Margot Campbell has just released a workout DVD, entitled The Perfect Pilates Bum, with a ringing endorsement on the front from Miss Middleton, as well as a book, Pilates On The Go.

Despite having a fancy client list, there is nothing haughty about Campbell – she’s a grounded, bubbly Scot, who’s partial to a bit of Abba.

Her studio houses pilates ‘beds’ – which look like something out of a hospital ward or horror film; all moving parts and draped with springs and spiky rubber balls.

But first-timers should not fear – the beds are simply an aid to doing the exercise which was pioneered by German Joseph Pilates in the 20th century.

As pilates has developed, Joseph’s mat exercises have become more popular and you’ll often find these are the basis for local classes. Margot’s book is a series of such exercises, with exotic names such as Bananas and Clams, all designed to develop and strengthen the core muscles in your body.

A former health and safety officer from Glasgow, Margot turned to pilates as a calmer form of exercise to supplement running, swimming and aerobics.

After just five minutes of lying on my back, I can see the appeal – pilates seems pretty easy. How exactly did this shape Pippa’s bum?

While Margot says you can tailor her exercises to focus on certain body parts, it’s better to work on the whole body – and you’re better off combining pilates with other forms of exercise, like running and swimming, to get that Middleton shape.

Pilates is often recommended to those with back problems, because as you strengthen stomach muscles, you give your back muscles a rest, meaning they’ll hopefully ache less.

“For people with back ache, a lot of it is to do with how we carry ourselves and if you can use pilates to strengthen the stomach, learn to stand up and walk tall, you’ll be using your abdominals more and your back muscles less.

“It will improve your wellbeing. You’ll look and feel better.”

  • The Perfect Pilates Bum with Margot Campbell is available on DVD, priced £16.33.