I attended the Bend It Like Barbie class at Frame Studios this weekend, the class which promises to help students rediscover the flexibility we had as children and is open to all abilities – whether you want to be able to just touch your toes or manage to do the splits.

One of my secret ambitions is to be able to do the splits, but as I have trouble with any Pilates or yoga moves that call for flexibility in the hamstrings or hip flexors it may take me a few years to reach this goal. Luckily, Bend It Like Barbie works on building flexibility and strengthening the muscles in the shoulders, spine, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves through a series of stretches both solo and with a partner -it sounds like the perfect class to help me on my splits quest.

I found the class challenging but a lot of fun. With the help of my partner I was able to get a really deep stretch into certain muscles that always feel tight and with the enthusiastic support of the excellent teacher, Rosie R, I was able to push myself a lot further than I have in other stretch classes. Although I was not as flexible as some of the other girls in the class, I was by no means the least flexible person there and Rosie gave helpful modifications to help both the bendy and not-so-bendy get the most out of each exercise.

So what does a discerning Dashinista wear when attending a Barbie inspired stretch class? Head to toe pink to far too obvious, so I suggest sticking to black Lycra with hot pink accents.

Black Mantra Vest by Sweaty Betty

Nike Indy Reversible Strappy Sports Bra

Puma Fundamental Sweatbands

Yoga Matters Elephant Yoga Mat Bag

Bobble Bottle (large – 1 litre)

KD Dance Knee High Leg Warmers (dark raspberry and black)

Converse Black/Pink/Blue Women’s Chuck Taylor Low Top

Nike Sport Hairbands

Nike Team Cropped Hoodie

LuluLemon Wunder Under Pant (Brushed)

Bend It Like Barbie takes place at Frame Studios, Shoreditch at 1.30pm on Saturdays and costs £10 (with a Frame Card). Visit www.moveyourframe.com for further information.