Spotlight on Harries
After starring in Bondi Rescue, Harries Carroll is one of Australia’s best-known lifeguards. A long-term member of Elixr, qualified Pilates instructor from the Elixr School of Pilates, Iron Man and surf champion, Harries knows how to take care of his body.
Discover why Harries recommends Pilates to everyone and believes it’s an integral and enjoyable part of his fitness routine.
If you’re looking for a way to transform your fitness routine and embrace a new path to well-being, then studying with the Elixr School of Pilates may be the first step towards a healthier, stronger, and more balanced life.
Q&A WITH HARRIES
- How long have you been an Elixr member and lover of Elixr Pilates?
I joined Elixr when it opened over 20 years ago. I spent a lot of time in the Elixr pool which was East’s League’s pool back in the day. Deano used to work as a lifeguard there haha. I used to walk past the Pilates classes on my way to do weights and used to think to myself, “there’s no way I’d ever do that”
I rejoined Elixr 10 years ago with my wife Em and that’s when I really got into Pilates.
- What made you study Pilates with ESOP after all these years?
I first tried a Pilates class with a professional surfer mate of mine, who broke his neck. He said, “you gotta give this a go, it’s so good for all the movements you’re doing.” From the first class, I realised that I had no shoulder stabilisation, poor breathing habits and no lumbar pelvic control. Hence so many lower back injuries.
I decided to study Pilates because Bondi Rescue was looking like it was going to finish up and I wanted to expand my horizons. Having a fitness background, I wanted to do something fulfilling and rewarding that I truly believed in, something that I could turn into a new career. My wife was also so passionate about Pilates after having our first baby so we decided to study Pilates through the Elixr School of Pilates together.
- What would you say to males who are hesitant to try Pilates?
Males are very global muscle dominant and generally are more prone to injury. Pilates is so good for males because they often jump progressive stages in their exercise regimes which will load the body incorrectly causing injury or prolonged dysfunctions. Pilates is great because it slows you down, and allows you to have control and breathe correctly to perform the movements. It activates your body in the optimal position – neutral alignment.
- How could Pilates help these men?
Pilates could help men by bringing them back to body awareness and perfecting movement patterns, which results in preventing injuries whilst activating the stabilising muscles that are mostly problematic.
- How has Pilates had a positive impact on your many other activities?
I’ve competed from a young age in running, surfing and iron man. I was an elite beach runner, second in the world for 2km running. I’ve won eight Australian open surfing titles and 30 masters titles.
Doing Reformer Pilates is very similar to going out for a rescue on a rescue board – it’s nearly the same positioning and activating the corrective slings needed in this case to save a life.
- What’s the greatest gift you’ve received from Reformer Pilates at Elixr?
The greatest gift for me is that it has definitely made me feel calm, and given me more composure. It’s even given me the opportunity through breath and movement to understand that through all the hundreds of deaths that I’ve experienced it’s ok to acknowledge these incidents and work on the tools that correct you quite quickly, which for me, is Reformer and surfing. I’m pretty much certain if I did a back to back Reformer class, had a dip or surf at the beach, I’d be ready for my next mission. It’s a great reset button.
- Do you have any other tips for staying fit and healthy this winter?
Spoil your loved ones, don’t forget to do something funny in public, and most of all, understand that everyone is caught in some type of battle. Make sure you smile and say hello to people. It might make their day.
- What’s one thing that people wouldn’t know about you.
Here’s a couple of things; I’m absolutely infatuated with the indigenous culture and First Nations people and the coalition between the indigenous people and the Egyptian people. Did you know the Egyptians came to Australia 4000 and 8000 years ago to learn from the most highly advanced race on earth – the aboriginals.
My Achilles heal is vanilla slice. Does anyone know how to make a gluten free option? But keep the sugar of course.
One more thing, I met the love of my life on a blind date and couldn’t think of anyone better in the world to do Pilates with than her.
- Now that we’re halfway through 2024, what’s in store for you for the rest of the year / next year?
I thrive on competing in surfing and board paddling so always striving to improve these skills and compete. I’ve taken on a new role in helping doctors and nurses through wellness classes. I think it’s so important to give back to frontline workers. These people are the ones who save us. They are angels.
