DO you have any idea what a Pilates Reformer Bed can do to a girl's arms? I may never be able to pick up a Primark shopping bag again after my latest exertions.

Even as I type I can feel a strange aching feeling spreading up from my fingers to my shoulders. I think that's where my muscles should be. Poor things. They're in shock, having been dragged out of 30 years of hibernation for an hour of super-stretching.

You see, I've stepped my training for the Great Manchester Run up a gear. With seven weeks to go until the big race, it's time to really get in shape. I've actually been putting in the hours pounding the streets, working up to three 5K jogs a week.

But there's one thing that worries me more than getting round the 10K course (and, believe me, that's a worry) - the wobble factor. You know, when I raise my arms for a victory wave over the finish line, how long will my bingo wings carry on wobbling once my arms have stopped?

Drastic action

It was time for drastic action. I want muscles like Madonna and I want them now.

Which is how I found myself lying on what looked like a medieval instrument of torture, pulling on a pair of highly-sprung stirrups and trying to breathe.

Say what you like about the Queen of Pop - and plenty of critics have plenty to say this week, with her latest adoption adventures in Malawi - but she looks good for 50. And the source of her superwoman strength? The aforementioned Pilates Reformer Bed. Previously only available down south but now the star attraction at the new Vibe Personal Training Studios, near Bury.

"You can order it in black but it looked a bit kinky," laughs manger Denise Benson. "We thought lilac was a bit less scary."

I'm not so sure. One look at the size of the springs is enough to make me want to sprint for the door. But wait, what would Madonna do? She'd show that machine who's boss, that's what. Wearing Versace and singing Vogue at the same time. Inspired, I give it a go.

Basically, the Reformer is a frame-like structure, with a padded bed on springs and a number of pulleys and hooks. It's designed to give Pilates fitness fans a tougher workout. First, you need to master the basics of everyday Pilates - all about your "core strength" tummy muscles. Then it's on to the Reformer for an hour of advanced exercises.

"This is how Madonna's arm muscles are so well-defined," explains Denise, a personal trainer of over 12 years' experience. "Whereas going to the gym bulks up your muscles by contracting them, this elongates and lengthens them."

Once I've overcome my initial panic, it's rather good. It's much less stressful than pumping iron, as it's all about controlled breathing and supple stretching. Plus, you get one-to-one training with the lovely Denise, in a room filled with tinkly spa music. An hour later and I feel in peak fitness.

"It's not today or tomorrow you'll feel it," warns Denise. "It's the day after that you'll feel you've been kicked by a donkey."

She wasn't lying. But, if nothing else, it's given me a new-found respect for the Queen of Pop. God help whoever tries to wrestle that crown off her.

Helen is part of an M.E.N. team training for the BUPA Great Manchester Run. For more information visit www.greatrun.org