The Pilates with Lauren class offered through the Wellness Program is one of the most popular fitness classes at the Sierra 2 Senior Center. It’s not hard to figure out why: Pilates exercise has major benefits for people of all ages.
Pilates is a method of exercise designed by Joseph Pilates to balance the body while promoting mental awareness. Through a series of exercises paired with a deep focus on breath, Pilates helps to strengthen and stretch the body.
The benefits of an effective Pilates program are wide, reaching from strengthening muscles, specifically in the deep abdominals and back, to muscular and mental coordination. One benefit many practitioners report is being acutely in tune with their body after starting Pilates. When practiced properly, Pilates is very safe. It is often used in physical therapy to rehabilitate injuries.
Students joining instructor Lauren may not sweat but they will feel an encouraging burn. Exercise positions range from lying on a mat to standing and working on balance. Fun props like a small ball and stretchy bands are used to keep the body guessing.
Lauren turned to Pilates when she was looking for relief from a lower back condition that left her with chronic back pain. With a lifelong background in dance, she quickly fell in love with the Pilates practice.
Lauren is a BASI-certified mat and apparatus instructor with more than four years of teaching experience. She loves supporting individuals looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle, both mentally and physically.
The hour-long class meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in Studio 3. Lauren also teaches an all-levels mat class on Thursdays in Studio 1 at 6:30 p.m. as well as with Sac Pilates.
All students should bring yoga mats to class and dress in comfortable clothes for bending and flexing.
New participants can try the class for a drop-in fee of $10. Wellness Program punch cards are also available at $35 for 5 classes and $60 for 10 classes. Visit the Sierra 2 Center office to purchase cards.
For more information about the Pilates class, you may get in touch with Lauren at lauren.lange01@gmail.com.
By Katie Byram, Sierra 2 staff