Pilates has come to Puslinch. With an overwhelming response, classes started in October of 2005 and run on Wednesday’s at the Badenoch Community Centre.  The classes are led by Joanne deBruyn, a Puslinch resident and certified Pilates instructor.
Wednesdays
9 am, 10 am (gentle/beginner), or 7 pm
$110 (11 weeks) January 11 to March 28, 2012
No experience necessary!
What is Pilates (pronounced pil-ahh-teez)? Pilates is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago. It is an approach to physical exercises that addresses the body as an integrated whole, designed to enhance functional stability and functional movement throughout the body. The Pilates philosophy focuses on training the mind and body to work together to stretch and strengthen the body to keep it balanced and aligned, thus the mat exercises are designed with this mind-body focus to achieving physical fitness.

Pilates has recently enjoyed an upsurge in popularity, mainly because it works. It is a low impact, high result movement exercise program.  People are discovering this more gentle approach to physical activity. The Pilates exercises emphasis core strength or your “powerhouse” muscles, which include the abdominals, lower back, buttock and hip muscles focusing on and isolating on the smaller weaker muscles in these areas. Pilates helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles from the inside out and is beneficial to virtually everyone. It helps to increase bone density and to increase mobility of the joints. It works to increase body awareness and change your posture and alignment for the better.

These Pilates classes are an introduction to the fundamentals of the Pilates mat work and are designed to be challenging but also safe. They are an effort to introduce your body to and become aware of core muscles, and begin to strengthen them in a way that makes a difference in everyday life and at the same time, pave the way to more advanced Pilates movements.  Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace.  In the classes we use mats, noodles, bands and balls and always look for new ways to add challenge and fun. Each participant brings with them, lots of enthusiasm as well as their own mat. 

Joanne deBruyn is a certified Pilates instructor, she holds certifications in the Movement for Health approach, the Physical-Mind approach and, as well, has studied Stott Pilates. She is also a certified and experienced Personal Trainer.

If you would like to give Pilates a try, contact Margaret Olsthoorn, class organizer for the Badenoch Community Center, she can be reached at  519 766-9593 to register for classes.

Here are some comments from current participants:

An excellent fun form of exercise for the prevention of injuries, strengthening the core muscles and overall flexibility. - Sara B.

I am much more flexible in my neck and shoulders.

Both my strength and flexibility have improved and it’s been fun. - Susan M.

Very helpful instructor, great winter flexibility. - Hedi P.

The best belly exercise I have ever had. - Audrey B.

An hour of treating yourself to a workout without the ugly pain of “hard” exercise.

Great workout, I never felt better.