Scrolling through social media or walking through the halls at Liberty, you’re bound to hear a mention of pilates, a unique way to exercise and condition the body. Originally started for dancers in the early 20th century as an injury prevention and recovery tool.
Now, through the influence of social media and the influx of studios specifically for pilates classes nearby, the popularity of pilates has spread to Liberty, with people all around the building getting involved.
Ava Stalzer (she/her), 11, a member of the Liberty Dance Team, was searching for a different way to work out instead of the usual weightlifting. She found that pilates was more catered towards dancers.
“I think my only issue with weightlifting is it’s not really workouts tailored for dance team, but pilates is more strength and flexibility,” Stalzer said.
Vanessa Tomchik (she/her), manager of Club Pilates in Coralville, describes how pilates differs from other types of workouts.
“Any type of working out takes a toll on your body. Pilates is kind of opposite of that. It builds your muscles without having so much of a toll on your body,” Tomchik said.
Over the past summer, Stalzer would go to pilates up to five times a week, and during the school year, goes to pilates once or twice a week. She emphasizes how pilates makes a positive impact on her day.
“It’s just a good way to start or end your day. There are different classes you can take; there are more intense classes that are cardio, but then there’s also stretching classes,” Stalzer said.
Because of the variety in classes available, there is always a class fitting everyone’s needs that day.
The rise in popularity of pilates has spread to high school students, and Tomchik believes that not only is it a good way for high schoolers to get exercise, but it can also be helpful for their futures.
“If you’re a teenager, you have a head start, because every day you live, you age. If you’re building a routine where you’re working those muscles slowly, where you’re getting the joints moving early and you make that a lifetime habit, by the time you’re 60, you’re going to get ahead. You’re just getting stronger and stronger,” Tomchik said.
Not only is pilates good for teens, it’s beneficial for people of all ages. Tomchik explains the main reasons people start pilates.
“Most people come in because their knees are bad, and they need exercise that helps them rehabilitate, get stronger without aggravating it or their back is hurting and they’re coming here to make sure they still use it. If you do that [pilates] over time, and you’re preventing injury,” Tomchik said.
Pilates has many different health benefits and is accessible to everyone. Stalzer talks about how easy pilates is to get into, especially at Club Pilates. There are a variety of membership packages offered to get into pilates seamlessly.
“If you just take an easy class, like a flow one or a stretching class, that’s super easy. Those are like exercises you already know how to do, so it’s not that bad to start,” Stalzer said.
Pilates has grown in popularity on social media. Tomchik describes some of the misconceptions social media places on pilates.
“Contrary to Instagram, there are people of all ages, all sizes, all kinds of abilities that do pilates. And that’s the beauty of this place [Club Pilates], because it made pilates accessible to everybody. So no, we’re not all wearing Lululemon matching sets and drinking matcha; some of us are, but not everybody. We’re a mix of all ages and abilities, and that’s a beautiful thing,” Tomchik said.
Even with all the buzz surrounding pilates, it can still seem intimidating to start.
“Just do it. Don’t think about it. A lot of people are like I’m so nervous, or what do I wear? Well, it doesn’t matter. Just do it,” Tomchik said.
