The fitness world is ever-changing, but while many new workouts are constantly being developed, most fitness buffs have never lost touch with the basics.
Pilates workouts first hit the masses in the 1980s. Before then, the method developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany was considered the workout of the elite practiced by dancers and Hollywood celebrities in private studios.
Much like Barre workouts, Pilates is having another surge in popularity, with Pilates focused studios popping up nationwide.
Club Pilates, a chain of franchised Pilates studios, are quickly spreading through metro Atlanta. This year, three locals are opening three new studios in Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs.
The Buckhead studio at the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, 2391 Peachtree Rd NE is hosting a grand opening weekend Feb. 24 - 26, with the two other locations to open later. There are two other Club Pilates locations in Marietta and Alpharetta.
Joseph Pilates was born in the late 19th century in Germany. He was a sickly child and studied anatomy and other disciplines to heal himself. He later became a boxer and moved to England. When he was imprisoned in England during WWI, he began teaching the fitness methods he developed to fellow prisoners by disassembling the beds and using the springs as resistance. This was the early model for what would later be known as the reformer. When his trainees survived an outbreak of influenza, Pilates said it was a testament to the effectiveness of his training.
From there, Pilates would come to be known as the workout of the elite as dancers, actresses and athletes sought Pilates' assistance to heal their injuries and build strength. Considered a mind-body workout, Pilates emphasizes proper breathing, body alignment and smooth, controlled movements that put you in tune with your body.
At Club Pilates, classes range from beginner to advanced and special classes for teens. Workouts include elements of classical, reformer-based Pilates along with Barre, TRX, bootcamp, springboards and exo-chairs.
The popular CP Reformer Plus class dedicates half the class to reformer work as well as offering TRX suspension training. CP Cardio Sculpt, uses circuit training with Pilates equipment, TRX and barre for a low-impact cardio workout.
Trainers at Club Pilates must have a minimum of 500 hours of instructor training to help clients succeed.
Kellen Stennett, one of the franchisees, said the Club Pilates Method is for traditional Pilates enthusiasts and anyone else who is looking to build strength, flexibility and increase range of motion. While mat-based Pilates offers many of these benefits, reformer practitioners are able to customize equipment to meet their specific needs.
Customers who sign up at Club Pilates before and during the Grand Opening weekend will receive 20% off the first month of membership.
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