Joseph Pilates said: “If you have a flexible spine at eighty, then you’re young, and if you have a stiff spine at thirty, then you’re old.” Today, many of us spend many hours bent over phones and computers, an action that is detrimental to the health of our spines. Others play sports that use specific muscles more than others, creating imbalances. Awake Bodies is a Pilates studio in Leavenworth that is beginning a teen-focused Pilates class to help teens combat the struggles of maintaining proper muscle balance and spine health.
Mathew Stefanko, an instructor at Awake Bodies and 2010 CHS alumni, gave a personal definition of the practice: “I would describe Pilates as a comprehensive, whole-body approach towards movement. It is an exercise that hones your physical self, as well as your breathing and your mind.”
Located in Leavenworth, the studio is a perfect place to practice Pilates. The space is calming, clean, and creates a sense of focus.
The class consists of a mix of movements. Both gentle stretches, and intensive exercises are implemented. Throughout the teen Pilates class, Stefanko gave clear, comprehensive instructions, guiding the participants through each movement. For many of the more difficult poses, easier, modified versions were explained as well, to help ensure the comfort of everyone taking the class.
“As the class went on, I felt more and more in tune with my body; [the exercises] started to feel more like a natural motion,” said Arlo Gibbs of his experience.
On Tuesdays at 3:30pm, the hour-long class is specifically designed for teens.
“With teens, your bodies are so adaptable, and they can change. You are so young, and everything can get stronger: you can develop skills right now in your spine and joints that will last you through your lifetime,” said studio owner Haley Fiano.
With the goal of getting teens involved, the studio offers a “Buddy Special” deal, where if a student signs up with a friend, they will both receive 25% off the cost of the classes. With the Buddy Special, the cost of the five-class-package is approximately $70 per participant.
Signing up for a series may be the perfect way to begin implementing a consistent Pilates practice in your life, and when asked for advice for beginning Pilates students, Stefanko’s answer was consistency. “Pilates does not have to be this huge commitment every day, but if you spend 10- 15 minutes a day or every other day even, I think that’s the best way to develop these skills, and you’ll notice a difference. I think consistency and not overthinking it are key: keep it simple and short,” said Stefanko.
I enjoyed the class, and I would recommend it to others to try it out themselves. The simultaneously relaxing and focus-fostering ambiance was well-supported by the content of the class itself: it balanced rigor with relaxation.
In many ways the classes at Awake Bodies are very accessible, though the price point of 20-25 dollars a class is unrealistic for many students. Signing up with a friend for a package of 5 or 10 classes offers a 25% discount, though the cost still ends up at around 70 dollars. For a student-focused class, a lower price might make the class more accessible for the general student body.
I would rate my experience with five stars. Entering the class, I was feeling tired and stressed. After completing various stretches and exercises, I no longer found that to be the case; after the Pilates class, I felt awake and calm. Others in the class that I participated in described it as invigorating, calming, and easy to follow.
“I would recommend this class to any teenager who wants a simple and accessible way to stay active while also interacting with others who are similar in age. The overall experience was outstanding, and I will be returning,” said Claire Henscheid (12).
For more information or to sign up for a class, follow the link and enjoy your workout:
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