Group Pilates

Beginning Pilates Mat Class

The Pilates Method was created in Germany in the early 1900’s by Joseph Pilates as an exercise system focusing on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk.  When he came to the United States in 1926, among the earliest users were dancers Martha Graham and George Balanchine.

The Pilates Method is not just exercise.  It is a series of controlled movements, engaging the body and mind, performed on a mat.  These movements are designed for body conditioning and injury prevention.

The Pilates Method focuses on the ‘powerhouse’  -  the abdominal muscles, the lower back and the buttocks.  By strengthening the abdominals and core muscles, the lower back is protected.

University Fitness is proud to offer a Beginning Level Pilates Mat Class taught by Diane Lala, a certified instructor.  Diane trained with Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protegee, in Atlanta and New York, completing over 600 hours of training, observation and apprentice teaching.  She passed all three required exams and was awarded her certification in 2001.  Diane is a Professor of Musical Theatre at CCM, where she teaches jazz dance and choreographs the musicals.

Mat work is the basis of Pilates.  By the end of the series, the student will have advanced to the intermediate level and will be self sufficient to perform the exercises on their own.  All participants should be in reasonably good health.

For further information,
please contact Rachael Dotson at (513) 584-5911,
or e-mail Rachael.Dotson@uc.edu.