Gain Strength & Flexibility Through Pilates in Morgantown WV

One of the best ways to stick to a wellness routine is to find something that you really enjoy. After all, if it isn't fun, gratifying, and enjoyable, what’s the point of pushing yourself to show up?? For some people, that may include lifting weights at the gym, dancing their way through a Zumba class, or going for a run. But if you’re one of the many who hasn’t quite found their fitness groove just yet, I’ve got a great recommendation - Pilates In Morgantown, WV! 

Discover Pilates In Morgantown, WV For A Fantastic Low-Impact Workout!

Pilates is a fabulous low-impact workout that lengthens and tones muscles, connects your mind to your body, and keeps your body strong and stretched. Are you new to the world of Pilates (pronounced pih-LAH-tees?) Keep scrolling to learn more about this popular workout! 

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise designed to engage both the body and the mind, emphasizing core strength, balance, and coordination. It was created in the early 20th century by a German physical trainer named Joseph Pilates, and in the hundred years since, it’s often been used as a method of injury recovery for dancers. Pilates is all about concentrating on movement, practicing control over muscles (particularly abdominal and low back muscles) with flowing, precise movement patterns and controlled breathing. It’s a unique form of strength training that focuses more on toning muscles than building them, but the results are often similar. 

At first glance, Pilates moves may look simple - but they actually take a great deal of control and precision. You can often break a sweat in a Pilates class, but it isn’t aerobic, which makes it a great complementary workout to cardio fitness. It’s a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for participants who may be recovering from injuries (or who simply want to learn how to prevent them.) 

You can certainly practice Pilates at home, and there’s no shortage of online workout videos and classes for you to follow. For the most part, you’ll just need an exercise mat and a bottle of water (though you may find eventually that you want to add in a few props like balls and straps.) However, there’s nothing quite like taking a Pilates class in a studio! You may find yourself doing routines on specially designed apparatuses, including a bed-like structure called a reformer. Studio classes are typically led by trained instructors who can offer hands-on guidance and adjustments, and usually the studio will have any additional props and items you may need for a full-body workout. 

What Are the Benefits of Pilates?

There are so many benefits, both physical and mental, to practicing Pilates Morgantown, WV. First of all, it places a lot of focus on core strength, engaging muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and pelvis to promote a strong and stable core. You’ll also notice increased flexibility and range of motion thanks to all of the stretching you’ll be doing as you practice. Pilates targets specific muscle groups, helping to tone and strengthen your entire body as you build lean muscle without adding bulk. It’s also a low-impact workout, meaning it’s suitable for people at every fitness level and age and even individuals with certain health conditions. It’s a great workout while still being gentle on the joints. 

Buckle up - we’re just getting started! Pilates increases body awareness through a mind-body connection that encourages practitioners to be aware of their movements, breath, and alignment. This can lead to daily benefits like improved posture, enhanced balance and coordination, and other subtle physical changes! 

Who Can Benefit From Pilates?

Pilates is also an extremely accessible workout for all kinds of bodies and lifestyles. It’s great for injury rehabilitation since the practice is all about balanced muscle development and proper body mechanics. It’s even ideal for prenatal and postnatal women, helping to maintain strength and flexibility throughout pregnancy and recovery from childbirth! Additionally, Pilates is a great complement to other kinds of exercise and can offer strength, flexibility, and functional fitness to a well-rounded fitness regime. Obviously, if you think there’s any reason you might not be able to give Pilates a try, you should check with your healthcare provider. But typically speaking, it’s a great option for a broad range of bodies, lifestyles, and conditions!

And, of course, mentally, Pilates is great for stress reduction. The mindful and focused nature of Pilates can contribute to a sense of relaxation and mental clarity, similar to what you might experience when practicing yoga. 

Where Can You Go for Pilates in Morgantown, WV

Convinced it’s time to give Pilates a try? Even if you’re still on the edge, there’s no better way to find out if Pilates is a good fit for you until you’ve tried it out. Here are some of the best places in Morgantown, WV to practice Pilates! 

Breath Centered

5000 Greenbag Road, Morgantown, WV 26501

Breath Centered is a Morgantown, WV Pilates studio that opened in the spring of 2023. While they offer a variety of group equipment and mat Pilates classes, the soul of the studio focuses on somatic movement (the art of gentle movement with self-awareness). To complement their fabulous Pilates classes, they also offer yoga therapy and shiatsu-influenced massage therapy, both of which are forms of somatic movement. Breath Centered offers over 15 Pilates classes per week, including classes designed specifically for beginners. Their skilled instructors will help you make any modifications or adjustments needed for your body’s unique needs, including those with painful joints, nerve damage, and pregnant mamas-to-be!

Campus Recreation | West Virginia University

2001 Rec Center Dr., P.O. Box 6018, Morgantown, WV 26506

WVU Campus Recreation was created to serve WVU students, faculty/staff, and the greater Morgantown, WV community with things like pilates. So no, you don’t have to be affiliated with the university to take advantage of the awesome things they offer! Their mat-based Pilates classes offer a classic Pilates workout that focuses on building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, all guided by a skilled instructor. And Pilates isn’t the only class offering; you can also try out classes like Yoga, Barre, Zumba, BodyPump, and F45! 

I Hope You Enjoy The Self Love You Will Feel With These Fabulous Studios For Pilates In Morgantown, WV

Pilates is an incredible workout for almost everybody, and it’s a great way to increase your strength, stretch out tired muscles, and gain control over your mind and your movements! If you’re ready to give Pilates a try, start out by signing up for a class at Breath Centered or WVU’s Campus Recreation. Hopefully, Pilates In Morgantown, WV, gets you one step closer to finding your “fun” in fitness, setting you up for a healthy routine you’ll love!

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