Pilates Classes in Westlake Can Help Get You Ready for the Beach

It may not seem like it, but summer at the beach is just around the corner.  We all want to look and feel our best in those swimsuits and shorts, and Pilates can help, especially if you want to get ready for a summer workout regime.

“(Pilates) tones and contours the body, while stretching and lengthening your spine," said Janice Gill, co-owner of in Kensington Square. "Because of this, Pilates gets the body in better shape to perform all other activities, including cardio workouts and sports. The spine is at its healthiest when it is lengthened, improving mobility of the body and helping those who perform Pilates to be more active for longer periods of time. In a way, it is using less to do more.”

Breathing control is also essential for the best results while doing Pilates, according to Gill. Proper breathing brings more oxygen to all parts of the body, increasing blood flow and releasing toxins that have built up over time.

Gill and her business partner Carolyn Tanker teach Pilates at the studio in Kensington Square on Center Ridge Road, along with three other instructors. They have over 500 hours of training under their belts and continue to learn all the time.

“It’s extremely important to have a certified instructor, one who is well-trained in the discipline, not only to keep up with the latest techniques, but for safety as well,” Gill said.

After an initial consultation, Gill recommends a set of private sessions to start off, so the instructor can give plenty of individual attention.

“Each body is different, so private sessions let the teacher learn what an individual’s needs are and tune in to what that person is able to do at first,” she said.

Bodywave Pilates opened 5 years ago and appeals to a wide clientele. There are some male students, but women make up the majority. It’s a complete switch from the beginning of the discipline, when Joseph Pilates worked almost exclusively with men, especially British soldiers injured in World War I.

Women come into the studio to gain strength and flexibility, and also to lessen pain and increase range of motion after illness or injury.

Bodywave Pilates offers group classes as well as private sessions, on specialized top-quality Pilates equipment along with mat exercises. Working on a variety of apparatus is best for gaining full benefits for the body. For newcomers to the studio, there is a special introductory package available. To learn more about Bodywave Pilates, check the studio website or call 440-871-2475.