Description: Maui Pilates is a blend of pilates core exercises, stretching, and toning strengthening movements. Classes includes a stretch based warm up, Pilates core strengthening workout, upper and lower body exercise and relaxing cool down with balance moves at the end. It is a relaxing, yet invigorating workout which tones the body and slims the waistline. Location: Classes are held in partnership with the Maui Community College and County of Maui in Kahului and Pukalani.  Occasional classes are also held in Kihei and Kula.

Pilates is a low impact method of exercise first developed in the 1920's by Joseph Pilates, a nurse who practiced a variety of fitness regiments like boxing, strength training, and yoga, and created his own exercises now called “pilates”. The movements focus on strengthening the body and toning the muscles through a series of exercises & stretches performed on a mat with a focus on proper breathing.  Pilates is especially wonderful for women because it focuses on the core muscles which are affected by pregnancy and aging.

Pilates movements target the core with moves like a Roll Up (where you see if you can sit up from a laying position with out using your hands), Scissors (where you move your legs like scissors while your head is curled up), and Swimming (where you lay down and use your core for support as you “swim”). The benefits of practicing pilates include straighter posture, smaller waistline, improved back pain, improved pelvic floor control, leaner legs & arms, and decreased stress and anxiety.  Women’s Health article written by Eva Bondar. Maui News, Sept. 2008