This month, we're excited to be celebrating 20 years of Pilates Reformer at the YMCA of Central Kentucky, which originated at the C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA in January 2004. As we prepare for a celebration on Saturday, Jan. 20, we are sharing about the benefits of Pilates Reformer for all, as well as a few fun facts about our own program.
Benefits of Pilates Reformer as Part of Your Exercise Routine
• With a focus on precision and controlled movements, Pilates Reformer not only improves physical strength but also enhances posture and promotes a mindful connection between the body and mind, making it a valuable addition to any comprehensive fitness regimen.
• Reformer teaches proper form and breathing, which are key to building core strength.
• The exercise improves stability and posture by creating internal pressure to elongate spine, joints and muscles which leads to greater flexibility, strength, stamina and a balanced posture.
• Pilates Reformer is for everybody and every body! Our program has beginners young and old, regular group exercise participants, active walkers to very active athletes participating. Many professional athletes use the Reformer as part of their training regimen: LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Antonio Brown, Jake Arrieta, Christian Ronaldo to name a few.
• In addition to many physical benefits of Reformer training, there are significant mental health benefits as well, including but not limited to: stress and tension relief; increased functioning of the nervous system; and improved emotional control.
YMCA of Central Kentucky Pilates Reformer Fun Facts
The steady growth of Pilates as a top fitness option for all levels inspired Jeannie Thé to bring her vision to offer Reformer exercises in a small group setting and create the Pilates Reformer/Tower program at the YMCA. The YMCA of Central Kentucky was the first facility to offer small group pilates equipment classes in the region.
• The C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA was the first location in the association to hold Pilates Reformer classes, beginning in January 2004. The original team of instructors were all trained in Stott Pilates, a method that incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement.
• Two of the original instructors are still teaching at the Y, Pam Carey and Karen Hilty. • In 2004 Recreation Management featured the YMCA of Central Kentucky program calling it “Forward Thinking Fitness”. Hundreds of lives have been transformed through this intelligent, progressive-exercise program.
• The Reformer program at the Y is a great value, as it is significantly less expensive than local private studios. The group classes at the Y are $12/class - about half the cost of private studios.
• The YMCA of Central KY program is designed as a progressive program, so that participants progress from one level to the next, and there are not multiple levels within a class. This ensures participants master the exercises before moving on. With progressive programming, you can maintain the flow of the class because everyone is about at the same level.
• The instructors at the Y have all gone through extensive training, participated in many hours of classes, observed and team taught and completed a mat certification, Reformer and/or Group Exercise or Personal training certification. All are CPR certified, complete annual continuing education, and always strive to learn. The majority of our instructors started out as students in the program and loved it so much they wanted to become instructors.
Additionally, the Reformer program is another way that participants form community and develop friendships - lifelong, meaningful ones in many cases. YMCA Healthy Living Director and Reformer instructor Pam Carey says, "You cannot put a value on the friendships you make and the community that you become a part of through the Reformer program."
Current and past participants, as well as anyone interested in learning about Pilates Reformer, are invited to join us at the 20-year celebration on Jan. 20 at the C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA. We'll have door prizes, t-shirts, chair demos, refreshments, and fellowship.
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Pilates Reformer at the YMCA of Central Kentucky is currently offered at C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA, High Street YMCA, North Lexington YMCA (Pilates Reformer individual personal training only), and the Whitaker Family YMCA.
