The Pilates Loft
Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara came from Germany and opened up a studio in Germany in the 1930s. The two began to work with dancers, as there were a number of dancers in their building. While in England during the war Joseph experimented with a system where he attached bedsprings to the wall the hospital walls to help the soldiers gain strength. There are two brands of Pilates: One takes place on a matt, and the other is focused around unusual-looking equipment. Both styles focus on resistance, though the equipment relies on the machines, where as the matt work depends on the weight of the body.
Beth Elkins opened The Pilates Loft in 2002. I asked Beth about her studio, and why Pilates is so different than other forms of exercise.
“My clients are from all walks of life. Pilates can be modified to work with anyone. It can vary depending on what each person may be looking for. Some clients want a hard workout, while others may be more focused on their breathing during a workout. Pilates is designed to stretch and strengthen your body. It creates stretchy, long lean muscles… you will never bulk up with this type of workout. You will find muscles that you never knew you had. It’s also very good for balance too.” A recommended dose of Pilates? Most of Beth’s clients touch base with her a couple days a week, but they also practice at home, or at the office. Pilates is a state of mind. If you’re paying attention, you can work it into your daily life.
The Pilates Loft is located art 166 Allen 716-866-8200
so happy there is finally a pilates loft in allentown