Campus Recreation at Southern Miss hosted a series of Group Fitness Classes among other programs, including pilates. Pilates is a form of mind-body exercise widely popular today. Pilates was developed as a way to help strengthen muscles, improve posture, and create balance between mind and body.
Some of the key principles of pilates include concentration, control, centering, flow of movement, and precision. Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles of the trunk, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and buttocks. In Southern Miss, the class does mat Pilates but exercises are also done on a mat or using specialized equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair. Pilates became popular as a form of exercise and physical therapy in the 1980s, and 1990s. It’s practiced by a wide range of people including dancers, athletes, those recovering from injury, and people looking to improve their general fitness. Benefits of Pilates include improved flexibility, muscle tone, balance, posture and mind-body awareness.
Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates wanted to create an exercise that would stand the test of time. He wanted to contribute to the well-being of people. It has been more than 57 years since his death and Pilates has only soared in popularity in recent times. As Southern Miss Campus Recreation tries to stay relevant in the fitness game, it is only right that they host a Pilates Class every Sunday for an hour from 5 PM at Magnolia Studio in the Payne Center.
Jessica Shrestha, a regular at the Pilates Class shared her enthusiasm before class earlier this week.
“I have been taking the class since the beginning of the semester,” she said. “I am really excited about class every Sunday. It’s a great way to stay fit and I have seen some growth over the course of the semester. I think Pilates is more than just a regular exercise, while I also do other physical training, Pilates definitely demands more. In a way, it demands one to connect with oneself, which in part is what I am trying to do. Being fit is about both physically and mentally healthy and Pilates help with both. ”
Southern Miss Campus Recreation continues to offer Pilates classes due to high demand from students interested in mind-body fitness offerings. Classes increase in difficulty level over the course of the semester, so students are encouraged to join as early as they can.
Southern Miss Campus Recreation reinstates its mission to provide quality and comprehensive programs, services, and facilities that enhance recreation and wellness for the university community while supporting the educational mission of the university through student learning and development. Through services like Pilates, Campus Rec tries to support students for overall growth.
Pilates is frequently recommended for rehabilitation and improving flexibility. Students and staff interested in trying out the Pilates classes can join the class for free. Classes are held on Sunday at 5 pm. The free admission and location at the Payne Center make the Pilates classes popular with Southern Miss students.
