Upenn picks up Pilates

Parks & Recreation, March, 2005

Earlier this year, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, identified a niche population in its community (stall, faculty and area alumni) who were interested in rounding out their workout regimens, with core strengthening and flexibility. The answer became Pilates.

In September 2004, Penn decided to address this need and opened one of the only fully equipped university recreation Pilates studios in the country. Once the studio was open, the popularity extended to the students and university athletic teams, who were also interested in Pilates.

Located in the David Pottruck Health and Fitness Center on campus, tire 1,6000-square-foot Pilates studio is equipped with eight Total Workout Systems, one Cadillac, six chairs and 12 mats from Peak Pilates, an innovator in Pilates equipment and training.

Since it opened this fall, almost all the classes have been full, with many requiring waiting lists, as attendees realize that Pilates produces excellent results for people of all ages and abilities, from those new to exercise to performance athletes. Classes are available to the university community of 40,000 and include mat, reformer and combination classes, and private instruction.