Group Fitness Pilates classes start with the instructor calling the attendees to stand. She leads the group in a series of stretches while upbeat pop music plays through studio 219’s speakers. After stretching, the real workout begins. The group goes through the exercises quickly, but not hurriedly, and most are repetitive motions.
Pilates intends to strengthen the mind and body in balance, mobility and flexibility. Each exercise is repeated three to five times and they typically begin focusing on the core muscles, then aligning the rest of the muscles. Joseph Pilates developed the exercise method after WWI while providing early physical therapy to wounded veterans.
The Group Fitness Pilates classes, organized by Well-Being & Fitness, began this semester. There are classes in Ping Recreation Center, located at 82 S. Green Dr., in Studio 219 five times a week and are 45 minutes. Cardio Dance classes use the space immediately after, so instructors and participants have to be punctual and everyone takes care of their own mat.
The new Pilates classes are quite popular, often pushing the capacity. The attendance limit is supposed to be 40, but students often push the limit. As long as there is room, the instructor will let anyone follow along.
“Usually there’s no spaces left on the website,” said Mia Raussen, a sophomore studying interior architecture and design. “Sometimes, they run out of the provided mats.”
Raussen does Pilates at home and was excited to hear classes were starting at OU.
OU Group Fitness classes are free for university students and Ping Center members. Anyone wanting to attend a class can start to register 23 hours ahead of the class.
“My roommates started doing it, so I decided to join them,” said Alyssa Kassouf, a junior studying outdoor recreation and education. “I just started three weeks ago.”
Kassouf reported positive results since she began going to the classes regularly.
Cassidy Rudy, a senior studying sociology pre-law, has been going to classes for over a month with her friend, Emma Petzinger, a senior studying psychology. Rudy became interested in Pilates through TikTok.
Rudy’s favorite exercise is the child’s pose, when they can rest. She said the deep stretch feels extra good after moving non-stop.
“I need a class atmosphere to really get me moving,” said Brooke Kosakowski, a senior studying strategic leadership and management.
Kosakowaski reported on the welcoming environment and positivity that radiates from each class she has attended.
“Everyone’s very upbeat, and it’s kind of inspiring,“ she said. "It makes me want to work out harder."
The energy in the studio is excited and friendly, with friends catching up before and after class.
KC Duncan, a senior studying biological sciences, started going to Pilates class with Nolan Kozub, a senior studying communications, about seven weeks ago and they’ve gone every week since.
“(We) got hooked after that,” Kozub said.
“I would recommend it to everyone,” Duncan said.
Kozub agreed with his friend, saying it has been beneficial for his physical well-being.
“It’s a good class if you’re trying to get in shape or … overall build muscle,” Kozub said.
Strengthening the core muscles can relieve back pain and straighten posture.
“It’s really good for mental health and just getting out there and getting fit,” Kassouf said.
There have been few empirical studies on the strengthening benefits of Pilates. Regardless, a large number of participants find it beneficial to their mental health.
