All around the world during the first week of May, the movement system known as Pilates is celebrated and shared among communities. On the Sunshine Coast, this entails raising awareness about the benefits and methods of Pilates for International Pilates Day, May 5.
The “whole body health system” created by fitness innovator and philosopher Joseph Pilates uses the breath as a common thread and focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility while improving lung capacity, mental clarity, postural and core strength, bone density and joint health.
Sechelt resident Katherine Denham, owner and founder of Kalijo Pilates Studio in Davis Bay, lives, breathes and advocates Pilates every day, having discovered it over two decades ago in her 20s while recovering from two serious car accidents that threatened her dance career.
“In my very first lesson, I knew I would do Pilates for life!” notes Denham, whose passion ultimately led to opening the Coast’s largest and most central Pilates studio in 2007, offering the Classical Pilates Method. “I needed something I could do that supported my family and my lifestyle and that kept me moving, healthy, strong and fit to keep dancing.”
Denham has built the studio practice from 25 lessons a week to, at times, over 25 lessons per day – a testament in part to the growing popularity and appreciation of Pilates on the Coast.
Community is paramount to Denham, who employs nine people through the studio and provides teacher training for those who wish to make the practice their calling too.
“I want no one to miss out on experiencing what Kalijo has to offer, so we offer all-ages classes from moms and babies to pre-teens to elders,” says Denham, whose 94-year-old grandfather is a treasured student, coming every week for private sessions.
The benefits of Pilates can be experienced by all – young and old – whether you are just starting out in fitness or are an elite athlete.
“The majority of people come to Pilates because of pain, injuries, accidents, over-worked or repetitive movements and imbalances,” notes Denham. “With proper alignment, breathing and fascia hydration, Pilates helps you feel better, supports you to perform better in all that you do and makes you look the way you feel inside.”
Newbies can get a taste of Pilates at community events and classes or by booking a private introductory session for a personalized experience. At Kalijo a private intro session costs $50 and usually lasts 1.5 hours.
“Privates are always the best money spent to understand the method, the breathing, the equipment being used,” notes Denham. “It also supports you and your body and its issues, to help bring you to a more uniform development and confidence to join group classes for ongoing maintenance.”
In support of the Coast community, Kalijo Pilates Studio is offering a selection of free mat and equipment lessons on May 5, International Pilates Day and Kalijo’s anniversary. For more information on events at Kalijo and studios around the world, see pilatesday.org
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