“Change happens through movement and movement heals” – Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a mind-body movement system developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Originally termed as Contrology, his system of matwork exercises was purposefully designed to develop the body uniformly, correct wrong postures, among other benefits. His work gradually evolved from the Matwork into a complete system with more than 500 exercises.
Matwork vs. Equipment
Pilates utilizes spring-based equipment as well as specifically sequenced mat exercises to work the body as a whole. It is non-impact and functional as the movements are performed with control while lying on the back, seated, kneeling, and standing. Since it was developed as a system, people will experience the best benefits if they embrace the full approach and incorporate exercises from both the Matwork and equipment. The different challenges that each provide act as a complement to the other.
Benefits of Pilates
The many benefits of Pilates include improvements in body mechanics, circulation, posture, and spinal flexibility while also reducing stress. Its systematic approach to specific exercises when combined with focused breathing patterns has proven beneficial for everyone, from a person rehabilitating from injury, fitness enthusiast, to professional athletes across multiple sports such as baseball, football, golf, hockey, and downhill skiing.
Private Training Studio
At the University Fitness Center, Pilates training is done in the privacy of our private training studio. Each session is unique, addressing the wants and needs of the client at that time. Our experienced instructors will carefully modify exercises to accommodate pre-existing injuries, medical conditions, or special needs.
Our studio is the only studio in the Hershey area fully equipped with classical or traditional equipment from Peak Pilates and Pilates Designs.
Want to learn more? Complete our Pilates Interest Form and a University Fitness Center Pilates instructor will contact you.
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More about Pilates at the University Fitness Center
Private sessions
- $60 – per one-hour individual session
- $290 – 5 sessions
- $550 – 10 sessions
Semi-Private Training Sessions (Duets)
Semi-Private Pilates Training is a great and economical way to train with a friend but still get all the benefits of private instruction. At the University Fitness Center, clients will be able to train simultaneously on the Reformer, Tower (Half-Cadillac), Low Chair, and barrels.
- $45 – per one-hour individual session
- $215 per person – 5 sessions
- $410 per person – 10 sessions
Introductory Pilates package
Designed for those who are new to Pilates or Pilates equipment who want to experience the benefits Pilates can provide before committing to a larger package. This package is available for a one-time purchase and not applicable for semi-private (duets) sessions.
- $175 – One-hour introductory package (3 sessions)
Note: All packages expire six months from date of purchase, are non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing after breast cancer surgery. You’re probably exhausted, your arm may be painful and swollen, and the adjuvant treatments can make you feel even worse. All you want to do is rest. In the past, that’s exactly what was recommended. However, studies indicate a link between moderate physical exercise and improved quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
The Pink Ribbon Program™ is a Pilates-based, therapeutic exercise program developed by a survivor for patients and survivors. Exercise is an important part of treatment and recovery. The Pink Ribbon Program™ works in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations for an exercise program. The Pink Ribbon Program™ helps stretch and strengthen the shoulder, chest, back, and abdominal muscles, allowing women to regain full range of motion to those areas affected by breast cancer surgery. Suitable whether your surgery was recent or several years ago and accommodates all fitness levels.
Benefits of The Pink Ribbon Program:
- Reduces feelings of depression
- Improves self-confidence and control
- Helps regain strength and mobility in affected shoulder and arm
- Enhances energy levels
- Helps to control weight
- Improves sleep and alleviates fatigue
- Decreases stress and tension
- Enhances physical and mental well-being
Getting Started
For more information about The Pink Ribbon Program contact the University Fitness Center’s Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist, Jen Price, at jprice2@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or by calling the front desk at 717-531-7075.
Jen Price
Jen oversees the Pilates Studio operations and has been teaching Pilates at the University Fitness Center since 2009. After losing a family member to breast cancer, she was instrumental in bringing the Pink Ribbon Program™ to the Fitness Center and is trained as a Pink Ribbon Program breast cancer exercise specialist.
Lori Chubb
Comprehensively trained Pilates Instructor through Club Pilates