Written by: Fitness

Two Fitness Trends Meet on the Water for South Florida’s First-of-Its-Kind ‘Pilates H20’ Class

Kicking off Saturday, May 16: Stand Up Paddle board & Pilates Combine For 
Mind-Body Workout Experience On Biscayne Bay

Sail into summer with South Florida’s very first “Pilates H2O” class, a 75-minute workout offering an effective, challenging and fun combo of Stand Up Paddleboard and Pilates on the picturesque Biscayne Bay. Kicking off Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at the U.S. Sailing Center Miami (2476 South Bayshore Drive, Miami), Pilates H2O, the very first exercise class of its kind in all of South Florida, promises a powerful mind and body workout…all amidst the water.

Instructed by local fitness experts Melina Cherry (of SUPtheworkout) and Christa Gurka (of Pilates in the Grove), the duo is encouraging fitness enthusiasts to move their mats to the water to combine the world’s fastest-growing water sport, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), with the wildly popular exercise form known as Pilates. Featuring 30 minutes of paddle and 45 minutes of Pilates, the Pilates H2O experience promises a unique workout that blends the strength and grace of Pilates with the tranquility of the Bay.

“We are thrilled to introduce this special class to our South Florida fitness community and encourage people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels to experience Pilates H20 for themselves,” said Gurka. “SUP and Pilates go hand-in-hand because each ‘takes you right into the moment’ and requires concentration, balance, proper breathing, relaxation and a sense of adventure. Since the platform is unstable, we are adding a whole new element of core strength and intense focus, taking a traditional Pilates practice to an entirely new level.”

According to Pilates Digest, fitness professionals have flocked to SUP, not only because it’s fun and the cardiovascular benefits of the workout are superb, but also for the core-based balance challenge that the board provides to their clients. And then when you add Pilates exercises to the repertoire, it enhances the challenge and benefits of the entire workout.

“SUP enthusiasts are often seeking ways to kick up their workouts a notch, and Pilates H2O is the answer to that request,” said Cherry. “Adding the Pilates component to our routine allows participants to experience the magic of opening up the breath, quieting the mind, and moving into greater alignment with themselves and the natural beauty that surrounds us out on the water.”

The cost is $30 per class if you have your own board and $55 if you need to rent a board.

For more information
Pilates on the Grove: www.pilatesinthegrove.com / 305-446-6899
SUPtheworkout: www.suptheworkout.com / 561-644-6873

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Last modified: May 14, 2015