Rhinebeck Pilates is now offering weekly tower and mat classes as community classes taught by new or apprentice teachers from the studio’s teacher training program. “Because the classes are taught by newer teachers, the cost of the classes are less than a regular class, which makes for a nice way to add Pilates classes to your regular fitness schedule or try Pilates for the first time,” says owner Elaine Ewing.

Tower classes use springs, bars, straps and Pilates apparatus to create resistance and assistance during exercises. Mat classes are taught solely on the mat—it’s the student’s body against gravity. “Both classes emphasize flow, fun and interesting movements not found in most other types of fitness programs,” Ewing says. “Also unique to the Pilates method is that it focuses on functional movements and balance controls rather than individual muscles, for a fast, full-body effect.”

The majority of students at Rhinebeck Pilates are over 40, and from various fitness levels and lifestyles, she adds. “Most people start Pilates because they’ve been told they have bad posture or have chronic back pain and want to strengthen their core. After starting Pilates, most students regain spinal flexibility, control and core strength, and eventually do movements in Pilates that they never thought possible. The best thing about Pilates is that it changes your body at any age. It’s never too late to start.”

Rhinebeck Pilates is located at 6400 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck. Community Tower Class is held Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; Community Mat Class is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Preregistration required. For more info, call 845.876.5686, email [email protected] or visit RhinebeckPilates.com.