Agility, stamina

Domonkas library offers beginner pilates classes for adults

Beginners who have not tried yoga or a different way to exercise and move your body are invited to sign up for a class.

The Lorain Public Library System Domonkas Branch, 4125 Lake Road in Sheffield Lake, offers beginner pilates classes.

“This is actually a partnership between (the library) and University Hospitals Avon,” said Lana Sevel, who is the instructor of the class.

Many people in the class also are taking the pilates class for the first time, so if you’re considering taking it, there is no pressure, Sevel said.

For those who don’t know what pilates is, it is a type of mind-body exercise that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates for whom the workout is named, she said.

It is mainly practiced in Western countries like Can- ada, the United States and Australia.

According to the Cleve- land Clinic, pilates was de- veloped as a way for injury recovery for dancers and it continues to pick up new converts over a century for one reason. Besides toning the muscles, pilates is known for boosting endurance.

Pilates is made to counteract some of the imbalances humans develop and helps prevent overuse and overuse injuries if you play a sport.

Many collegiate athletic programs and a growing number of professional athletes from LeBron James to Tom Brady have started to do this at least once a week.

The best part of pilates is that it is a holistic body workout and it can be challenging, Sevel said.

The students of the class very much enjoyed their time as it is helping everyone in the room get physically fitter and stronger as well as mentally, she said.

The last scheduled session of beginner pilates starts at 10:30 a.m., July 29.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pilates was developed as a way for injury recovery for dancers, and it continues to pick up new converts over a century for one reason. Besides toning the muscles, pilates is known for boosting endurance.

Those interested in attending the class, can go to www.lorainpubliclibrary.org/ to check for dates and times.

Patrons must pre-register for the class, library officials said.

SUBMITTED The beginner pilates class takes place at the Domonkas Library in Sheffield Lake each Friday at 10:30. It is a partnership between the library and University Hospitals.