By Michelle Reese

As 2018 starts to wind down and the New Year approaches, it’s a popular time to start thinking about your fitness routine and goals for next year. It’s also the time for gift giving, and what better gift to give to yourself than the gift of a healthy mind, body and spirit.

We spoke to Patty Witt, owner of Witt Pilates in Yardley about how Pilates can help achieve these goals. Pilates is different from other forms of exercise. Originally invented to rehabilitate injured ballerinas, Pilates has developed into a fun and popular method of exercise with many added benefits. Pilates is known to not only strengthen muscles but to sculpt the sinewy, elongated look of a dancer with increased flexibility. Also, Pilates is a discipline that actually re-trains your central nervous system. You learn to move more safely and use your joints minimally. While most forms of exercise work the large muscle groups, you work all muscles of the body with Pilates. So while you’re getting stronger and more flexible, your muscles are uniformly developed. Finally, Pilates develops mind-body connection. For people who seek a balanced body, mind and spirit, this workout is a win-win-win.

Patty helped us understand the main benefits of pilates.

Mind

Focusing your mind on moving your muscles in precise ways creates longer, stronger muscles and thereby gives the mind a break from focusing on anything else.

Body

Pilates builds muscles that are uniformly long, strong and flexible. You will see changes in your body and get an AMAZING workout.

Spirit

When done correctly, you will feel more balanced and more confident. That feeling has a way of transcending into every aspect of your life.

Witt Pilates takes pride in being a place of inclusion. Whether you’re ready to try Pilates for the first time, or you consider yourself a veteran, there is a class that is perfect for your level of expertise and commitment. Patty says that one of the most gratifying parts of her job is helping people establish physical activity into their lives. Whether you’re an athlete or just starting to exercise, Pilates is completely customizable. New clients start in “Newbie Pilates” until an instructor gives approval to move up to the “Not So Newbie Anymore” and other more advanced classes. You can also choose from many forms of Pilates: Tower, Reformer, Chair, and Mat. A Pilates studio with a boutique style setting, Witt Pilates offers cardio options in addition to Pilates. Spin classes are outfitted with RealRyder bikes, which move side to side to work your entire body.

When asked about her favorite type of Pilates class, Patty replied, “Mat Pilates is my fave! I LOVE it all but Mat Pilates is my 1st love so it holds a special place for me. Nothing makes me feel as good as after I do Mat Pilates.”

“Our studio is a community of support and friendship where we give back to the community. We give back by several food drives a year, giving out annual memberships to those that could otherwise not afford to come to the studio & by offering support to our members.” – Patty Witt, Owner of Witt Pilates in Yardley

Witt Pilates is a repeat Happenings List Winner, so you know it’s already loved by the Bucks County community. In addition to the variety of classes offered, Patty Witt offered this explanation on what makes Witt Pilates stand out.

Give yourself the gift of a balanced mind, body and spirit. Visit Witt Pilates for a 30-minute complimentary lesson. Check out the studio and get a feel for the equipment or take a Newbies Pilates class. If you live within 30 miles, your first class is free.

Witt Pilates is located at 10 Penn Valley Drive, Yardley. Call (267) 391-9200 or visit wittpilates.com for more information.