The rise in popularity of pilates can be seen nationwide, but now it can be seen here on campus. This February, PLU Recreation has introduced Mat Pilates to its spin class filled schedule. On Tuesdays at 6 p.m., instructor Joslyn Kruse will be guiding students through a 45-minute Mat Pilates class. Focusing on strengthening core, improving flexibility, and moving with intention, Lutes of all levels are welcome to join Kruse’s class.
After a few years of student requests for a pilates class through PLU Rec, Rob Thompson, PLU’s Associate Athletic Director for Recreation, decided to put the idea into motion.
“We wanted to offer a class that reflects that trend and gives students another fun way to stay active and healthy, and our instructor Josyln reached out at the perfect time,” Thompson explained.
After taking spin classes through PLU Rec, Kruse, a third-year nursing student, was inspired to start the group pilates class. Kruse has taken pilates classes for four years now and was ready to share her knowledge and passion with other PLU students.
Before the new Spin Studio was built, PLU Rec classes were held in the Columbia Center or Memorial Gym, fighting for space with other programs. With the new studio opening up in the Fall, adding additional classes to the PLU Rec schedule is much easier.
Despite the class being new, its popularity has been astronomical. The first three classes have filled up almost instantly, even having tens of people on the wait list.
“When I first brought up the idea to my friends, they were super interested, but I didn’t really think that everyone else would be too! I am super happy with the response we’ve gotten so far. It makes me really happy to see that everyone wants to sign up and try it out,” Kruse shared.
“I actually did expect them to be popular,” Thompson said. “Our spin classes have always been in high demand, and we weren’t able to meet that demand before because we didn’t have a dedicated space. The Pilates class filled up very quickly for its first night [on Feb. 10], which shows how much interest there is.”
Based off student feedback, Thompson hopes to add more classes for pilates and explore more workout programs to add possibly next Fall. For the time being, pilates will stay once a week.
“The pilates class filled up super fast, but I had a great workout so it makes sense,” said Jaden Saucelo, a third year nursing student who attended the first pilates class. “There was good music, a really sweet instructor, and I was able to get a good sweat on! The moves were easy to learn and follow along to, and I felt like there was a good balance of me feeling competent as well as challenged throughout the class.”
PLU Rec classes have been very popular over the years due to it being free and accessible to students.
“Whenever I go to a PLU Rec class I know that I’ll feel safe and welcomed while I learn new activities. Taking classes is also a great way to keep myself active without having to plan out a whole workout. I know the classes will give me a good workout every time,” Saucelo said.
As Kruse is a student-athlete and nursing student, Kruse is passionate about the importance of working out not only your body, but your mind.
“My major has helped with understanding our body and movement, but also health and wellness as a whole. Pilates can be as calming and challenging as you want it to be. Truly a “go at your own pace” workout, allowing your body and mind to be at peace,” Kruse explained.
“I have always loved mindful exercises that teach me about moving with my breath. I have taken yoga classes and barre and loved them. So when I heard about pilates I was excited to try it out,” said Saucelo.
Kruse’s first class was a success and she has been overwhelmed by the amount of interest and excitement there has been for her classes.
“I want to thank everyone for all of their support and kind words as we get this started up! It truly makes me so happy to see everyone’s interest and positive vibes, and I hope everyone gets the chance to try it out!”
