Sarah Wagner demonstrates a pilates exercise.
“Sarah’s class keeps me strong, centered and energized.” — Marilyn Boese
Pilates is a type of exercise which uses principles of postural alignment, Pilates-style deep breathing techniques and concentration on the core muscles (or “powerhouse”) to lengthen and strengthen all the muscles of the body. Pilates was originally used to rehabilitate bed-ridden patients in World War I. It is a low-impact way to improve flexibility, posture and strength through controlled movements. Other benefits of Pilates include alleviation of back pain, better balance and relaxation.
“Pilates helps me strengthen my core muscles so I stay more balanced in my life. Sarah teaches this class in a way that keeps my body aligned.” — Tanya Wyldflower
Pilates Mat is a mat-based class which uses your own body weight to increase flexibility, increase muscle tone and gain mindfulness during all exercises. We also use props including the Magic Circle (a resistance ring) and the Pilates ball (weighted ball) to activate various muscles and add challenge to basic exercises. The class is for all levels, including beginners, and has a firm basis in the use of core muscles for breathing. Since the class is taught by a Physical Therapist, the teacher guides participants through all exercises safely, while always keeping anatomy and posture in mind.
Sarah Wagner is a Physical Therapist & Manager of the Rehabilitation Services Department and Wellness Center at MCDH. She treats patients in all settings including acute care, home health and outpatient orthopedics. Sarah has been teaching Pilates since 2008. Pilates has helped to significantly decrease Sarah’s back pain from an injury she sustained in college. She enjoys using her thorough knowledge of anatomy to maximize the benefits of breathing and core strength found through Pilates.