Invest in your health

If you’ve tried Pilates or know someone who has, you know this method of exercise emphasizes a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on correcting posture and building strength and vitality while elevating the spirit through focused breathing and controlled movements. 

Pilates developer Joseph Pilates famously said, “You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.”

Too good to be true? Let’s find out. 

Why Club Pilates?

“On your worst day, come work out with us at Club Pilates and make it your best day.” That’s the advice of Meghan King, general manager of the new Club Pilates Mentor, opening in late spring. And Meghan isn’t alone in her passion for the workout that, according to her and many others, is so much more than simply working out. 

“Pilates becomes part of your self-care routine as you improve your fitness, of course, but also connects you with other members of this supportive community,” Meghan says. 

Meghan describes the Club Pilates experience as “unraveling a series of knots” with each class you take. Everyone’s goals are unique, but the approach is the same. Mindful and intentional movements that require breath control and focus allow you to forget about the stress of the day and improve your physical and mental health.

Beth Andrus, founder and owner, had the goal of bringing Club Pilates to Mentor just as she did for Willoughby. 

“I see the truly amazing benefits of Pilates everyday,” Beth says. “And it works in tandem with all your other activities. No matter what you’re doing or you just want to feel good, with Pilates you’ll gain strength, mobility and flexibility to make you better at life.”

Alex Benn, regional manager, has worked alongside Beth from the beginning, to introducing Club Pilates to Willoughby and now Mentor. 

“We reached our capacity at the Willoughby location and some of our members were already traveling from Mentor,” Alex says. “It was time to open a second studio and we’re excited to welcome the Mentor community to the Club Pilates community.”

When You Know, You Know

Club Pilates members love sharing their stories. From post-physical therapy patients and women combating the side effects of menopause to young people who want to gain strength and age better, Club Pilates is for everybody and every body.

Retired dentist Leo Pullella was suffering from neck and shoulder pain and limited mobility, along with recovering from recent knee replacement surgery. 

“My wife Kathleen has been practicing Pilates for three years and her lower back pain is gone. As of last May, all my pain went away. And since my knee replacement surgery five weeks ago, Pilates is helping me build muscle and increase strength and flexibility,” Leo says.

Scott Mills loves the community aspect of Club Pilates along with the physical results he’s seen since he joined last November.

“It’s yoga but so much better,” Scott says. “All of your muscles are in resistance mode but always slow and in control. Guys always think we have to be banging weights. I’ll do Pilates for the rest of my life. I leave my phone in the car and for one hour I tune out the world.”

Jeanna Rennie had knee surgery at 12 years old to repair a bone growth issue. In her early 30s, she was in search of something more than a gym workout. 

“I started Club Pilates two years ago,” Jeanna says. “I wasn’t happy with myself, I was overweight and needed direction at the gym to even know what to do.”

Today, Jeanna has lost 30 pounds but more importantly gained a community of like-minded people who want to stay healthy and active for life.

Marcie Feather has lost 40 pounds after starting her Pilates journey to help with perimenopause symptoms. 

“I could feel the weight creeping up after turning 50 and I wanted to increase my bone density, build muscle and get stronger,” Marcie says. “Low impact doesn’t mean it’s easy and instructors offer modifications for every movement. We have members in their 80s. If you invest in anything, invest in your health with Club Pilates.”

Community of Club Pilates

Club Pilates instructors are involved in the community and love spreading the news about how Pilates can improve your life.

“We do community outreach in schools, local restaurants, everywhere we can educate people,” Club Pilates lead instructor Courtney Dawson says. “The community we’ve built here is just a bonus of membership. If fitness was easy, everyone would do it. Here, you are never overwhelmed, and you never plateau. We can make things easier or harder based on your needs. There’s always room for growth.”

And don’t think Pilates is a one-size-fits-all workout. It’s fitness for everyone and the Mentor location offers a class just for you. 

“People’s lifestyles have changes and Pilates has reacted,” Beth says. “Check out our classes and you’ll find that, no matter what you’re looking for, Club Pilates is just right.”

Club Pilates Mentor is located at 2257 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. Check Facebook and Instagram for information on the Grand Opening in late spring and special promotions. Call General Manager Meghan King at 440-534-8075 for membership information.