“One of the best parts about Pilates is we can adapt the exercises for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. As they progress, they can improve and strengthen even more, using more difficult variations of the movements,” says Barbara Brodzinski, who teaches a weekly Pilates class at Seabrook.

Since Brodzinski’s class is offered through SCAN Learning Center, a non-profit organization providing a wide range of educational opportunities for older adults in Monmouth and surrounding counties, anyone may attend, and the students’ experience levels vary. “We have several beginners and a few intermediate students,” she says.

Pat Hann, who began attending the class at Seabrook recently, enjoys the challenge of each exercise and the change of class routine from week to week. “It’s difficult, but I love it,” she says. “I enjoy Barbara’s class because she changes things each week.”

To add variety to her classes, Brodzinski alternates the exercises and props used. Stretch bands create resistance, while giant rubber balls can be used in many ways to create different effects. Although some exercises must be modified for certain conditions, such as osteoporosis or back injury, every exercise involves engaging and strengthening the core muscles of the body – the abdominals and the back.

Those core muscles support the spine and torso in a person’s posture, as Hann can attest. “I have noticed an improvement in my posture and flexibility since beginning the class,” she says.

“My students always tell me how much they miss the class whenever they go on vacation. It’s very gratifying to know they feel better as a result of this class,” Brodzinski says, adding that people should practice Pilates more than once a week to receive the full benefits. (Written by Julia Boyle; submitted by Jackie Schatell)

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