Pilates is a movement system that will lengthen and strengthen the body through a specific series of exercises. Pilates exercises work entire body groups in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, faulty movement patterns can be unlearned and you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health. Focus is emphasized on proper breathing, spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentration on smooth, flowing movements. Concentration is critical to being acutely in tune with your body. Precision with each exercise focuses on the quality of movement, instead of quantity. Pilates creates long, lean muscles, never short, bulky muscles. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured. Pilates is for any body and every body, any age, from the deconditioned to the elite athlete.
Karen Wilder has recently received her PPS I Certification through Peak Pilates. Peak Pilates was founded in 1996 in Boulder, Colo. Peak teaches the classical Pilates system, staying true to the system Joseph Pilates developed. Peak Pilates is a national and international leader in the Pilates world. Karen has studied with Robin Beck, a comprehensively trained instructor and physical therapist with Peak Pilates in Boulder, Colo. Karen has also traveled to study with other mentors such as, Aliesha George of Centerworks in Wichita, Pat Karrelson with Georgie’s Pilates Loft in Alexandria, Va,, Erin Burnam with Pilates Unlimited in Dallas, Texas, Cathy Thomas in Mission, and Haley Hoss-Jameson with Peak Performance in Missouri just to name a few. Karen is also a Nationally certified A.C.E. Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Boot Camp Instructor and has her PharmD degree from The University of Kansas. She works at area hospitals as a contractual pharmacist part-time. Karen also teaches other fitness formats such as indoor boot camps, ZUMBA fitness and strength training classes to name a few. She is also the leader in outdoor boot camps here in Great Bend. 2011 marks her 4th year to lead an outdoor boot camp class. Many know her as “Boot Camp Karen”. You may have seen her out running with her troops to Vet’s Park or Jack Kilby Square.
Karen has opened a Pilates studio in her home and is currently accepting new clients. If you want to feel better, learn to move better and improve your overall health, consider Pilates. Sessions are $30 each and 55minutes in length using both the mat and the reformer. Contact her at 316-734-0805 or visit her website with contact information at www.karenwilderfitnesspro.net.