Fitness From The Field: The Tower (And Power) Of Pilates

The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the phrase, "To the tower with you!" would have instilled horror in those hearing it. Today, if I heard it, I'd rejoice — but not because I'd be visiting the historical landmark. Rather, I would be enjoying a challenging workout with the Pilates Tower.  At Pilates Hudson, Megan's "Tower" class is one you could really lose your head over. What Is It?The "Tower" is a tall spring-based apparatus that helps you maintain a strong core and improves overall conditioning. This particular class starts with Pilates mat exercises incorporating a small ball and then moves into exercises using the "Tower." Tower classes help you understand how your body moves and what muscles should be doing the work. By using the tower unit, you move more efficiently and build strength, flexibility and endurance. Although this section usually answers WHAT it is, it's interesting to explore WHO it is because knowing Pilates’ history helps you understand his method. Joseph Pilates (a German native) survived a sickly childhood by practicing yoga, gymnastics and qigong. He moved to England in 1912 and despite being employed at Scotland Yard as a self-defense teacher, British authorities interned him during World War I. However, Pilates couldn't be deterred from his mission of spreading good health and fitness. In the camp, he taught wrestling and self-defense and (it is said) that the mattresses and bed springs — the only tools available to him — helped him develop his method and apparatuses such as the Tower.

Activity LevelIntermediate. Although the Tower can be thought of as a prop, it does require strength to control the springs and other parts safely and effectively. Experience in Pilates is necessary because the class moves smoothly and quickly from one exercise to another. BenefitsPilates conditions the whole body through smooth, controlled movements. In fact, when Joseph Pilates began teaching, he named his style "Contrology." Although the focus is on developing a strong "core" and using it as the source of movement, the goal isn't only about flattening your tummy. The core includes abdominals, lower back muscles, and buttocks, so when your core is strong, so is your entire body. In Pilates, the emphasis is on the quality of the exercise rather than the number of repetitions, so you develop grace and coordination. And, with a limited amount of Towers available, classes are small. Instructor InformationWhile studying dance at the University of Buffalo, Megan Kane began practicing Pilates. She continued her studies in NYC while dancing with Alvin Ailey and became certified through Power Pilates in 2002.

What I liked most about Megan was her no-nonsense style. She’s sensitive to people's varying abilities and very helpful to a newbie like me, recommending modifications and adjusting the springs and belts on my Tower. But overall she pushes you, jokingly saying that she doesn't care if it hurts — and I appreciate that. After spending time, energy and money on a class, I like results, which I got. Instead of waking the next day in pain, though, I felt changes during my average routine: as I walked up stairs, my hamstrings felt stronger. Later, as I was reaching toward a high shelf, I noticed my lower abdomen firm up to support my movement — very satisfying after just one class! Facility/AmbienceLike the city of Hudson itself, the facility is fun and funky. A former ballroom, it boasts restored hardwood floors, high ceilings and huge windows allowing sunlight to stream in, and supplying lovely views of trees and church steeples. Throughout the studio, distressed walls and furniture add to the "shabby chic" look. Changing rooms are available, and a small selection of exercise wear and accessories are for sale. "Country mice, city mice" will be pleased to know Pilates Hudson also has a studio in Manhattan. CostOne 55-minute Tower class is $30; a series of five classes is offered at $125. With seven Towers available, reserve in advance and be aware of the 24-hour cancellation policy. Private session, mat, spin, "Reformer" and "Jump Board" (two other Pilates apparatuses) classes are also offered. Check the website for class schedule. Pilates Hudson403 Warren Street, 3rd floor, Hudson NY (518) 828-9776 In NYC: 311 West 11th Street