Trying to find an excellent “one-stop shop” for strengthening both your body and mind? Searching for an exercise that’s low-impact but yields results? Pilates, which offers a stronger core and increased flexibility along with reduced levels of stress and enhanced focus, can be the answer you’re looking for.

With Pilates registration starting Monday, February 29 at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, three members of the staff discussed the many benefits reformer Pilates offers.

Michelle Kasparian is the assistant director of group exercise and community classes at the facility and coordinates fitness programming schedules. Nikita Chugani is a Pilates instructor with more than 13 years of experience and teaches multi-level Pilates classes at the Wellness Center. Leslie Leonard, who also teaches multi-level Pilates classes, is an ACSM- and NCSF-certified personal trainer with more than eight years of experience.

Here’s what they had to say about the benefits of Pilates:

Building core strength

Michelle: Your body is supported when you have a strong core. The deep muscles in the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor support our body, our posture, and our movement patterns. Pilates exercises focus widely on these muscles while strengthening the center of your body.

Improving posture and balance

Michelle: You should expect to see an improvement in posture and balance once you begin Pilates. Your good posture is the product of a strengthened core and good alignment. Pilates exercises train the body through movement fundamentals on mats and with equipment.

Increasing flexibility

Nikita: Regular practice of Pilates exercises can improve your range of motion, flexibility, circulation, posture and abdominal strength, and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is also less likely to be injured.

Enhancing concentration

Leslie: Pilates is a functional form of exercise that enhances the mind/body connection, encourages the initiation of balanced movements from your deep center, and brings a smile to everybody. You are learning how to control your body and its movements when you do Pilates.

Relieving stress tension

Michelle: Pilates helps to relieve tension built up in your muscles through gentle stretching and gradual conditioning. The exercises loosen tight muscles and work to eliminate stress from your body and mind.

“Our Pilates program provides an intimate small-group atmosphere,” Kasparian added. “This atmosphere supports each participant’s progression and improvement throughout the six weeks of the course.”

Registration for Pilates classes is available to both members and non-members and can be completed online or by calling the sales office at 305-284-5433 Monday throughFriday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pilates registration closes Tuesday, March 8 and classes begin the week of March 14.