Pole Pilates hits Lewiston

by Ralph Schwarz
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, January 7, 2006

Ladies, grab your poles.

After weeks of anticipation, Pole Pilates has finally arrived at MAC Pilates Studio One in Lewiston.

Heralded as the latest fitness craze to sweep across North America, Pole Pilates combines the traditional Pilates, yoga, sensual movement and exotic dancing to shape and strengthen the body’s core muscles, in particular upper and lower body, legs and abdomen. But unlike traditional Pilates, which is done on the floor with no special equipment, the workout centers on a free-standing pole.

“It’s for women who want to explore their feminine side but also want to get fit and have fun,” said fitness expert Kelly Mac, owner of MAC Pilates. “We are the only fitness studio in Niagara County offering Pole Pilates right now and we are doing it in a safe environment.”

Plenty Of Interest

So far, Mac’s first installment of Pole Pilates, which started earlier this week, received plenty of interest from women of all ages. In fact, the individual sessions are filling up quickly.

“We got a lot of moms and women who want to try it out,” Mac said. “Since our clientele is almost exclusively women, they feel safe and comfortable here.”

Although the classes are filling up quickly, Mac said it is not too late to sign up for the eight-week program.

“Everybody will still be on the same page,” she said. “We are all beginners.”

Like many current fitness trends, Pole Pilates originated in California about six years ago. Because it requires the use of a pole similar to the ones found in the adult entertainment industry, the workout routine had carried somewhat of a stigma. This, however, changed about a year ago when “Desperate Housewives” star Terri Hatcher introduced Pole Pilates to a national television audience on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

“It got Oprah’s approval, which really helped putting the stigma away,” Mac said.

Each of Mac’s Pole Pilates classes begins with a warm-up during which the 12 participants work on their core muscles. After that, the group is off onto the two poles inside the fitness studio.

“We split the group in half and then have each group alternating between the poles and the chairs,” Mac said. “After the eight weeks, you get a complete workout involving pole, chair and floor exercises. Whether you want to lose weight or tone up, this class is certainly helping you to achieve your fitness goal.”

TV Sneak Peak

Mac will give a sneak-peek of her Pole Pilates workout on her regular segment on the Jan. 10 broadcast of “Crossroads with Pete Anderson,” which airs live on Adelphia Cable Channel 13 from 3 to 4 p.m. and is re-broadcast at 6:30 and 10 p.m. In addition, she will talk about her upcoming celebration of the Chinese New York on “Crossroads” on Jan. 17 and on “Lori and Friends” on Jan. 27.

“I’ll be very busy making TV appearances this month,” she said.

Located at 779 Cayuga St. in Lewiston, MAC Pilates Studio One offers 19 different classes, including Pilates, yoga, aerobics, Pilates Machines and Pole Pilates. Selected programs are covered by Flex Fit from Independent Health. For more information, including introductory specials and membership promotions, call 754-1911 or visit www.macpilates.com.