Pilates continues to gain popularity as a fitness option at the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center, where both mat and Reformer classes are offered. The exercise method is recognized for its ability to enhance core strength, flexibility, balance, and posture.
Carmen Fermin, a certified Pilates instructor and fitness manager at the center, highlighted several benefits of Pilates. “The benefits of Pilates (both Mat and Reformer) are various,” Fermin said. “When done correctly, using the Pilates principles, it can help improve a person’s overall core strength, increase muscle flexibility, increase bone density and improve balance and coordination.”
Pilates Reformer machines are used in many classes at the center. These machines feature a bed-like frame with a moving platform called the carriage. The equipment was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates in Germany.
Fermin began teaching Pilates at Dale City after joining the recreation center in 2008. She established the Pilates Studio there and equipped it with Balanced Body Allegro Reformers with Tower, along with other apparatus like a Barrel and Chair.
“Upon my arrival to the facility (Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center), I noticed there were limited resources and a true absence of inspiration amongst a community and center that truly needed wellness programs,” Fermin stated. “I began to envision solutions to connect with people in the community, existing clients, staff and co-workers throughout the agency to embrace and act on the need for our facility to have resources, equipment and dedicated instructors for fitness and wellness programs.”
Small group Reformer classes accommodate up to five participants each session due to high demand.
Jennifer Hernandez, another certified instructor at Dale City who also serves as group fitness specialist, encourages newcomers to try Pilates regardless of their body type or experience level. “I wholeheartedly believe that all body types and sizes can and should try Pilates classes,” Hernandez said.
The recreation center offers a variety of fall programs including educational workshops, foundation classes for beginners, gentle sessions tailored for different needs, as well as opportunities for new participants to receive an introductory consultation. According to Fermin: “At Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center, first time Pilates Reformer customers receive a free consultation to help familiarize them with the basic principles/fundamentals of Pilates, along with how to use the apparatus and working on learning the basic exercises,” she said. “This is also an opportunity for the instructor to learn about what the customer’s fitness goals are, along with any physical and movement concerns or limitation/restrictions.”
Due to strong interest in these offerings at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center—where Fermin can be reached at 703-792-8669—early registration is recommended.
