Breakfast with Pilates.
As Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Rush Park one recent Friday morning, they dined on burritos provided by Nick’s Deli, 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Unit 109, and listened to “Garage Pilates” Owner Kristin DiMiceli speak about how easy Pilates can be to implement at any age, along with a demonstration by DiMiceli herself, followed by group participation at the conclusion of the breakfast.A great example was Green Street Interiors Owner Judy Klabouch, who just turned 83, a few days ago, stretching on a picnic table, showing off her prowess with great ease; she happens to be instructed by DiMiceli at Garage Pilates.
“I think it’s beneficial to know who Joseph Pilates was,” said DiMiceli.
DiMiceli gave the history of Pilates, which is actually the name of the man, Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born in 1883, who originated the Pilates method by watching animals in nature stretch and warm up their bodies each morning, while he was in a POW encampment; and thus, different exercises in Pilates are named after animals.
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s for the purpose of rehabilitation, taking its name from the German-born individual who first immigrated to Britain and then of course, to the United States.
He devised the Pilates method as a new approach to exercise as well as body conditioning, which used equipment that he called, “apparatus.”
Even his equipment, the “reformer,” is used in the Pilates Central studio today.
Joseph Pilates developed his system of exercises, with the intention to strengthen the human mind and body. They were taken from ancient yoga and are practiced by dancers and although Pilates does work the entire body, the primary focus in on the core muscles of the abs, lower back and stabilizing muscles. The most important principle of Pilates is concentration and being mentally present.
DiMiceli said that before she opened her Pilates business, she used to go into their home garage to exercise, and so when they opened their own Pilates business in 2018, she just kept the name, “Garage Pilates.”
“We are located at 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Ste. 116, in Los Alamitos, at Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard and use the reformer machine, offering private and small group classes,” said DiMiceli.
So what is Pilates?
“Pilates is a form of exercise that completely focuses on movement originating in the core of the body. It’s low impact/no impact on the joints, so it’s very body-friendly on all fitness levels,” DiMiceli explained.
“We offer small classes of no more than four-students at a time, so we can assist each person with proper form and give the appropriate attention to detail,” said DiMiceli.
Grip socks are required.
For Garage Pilates information, visit garagepilates.net or call 562-794-3551.
Additional Los Alamitos information on upcoming events includes the Chamber’s “2022 Heroes Appreciation Luncheon,” Thursday, Sept. 22, at 11:15 a.m. in the Rush Park Community Center, 3021 Blume Dr., in Rossmoor. It’s co-hosted by the Rossmoor Community Services District.
Sponsors are being sought in the $100 category up to the $2,500 area and in-between amounts to sponsor a Hero.
To be a sponsor, call the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce at 562-598-6659 or email at info@losalchamber.org.
Also, each Thursday evening at Rush Park, there’s a Farmers Market from 5:30 to 6 p.m. “There’s a puppet show and it’s a great social,” said Joe Mendoza, general manager of Rossmoor Community Services District.
