New Business: Club Pilates adds to fitness scene at Strawberry Village

General manager Emma Roberts sits on a reformer at Club Pilates, which opened June 25 at the Strawberry Village shopping center. The studio, part of a chain with more than 1,400 locations, offers classes seven days a week built around the machine’s sliding carriage and spring resistance. (Tyler Callister / The Ark)

Club Pilates opened June 25 in the Strawberry Village shopping center. The studio sits between Hot Yoga Republic and the recently opened Hydration Room. Club Pilates is the world’s largest Pilates brand, with more than 1,400 studios worldwide. The company operates more than 1,000 studios in North America and has expanded to 12 countries. Other Marin locations include Greenbrae, Novato and San Rafael.

Club Pilates offers classes seven days a week, focused on the Pilates “reformer,” a bed-like frame with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs for resistance, ropes, pulleys and a foot bar. The method was created by Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness pioneer who overcame childhood illnesses by taking up gymnastics, boxing and yoga. The method emphasizes mindful breathing, precise movement and control.

“It’s not just about flexibility, which is kind of the misconception,” general manager Emma Roberts says. “You don’t have to be flexible to take Pilates. It can help you with your flexibility, but overall, it’s a low-impact form of exercise that just helps you continue to be active without hurting yourself.”

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