Pilates Mat Class @ Steps with Robin Powell

Studio: Steps on Broadway

2121 Broadway at 74^th Street, New York

212-874-2410

Directions: Take the 1, 2, 3 to 72^nd Street, and walk up to 74^th Street (Steps is on the third floor, above Fairway market)

Class Price: $17 ($16.50 for union or professionals with ID)

10-class and 20-class cards are also available

**One can also sign up for the Steps E-Card, an online account to purchase classes and secure one’s spot in class!

Class: Pilates Mat Class

Instructor: Robin Powell

Class Description (from Steps website):

"Strengthening and stretching exercises with emphasis on alignment, based on the Classical approach. Benefits from this class: Strengthen the core which helps alleviate back pain, enhance, lengthen and tone the muscles. Improve flexibility, posture, and over all body awareness. ‘Leave class felling 2” taller!’"

**One can bring their own mat, but Steps also provides Pilates mats.

Pilates is said to be excellent cross training for ballet dancers. The class helps one develop the core strength necessary for ballet. For those like me who don’t always use their turnout muscles correctly, the exercises in Pilates classes will isolate and help you feel those muscles working.

The Pilates class I took with Robin Powell that day was an open level class. The thing about open classes in New York City is that dancers of all abilities can attend—from beginners to professionals. The general atmosphere of the classes is relaxed, as each person doesn’t waste time comparing themselves with others. Everyone is solely focused on improving this own technique and body.

The instructor was welcoming and took personal interest in her students. She took the time to ask for names and told students with injuries to take it easy during certain exercises. After every two or three exercises, the instructor would check in with the students for major discomforts and made sure we understood the correct muscle usage. Since I was a beginner, she asked me to watch others do the more advanced exercises before attempting them myself.

By the end of the class I felt my transverse abdominal muscles and turnout muscles burning. Lying on the mat relieved a lot of the pressure on the joints, which helped me personally to feel my muscles even more. I strongly recommend this class for beginners and professionals, as Robin Powell gives corrections readily and accordingly to each student based on their abilities.

Pilates Mat Class Schedule (with Robin Powell):

Mondays 12:00-1:00

Tuesdays 6:00-7:00

Fridays 6:30-7:30 (more Advanced)

Saturday 3:00-4:00

Sunday 11:00-12:00 (with Magic Circle)

**Be sure to double check https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=-308 for substitutions or time changes!