Pilates gained immense popularity in recent years, with TikTok playing a significant role in encouraging individuals to try a Pilates class. California Baptist University was no exception to this trend and the CBU Recreation Center offered Pilates classes to students, providing a fun and creative way to exercise.
At the start of this semester, the Rec Center offered one Pilates class in the mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Depending on the day, classes began at 7, 7:30, or 10 a.m. Students began lining up around the corner of the room to enter the class. A room that would typically accommodate around 20 students working out turned into one with 30 or more, with some students grabbing additional mats and opting to do the movements without weights because there were none left.
The popularity of these classes was evident from the beginning. With such an upbeat and supportive environment, students continued to come back, eager for another workout. Mia Sirbuly, sophomore social work major, discovered the classes the Rec Center offered and had been attending the Pilates classes with her friends ever since.
“What keeps me going back is the positive and encouraging community that it brings. I love my instructor and all the people who come in with smiles, ready to work out together. I also love the upbeat music and the workouts are a great way to start your morning,” Sirbuly said.
Since the rise in popularity of these classes, the Rec Center has added morning and evening classes, as well as three other instructors. Now there is even a class offered on Saturdays, giving students the opportunity to do Pilates on the weekend.
Alyssa Johnson, sophomore biomedical science major, was one of the four instructors and found joy in teaching pilates at CBU.
“The community [Pilates] brings so many different girls and guys together to just work out as one and I feel like it’s kind of like a space where nobody really judges,” Johnson said.
According to the National Pilates Certification Program, Joseph Hubertus Pilates created the concept of Pilates during World War I. The form of exercise was made to help injured soldiers recover, later influencing his invention of the Universal Reformer. Today, Pilates is a worldwide practice that promotes strength, flexibility, posture and more.
The culture around Pilates kept people coming back for more classes. Olivia Orozco, sophomore diagnostic medical sonography major, expressed that the welcoming atmosphere kept her coming back each week.
“I keep coming back to Pilates because the environment is very welcoming to all and the instructors make it a fun and positive environment every class,” Orozco said.
As Pilates gained more popularity, it became clear that the movement was more than just a workout; it was a community. What started as a single morning class evolved into a vibrant part of campus life. At CBU, the Rec Center Pilates classes created a space for students to get active and find a sense of belonging.
