Pilates Performers demonstrate the benefits of exercise as population ages

The Enumclaw Senior Center’s “Platinum Pilates Performers,” led by instructor Stephanie Sackett-Converse, participated in a pilates demonstration to city employees during the city’s February lunchtime wellness program.

Sackett-Converse explained the principles and benefits of pilates and the importance of exercise, and attention to fitness and well being, at every age. Each participant gave a brief testimony on how they have benefited from the pilates program.

Sackett-Converse has a passion for working with seniors and elementary-age school children, and is a longtime Junior Achievement volunteer. She is a member of the city of Enumclaw’s Human Services Advisory Board.

The “Platinum Performers” range in age from 60 to 80 years and have been doing pilates together since April 2007. They started in the senior center with two to three students and have grown to a core group of six to eight, with additional drop-ins.

Originally referred to as the “Peak Pilates Performers,” they came up with the name after a number of them climbed Mount Peak together in the spring of 2007. The recent name change came as a result of discussion over the “platinum shimmer and glimmer” of many of the hair styles in group pictures. The coed collection is an example of what being active and healthy can achieve for lifetime wellness.

Classes take place from 8 to 9 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Enumclaw Expo Center fieldhouse, formerly Pete’s Pool. An introductory class is free, and classes can be paid as a single visit or in a series for a group discount.

Instructor and writer Stephanie Sackett-Converse has an associates degree in social and human services. She is certified in pilates and personal training and is also a lifestyle fitness coach.

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