Pilates at Play Combines Fun with Exercise

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By Lindsey Surrell

hirschIn a sunlit room of an old car dealership, colorful artwork, knickknacks, and houseplants line the peach and aqua splatter painted walls. From the wood ceiling hang three swings that seem to be transplanted from the local park, and on one, Trisha Hatfield Graves, owner and teacher of Pilates at Play, sits and swings and welcomes you to the class.

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Trisha Hatfield Graves incorporates fun into her classes.

Like a kid herself, Trisha is full of energy and laughter and makes you feel like you had met once before even if it’s your first visit. The room smells lightly of lavender, and with the sun hitting my face, and Trisha messing with my hair, I feel instantly welcomed.

There are some people who might enjoy the fast, hard, and extreme when seeking a workout routine, and then there are others who, as Trisha puts it, “want more connection.” I am definitely in the later group. But what really struck me about my visits to Pilates at Play was not only the connection; it was also how enjoyable and fun the classes were. Each of my four classes were completely different, despite them all being under the category of “Mat Classes.” In one class, I am twisted on aerial ribbons to elongate my stretches, and another teeter tottering on foam rollers to work on balance. While listening to a playlist that could easily be transferred to an enjoyable Sunday at home, at another class we adjusted our alignment with the arm and leg coil springs attached to the wall, a piece of equipment similar to what Joseph Pilates used.

As Trisha explains to me, Joseph Pilates designed movements to improve core muscles. Being sick as a child provided him with a lot of time observing other people and animals and recognizing that all movement comes from the core. With his observations, he developed an innovative technique to help recovering soldiers using pullies and coil springs. He immigrated to America, opened a studio, and continued to develop the machines, movements, and practices that are still used and taught today.

Trisha channels Pilates’ creativity into her classes and adds in her own warmth and fun. With short platinum blonde hair, and her workout attire including jewelry and ankle boots with two-inch heels, she does not look like your normal instructor, or 60-years-old. She credits her success to genuinely liking people.

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Trisha and Heather Christopher demonstrate a Pilates pull-up. (Photo credit: Trisha Hatfield Graves)

Trisha began her Pilates journey in 1993 after having a dream about Madonna doing Pilates. She commuted to the only Pilates school in the area, in Seattle, for three years to complete her training. Fully certified instructors are required to have two years of training, 1,000 apprenticeship hours, and one year of prerequisites prior to being accepted into a program. Also a writer and award winner, Trisha uses fun, touch, creativity, and spirituality to comfort, lift spirits, and welcome guests to the studio.

Opened in 2001 on State Street in Olympia, the name Pilates at Play comes from Trisha’s philosophy about the value of levity in exercise. The two main types of Pilates classes offered are Mat classes and Reformer classes. It is a common misconception that the Reformer classes (which are offered as either private sessions or four to five person group sessions) are for advanced students; however, beginners are encouraged to try both types of classes as they can be adjusted to your level.

Trisha and one of Trisha’s long-time students, Heather, both teach Pilates. In addition, the studio is a cooperative of contractors who have creative liberty to develop classes of their choosing, thus the studio and classes redefine continually. Other classes offered at the studio currently include: Barre Pilates, Aerial Pilates, Swing-a-Lates (which applies the principles of Pilates while on a swing), pole dancing, chair dancing, and Buti Yoga (a fusing of yoga, tribal dance, and plyometrics).

And these classes are not only for women. Men and women of all sizes, ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join classes. “Any lack of flexibility should be a motivating call to Pilates rather than a deterrent,” Trisha says.

During our talk, Trisha was kind enough to show me a few moves called the Reformer Jumpboard, which is basically like jumping on a trampoline while laying down. She instructs me to jump on one leg and then the other and challenges me by adding more resistance. Trisha says in all her classes she encourages the group not to take life so seriously. Maybe it’s the endorphins, maybe it’s Trisha’s great analogies she uses to explain instructions, or maybe it’s just because I feel like a kid jumping on a trampoline, but even with the extra challenge, I’m having a hard time staying serious.

Pilates at Play is located at 515 State Ave NE. Individual classes or packages are available for purchase with a discount for military. Online scheduling system is on its way, but in the meantime, call (360-352-3444) or stop by to schedule. The class schedule is available on their website.

 

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