As summer schedules fill up and temperatures rise, you may be looking for a way to refresh your mind and body. Pilates, a type of workout that focuses on improving well-being, can be a breath of fresh air if you’re looking to add something new to your exercise routine.
Pilates uses breathwork and movement with intention to strengthen the body, instructor Michele Casey said. It aims to increase core strength and flexibility.
Casey is the co-owner of the Salt Barre, a studio in Pittston that offers yoga, Pilates and barre classes. Casey said the studio aims to create a safe space and community for its students and focuses on women empowerment.
“It really adds another level when the instructors know every student in the room,” Casey said. “We created somewhere where everyone could join. It’s not intimidating. It’s all shapes, sizes and nationalities that come together.”
Participants stretch after a group Pilates session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
Participants exercise on reformer machines during a group session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Pilates has grown in popularity across northeastern Pennsylvania in recent years. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
Participants stretch after a group Pilates session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
A participant is reflected in a sign during a group Pilates session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
Participants exercise on reformer machines during a group session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Pilates has grown in popularity across northeastern Pennsylvania in recent years. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
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Participants stretch after a group Pilates session at Scranton Pilates in Scranton, Pa., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (Isaac Diaz/Staff Photo)
Casey said she believes Pilates has become popular because of how it makes people feel, noting that her students leave stronger and calmer and that the classes help their central nervous systems.
Along with supplying stress relief, Pilates provides other health benefits such as improving mobility, balance and posture and acts as a full-body workout. Because Pilates can be physically straining, Casey said it’s vital for those who are looking to start to choose studios that are authentic and that have trained, certified teachers.
Although some may think Pilates looks easy, Casey said that’s a misconception.
“Some of the funniest stories we have are when one of the girls brings in their significant others, some of whom have been professional athletes, and they leave after an hour class looking like they got hit by a truck,” Casey said.
Emily Heller, owner of Interlude Wellness in Hazle Twp., said because of the complex movements in advanced classes, safety is a top priority. Pilates is not just about burning calories or moving faster and pushing yourself, but, instead, focusing on your breath and core and doing the movements correctly.
Interlude Wellness originally opened its doors almost nine years ago, focusing on massage therapy and skincare treatments, but started getting into the fitness scene in the beginning of this year.
At Interlude Wellness, yoga classes and Pilates fusion are offered. There are different categories, from heated Pilates to strength Pilates that requires weights to the standard mat Pilates.
Because of how varied Pilates is, Heller said it leaves room for modification, which the instructors at Interlude Wellness are well-versed in.
“Oftentimes with Pilates, the classes are time based, so it’s not like you need to do ‘X’ amounts of something to move on,” Heller said. “You’re moving at your own pace and focusing on your own body. There’s plenty of support available.”
Heller said Interlude Wellness encourages togetherness and loves the energy that people bring to her studio.
“People aren’t just coming in for the workout,” Heller said. “They’re coming in for the accountability, the connection and the chance to do something positive for themselves.”
At Scranton Pilates, Ayla Palfrey, owner and founder, said she also sees the exercise as a great way to build community and greets all of her students by name as they walk in. Established in 2022, the studio offers a certification program for aspiring Pilates instructors and specializes in reformer Pilates, which uses exercise machines with straps and pulleys.
“Pilates is a resistance-based training,” Palfrey said. “It works the core, muscles and spine, while incorporating breath, coordination and balance. It kind of crosses over into what you do in your everyday life to have a better quality of life.”
Because of Pilates’ low impact, Palfrey’s pupils consist of an array of people. Her youngest student is 8 years old while her oldest is 80 years old, and Palfrey aims to make her studio feel welcoming, calm and open for all.
During each session, Palfrey walks among her students, stating clear directions and demonstrating when necessary, making sure to instruct them on the correct breathwork as music plays in the background.
When necessary, Palfrey gently corrects her students to ensure everyone is practicing safely and comfortably.
“Our mission is to make Pilates accessible to as many people as possible,” Palfrey said. “Seeing people get stronger and find a method that actually works for them from all different walks of life is the most rewarding thing of all.”