BRAWLEY— Elevate Pilates hosted its ribbon-cutting ceremony at Friday evening, Aug. 15, bringing a popular form of exercise and body conditioning to Brawley.
During the grand opening, instructor Sheri Trejo welcomed community members to her studio, which is located inside the Walk-Off Sports Facility on 515 Main St. Black mats and gray Pilates equipment were laid out on the floor while branded candles, drink holders, and Magna electrolyte packs adorned a welcome table.
Trejo explained that she views Pilates as both a mental and physical challenge, which strengthens students’ minds and muscles. Pilates instructor Jamie Godinez said that when Trejo opened her studio six weeks ago, Godinez started attending the class five days a week. Godinez went to the class for four weeks in a row.
“I really loved her style of coaching,” Godinez said. Godinez said Trejo made the students feel important, which was encouraging to her. When Trejo asked Godinez if she would be interested in becoming an instructor, she decided to give it a try.
Godinez added that her background as a high school volleyball coach meant that exercising was already a part of her daily routine, which gave her a smooth transition to Pilates.
Godinez noted the studio provides a group setting for classes but said students can book a personal session as well for one-on-one instruction. She said that a full class is typically around 18 students.
Godinez encouraged community members to sign up for a Pilates session, emphasizing the inclusivity of the class and its exercises.
“Physically, Pilates is for anyone at any fitness level,” Godinez said. “We focus on flexibility and mobility, and we cater to your needs. We do modifications for any exercises that are difficult for people. Anyone can do it. At the end of the session, we relax and focus on being present in the moment and the importance of self-care.”
City councilmember JJ Galvan wished Trejo and her team at Elevate Pilates the best, saying he hopes the studio is in Brawley for a long time to come. “It looks like you’re off to a good start,” Galvan told Trejo as he congratulated her on the ribbon cutting.
According to the studio’s Instagram page, Trejo will instruct Pilates classes at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and at noon on Fridays beginning the week of Aug. 18. For more information about this new Pilates studio, visit @elevate_with_sheri on Instagram.