Spring is here, and many people are looking for new ways to keep healthy and stay in shape. For some people, a way to do this may mean signing up for a Pilates class at Fairway Physical Therapy in Manlius with instructor Connie Palleria.

“Pilates is basically a form of exercise that focuses on core strength,” said Palleria. “It helps strengthen, lengthen and tone the whole body but with an emphasis on the core … It can help people find their full physical and health potential.”

In the village of Manlius, there are not any other Pilates offerings. Palleria said this is the reason she was interested in starting a course and believes many people in the area would be interested and could benefit from her class.

Pilates is a form of exercise that uses mats as well as other apparatuses to get a full body workout with a wide range of movements.

Palleria has been certified as a mat Pilates trainer for the past four years and is also a certified personal trainer through International Academy of Sports Medicine.

“I was working out with a personal trainer who was interested in it [Pilates],” Palleria said. “She had me try it and I fell in love. It seemed very natural and really worked me out.”

Palleria points out that Pilates is a great class for rehabilitation from injuries because it helps align your body properly.

“I would tell anyone interested to try it,” Palleria said. “With the movements, you only have to go as far as you are comfortable. The class can be a difficult as you want it to be.”

Currently, Palleria offers hour-long mat Pilates classes for all ages and skill levels at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Fairway Physical Therapy at 240 W. Seneca St. in Manlius. She is also available for private reformer sessions after her regular class.

If you are interested in signing up for a class, or would like more details, contact Palleria at 436-2804 or email [email protected].

Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].