Pilates or yoga or both – give the gift of fitness this holiday season

What with the pandemic, social distancing, finding yet another reason to have some wine, getting or staying fit in 2020 wasn’t the easiest thing to do. There was always another cat video on the web to watch. Make 2021 a better year, shape-wise. There are two local gurus who can help you do that, both from the privacy of your own home.

Canvas Pilates (canvaspilates.com)

Marcia Rosales offers Pilates instruction to individuals as well as groups in virtual classes using Zoom. She also can give private instruction on Pilates equipment in her studio. Some of the benefits of regular Pilates practice include increased strength and flexibility, better posture, improved balance and coordination, improved movement, relief of back or joint pain and decreased stress, Rosales says.

She is currently offering intermediate Pilates classes using yoga mats and light weights as well as Magic Circle Pilates mat that uses the Magic Circle to add resistance and target specific muscles. She offers a complimentary 20-minute consultation and has specialty training in pre- and post-natal Pilates. Rosales offers gift cards for those on your special list. She also has a limited quantity of Magic Circles for purchase.

Madrona Yoga (madronayoga.com)

Desiree Kleemann’s studio at the foot of Goodman Hill Road may be closed but you can still stay in shape through virtual classes. The classes are suitable for students at all levels of experience, from the beginner to the long-time student – as teachers offer suggestions for modifications for pretty much all classes.

Classes typically start slowly, with stretches to open the body and release tension in neck, shoulders, back, hips – really all over the body. Three teachers – Desiree, Kathleen McInnes, and Ivy Fijal – lead classes that open up your body and calm your mind during what can be stressful times. Students are loving their yoga practices, and instructors are able to give remarkably good attention to students’ needs in the online setting.

The studio also sells round yoga mats which are very popular with students (mandalayyogamat.com).