BETHEL — A new Pilates class will be offered on Monday mornings from 8:15 a.m to 9:15 a.m. at the Community Annex, located in the Methodist Church at 79 Main St. Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates emphasizes core strength.

The instructor for this new class is Lauren Wallin. Lauren grew up in Central Pennsylvania. She has lived in various places within the United States, as well as in both Italy and Spain. She has always had a love of nature and the outdoors. Lauren studied at George Washington University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geoscience. After graduation, she was a ski instructor at several mountains throughout the U.S., where she developed her love for teaching movement.

As a lifelong runner and skier, Lauren struggled with foot and ankle issues. She originally discovered Pilates in 2012, in the hope of learning to stabilize the body properly and avoid more injuries. After developing these skills, Lauren realized how much day-to-day life was improving through proper movement, stability, and strength. She became a certified instructor through the United States Pilates Association in December of 2017 and has spent 600-plus hours of training under Sheila Mello, Teacher of Teachers for the U.S.P.A., and Brett Howard, Director of Education for the U.S.P.A.

After earning her certification, Lauren taught as an instructor at both Pilates Rhode Island, in Providence, R.I., and Pilates Stance, in North Kingstown, R.I. She has worked with clients of all ages, teaching both individuals and groups in mat and apparatus classes. She continues to pursue her Pilates training, taking courses in specialized Pilates topics.

Outside of Pilates, Lauren’s favorite pastimes are skiing, hiking, creating new recipes and nutritious meals, training her Shetland Sheepdog, ZaZa, and spending time with friends and family. Lauren has a great love for music and is a trained musician in viola and violin.

Folks looking for more information about this new Pilates class can contact Lauren at [email protected]