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Many of those who take Pilates classes with Joanne Renzi have been doing so for quite some time. Their dedication and love for her classes resulted in them voting her studio, Fitness Works, 714 Reed St., as the best place to take a Pilates class.
After having three children, she joined a gym. When an instructor was going to get fired if she couldn’t find a substitute, she begged Renzi to cover her class. The rest was history. Renzi obtained certifications and experience. Then, in 1996, she founded Fitness Works, now a four-level facility consisting of multiple workout rooms, a pool, a Latin dance company, and CrossFIT that her son Joseph Renzi runs at 1414 S. Darien St.
About eight years ago she gained interest in Pilates, a set of exercises that tones and strengthens muscles and improves flexibility and posture.
“You very rarely saw Pilates in a gym [at the time] because it was mostly used for dancers,” Renzi said.
She specializes in reformer Pilates, which utilizes the piece of equipment for which it is named. Fitness Works has six reformers and offers six weekly Pilates classes with varying difficulties.
“It’s a great way to exercise for anyone who’s injured, anyone who needs more flexibility, anyone who has problems with core strength,” Renzi said. “Everything comes from the core, and that’s the basis for Pilates.”
Renzi is immensely proud of her program, and her students’ commitment proves its success.
“They impress me,” she said. “I’ve had the same women in my advanced class for well over five years now, and every Tuesday at six o’clock, they are always here.”
DanceAdelphia toned in second and Christian Street YMCA stretched in third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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