Written by Sascha Agenor
Luisa Echeverry brings the Pilates of Weston to MAST@FIU!
While we are all locked up in our homes, it can be challenging to find ways to stay active. Going to the gym is almost impossible, going outside for a walk isn’t one-hundred percent safe, and finding motivation to do simple workouts at home is like pulling teeth. For those of you who have the willpower and are able to work out at home consistently, the rest of us are jealous of you.
For students, this task can be even harder. Being at school forces you to constantly be active, whether it’s running, walking, or doing actual physical activity in a PE class. In an environment where this is limited, it takes a little encouragement and inspiration. Thanks to Luisa Echeverry, this has been possible.
On Wednesday, April 15, Luisa brought Pilates of Weston to MAST@FIU. The class was 30 minutes long and held over Zoom, where both faculty and students participated in a difficult but rewarding class. Legs, arms, torso, and back muscles were stretched and exercised. Though it made most of us realize that we are completely out of shape, it also allowed to us to recognize the value of staying active during quarantine, whether that means working out for 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or two hours.
This class was one of the many efforts MAST@FIU is making to reach out to students and connect with them during this period of online learning and isolation. Pilates of Weston, and more classes similar to it, are on the way and ready to inspire students to take care of their mental and physical health. Remember, we are all in this together, and Christine Rowan, our MAST@FIU Activities Director who attended the class said it best: “More than ever, everyone must be be conscientious about exercising and stretching our bodies on a daily basis. Our brains are on overload, our eyes are being strained to their limits, and we are spending most of our time sitting or laying down working. I actually miss the stairs at MAST@FIU! Pilates of Weston was a great way to gather and stretch our bodies and I especially enjoyed seeing some smiling student faces. I miss you guys and a special ‘thanks’ to the teachers that always lead by example!”