Yoga and Pilates have gained popularity in the past few years, but Ames has offered the classes since the 1980s.

Nancy Shaw, public wellness supervisor for Ames Parks and Recreation, said the two classes have been taught in Ames for about 15 years.

Shaw and a staff of instructors teach the classes that have been attracting participants for years.

“We have probably 80 to 100 yoga participants, and in Pilates we have about the same,” Shaw said. “Our instructors are well-trained, and continually stay educated.”

Yoga, which is thousands of years old, and Pilates, which was created during the 1920s, have become part of popular culture in recent years.

“They bring about a whole mind and body connection that people don’t get in regular fitness classes,” Shaw said.

She said yoga is the more traditional of the two and has a religious base.

“I take it for the relaxation and being able to use that in stressful situations,” said Christy Varnum, an Ames resident who has participated in yoga for more than two years.

She said she also takes it to keep her body straight and flexible and to bring her calmness.

“It helps you find a calm place in your mind where you need it,” Varnum said.

Each session runs for nine weeks, with hour-long classes offered several times throughout the week.

Participants pay per session and can attend as often as they want each week.

“It’s based on what they want to do,” Shaw said. “There are no monthly dues and no commitment. We do what we can to provide top-notch wellness classes — it’s just a nice service to the public.”

Though both yoga and Pilates classes are offered on campus, Shaw said some ISU students attend the Ames Parks and Recreation classes anyway.

The Ames Parks and Recreation wellness facilities offer more than 20 fitness classes, including tae kwon do and belly dancing, in addition to personal training options and other classes aimed at keeping Ames residents healthy.

A new session of yoga classes will begin Oct. 25.

Information about the wellness programs offered can be found in the 2004-2005 Ames Parks and Recreation Facilities and Program Guide.