International Pilates Day falls on May 4 this year, and Pure Pilates of Downtown Pensacola and Gulf Breeze will celebrate by offering free 30-minute classes, private sessions and duets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in exchange for a donation to the Pensacola Humane Society. The PHS adoption van will also be present during class hours.

The Pilates Day event is open to the public. Classes in Pilates Equipment, Pilates Mat, MOTR, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis and Yogalates will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with preregistration opening on April 29. During the event, Pure Pilates will also offer special discounts on fitness packages and apparel.

A program of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Pilates Day is an annual community celebration designed to foster the public's appreciation and awareness of the Pilates Method through a network of “varied, innovative and high-quality grassroots Pilates events (that are) accessible and affordable for all.” Pilates Day events are produced and hosted by PMA members.

Among those members is Pure Pilates, which is locally owned and operated by Pensacola native Susan Clark, a PMA-certified Pilates teacher and Balanced Body master educator. “Pure Pilates is a premier Pilates studio and the largest studio in Northwest Florida that offers the Gyrotonic method,” Clark says.

Cost: Classes free with monetary or material donation to Pensacola Humane Society (see PensacolaHumane.org/wishlist). Locations: 426 South Palafox, Pensacola, FL. For event information, contact Pure Pilates at 850-607-2772 or [email protected] or visit PurePilatesPensacola.com.