Pilates Goes Pink

When breast cancer touched their lives, these teachers took a stand, finding a variety of ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

- Anne Marie O’Connor

LINDA WIRTZ, senior instructor at Bull Dawg Training & Physical Therapy in Arlington, VA.

WHAT SHE’S DOING: Every October I teach two donation-based classes, with all money going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I tried offering a mat class, but people want to get on the Reformers! I advertise to all of my regular clients, as well as to the community. I encourage everyone to wear pink, provide swag bags for all participants and have snacks available after class. The support each year is wonderful.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HER TO TAKE

ACTION: I do these classes each year in memory of a dear friend I lost to breast cancer a few years ago. She was also my motivation to take the Pink Ribbon Program training, as I felt helpless when she received her first diagnosis.

JESSICA NEWSHEL, owner of Pilates Girl in Westport, CT

WHAT SHE’S DOING: For the last four years, I've picked a breast cancer charity and donated 10 percent of all packages purchased during the month to that organization; in the past, I’ve donated to Bright Pink and the Basser Center for BRCA.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HER TO TAKE