Shifting Into High Gear

Pilates helps young cyclists in Tucson get more joy out of their ride.

- Anne Marie O’Connor

When the teenagers in El Grupo, a nonprofit organization in Tucson that introduces young people to cycling, enrolled in classes at Fletcher Pilates, they got a lot more than increased strength and flexibility to help them power through grueling training rides and competitions.

El Grupo was founded more than 10 years ago by Daniela Diamente and her husband Ignacio. Participants, who come from every socioeconomic group, typically sign up as eighth graders, she explains. “We have kids who are learning to ride, kids who are nationally ranked—and everything in between. They practice five days a week, riding over 50 hours a month.” In addition to teaching cycling skills, “we founded El Grupo to help young people find a positive physical, social and emotional outlet,” says Diamente, who works with upwards of 1,200 young people between the ages of seven and 22 every year.