A New Way To Celebrate Mother's Day

Jen McDonough lay on her back on a blue mat, raised her shoulders off the mat and brought her knees to her chest for a stretch. She straightened her legs at a 45 degree angle from the floor, placed her arms parallel to the floor and pulsed her arms in a move called “The Hundred,” targeted at her core:  her lower back, abdominals and pelvis.

McDonough, of Woburn, is a certified instructor of Pilates, a series of controlled movements that engage the mind and body and focus on the core.

With Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, McDonough, a mother herself, will lead a special program for mothers and their daughters, sons, sisters, friends—and even mothers—under the “Be Well Woburn” banner.

On May 10, the Tuesday after the holiday, she’ll lead a class on “Pilates with your Mom.”

No experience is necessary. 

“Everybody can do Pilates,” according to Meghan Patrissi, who organized the program as another “Be Well Woburn” event offered to the community to promote community wellness through activities and classes.  The Be Well group organized a for youths age 5 through 12 on April 10 and a series of healthy eating classes as well.

“Mother’s Day is a good time to do something with your mom that’s healthy,” said Patrissi,  wellness coordinator at .

 A stronger core equals more fluid motion, explained McDonough, who is a personal trainer and also teacher group exercise classes, such as indoor cycling, kickboxing and TRX suspension training at the . She incorporates Pilates moves into other classes, she said.

“Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs,” according to the Pilates program brochure. “It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.”

“It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement (and) improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.”

Mothers of elementary school students have asked if they could bring their daughters to the class, according to Patrissi. The answer: yes. Participants must be at least five-years-old.

The program will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at . If registration exceeds the space at Spence Farm, the class would move to a larger venue, Patrissi said.

The cost:  $10 per two-person Mom-and-me group, $5 per additional person.

Healthy snacks and refreshments will be offered after the class.

Wear comfortable clothes and socks. All equipment is provided or you can bring your own mat.

Register at the , either online or in person or by mail. FOr more information, call Rory Lindstrom at 781-897-5805.