 "Photo: Aaron Saunders/Echo staff photographer")
In pop culture you see wonderful bodies and fantastic physiques in tabloids, on magazine covers, and in music videos.
Many of the most famous stars from Jennifer Aniston to Haley Berry, participate in the 20th-century version of physical fitness.
N.C. Central has followed the lead of Hollywood and offers Pilates classes Monday, 7:15 p.m. and Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
The classes are led by political science and Spanish senior Charellitta Lewis.
"I grew up taking Pilates classes three times a week.
I am in the process of getting certified now, and I have been instructing since August 1," said Lewis.
Pilates, which was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early 20th century, teaches students to use the mind to control the muscles.
Pilates was originally developed for rehabilitation and injury prevention for dancers.
"A lot of dancers rely on Pilates to keep them in shape because it works on the core, power house, basically everything that needs to be strong," said Lewis.
The discipline has become the new big thing in the United States.
As of 2005, more than 11 million people were practicing Pilates with 14,000 instructors in the United States.
"I think Pilates is better than lifting weights.
"It creates long, lean muscles, which is better for women so they don't look bulky like men," said English senior Jacqueline Smith.
Pilates is good for people of all sizes because it uses light weights and stretches that enable people to become more flexible.
"I like Pilates because it's relaxing but challenging; sometimes you want to quit but you just keep working through it."
The classes are open to students through their Walker Complex fees, to all NCCU staff and to individuals in the community who purchase a membership.
"I know we have the class but I have never been," said mass communication senior Ebone Pruitt.
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