Pilates Zone opens in Menlo Park Pilates Zone opens in Menlo Park (August 06, 2003)

Tina and Kylie Cook of Mountain View, owners of the Pilates Zone in Menlo Park, will hold a grand opening party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 9, at their 1800 El Camino Real location.

Pilates Zone will offer classes, small group and private lessons in a 1,656-square-foot studio, across the street from the Menlo College football field.

Pilates is a system of low-impact body conditioning, using specifically designed apparatus. The method is based on the idea that the torso is the center of most body movements. Its goal is improving skeletal alignment and developing balanced, coordinated movement.

The method was originated 70 years ago by Joseph Pilates, whose New York City studio became a favorite with such well-known dancers as Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Ted Shawn.

Tina Cook is the head instructor and manager of the Pilates Zone. She has both bachelor's and master's degrees from San Jose State University and trained at the Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. As a competitive tri-athelete, she first became interested in Pilates through her husband, whose background is performance coaching and fitness training.

Kylie Cook grew up in Menlo Park, graduating from Menlo School in 1990. Beginning in the eighth grade, he attended the Reikes Center in Menlo Park, which offers programs in athletic fitness, creative arts and nature studies. He worked at Reikes Center for three years after graduating from Northwestern University. He also holds a master's in sports science.

Pilates Zone will offer three or four classes a day, as well as private lessons six days a week. For more information, call the Pilates Zone at 325-ZONE (9663).