STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATE DALY

Hiking, biking, fishing and golfing fill up the summer days for many here in the Wood River Valley. But this month there’s a new outdoor activity to add to the mix--free Pop-Up Pilates.

The classes are hosted by Sun Valley Resort in partnership with the Spa, Brass Ranch, Sun Valley Signatures, Pete Lane’s and Fit Me SV Pilates Studio. And you’ll find them being held at 10 a.m. Sundays through August in Sun Valley Village.

Dozens of participants--mostly women--are spreading out their mats on the summer lawn behind Brass Ranch in Sun Valley Village, to strengthen their cores and flexibility.

Sponsors give away raffle prizes each week to the growing number of participants.

Ketchum local and certified Pilates and Lagree instructor, Kat Caminiti, leads the classes.  Last year, she opened Fit Me SV Pilates Studio in Ketchum to teach all levels.

She brings that same professional approach to these free classes, notes Jenn, a Pilates instructor who enjoys Kat’s “welcoming composure…fun music, easy to follow directions, and efficient timing.”

Sally, another class attendee who has tried Pilates a few times before, found the first class on Aug. 3 a “challenging, great intro to Pilates.”

Susan has also been going to the free yoga classes, which have been attracting 75 attendees or more at 9 a.m. on Saturdays at River Run. And she likes changing up her routine with Pilates.

As temperatures warm, some Pilates participants have moved into the shade.

“Kat’s second pop-up workout was equally as good as the first, with variety in the specific exercises yet still focusing on core muscle groups,” she says.

Susan compliments Kat’s “excellent ‘cuing’ for all levels, including modifications,” and appreciates how “the outdoor setting encourages a sense of community among participants.”

Anna Nielsen agrees, saying, “I went to the first SV Pop Up Pilates class for a mother-daughter Sunday, and not only enjoyed time with my mom, but saw so many friends. It was a lovely way to spend my Sunday morning.”

“I am looking forward to the classes every Sunday in August and wish we had them all summer long,” she adds.

The pavers and lawn in Sun Valley Village have been turned into an outside gym this summer.

More than a hundred followers are tracking the classes on Instagram where photos and information are posted such as “pro tip: It gets hot – wear shorts and a sports bra or tank!”

One follower commented, “Such a fun event!”

 Another wrote, “full house.”

The lawn can get pretty crowded and, as the sun beats down, even those slathered in sunscreen have been moving their mats into shadier parts of the lawn to find cooler spots to stretch out. Organizers encouraged attendees to leave dogs at home.

Each week different sponsors are involved.  The first week the Spa at Sun Valley Resort offered free mimosas and 10 percent off in the retail store after the class. The store also raffled off items with its co-sponsor, Lululemon.

The second week Brass Ranch and Goldbergh skiwear sponsored the class.

This Sunday’s sponsor, Sun Valley Signatures, will be giving away items. After the last class on August 24, Pete Lane’s and Prana will serve up “sips” and a chance to win a Prana outfit.

Lauren Bourgeau, Events & Community Partnership Manager at Sun Valley Resort, is pleased this Pilates series “has been very well received.” She says it’s too soon to tell, however, whether the classes will be back next summer.

So, better jump in while you have the chance!