Pilates instructor got idea to take workout to the water on a paddle board

Stand up paddle-boarding is a popular sport, and pilates has a loyal following. However, what if you combined the two? You would definitely get a tough workout!

A local instructor got the idea to combine pilates and stand up paddle boarding, and now you can try the new workout for yourself at St. Pete Beach.

Near the water at the Postcard Inn, you will find paddle boards and people like Claudia Klenke getting out on the Gulf.

"This is, for me, meditation on the water -- just letting go of the everyday stresses," Klenke said.

The fitness fanatic lets go of her stress with the help of instructor Karen Mirlenbrink.

"We do things like planks, roll ups, roll downs, side planking, leaning back," Mirlenbrink said.

Mirlenbrink, who used to be a synchronized swimmer, teaches pilates full time. However, she also enjoys paddling.

"When you look at a paddle board, it looks like a floating yoga mat," Mirlenbrink. "I figured there's a total way we can do pilates here and get a great workout!"

When you see some of the moves Mirlenbrink does, you can see how intense the workout is.

"Pilates is asking a lot from your core, and we're asking a lot from your core in terms of balance on the board," Mirlenbrink said.

Students like Klenke appreciate the challenging class, but they also like doing something that does not destroy their knees.

"With pilates or standup paddle boarding, I'm pain free," Klenke said.

Karen teaches anyone that is willing to take on this awesome new challenge.

"There are some people that are very experienced on the board and not experienced at all, so anybody can do it," Mirlenbrink said.

For more information on Mirlenbrink's studio in Dunedin or how to take a class in St. Pete Beach, go to: dunedinpilates.com or www.postcardinn.com