Grand Dame Makes Appearance at Suncoast Pilates

It’s not often someone is fortunate enough to be in the presence of royalty.

But recently, at on U.S. 19, a select group of instructors and clients got the chance to learn from one of the only living disciples of Joe Pilates, the man who invented the physical fitness regimen that is practiced by millions of people worldwide. 

Lolita San Miguel, a 77-year-old Palm Beach Gardens resident who rarely makes official appearances outside of her three main mentoring locations, began a special weeklong stint at Suncoast last Friday, at the request of one of her disciples, studio owner Pat Welter.

“This is the greatest honor I could have,” Welter said.

“I spent two years in Lolita’s Master Mentor Program. I graduated last May … and I feel honored that she has come here to my studio to impart her knowledge of Pilates,” Welter said. 

“Pat is very special,” San Miguel responded. “She asked me to come, and I said yes.” 

San Miguel has been practicing, teaching and spreading the word of Pilates for more than 50 years.

She first took up the exercise routine, which uses springs and resistance to improve strength, flexibility and posture, after suffering an injury while performing with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1958.

Seven years later, she began training under Pilates himself, a native German who developed his methods while interred on the Isle of Man during World War I. 

Today, San Miguel is one of only four living direct disciples of Pilates, and the only one still teaching the master's methods.

“I’m the baby,” she said in regard to the others, who are in their 90s. 

The importance of her visit to Suncoast, where she is mentoring instructors from all over the country as well as teaching current studio members, is not lost on those who attended her workshop Friday. 

“This is as high as it gets anymore,” Sonja Ellis Eiland, a Tarpon Springs resident who has been practicing Pilates for five years, said of San Miguel’s visit. “I’m very honored to be part of it.” 

“I came here for the opportunity to learn from Lolita,” said Beth Butterworth, a Pilates instructor from Philadelphia who flew in just for the program. “She’s very special, and it’s an honor to learn from her.” 

San Miguel, who still practices Pilates seven days a week, will be conducting her Master Mentor Program for instructors from all over the world this week at Suncoast.

Even at age 77, she doesn’t show any signs of giving up doing what she loves to do. 

“Pilates is special because there are no limitations due to sex or age," she said. "It becomes a lifestyle. It’s absolutely keeping me young.”