Pilates at Hammond Stadium brings Fort Myers community together

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Hammond Stadium traded baseball gloves for yoga mats Saturday morning as part of a new community event called "Pilates on the Field" hosted by Sole Moda in partnership with Fuego Pilates and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.

Dozens of people gathered to stretch, strengthen, and sweat during a Pilates class held on the baseball field. The event brought together fitness, local businesses and the Mighty Mussels in an effort to highlight the health and wellness industry in Southwest Florida.

"I was an FGCU alumnus, and this was my senior project," said Sophia McDonald, founder of Sole Moda. "And I love to get out in the community, do things with other local businesses to kind of highlight them and the health and wellness industry."

A local instructor led the class while a live DJ provided the soundtrack. WINK Sports Reporter Lauren Halpern participated in the workout alongside attendees.

"We're a small business, and there's a lot of chain fitness studios here in Southwest Florida," said Annika Peterson, instructor at Fuego Pilates. "But I feel like it's really important to support the local ones."

The workout was only part of the experience. Local businesses set up shop, turning the morning into a wellness market with baseball still to come.

"We preach that we are family affordable fun here at Hammond Stadium, so doing an event like this helps bring the community together," said Auggie Wiesbrock, group sales representative for the Mighty Mussels.

The $40 event included the Pilates class, access to the market and a ticket to the evening's game. McDonald said another event like this is planned for November.