Sixth Street Pilates has lost a handful of clients, but business remains steady. Terry Pierson / The Press-EnterpriseAs the economy continues its downward spiral, we’re still seeing stories with bright spots, like Health Businesses Hope to Stay Fit, which reports on the slowdown’s effect on fitness businesses in Riverside, CA. Kristy Goldstein owner of Sixth Street Pilates, says her business is holding steady. And Boom Times for Barter looks into the trend of swapping services to save money—Los Angeles Pilates instructor Erin Huggins trades Pilates services for housecleaning and bodywork as well as branding and image consulting worth about $30,000.

And we’re still seeing positive stories about new businesses starting up—Studio 500 Pilates in the Cincinnati area, a wellness center in Memphis, and a yoga/Pilates business in Billings, MO—and many Pilates studios are doing their part to give back to their communities even in this tougher market. Here are some great fundraisers we’ve come across lately:

•Pivotal Motion Pilates: Donate $40 to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and get a free private
•Fusion Fitness Studio: Free class with food bank donation
•Pilates Plus: Free class with charity donation
•Core Pilates & Yoga: Free class to benefit autism

And, just for fun, we thought this Pilates haiku might brighten your day.

Contort your body
While emptying mind of thoughts
Be hyper-present

Visit the blog Desultory Politics & Erratic Haiku for more.