At Rivercity Pilates we’re passionate about Pilates and the wonderful effects it can have on your PRLogo_colorbody and your life!  We’ve seen how transforming Pilates can be for cancer survivors who are trying to move on with their life and regain a little bit of normal again.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll be giving away a Pink Ribbon Starter Package to one lucky person.  To nominate a cancer survivor you think would benefit from Pilates, just send us an email at rcpilates1@gmail.com.  Tell us about your nominee and why you think they deserve to win the Pink Ribbon Starter Package.

Cancer survivors feel free to nominate yourself!!

All nomininations must be in by October 31st.  The winner will be announced on November 1st!

Some of the wonderful benefits of Pilates for cancer survivors:

  • Helps regain strength and mobility in joints and muscles

  • Enhances energy levels

  • Improves self confidence and control

  • Reduces feelings of depression

  • Decreases stress and tension

  • Enhances physical and mental well-being

A little information about our Pink Ribbon Starter Program:

Our Pink Ribbon Starter Package is a month-long program. It includes two private sessions weekly (eight sessions total), with Pink Ribbon Certified Instructor Carey Sadler.  Participants will also receive a personalized, at-home workout they can use to supplement their in-studio sessions.  This package normally valued at $480 can be purchased as a new client for $350.

This package is designed for cancer survivors who are looking to explore the Pilates method of exercise as a way of strengthening their body, mind, and spirit. Carey will help you discover the joy of movement as you learn to appreciate the wonderful body you have and all of its amazing capabilities.

Learn more about our Pink Ribbon Starter Program by clicking here.

Please share this post so we can share the news about our upcoming giveaway.  By simply sharing this post you could change a cancer survivor’s life by giving them a chance to empower their body and inspire their life!

Kelly Allen

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

 My initial reason to try Pilates in March 2013 was for stress relief, not fitness. I usually run, walk, bike, and lift weights. I wanted to do something I had never experienced that would keep me focused for an hour and would make it impossible for my mind to wander.

 

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice? 

 The ability to stretch my body in ways that make it feel so much better and to have better balance. I think looking and feeling more toned and fit are the obvious benefits of most exercise, but I have never experienced the ability to stretch and have better balance with anything else.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

 For me there are no favorites. I think one of the best things about Pilates is the variety.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

 It is one of the best investments I have ever made. I never thought I would see the changes I have seen in my body.

 

 

How has cancer touched your life?  IMG_3014_edited

When I think of cancer I think of my uncle who is currently battling cancer and his amazing family that is going through the battle with him.

I think of my aunt and godmother, a breast cancer survivor, and all of the wonderful memories we’ve had together.

I think of my sister in-law who lost her mom as a child to breast cancer.

I think of all of my amazing, inspiring clients who have battled cancer in their own bodies and their loved ones who went through it with them.

The American Cancer Society is a truly extraordinary organization that is dedicated to helping
cancer victims and their families, as well as funding cutting-edge research.

 

Here’s just a few things that the American Cancer Society does:

– provides rides for cancer patients to treatment

– provides lodging for cancer patients and their families; there is a Hope Lodge
right here in Iowa City

– provides wigs for patients who have lost their hair

– provides information, guidance and support to patients
and their families

On September 29, Team Rivercity Pilates will be walking in the Taking Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising event. Our goal is to raise over $1000 to contribute to the American Cancer Society.

Every little donation counts and we would be so appreciative if you would support this great cause.

We are asking everyone we know to contribute $10 to our fundraising event. You can click here and donate online or simply write a check to the American Cancer Society and send it in the mail to:

Rivercity Pilates
595 Ashley Court, Suite 6
North Liberty, IA 52317breast cancer shirtback of breast cancer shirt

Thank you in advance!

We also created a Pink Ribbon Rivercity Pilates T-shirt as part of our fundraising efforts.

Make a donation of $25 or more and we’ll give you a t-shirt! If you are local to the studio you can stop by and pick one up. Otherwise just send us your address and t-shirt size and we’ll send it to you!

 

If you are as passionate about making a difference in the lives of those touched by cancer as we are – we would love to have you join Team Rivercity Pilates!  Go to my fundraising page here, and click on Join Team!  We’ll be doing a fundraising event at the studio on August 24th and then walking as a team on September 29th in Iowa City!

 

 

Do you carry tension in your upper back, shoulders, and neck?

Check out this video on stretching and rolling out your tight spots to relieve tension and stress.

The foam roller is a great tool that can be used not only as a prop for your Pilates exercises, but also to roll out tight muscles and fascia.

Need a foam roller?  Stop by Rivercity Pilates and pick one up today!

Check out this short video and learn why Yoga instructor Nicole Morford has added Pilates into her mind body workouts and how it has positively impacted her Yoga practice!

The Pilates method of exercise is similiar to Yoga in the sense that both exercise methods focus on strength, balance and control. They are different enough though that many clients find it beneficial to add both practices into their fitness routine to help them best work toward their fitness goals.

To learn more about the benefits of combining Pilates and Yoga contact Rivercity Pilates and set up your complimentary private pilates session today!

SerenaInspiration of the Month: Serena Stier (72 years old) February 2012

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   In 2007, my sister in Washington D.C. treated me to a few sessions with her Pilates trainer.  After having done weight training off and on for some eight years with a coach and managing to injure myself regularly, I decided I must switch to Pilates.

For some three years I worked with a young Pilates instructor who also taught dance.  I enjoyed feeling so much stronger and integrated and relieved that these improvements came without injury.  We work one on one swiftly.  She gave up her Pilates practice to concentrate on dance, which led me to Rivercity Pilates.

When I began at Rivercity Pilates with Carey I learned to breathe differently and move slowly at my own pace.  Imagine my delight at discovering that this kind of work seems to strengthen me even better from my core out- Thank You!

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?
Pilates helps me sit straight, walk more firmly and move with greater ease.  Moreover, because Carey is constantly varying what we do, I don’t get bored.  I miss it greatly when I’m away and am delighted upon my return to Pilates that “muscle memory” gets me going swiftly again.

How has Pilates changed your life?
I am much more able to pick up and move objects I would have not attempted in the past.  I delight when my husband imagines something is too heavy for me, and I manage just fine

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment?
For me, the best part of the Rivercity Pilates equipment is the variety.  The best part of the experience is my coach, Carey, who always seems to see what I’m not doing quite right and manages to correct me so gently I hardly notice.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
I cannot emphasize enough how important I think Pilates is for any person to gain and maintain maximum flexibility, confidence in movement, and healthy breathing regardless of their age or gender.  As someone seventy-two years of age, I especially recommend it as a preventative and antidote to the special challenges of growing older.