Inspiration of the Month – Kelly Mulherin

Kelly M

Inspiration of the Month – April 2013

Kelly Mulherin

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates about 4 months ago because I needed some way to get exercise after a foot injury/surgery. I knew Pilates would be low impact on my foot, as I can’t really do much cardio without foot pain. A few years ago I lost about 50 pounds, and the weight was starting to creep back on…I wasn’t going to let that continue. (I’ve since lost all that again, plus a couple extra!) Now, I want to continue to help me keep going on a new goal.

Why did you decide to do the Empower Your Body Challenge?
I thought the challenge would be a great way to force me into coming to Pilates. After the holidays, it can be hard to get back into the right habits and I knew that the challenge would keep me going and motivated.

What are some of your favorite things about the Empower Your Body Challenge?
My favorite thing is that I completed all the requirements – getting in all my classes and cardio in a hectic schedule! I really liked the daily emails we received. There was a great mix of daily reminders and tips, plus just motivation to remember I was in the challenge everyday.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates and/or yoga practice?
I have slimmed down and gotten stronger! Not being able to use my foot like I want to has really taken a toll on me mentally, but Pilates helped turn that around for me. The exercises are getting easier, and although some of the advanced ones are still hard, I want to keep going. My bad foot has also gotten a little stronger, so hopefully by summer, I can try to get more active again.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
At first, I liked the tower/reformer the best, but recently, I’ve started to really enjoy the mat classes. My favorite exercises on the mat are the leg work series.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
Don’t think about it, just sign up! It’s low impact, you can go at your own pace, and everyone at Rivercity Pilates is so supportive! It’s a great feeling to leave a class doing an exercise better than the class before.

Move Like a Kid Again!

Take a moment and remember back to when you were a child.

You didn’t think about running, playing, and jumping- you just did it! Climbing a tree, jumping off the bed and scrambling over the top of the monkey bars was just something you did.

You did it because it was fun, maybe it was a little bit of a challenge and you didn’t have a fear of not being able to do it.

One of the things I love about the Pilates method of movement is its playful nature!  There is something quite fun about rolling like a ball through your spine. (Check out the video I took about a year ago of two of my kiddos playing at the studio!)  Or how about hanging from the Cadillac:

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There is also something quite satisfying about challenging yourself and doing something you would have never dreamed of.

Ready to feel like a kid again? The Pilates method of exercise is a great way to safely get your body back to moving like a kid again! Contact us today to schedule your complimentary private session!

 

 

 

 

Will Pilates make me taller?

aging posture

There aren’t many exercise programs that can help you grow taller, but Pilates just might!

As we age, our poor postural habits often make it appear as if we are shrinking. Let’s face it – we spend a lot of time hunched over a computer, slouched in a car and lounging on the coach. Over time our poor posture can have some dramatic effects on our body.

Common problem areas often arising from our poor posture habits include:

  • Tight, rounded shoulders
  • An exaggerated curve in our upper back(called Kyphosis)
  • A forward head
  • Tight muscles in the neck and upper back (where we often hold stress)
  • Tight hamstrings and tight low back( which often show up as strain or pain in the low back)

The Pilates method of exercise is designed around creating uniform development in the body. In a nutshell, this means the exercises will stretch and lengthen what is tight, strengthen what is weak, and teach your muscles to work together to create balance in your body. All of these things add up to better overall posture and better posture habits in your daily life.

When the musculature of your body is balanced out, your bones are able to line up as they were designed and often times this means regaining your full height again! I have had many clients over the years report that they were taller at their yearly check ups!

Learn more about the growing taller with Pilates and all of the other wonderful benefits by exploring our website!

Rivercity Pilates Home Mat Workout with a Ball

This Pilates ball workout will tone your inner thighs and abs, along with stretching and lengthening your whole body. Grab a ball, try it out and be sure to let us know what you think after trying it out!

Do you Dread Exercising??

Are you someone who doesn’t necessarily LOVE to exercise? You know you need to do it and you know you feel better when you’re done…but the motivation to be consistent isn’t always there?

Client Arianna Coe shares her story of how she got strong without even realizing, despite the fact that she doesn’t have a strong work ethic when it comes to exercise!

If you’re dreading your exercise program – we’d love to share the Pilates experience with you. Many of our most regular clients started with us with a dread of exercise. We’ll show you that exercise can be enjoyable and effective!

Get started today by scheduling your complimentary private session!

2 Simple Pilates Foam Roller Moves to Relieve Achy Shoulders and Upper Back Tension!

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These simple moves done on a foam roller can help you to open tight shoulders and provide a much needed destressing of the shoulders and upper back.

By coordinating these movements with your Pilates breath and core engagement you can sneak in a quick total body movement break anytime!

Need a foam roller?  Stop by the studio to purchase one and get your free guide to using the foam roller!