The Side Leg Kick Series is a wonderful mini workout all by itself or added into another workout. These total body movements will strengthen and lengthen your legs while working your core.
![Jon, Cassie, Abby vip](https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Jon-Cassie-Abby-vip.jpg")
Welcome back to our Pilates and Pregnancy blog. After a brief hiatus for the holidays (and lots of cookies) I am ready to be back moving again! This week the baby is the length of an ear of corn (8.5 inches) and weighs around 1.5 pounds. I’ve definitely noticed the growth in my stomach and my clients have too!
The biggest changes in the last two weeks are that I no longer feel comfortable lying on my stomach and it’s a challenge to pull my boots on! My feet aren’t swelling yet, but bending over and trying to pull my boots on takes some maneuvering around my belly.
This week Carey and I worked on the Reformer. Early in the workout I could tell that certain exercises were more challenging than they were pre-pregnancy. In particular, Short Spine (where your feet come back over your head) was difficult. Hundreds were also a lot of work. I can still come up into the upper ab curl, but it’s becoming more difficult to engage my abdominal muscles as they stretch to make room for baby.
Other than those few exercises, the rest of the work felt great. In particular, we worked on hip opening, side bending, and upper body strength. Some of my favorite exercises at this point in my pregnancy are Knee Stretches, Mermaid, and the Side Arm Series on the Reformer.
The picture this week is of me with two other studio clients, Abby and Jon. We each received studio awards for our dedication to Pilates over the past year. It’s harder to see the bump head on, but I promise you, it’s there!
See you next week,
-Cassie
![jan allen](https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jan-allen-168x300.jpg")
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started I February 2012 in hopes of gaining better strength and flexibility. I had a total knee replacement in Sept 2011 and was struggling with regaining strength in my pelvis and legs.
What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?
The benefits I’ve gained are an increase in my overall flexibility and strength. I’ve found that I feel taller and lighter in mind and body at the end of my sessions with Cassie.
What is your favorite exercise?
My favorite exercise has to be Long Spine on the Reformer.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
I would tell anyone considering Pilates that I look forward to my sessions every week. It doesn’t feel like work and you will benefit in many unexpected ways.
![RCP-02](https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RCP-02-300x199.jpg")
Our 2014 Empower Your Body Challenge Registration opens today!
![RCP-02](https://rivercitypilates.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/RCP-02.jpg")
We are challenging you to commit to 6 weeks of:
1. 30 minutes of walking or other cardiovascular exercise at least 4 times a week.
2, Taking three 50 minute movement classes per week to help you work on your strength, flexibility and balance.
This adds up to a minimum 4.5 hours per week of exercise. Not sure if you have time? Assuming you are awake for 14 hours daily- this ends up being about 4.6% of your waking time.
When you look at the research and science behind staying healthy, the weekly time commitment of the challenge is pretty minimal and we know you can do it!
Yes, we know you have a crazy schedule, a commitment to your kids ,to your spouse and of course to your job. The reality is that we all have the same amount of time each day to try to fit in everything we want and need to do.
We also know that people who manage their time to include a regular exercise routine have fewer health problems,live longer, feel less stress and are just plain happier!
We created our 6 week challenge to create a fun, supportive environment designed to help you create healthy habits that you can continue forever!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning your 6 weeks of creating more health and more happy in your life!
Visit our website here and get all the juicy details on how the Empower Your Body Challenge works and how to get signed up today!