Do you groan when it’s time for planks?

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Plank challenges are everywhere and this month we put together our own version of a 30 day plank challenge. We hope you’ll join us!

There’s a good reason you see this exercise being practiced in a ton of different types of fitness classes – it is highly effective and works the entire body.  It’s most effective though when done correctly.   If you’ve started to hate to plank, this post is for you!

If you are trying to hold your plank for any amount of time and your form is suffering then you are probably not doing yourself much good AND you’re likely to get hurt!

In today’s video, Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler talks about the 3 Most common Plank Mistakes and how you can fix them!

 

Meet the Instructor Monday

It’s Meet the Instructor Monday, and today we would like to introduce you to Julie Jack.   We know that it’s important for you to be comfortable with your instructor during your workout so here’s your chance get to know Julie a little better!!

Julie has been teaching at Rivercity Pilates for just over a year.  She teaches Yoga, Barre, Cardio Funk as well as private sessions.    She also is a life coach and a Reiki master.   We asked Julie to answer a few questions so you could get to know her better!

Where are you from? DSCN0032
This is a tough question for me…  My short answer is I am a woman of the world!  The long answer is I moved to 7 states before entering high school and since college have lived in 2 countries and another state.  My extended family lives in the area so I have made Iowa my home base.  I always get blank stares when people ask me this question.  It’s just complicated!!

Tell us about your family.  
I have a dog named Asha.  She has taught me so much and is an inspiration for my healing work.  In fact, I named my blog after her.  You can follow us at Asha y Amor on Facebook and Instagram is coming soon.  Asha=Hope and Amor=Love.
Favorite Food?
Everything!!  I am a food lover and I will try anything.  In terms of preparation, less is more…Local, fresh and simply prepared food is the best!
What changes has Yoga brought to your life?  
I think that Yoga has made me stronger both physically and mentally.  Over time, through trying to live the principles of yoga, I have learned to trust myself more and look inward for peace and contentedness rather than to other people or external things to fill the void.

JulieWhy did you become an instructor?  
 To share my passion for movement with others. I also love helping people problem solve and overcome things in their own lives.   Yoga offers a path that works both internally and externally so it really covers both sides.  As a yoga and movement instructor I can use both the whimsical, playful part of me as well as the deep and thoughtful side and I love to share that with others.  Guiding others to move  with their own rhythm really feels like a place where I can put forth my strengths and help others at the same time.
I think that movement and teaching has always been in my soul but when I got my yoga certification back in 2005, I didn’t believe that I could make it a career.   A regular yoga practice has helped me to overcome that limiting belief that I should have a more traditional career to be successful.  Now I believe wholeheartedly that happiness = success.  Follow the heart!
Tell us something about you that we couldn’t learn when we were in your class!  
 hmm, I think something that defines me is that I like to get down and dirty with life… for the better or the worse.   Experience is my teacher so I often take the road less travelled (without even realizing it).  I have had grand adventures but have also found myself in the middle of the jungle without a compass a few times.
Julie & Asha

Julie & Asha

I also love to travel and learn about culture. Anthony Bourdain is my hero although he can be a bit of an arse at times.  I love love love dogs and have often thought about becoming a dog trainer, and I thrive on deep connections.  More than you wanna know, probably :)

I’d love to see you in a class or session soon, so I can learn more about you!

 

 

 

How Quick are Pilates Results?

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RCP-55One of the most common questions I hear on a client’s second visit, goes something like this:

“I felt really great after our session. I felt taller and my posture was better. My ____________________(fill in the blank with an achy body part like low back, shoulder, neck, foot, etc.) seems to be feeling better . . . could that really have been just from that one session?”
My simple answer: YES!

Here’s why:

The Pilates method of exercises teaches your body how to create and maintain alignment and balance in your body. The exercises not only strengthen and stretch your muscles, but they train your brain to recognize imbalances so your body can self correct. Once you are taught how to do it, you will naturally start practicing finding your alignment and balance throughout your day. The continual practice helps to bring your body into alignment and you WILL FEEL a difference very quickly!

It’s kind of like learning to ride a bike. After you’ve done it once, your body recognizes how to do it and continues to improve the skill of bike riding every time you ride. The more you practice riding your bike the better you get at the skills and it becomes almost unconscious. The same is true as you learn the skills of aligning your body and accessing your core muscles.

Like any new skill you are learning, the more consistent you are with practicing – the better you will become. We suggest incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine a minimum 2 to 3 times a week to see the maximum benefits.

Want to see how your body feels after a Pilates session? Schedule your complimentary session today!