We’re not supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month….

IMG_1084Ok, well really we are but…..October is Breast Cancer awareness month and in past years we have participated by honoring clients and friends who have been affected by the disease, doing fundraising events and putting a team into a local walk to raise money.  Something that has stood out to us though is the need to honor not just those effected by Breast Cancer, but all cancers.  So we’re changing it up this October!
This October we have been doing a little fundraising for all those affected by cancer. Studio clients have a session tracking sheet and write a little message about who they are honoring, and anything else they want to share (type of cancer,etc) and then we’ve posted them in the studio.  We’ve challenged everyone to stay healthy this month and get their workouts in and we will donate $$ to a charity of your choice at the end of the month.   If a client got 10 workouts in,  we will donate $10, get 15 in and we’ll donate $15 and get 20 in and we’ll donate $25!

Do you know a cancer survivor who would benefit from learning Pilates in a safe, supportive environment? I’ll be giving away a 5 pack of Pilates Private sessions with me to one nominee!  How about a survivor who could use the therapeautic benefits of Massage and Neural Reset Therapy?  We’ll be giving away 2 60 minute sessions with Sara Hinde as well!  Just email us a quick note about your nominee and why you think they could benefit!  Be sure to get your nominations in before November 101

Momtrepreneur

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The British definition of Momtrepreneur! "MUMpeneur"

The British definition of Momtrepreneur! “Mumpreneur”

I love this new word that has been thrown out a lot in social media:  Momtrepreneur.  It sounds fun, hip and cool!  As a Momtrepreneur with 3 kids, a growing Pilates studio and a pretty busy Pilates teaching schedule I can tell you it doesn’t always feel “cool”or “hip” or even”fun”.

Quite honestly there are many days that I question why I didn’t just stay home with my kids or work a few hours part time instead of going all out and trying to build a growing, successful business.  I’m pretty sure my super supportive husband who would never say it out loud has this thought that too!

It never fails when I start to have some moments where I’m doubting what the heck I’m doing- something happens to remind me how much I truly love to teach Pilates and really enjoy the challenge and journey of growing a business and life around that.

IMG_6734For me those moments are almost always teaching moments.  It doesn’t matter if I’m over tired from lack of sleep, stressed out about getting the kids where they need to be, feeling guilty about not getting to every single event of my kids or not having a real conversation with my husband all week, or anything else.  Something somewhat magical happens when I start teaching.

I find it practically impossible to think about what’s going on in my own life and as soon as I start connecting with clients, paying attention to their bodies and movements, and teaching I feel like I’m in the zone.  And by the zone, I mean that space in your life that you truly enjoy being in and you really are just doing what you love…   And it really makes it all worthwhile!

So if you’re thinking of becoming Momtrepreneur, my best advice is to find something your passionate about and go for it!  It’s not always the easiest path but I think you’ll find it is truly a rewarding one and the happiness factor of loving what you’re doing is worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Staff Monday: Nancy

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IMG_7082In our staff meeting everyone was asked to write a blog. I thought to myself,  “What do I have to say?”. But then I got to thinking,  I have a lot to say.
The last year and a half have been a medical roller coaster for me. Between my knee, back surgery, a pinched nerve and Parkinson’s, it’s been a trying year. Thru all this I try to stay positive, even though sometimes it is hard.
I continue to go to the studio and try my hardest at pilates. When I walk into Rivercity Pilates, Shelley or Carey or whoever is there is smiling and I know they care and understand. I love pilates and the friends that I have made there.   It truly is a community of caring.  Carey looks after me and never judges, she pushes me to my limits but never pushes to hard. She keeps me positive and strong.
Keep working hard at pilates, yoga, or Barre class.   Whatever you take,  it pays off.  Remember every day is a good day. Even if it sometimes it seems like it isn’t.
Nancy
Evening Front Desk
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Is exercise like getting your hair cut?

I often wonder if other people get as excited as I do when I get my hair cut appointment reminders from my hair stylist?  It seems silly but it always makes me happy.  I have an amazing, talented hair stylist who always gives me a hair style I love.  But when I think about why I love “Hair Days”,  as I call them, there’s so much more to it.

Like most people, my life seems packed full of stuff….running a business, kids activities, family time, laundry, dinner, etc., etc., etc.  When I take some time to do something for myself it is heavenly!  An entire hour or two of time where I get asked what I want and can sit and chat with one of my favorite people is truly a gift in my life.  I always enjoy my time and walk away feeling refreshed, energized and happy. (And if I’m lucky I can go 2 maybe 3 days where I barely have to do anything to my hair and it looks like I just walked out of the salon!)

today (1)When I really sit and think about it I have lots of other moments in my life that give me that happy Hair Day feeling.  Things like vacation time, talking with friends, dates with my husband, hiding out somewhere by myself reading a book, journaling, going for a walk or a run and my Pilates practice.  Yes I included exercise in that list!  I think one of the reasons I love to move so much is that my movement time is my ME time.  Just like after a Hair Day, when I get time to exercise and move I always feel better afterwards.  I have time to focus on myself and do something I enjoy. I get that same refreshed, energized and happy Hair Day feeling that helps me be a better person when I go on to tackle everything else I do in life.

As you may know, I’m pretty passionate about Pilates and movement, but even more than that I’m passionate about helping people find a way to move that makes them happy!  I really believe that movement should be a tool you can use in your life to help you feel better inside and out.  If you’re looking to explore some movement options you might enjoy, myself and the staff at Rivercity Pilates would love to help you discover it!  Contact us today to schedule a complimentary private session or class to get started!

 

Am I going to Pilates class or practicing Pilates?

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If you know what Joe's favorite outfit to workout & teach was - you are definitely practicing Pilates!

If you know what Joe’s favorite outfit to workout & teach was – you are definitely practicing Pilates! If you don’t know, ask at the studio, or google Joseph Pilates!

There is definitely a difference between trying a few Pilates classes to improve your health and having a Pilates practice in your life.  For those who get to the place where you have a practice, you know what I mean.  Pilates becomes part of you and almost feels like belonging to a super cool exclusive club where you’ve had to earn your way in.  For those of you that have a Pilates practice in your life…I think you’ll relate to this list.  For everyone else these are some of the things you can look forward to:

Top 10 signs you have progressed to practicing Pilates.

  1. You see your instructor coming toward you and you connect your shoulders.
  2. You know what your instructor is going to say before she says it.
  3. You know the next exercise before your instructor tells it to you.
  4. You have a foam roller in your living room (or a magic circle, or some other favorite prop!)
  5. Exercises you’ve done at least a hundred times get harder every time you do them.(How is that possible??)
  6. Changing one little, tiny, minute detail (like what your toes are doing) changes the whole exercise. How can that make SUCH a difference??
  7. You hear your instructors’ voice in your head when you are slouching at your desk at work (roll your shoulders down your back, bring your head into alignment…)
  8. You do belly up and in when you’re pulling weeds in the garden, shoveling the snow or maybe just sitting at a stoplight in the car.
  9. You start sounding like a Pilates Evangalist!    You are teaching your friends Pilates and talking about how good Pilates has been for you!  It’s too good not to share!
  10. Your body misses it when you don’t do it .. even though a roll up, a teaser or maybe just rolling like a ball is incredibly challenging – you finding yourself wanting and even craving to do them even on your own! Crazy huh?

[tweetthis remove_hidden_hashtags=”true”]Top 10 Signs you are #practicing #pilates![/tweetthis]

We’d love to hear from you!  How many of these rang true for you?  Can you add to our list?

 

 

 

 

 

Pilates after a total knee replacement!

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jenny_fitzpatrick

October Inspiration of the Month, Jenny Fitzpatrick

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   I started with private sessions in December 2014 with Carey. I had a total knee replacement that year and was eager to get stronger and back into condition.

 How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  I typically attend a group class and private session each week at Rivercity Pilates. I have taken Pilates classes including Chair, Reformer, Equipment, Tower and also Yoga. Each style of exercise brings something different to learn and experience. I also have attended the Friday night girls night out Life Inspired which is always fun.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?  I am definitely stronger as I can finally perform Teaser on the Reformer!  I like the integration of various muscles and the balance of flexibility and strength in the exercises. It is a workout I can do where my joints are not as grouchy which is wonderful.

 Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  I really like the variety of options the most. I do enjoy a good stretch with push through on the Cadillac!

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?  Start today! The instructors are very knowledgeable and caring. They teach at your working level wherever that might be so you can have success.