Do I have time to become a Pilates instructor?

When prospective students start looking at our Pilates instructor training programs the amount of time the program takes is one of the first things they look at.  Most of our trainees are coming into our program with full time jobs and family commitments and it is important for them to feel comfortable with the time needed to complete the program.  This is one of the major reasons we have broken our comprehensive training program into modules that can be completed in your own time and schedule.  We are very passionate about teaching Pilates and want to share the method with as many people as possible.

The learning process that takes place in our programs is truly a combination of workshop time, individual practice, taking classes,private session time, practice teaching, and observation time.  If you are thinking about joining our programs we want you to be confident that you will be able to schedule time in your life for all of the programs components so you can get the most out the experience!

Here’s an example of the time commitment for our Mat Training Module:

P1020756Mat Levels I-III

  • 30 hours of workshops
  • 50 practice teaching hours
  • 40 observation hours
  • 25 lessons (10 privates/15 classes)
  • 5 miscellaneous hours
  • 2 written tests – Level I- III and anatomy
  • 1 teaching test – (Level II, private client)
  • 1 performance test – Level III

Total Apprentice Hours: 120
Total Workshop Hours: 30
Total Hours for Completion: 150

 

To complete the program in 6 months(the minimum time we would suggest)  you would need to log in about 5 hours a week doing a combination of personal sessions and workouts, observation hours and practice teaching.  You will also need to attend 6 workshops that are 6 hours total.  These workshops are usually held on a Sunday.

Of course not everyone completes the program in 6 months and we allow trainees to take up to a year to finish this particular module.

Interested in learning more about our Pilates instructor training programs?  Contact us today and set up a complimentary consultation with Carey to get all your questions answered!!

 

 

 

What does it take to be a VIP at Rivercity Pilates?

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Have you seen our monthly specials just for VIP’s and wondered what makes a VIP?

603136_10151426442542526_1750838770_nTo become a Rivercity Pilates VIP you need to get 50 classes or sessions in within the year.  After achieving VIP status you will get monthly extra special deals offered only to our VIP’s for the rest of the year you accomplished this and for the following year!

We know that the best way to see and feel results from your mind body practices is to be consistent and we love to give you a little extra motivation to stay dedicated!  So if you’re not a VIP already make it a goal- we’d love to have you on the list!!

1493173_10152188575767526_297849416_nP.S. – At the end of the year we hand out some super cool prizes and awards to all of our VIP’s!!IMG_3001

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How did she come up with these exercises?

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Ever wonder how our instructors get ready for or class or how they decide what they are going to teach for each class you attend? Here’s a quick behind the scenes look at what goes into each class you take.

1. The instructor checks to see who is signed up for class and grabs each client chart ( yes -if you are a client at the studio you have a detailed personal chart that each instructor writes in after each session!!)  to read about:

  • what each client has been doing in previous sessions
  • any injuries or past injuries that effect the clients workout( for example: client has a past knee injury that makes kneeling uncomfortable)     IMG_8514
  • the settings the client is using on the equipment, this includes spring settings and basic equipment set up

2.  The instructor will set up the studio room and personalize a space for each client.  This means getting out any props such as balls, pads, magic circles or whatever they might want to teach with.  This also includes setting up equipment for each client.

3.  As class time gets near, instructors try to greet clients as they arrive and check in with them before class.  This is a time where instructors often check in to see how clients felt after their last session as well as checking in to see how everyone is feeling in their bodies on that particular day.  This may seem like small talk to you but our instructors use this information to tailor each class to the individuals in each class.

A great example of this would be something like this:  It’s the middle of winter and we just had a a few inches of snow fall the night before.   As the instructor is greeting incoming clients she noticed a trend that two or three clients mention how stiff they are feeling in their low backs probably due to shoveling the day before.  During class the instructor is able to add in some specific exercises and movements designed to lengthen and stretch the back.

IMG_00404.  Now the fun begins- it’s class time!  During each class the instructor is guiding a diverse group of people through a workout while constantly adjusting and cuing for each individual client(not always an easy task!) Safety is always a number one concern and you’ll notice our instructors using their words and actions to make each class safe and appropriate for everyone.  During class the instructor is constantly adjusting their teaching to find a perfect balance of challenging even the most seasoned Pilates veteran while making a beginner client feel welcome, comfortable and safe.

5. As class wraps up, instructors try to check in again with clients to see how they felt throughout class and get any feedback that might help them make their teaching more effective in the future.

6. After class, the instructor makes notes in each clients chart about the level of workout they did, any new exercises they learned, any modifications or specific adjustments they made to the client and a note about what they want to focus on next time they see that client.

Interested in learning more about our small group classes?  Sign up for a complimentary private session or class to get introduced to the studio and our instructors.  P.S.  We love it when clients take advantage of our complimentary private session first as it gives us a chance to better know you and your body AND tailor your class experience to you!!

Interested in teaching the Pilates method of exercise and how to become the most professional, caring inspired instructor ever?  Learn more about our Pilates Teacher Training Programs here.

 

 

 

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!