The classic Pilates Roll Over exercise is part of the original 34 exercise sequence created by Joseph Pilates in his book Return to Life.  This exercise embodies the Pilates principles of control, centering and flowing movement.

 

 

 

Rivercity Pilates owner Carey Sadler teaches an Intermediate Pilates Mat session that you can do at home!!

Every just sit and watch children move and play? Have you ever said to yourself,” I wish I had all that energy” or ” I wish I could move like that”?   You can and it’s just as important for you to play and move as it is children!

Joseph Pilates stated,“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”

I couldn’t agree more and I truly believe our bodies are designed to move and play at any age and are ability to do so has a huge effect on our overall health and happiness. Empowering your physical body inspires your mind and spirit and truly inspires your life in all aspects!

You might be saying, sure I want to move like that but:

  • I’m too old
  • I’m too inflexible
  • I haven’t got enough time
  • I have an injury that stops me
  • I weigh too much
  • I don’t like to workout
  • …Add your favorite excuse

We love to tell ourselves these myths that allow us to stay in our comfort zone. But are they really true? Is there no possible way you could find a safe, fun way to move your body? Isn’t it true that if your body is healthy you will have more energy and zest to do everything else you want to do in life?

I LOVE the Pilates method of exercise because above all it gives me a method of teaching others where ever they are in life and in their bodies that there is a way for them to move, play and find joy in their physical movement!

Looking to find a way to incorporate movement into your life?  Sign up for a complimentary session with one of our inspiring instructors who can help you empower your body with movement and inspire your life to the fullest!

P.S.  I’ve included this video because it was my inspiration to write this post.  I LOVE to play and the Cadillac is one of my favorite pieces of Pilates equipment!  I’ve been practicing many of these movements for 15 plus years.  Please know that the Pilates method of exercise is truly a method that will teach your body how to move efficiently and without pain and you don’t have to swing on the Cadillac to accomplish that(unless you want to of course!).

I am a hope-filled cynical person. I try things in hope they will be good, but I’m generally braced for disappointment. So when I jammed my sciatic joint — LOTS of nerves run through there — I was prepared for my physical therapy to do me good, and for it to take time. What I was less prepared for was the amount of pain that would persist during that time. After 9 days of taking ibuprofen 24/7, Neural Reset Therapy® was suggested to me.

I didn’t fully understand Neural Reset Therapy®, but I knew enough to be sure it couldn’t hurt, and if it helped at all I’d be pleased. So, at Sara’s recommendation, I set up a session.

photo(12)The results were, truthfully, Amazing! At the end of the session, I honestly could not feel the injury at all. My range of motion was normal and painless. It was, frankly, freaky but great!

Over the next several hours, the sense of injury gradually reinstated itself, but at perhaps one-third its original strength. MORE than two-thirds of my pain was gone! I didn’t need ibuprofen anymore.

And my range of motion remained fully restored! (Which made for several surprised faces at my next physical therapy appointment.)

Got pain? Try this!   ~Kimberly(RCP instructor)

 

Learn more about massage Therapist Sara Hinde here and set up an appointment today!

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When did you start coming to Rivercity Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started coming to Rivercity about a year ago, shortly after the birth of my third child. Though I lost the baby weight rather quickly, I definitely didn’t feel in shape and had heard many great things about Pilates. Specifically, I knew Carey from when my son attended preschool with her daughter so it felt less intimidating to start Pilates having known her outside of the studio.

How often do you take classes and what type of classes have you been doing?

It’s not easy getting to class on a regular schedule with three young children and a physician husband who works long hours, but I grab any chance I can to get to the studio! You’ll often find me at a Sunday evening Yoga or Barre class, but I also try to get to Tower and Mat classes once a week.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Yoga and Pilates?

The biggest benefit for me has been the mental release of being a stay at home mom. For that hour I am in class my only job is to focus on myself. It’s often a challenge to leave “it” at the door, but Pilates and Yoga both require a physical and mental presence that force me to be in the moment. I’ve noticed a desire to take better care of myself all around since starting Pilates and getting back in to Yoga. I’m eating better and am slowly getting back in to running.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I really enjoy the Tower. Though it’s an intimidating piece of equipment to those new to Pilates, I quickly discovered that after each Tower class I felt as refreshed and rejuvenated as I do after a massage! I also like the challenge of doing “Seal” correctly. It appears easy but it’s actually quite difficult to rely more on the strength of your core rather than the momentum of the movement. Not to mention, it’s hard to take myself too seriously when moving like a seal!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to Rivercity Pilates?

I would encourage anyone to try out a few private sessions at Rivercity. I was very intimidated to start Pilates but the individual attention at my initial private sessions gave me all the confidence I needed to start taking classes. The atmosphere at Rivercity is unique, I think, in that the instructors and members are very welcoming and helpful toward “newbies” and they do a great job of challenging you as an individual while also recognizing that each body has its own limits and capabilities that may even change from class to class.

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 Barb Rechkemmer

January 2015

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

 I started Pilates a little over a year ago.  A friend of mine who was familiar with my injuries and subsequent surgeries suggested giving Pilates a try.  She had also been practicing Pilates and thought it might help with over all health.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?

When I began I did 2 private lessons per week for several months.  I then started a group tower class along with the occasional private session.  Now I do one group Pilates class per week as well as attending Barre and Yoga classes.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?  

The benefits of Pilates are numerous.  My spine health and flexibility has increased to a point that I have been able to start other disciplines.  I now attend Barre and Yoga, also taught at Rivercity Pilates.  In doing so I also am enjoying a great deal more over-all strength.

What is your favorite exercise?

I like the Cadillac.  Also I tend to like anything using the leg springs.  It feels wonderful to be able to feel your body lengthening against resistance.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

I would recommend Pilates to anyone looking for a gain in flexibility, better posture, strength and improvement in general well being.