Have you heard about Barre classes and wondered what exactly they were? Maybe you wondered if they were the type of class that you would enjoy and if they would be good for your body? In the video above Rivercity Pilates instructor Shannon Ottoson gives you a taste of what to expect in a Barre & Pilates class at the studio.
Although our Barre & Pilates Mat classes are totally suitable for beginners (and we promise you would feel totally comfortable!), we know that some times it’s a little intimidating starting a new class. Clients are often worried about not knowing the routines and movements and if they will be able to follow along without feeling silly. That is why we are offering a 4 week series called Beginning Barre!
The Beginner Barre class will introduce you to the movements and concepts in a slower paced environment so you’ll feel comfortable learning what it’s all about. This class is run in a 4 week series but you can drop into any or all of the classes! The Beginner Barre class series will run from October 11th – November 1st).
I decided this week that I should be trying to post more on Instagram, sharing my personal practice and sharing my passions. One of my passions when it comes to movement is showing people that Pilates is doable no matter where you are in your body. Pilates can be such an amazing health tool to make your life happier and healthier! It drives me a little (ok a lot) crazy when I see so many social media posts of instructors doing movements that the average person would find intimidating or impossible. As a teacher I’ve never really been comfortable posting pictures and videos of me doing exercises because I don’t want potential clients to think that they need to be able to move a certain way or look a certain way to start Pilates. I think in my head I’ve always thought that me posting pictures of myself would come across as bragging or showing off……. or worse yet people would look at it and criticize my movement or me! Something changed my mind about that theory this month.
Why did you choose to practice Pilates? When/Where do you start? Why do you keep doing it?
On Sunday night, after a fun filled day of teaching teacher training workshop I got a chance to get in a long walk and practice my Pilates mat work. What kept popping into my head during my Pilates time is hearing the trainees say things like:
What’s the key to not feeling like a complete failure every time your Pilates teacher gives you some advice on making your movement better? For me, I had to make the realization that my Pilates practice was a practice. I had to acknowledge that the benefits of me moving my body and practicing Pilates movements really comes from the process itself and not any end result. My flexible spine, my awareness of my posture and alignment and my core strength are a cumulative effect of the practicing of movements I do on a regular basis. I don’t have to wait until my Teaser is absolutely perfect or for my side leg kicks to look like those of a ballerina to benefit from my Pilates practice.
Where are you from, how did you end up in the corridor?
Is there something about you that would surprise students in your classes? 
Let me tell you about some of my favorite students. They are loud, giggly and sometimes don’t listen to anything I say. They often interrupt me when I’m teaching to ask questions like, “Can we do mermaid today, can I pick what we are pretending to sit against during Spine Stretch, or Mom did you check on the dog today (from my son of course!)” When I first started teaching them movement this really drove me a little (ok a LOT) crazy as a teacher. I often felt like a failure if all of them weren’t breathing properly, paying attention perfectly and doing exactly what I wanted them to do.