Meet The Rivercity Pilates Instructor – Shelly M

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Tell us about yourself / your family.  I live with my husband, Ron, in Tiffin. I am a physical therapist by day, Pilates teacher by night and weekend. When I am not working, I enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, and planning my next day trip or vacation.

Describe yourself in 5 words.  –  learner, analytical, mover, helper, balance-seeker

Tell us about your first Pilates experience.    When/Why did you start practicing Pilates? –  I first tried Pilates in April 2013 (wow, has it really been 4 years!) in a semi-private intro session with a co-worker. I had fallen out of a consistent exercise program and was excited to get back in to a routine. I liked that Pilates helped take my mind off everything on my to-do list for an hour and got me moving again. It took me a few months to start a consistent Pilates practice in July 2013. I haven’t looked back since!

Favorite food / or favorite restaurant –  I love seafood. And chocolate.
If money were no object, what would you do all day?  – Walk on the beach, read a good book, and enjoy a relaxing meal.
Why did you become a Pilates teacher?   I initially decided to begin the teacher training program to develop a deeper understanding of the Pilates method.  I enjoyed my private sessions and classes, and was reading to take my practice to the next level. I also thought I would be able to use some of the Pilates method in my work as a physical therapist. I didn’t intentionally set out to teach Pilates in a studio setting. After beginning the teacher training program, I gained an interest in sharing the method with other people.
Describe why you love Pilates in three words.   engaging mindful movement
Would you rather hike or bike?  – I like both, but would pick biking if I could only do one.
If you could live anywhere in the world — where would you want to live?  – Somewhere with a beach.

Halloween Pilates 2015

What are your favorite ways to incorporate movement into your life in addition to Pilates?    biking, walking, hiking, paddleboarding

Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?  – my husband, Ron
If you won an amazing prize, and the choice was either take an incredible vacation or get the dollar value in cash — which would you pick?   Cash
Would you rather enjoy a houseboat or a speed boat?  – speed boat
Do you have a guilty pleasure?    watching “trash” TV
Do you collect anything / what / and why? –   I like collecting seashells as reminder of fun beach vacations, but try not to keep too many. I still have my teddy bear collection from childhood. I can’t remember why I started collecting them, but once it became a theme, I received a lot of bears as gifts. I also have a large collection of vacation photos waiting to be edited and printed. I developed an interest in photography in college and have a hard time picking my favorite photos.

5 Reasons to Join the Rivercity Pilates Teacher Training Class this fall

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 5 Reasons to become a Pilates Teacher

1. Inspire others to add more healthy movement into their life.
2. You can’t teach Pilates without doing it in your own body (keeps you committed to your own Pilates practice).
3. You can teach Pilates anywhere in the world. Teach at the local gym, rec center, or at a studio near you!
4. “Yoga Pants” are standard uniform for Pilates teachers.

5.  Do something you love and are passionate about!

Our Pilates Mat Teacher training module starts this fall and we’d love to have you join us!! Check out our website for details or contact us to set up a time to come in and talk about program details with Carey!!
Learn more about the details of the program by clicking  here.

Rivercity Pilates Summer Movement Challenge!

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How are you doing in Rivercity Pilates Summer Movement Challenge?    We’re only 2 weeks in – and we’re excited because we are going to have to add new lines to the chart in the studio this week because so many of you are taking charge of your health, and committing to exercising this summer!       If you haven’t signed up yet — there’s still time — our Summer Movement Challenge runs from June 1 – August 30!

Paddle Board and Pilates on the Lake with Carey!

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                                                                         Enjoy Pilates Outdoors on Friday nights in June! 
This playful, all levels Pilates class on the paddleboards will focus on using controlled precise movements to strengthen your whole body! You’ll love how the feedback from laying on your board helps you really find your core muscles and helps you find balance in all your movements.  We’ll explore the traditional Pilates Mat sequence and give lots of variations on exercises so you can find one that is perfect for your body and experience level!  Beginners welcome!
Fridays 6pm to 7:15 pm from
June 9th – June 30th
$20/class (includes board rental)
Sign up soon by calling: Fin & Feather H2O at: 319-855-3455
Space is limited so sign up now to reserve your spot!

FREE! Pilates in the Park at North Ridge in Coralville!

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Life Inspired: Pilates at the Park
Wednesday, June 21st 
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  
Take your movement practice outside with a class at the park!  Bring your own mat or blanket and meet us at Coralville’s North Ridge Park for a playful Pilates class in the Park! Sign up online to let us know you’re coming here.
Address: 2250 Holiday Rd, Coralville, IA 52241
Link to Google Map: Click here!
**Please note: There will not be a 6pm Pilates Mat class at the studio this night- come join us for this free class at the park instead!!!
Sign up: Click Here!

Do you feel a little awkward getting on and off the #Pilates reformer?

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picture of pilates reformer.If you’ve been on the Pilates Reformer you know it is an amazing piece of Pilates equipment. It is supportive, yet challenges you and it really helps your body do so many different movements that create strength, flexibility and balance in your body. You also probably know that it’s not always easy to maneuver on the reformer. And by maneuver I mean get into position for an exercise and transition to the next exercise. It often can make the most fit person feel clumsy and awkward as they are trying to figure out how to best get on or off the Reformer or practice their transition between exercises. So don’t feel bad if you too have felt this way!

In fact, as a teacher I encourage my clients to celebrate this awkwardness, celebrate the way you have to think about and strategize about the way to best get up or down from the reformer, celebrate how you have to focus to maintain your balance and not fall as you try to gracefully stand up while leaning on the moving carriage. Why celebrate? Celebrate because transitions on the reformer teach our body to transition in life. They challenge our bodies in sometimes unexpected ways…which is what I like to think of as great training for life.

What do you want to be able to do in life? Reach down and pull weeds in your garden? Sit down on the floor with your kids or grandkids and then be able to somewhat gracefully get back up? Catch yourself when you step on an unexpected object that causes you to lose your balance. Learning to get on and off the reformer with control and grace will help you maintain your mobility, flexibility and strength and will help you train for those life skills!!

So next time you are feeling a little awkward transitioning on the reformer change your thought process. Think of the transition as part of the exercise that you are practicing. Just like it takes practice (lots of it) to be able to do your Teaser, it takes practice to learn how to transition between exercises. Remind yourself there is value in being able to transition between movements and even in awkward positions. Remind yourself that every time you practice those type of movements in the controlled, safe environment at the studio you are better training your body to avoid injuries in your daily life activities. You are keeping your body agile, training your balance and training body to move better in any situation!