Will Pilates help me gain flexibility?

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“True flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed.” – Joseph Pilates

The Pilates Method focuses on balancing out your muscles around each joint in the body (we refer to it as uniform development). By creating balance we naturally become more flexible, stronger, and our bodies move with ease, just like when we were kids. It is truly a combination of stretching and strengthening various muscle groups that allows the body to create this balance.

Pilates instructors are trained to look at individual bodies and movements and fine tune each individual’s movements to create balance in each body. If you have ever wondered why there are so many variations and modifications to Pilates exercises – this is why! Every body is unique and its needs change from day to day.

As instructors it’s our job to help clients tune in to their bodies and learn how to adjust their movements in Pilates, fitness, and life.

Learn more about the Pilates Method of exercise by exploring our website!

Valentine Pilates: Serena & Steve

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This is the fourth post in our Valentine series about couples who practice Pilates together at Rivercity Pilates.  On Friday evening, February 17 at 6:30pm – our monthly “Life Inspired Get Together” will be free Pilates and Yoga session for couples!

A Dialogue on Couples’ Pilates
SS = Serena; SB = Steve

SS: I’m so glad that we are now doing Pilates together. What led you to join me?
SB: I saw how much good it was doing for you, and appreciated the focus on the core. I needed that.

SS: I hope you don’t mind how competitive I am.
SB: You’re not competitive at Pilates, just at other things!

SS: Of course, I can’t compete with your strength, but I’m very pleased that the two of us can do the same exercises and benefit, even though I’m ten years older than you are.
SB: You help me to attend the sessions regularly.

image12SS: Do you agree that Carey is really good at working around whatever special challenges each of might have on a day, such as my impaired hip movement, or whatever.
SB: Or my sore back.

SS: My favorite exercises are scooting along on the reformer, bouncing on the big ball, and improving my sense of balance.
SB: Mine is the Cadillac.

SS: I love how we both feel so good afterwards, and can share these feelings together.
SB: Ditto.

SS: Three words to describe a session? Loving, exercising together.
SB: Working, improving, challenging.

A Love Letter from your Pilates Teacher!

I wrote this letter originally 3 years ago.  Every year I say to myself I should rewrite my love letter to my clients.  Then I read it and think, I don’t think I need to rewrite it. The words I originally wrote still portray how I feel really well!  So here it is!  Happy Valentines to all of my amazing, wonderful clients over the years who have let me be part of their movement practice, part of their life!

Dear Devoted Pilates Client,

1.  You are amazing!  I am amazed and inspired daily by your devotion to your Pilates practice!  I know, as much as you love your Pilates sessions, that it is not always easy to get to the studio.  Life happens and there are a million excuses you could use to not come in- but you do.  Your devotion inspires me in my daily life.  Thank You!

2. You are making amazing progress in your Pilates practice and in your life every time you practice.  As instructors we are often giving you feedback on how to improve your practice because that’s part of our job.  I probably don’t spend enough time telling you how far you’ve come and how great you’re doing.  One of the wonderful parts of my job is that I get to see people create positive changes in their bodies on a daily basis. Keep it up!

3.   I love to celebrate the little milestones with you!   Can you pick something off the floor without your back hurting?  Can you sit comfortably on the floor with your kids or grandchildren?  Are you sitting taller at your desk or has your posture improved?  I love to hear about and celebrate these moments with you.  I practice and teach Pilates so that I can help others live life to the fullest and it makes me happy when I hear your success stories!

4.  Please don’t feel bad about speaking up and telling me something doesn’t feel good in your body.  I know that not every exercise or movement is right for every body and it does not bother me at all if you tell me that something hurts or doesn’t feel right. In fact- I LOVE the opportunity to find something that does work for you.  Changing, modifying and creating exercises designed specifically for your body is what I am trained to do and I LOVE to do it!  It makes me cringe to have a client work through the pain.  I believe and know that exercise does not have to hurt to be super effective.  If you are in pain, then you are not getting the benefits of the exercise and you might be doing more harm than good to your body.

5. Thank you for choosing me to share your Pilates journey with you!  Working with amazing, nice, thoughtful clients makes me happy!  I know there are lots of choices when it comes to teachers and I truly value you as a dedicated client.

With Love,

Your Pilates Teacher

Valentines Pilates: Susan & Mike

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757c68fa-ddf2-4334-88b7-6e5e7410fb71This is the second post in our Valentine series about couples who practice Pilates together at Rivercity Pilates.  On Friday evening, February 17 at 6:30pm – our monthly “Life Inspired Get Together” will be free Pilates and Yoga session for couples!

How did you start doing Pilates together?  
Susan:  My sister and I were already going weekly and he’s off work Friday mornings.
Mike:  Couple of years ago

When you are out with friends/family, who is more likely to talk about their Pilates experience?
Susan:  Me
Mike:  Susan

Are you competitive with each other?
Susan.  I don’t think we’re competitive but I comment too much on his less than ideal form.
Mike.  in most things

fullsizerender28Do you keep each other accountable?
Susan:  Not really.
Mike:  She nags, I obey

How does it help you to exercise with your partner?
Susan:  We don’t otherwise exercise together. We have always walked together.
Mike:  otherwise I wouldn’t do it

How has Pilates influenced your overall health?
Susan:  Unquestionably, Pilates has improved my health overall.
Mike:  improved balance and posture

What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
Susan:  anything with the roller
Mike:  favorite is upside down push up

 Least favorite?
Susan:  Anything with the chair
Mike:  Anything with bands, balls, “magic” circles
What do you want to tell other couples about your Pilates experience?
Susan:  That we have a lot of laughs in there. The vibe is good.
Mike:  It’s not that bad
What 3 words would you use to describe your Pilates Sessions?
Susan:  Welcoming. Positive. Fun.
Mike:  Fifty minutes long

 

 

 

 

Valentine Pilates: Gwen & Gary

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757c68fa-ddf2-4334-88b7-6e5e7410fb71This is the first post in our Valentine series about couples who practice Pilates together at Rivercity Pilates.  On Friday evening – our monthly “Life Inspired Get Together” will be free Pilates and Yoga session for couples!    


How did you get started doing Pilates together?
Gwen started then wrangled Gary…….behind every great man is a motivating woman!????

When you are out with friends/family, who is more likely to talk about their Pilates experience?
Gary discusses Pilates more than Gwen. He talks to others about how it has been a benefit especially with his ankle and diabetes.  Gwen talks about it but not to the degree Gary does in social settings. 

Are you competitive with each other? In is a friendly teaser sort of way.  No pun intended!????
gwen-and-gary-iom-feb-2017Do you keep each other accountable?
YES, the couple that does pilates together stays together!

How does it help you to exercise with your partner?
It is demonstration of our commitment to health and love. 

How has Pilates influenced your overall health?
Absolutely!!!! It also helps us to have our pilates coaches.  We think Joe would be proud. 

What is your favorite Pilates exercise?  
Tower

Least favorite?
Anything abs

What do you want to tell other couples about your Pilates experience?
This is a great way to date, flirt and be healthy.  We have a lot of fun.  

What 3 words would you use to describe your Pilates Sessions?
Tease me baby! ????

Should I take Pilates Private Sessions or Group Classes?

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The Pilates method of exercise is based on learning specific principles of breath, control, precision, flowing movement, centering, and concentration.   Learning the method is truly a process that is continually challenging you to connect to your body so you can learn to breathe more efficiently, move from your center, and create uniform development or balance in your body.

Every body and every personality learns differently and the best process for you to learn will be unique to you. There really is no right or wrong way.

We suggest starting your Pilates journey with 3-6 private sessions.  By starting your learning process with private sessions you have a chamermaid adjustmentsnce to learn the basic ideas and principles in a way that is very specific to your body.   These private sessions will give you a chance to learn the Pilates fundamentals such as how to breathe during your exercises, how to engage your deep abdominal muscles, and how to stabilize your hips and shoulders.

These sessions will also give you a chance to create body awareness about how your body moves, where your individual imbalances may be, and give you an idea of places you can focus and work on as you continue your Pilates practice.

After your introductory private sessions, how you continue your Pilates training is really up to you.

Private sessions offer complete one-on-one attention from your instructor and allow you to move and learn at your own specific pace.  Individual sessions are also great for fine tuning and making adjustments to your movements that are specific to you.

Semi-private sessions are a great way to work out with a friend and still get the individualized attention of a private session.

Small group classes are a fun, effective way to do a Pilates workout while still getting great adjustments IMG_2412and feedback from your instructor.

Some clients take just private or semi-private sessions, some take just classes, and many do both!  We suggest trying them all so you can find out what you enjoy the most.

Consistency is the key in creating an effective Pilates practice in your life, so try to find some regular times that you can put into your weekly schedule.