Life Inspired: Barre Basics  with Nancy Kaff
Friday, July 14      6 pm to 7:30 pm

Life Inspired is a free monthly event that we host for us to connect, learn something new, and have fun! Join Nancy for a free Barre Basics class and stay after for wine and chocolate! Wear your activewear and be ready to move and have fun!

Sign up: Click Here!

 

Many people have never worked one on one with a movement or exercise  instructor and have some misconceived ideas about what a one on one Pilates session will be like.  Let me put to rest some of your fears!  If you’ve been watching the Biggest Loser we may have some work to do:) Or maybe you’ve heard horror stories of people doing personal training and being so sore they can’t even walk the next day or lift their arm to brush their teeth?

Today I’m going to walk you through your first Pilates private session at Rivercity Pilates (P.S.- this session is free so definitely take advantage of it!)

When you arrive at the studio we’ll give you a tour of our space.  We’ll show you where you can put your coat, shoes, and gear, point out the restrooms, show you our massage room and our two spacious studio rooms that we use for private sessions and small group classes.

P1020745If you haven’t already filled out our new client paperwork we’ll have you fill out our health intake and other preliminary forms.  The health intake form in particular is very important to us.  Your instructor will start your session by sitting with you and going over your health history and discussing how it effects your exercise program.  As instructors we want to help you create a Pilates practice that meets your goals and is safe for your body!

After we’ve learned a little bit more about you, your instructor will start by sharing a little more in depth about the history of Pilates and what and how we teach the Pilates Method at Rivercity Pilates.  We find that learning Pilates is a process and teaching the “why” behind the method is important when helping others create a Pilates practice in their life.

Whether you have been practicing Pilates for years or a brand new beginner we will start the movement portion of your session by teaching the Pilates fundamentals in your body.  The Pilates fundamentals are the building blocks of every exercise and movement we do in Pilates and it’s important to us that you understand them as they are used over and over again in your Pilates practice.  These fundamentals include the concepts of breathe, engaging your deep abdominal muscles, how to stabilize your hips and shoulders and more.  We’ll tailor the exercises we use to teach these ideas to your body and move at a level appropriate for you.

RCP-37After we teach you the fundamentals and have had some time to work with you and see how your body moves we’ll introduce you to some Pilates exercises that are appropriate for your body.  We often like to let you experience exercises that are considered Mat work (just using your own body for resistence) as well as letting you experience exercises on some of the traditional Pilates equipment such as the Univeral Reformer, the Cadillac or the Pilates Wunda Chair.

We’ll wrap up your session with some time to talk about what we did and give you an opportunity to ask questions.  Your instructor can help to explain the different ways you can learn and practice Pilates and give suggestions as to what might be best for your body.

Our goal during your first session is to start the teaching process and help you decide whether you want to pursue a Pilates practice.  Your session will be a combination of discussion and movement.  Will you be sore the next day?  You might be.  Often when you are learning a new movement and engaging new muscles you’ll feel it the next day- but in a good way!  You’ll know you did something different but no need to worry about being so sore that you can’t function!!

Ready to try a complimentary session?  Click here to find a time that works best in your schedule!  We look forward to meeting you!

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 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.

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!

                                                                         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!