Not starting Pilates or Yoga because it’s hard is not an excuse (anymore!!)

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I overheard a conversation the other day ago where a couple of my Pilates clients were talking about the new Yoga class we were offering. One of the students had been taking the class and mentioned to the other student she should try it.  Her response was ,”I probably should…but Yoga is hard!”    This struck me as a little bit funny because as her Pilates teacher…I’ve seen how hard she works in my Pilates classes.  

If you’ve done Pilates, you know that there is not necessarily anything easy about Pilates. Pilates requires you to be completely present in the moment, focusing on your breath, your movements, your alignment, your core engagement and I personally feel like it is never “easy”. As much as I love to move and exercise my body I kind of think it’s alway “hard” to regularly exercise.   It’s hard to make myself add it in (even when I don’t feel like it), it’s hard to stay focused on what I’m doing in the moment and it’s hard to not want to quit when my muscles get tired and feel like they are working!  So I guess it seems logical that when anybody is contemplating doing something new, that we might use the excuse “it’s going to be hard”  as a way to justify not doing it.  I kind of see it as our mind’s way of tricking us into not being vulnerable enough to try something new…even though that something new might have immense benefits in our life!   

If you are one of those people who is not trying Pilates or Yoga because you think it’s too hard, maybe it’s time to change the story you are telling yourself. Try telling yourself that learning a new movement practice is a challenge for everyone, but the challenge is what in the long run is going to help you get results in your body.   Starting a new movement practice is never easy and because of that the staff at Rivercity Pilates always makes sure to do their best to create an environment that you can succeed in and actually enjoy.  Here’s just a few of the things we do:

  • We get to know you before your first class.  We offer a complimentary private session to all clients so we can get to know you and your body before you take your first class. We do this so we can make you as comfortable and at ease as possible for your first class! We find that this helps us create the best possible movement experience for you.  As a client, it’s kind of like already having a friend on your first day of school… 
  • Each exercise will be taught in a way that is doable in your body!  There will always be lots of options on how to do an exercise and you’ll feel completely comfortable choosing the version that feels best in your body
  • There are no unreasonable expectations.  You don’t have to worry about being the only one in class not able to twist like a pretzel or stand on your head….. our classes focus on functional movements that don’t require you to already be super flexible or know how to do some acrobatic move! 
  • We won’t single you out and over correct everything you do, Our teachers are great at teaching in a way that ensures you are doing things properly and not injuring yourself without making you feel silly or embarrassed because you are working on things!  
  • Exercises will always be safe for your body.  Safety is always on the top of our instructors mind and you will be coached on how to do exercises as safely and as effectively as possible in your body!
  • The class atmosphere will be positive and inspiring!  Our teachers are pros at creating a great environment to work out in!  You’ll walk out of classes not only with a great workout, but feeling good about what you did and enjoying your movement time!  

Ready to try out a new movement practice like Pilates or Yoga in your life?  We would love to get to know you and introduce you to a mindful movement practice!! Schedule a complimentary session to meet us and see if we’ll be a good fit for you! 

Want an easy way to prevent and even heal injuries as a runner or cyclist without stopping running and biking?

Most devoted runners and cyclist are amazed at how much of a difference just 1 or 2 Pilates workouts per week can make in how their body feels and how it keeps them from getting those reoccurring injuries that often sideline them from their favorite exercise!   

One of my favorite quotes from Joseph Pilates says, “Physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body and a sound mind, fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”     Joe makes the point that our exercise time should be devoted to training our body to be balanced out so that we can do all of things we need to do and want to do in life on a daily basis with ease.   Joseph Pilates clearly created his exercise method with the purpose of giving people a way to easily train their body so that they could feel their best in whatever they wanted to do in life.  If you are a runner or cyclist than your “physical fitness time” should definitely include time to balance out the muscles in your body so that you can run and bike with ease and without injuries.  

If you are one of those people who have found a love for running or cycling (or maybe both) in your life than I’m guessing that regularly getting this cardio based exercise in your life has been fabulous for keeping you fit and healthy over the years (so fit you probably haven’t had to do much else for exercise).  I’m also guessing that over the years you’ve had an occasional injury or ailment that quite possibly could be the result of the repetitiveness of your cardio fitness training.  It seems kind of silly that someone who is running and biking so much in their life should have to add more exercise time in their life to stay healthy….but as crazy as it seems adding just a little bit of Pilates training time to your life will allow you to do more of what you love and will keep you from getting sidelined with injuries that keep you from your favorite cardio exercise! 

How does Pilates help?

Runners and cyclists tend to use the same muscles groups over and over again for long periods of time.  In a nutshell this pattern creates imbalance in the body and imbalances often lead to injury. Pilates focuses on creating more balance in the entire body by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak underused muscles. 

The Pilates method is very efficient and accomplishes both the stretching and strengthening on each exercise you perform.  What this means for you is you won’t have to sit and stretch and do individual strengthening exercises to get the balance work you need to keep yourself healthy.  Each workout is designed to strengthen and balance the entire body efficiently so you have more time to do the things you love! 

Since I’m guessing you don’t want to have to stop doing your favorite cardio exercise due to an injury, my best advice (and Joe’s too!) would be to add 1 or 2 Pilates workouts per week that will help you balance out your body, prevent injuries, help you feel better in your body and even improve how your cardio feels!  Interested in learning more about how Pilates can help keep you running and biking without injury or pain?  Schedule a complimentary private session today and let us introduce you to the Pilates method of exercise and help you figure out how to add it into your life! 

 

Inspiration of the Month – Cheryl Ring July 2018

Cheryl Ring IOM July 2018


Cheryl Ring   

Inspiration of the Month July 2018

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

I’m not actually sure! April 2016? (we looked it up Cheryl!) Watching my mom and aunt age was the kick I needed to start. I was looking for something that would help me stay strong and that I could continue throughout life stages. I’ve also had back problems so understand the importance of a strong core.

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

I do 1 equipment class at the studio on Mondays, then 1-2 mat sessions on my own using the You Tube library. I like Monday classes because it’s a good start to each week. 

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

Definitely a difference in posture! I’m more in tune with my body and have discovered muscles I didn’t know were there—and that I should use them. I also enjoy the mental reset—I know if I can think about anything other than breathing and movement during a routine then I’m not focused. 

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

I like monkey! And any of the rolling exercises. 

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

Give it a shot! But start with individual sessions, it’s a great way to really learn about your body. And never think your body “can’t” do that, you’ll be surprised!