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

 I started Pilates semi-privates with a friend years ago, but when I tripped over the dog and broke my hip in April 2016, all that stopped. I did everything that was recommended by the professionals to decrease the pain and get my range of motion, flexibility and balance back, but after 2 years of sequences of physical therapy, energy work, massage, Rolfing, nutrition, hot yoga, cardio and weight training, I was still limited and painful.  My physical therapist recommended Pilates, and I had heard good things about Rivercity Pilates. I met with Carey and heard about the team she had assembled. I had a new hope that I could really get back to my baseline functioning and I decided to try.

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

I started with private sessions with Shelley Mockler, backed up by Carey due to my crazy schedule, and adding in Sara for NRT and also yoga. After I got stronger, less painful and more confident, I began picking up an additional Pilates/Yoga class a week.  I had the good fortune to retire in October, and now I am able to do classes at least 4 times a week, plus continuing my privates with Shelley. 

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

I am so grateful that Shelley, Sara, Carey, Nick, Nancy, Janee and all the other instructors who collaborate and build upon each other’s sessions to help me achieve my goals.  I have made more progress in the last 8 months at Rivercity than I did with all the other therapies in the two years before I got here! I am now pain free, and have the strength and mobility to take a variety of Pilates equipment classes (except Reformer Jumpboard–but soon!), Yoga, and most recently, Barre and Pilates Mat class.  I sleep better, I eat better (motivated by my physical progress), and I am calmer about the future.

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

I love the Tower and the Reformer, and of course I couldn’t do without the yoga blocks! The Cadillac has been the most interesting piece of equipment, and has allowed me to move in ways I did not think I could.   I am not sure I will ever become adept at the OOV!  The variety of equipment here is amazing. My previous studio had Reformers and a Cadillac, and I know that I would not have made the progress that I have without the team here and the equipment that they are so skilled in using. 

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

I would say take the leap and try it– if you don’t like it, you can always quit; but if you don’t try it, you will never know the benefits and the amazing personal gains that can be made at this studio. I started slow, and as I made progress, I was able to do more and now can’t imagine life without it!