Photo by Nancy Kaff (in background)

What do you love about teaching Pilates?  
Watching my clients walk in with the stress of the day and walk out rejuvenated is super rewarding. We all live such busy lives and its difficult to find time to take care of ourselves. I love being part of the one hour a day someone is dedicating to themselves. 

What’s your favorite part about your pilates group classes at RCP? 
We have fun! I always look forward to seeing my regulars and introducing new clients to my style of teaching. There is growth in every class – whether its improving on something we’ve done over and over or its trying a new exercise or modification.

Give us two words that you think your students would use to describe your classes! 
As one of my regulars so kindly said – “Evil. Awesome. Good.” 

How old were you when you decided to take the pilates teacher training and why did you decide to take it?   
I was 26 when I decided to enter my Pilates teacher training program. I had discovered Pilates just a year earlier and found it to be the perfect balance for my body. I felt Pilates heal my decade long back injuries and I wanted to share that magic with others. I also love that I can teach Pilates anywhere – that level of flexibility is one of the reasons I was so easily able to move from NYC to Iowa in 2015.

 

Inspiration of the Month – September 2018

 Empower Your Body ~ Inspire Your Life

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started taking Pilates classes about 3 years ago.  I was having a lot of back pain and was encouraged by Shelley Mockler to give Rivercity Pilates a try.  She promised me I didn’t have to be an athlete to feel comfortable going there (and she was right!)

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
I have a full schedule in the rest of my life, so I try to make it to at least one session per week, either a class or semi-private with a friend. I also try to do at least a few mat exercises or Carey’s 20 minute intermediate mat exercise video at home most days. 
 
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
I have a lot less back pain and tend to be more aware of how I hold and move my body.
 
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
I don’t think I have a favorite—I like learning something new and being challenged to do any of the exercises better.  I appreciate the concentration it takes.  

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? 
Give it a try for a few months and don’t be intimidated. It’s fun and feels good!  I would also encourage everyone to take some private or semi-private classes if possible to learn some of the core principles that will let you get more out of the group classes.  

 
 
Beginner Pilates Mat
Wednesdays at 5pm
4 week series $49 or use any class pricing option
 
 
You don’t have to be a first time Pilates student to enjoy this class!! If you are just coming back to your Pilates practice or recovering from an injury this will be a perfect class for you!!
 
This beginner class will focus on the Pilates basics using only your body and small portable props. You’ll gain strength, flexibility and mobility and learn exercises that you can practice just about anywhere!
 
Space is limited to 8 people!
 
 
Music, dance, movement and lots of laughs….Mom: bring your daughters (recommended for ages 4-10) and enjoy a fun filled Barre class together! This free Life Inspired Class will fill fast so be sure to sign up early as space is limited!! Only Mom needs to sign up!  
 
Space is limited so please sign up using our online scheduling or call us at 319.665.2499 or email us at rcpilates1@gmail.com to reserve your spot!!
 
Bring a friend to this free class & after class join us for a fun time!
Beverages and treats provided!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Music, dance, movement and lots of laughs….Mom: bring your daughters (recommended for ages 4-10) and enjoy a fun filled Barre class together! This free Life Inspired Class will fill fast so be sure to sign up early as space is limited!! Only Mom needs to sign up!  
 
Space is limited so please sign up using our online scheduling or call us at 319.665.2499 or email us at rcpilates1@gmail.com to reserve your spot!!
 
Bring a friend to this free class & after class join us for a fun time!
Beverages and treats provided!

Have you ever wished you were a morning person? Maybe you wished that you could get up early and get your workouts in before the busy-ness of the day distracts you?  Have you ever entertained the idea that you could become a morning person if you wanted to? 

I’m a morning person…or at least that’s what I tell myself!  I’ve found that my life just works better when I’m a morning person.  I get more accomplished, I’m able to spend more time with my family and I actually get my workouts in.  I don’t necessarily think I’m any different from non morning people other than I decided to be a morning person.  When I look closely at my morning routines I’ve discovered that I do a lot of little things without even thinking about them anymore (because they are habit) that help me enjoy my mornings and make the most of them.  

  1. Gratitude is number one on my list on because I think it is probably the most important.  A long time ago I read about practicing gratitude before you even climb out of bed in the morning and I can tell you it’s the habit that helps me the most on those days where I’m exhausted and just want to snuggle in my covers and push snooze. Before I climb out of bed I start running through my mind all of the things I’m grateful for…my family, my dog, my friends, a career I love that fulfills me, fun things to do that day, etc.   It’s kind of amazing how it can instantly get me excited to get out of bed and get going for the day!
  2. Purpose and faith rank right behind gratitude when it comes to my motivation to get up early.  Having a deep awareness or knowing that what I do no matter how little or big it is, makes a difference in the world and to others, always inspires me to take advantage of the time I have.  On those mornings when my bed is sucking me in…I like to remind myself of what a gift each day is and how lucky I am to get to experience whatever life throws at me!
  3. Music.  I usually head into the studio pretty early most mornings and I can tell you if you saw me driving in you would probably see me singing along to my favorite songs on my drive! Usually after I get to the studio I turn them on again as I get set up for my day and sneak a little movement time in.   I always have a playlist of my favorite songs handy and it always puts me in a good mood and starts my day off right when I can listen to them!  
  4. Movement….I don’t always do a full workout first thing in the morning but I do allow myself a little time to “just move”.  For me this is often some gentle stretches, gentle movements through my spine, and anything that gets my body moving.  I always feel a little more energized and ready to go after I start moving! 
  5. Oils…  I realized the other day ago that one of the things I often do in the morning (usually when I’m at the studio as we have a variety of oils) is open a bottle of my favorite scent of essential oil and smell.  Sounds pretty simple but I always love how my favorite  blends of essential oils seem to wake me up a little bit and almost give me energy! 
  6. Happy Space... I think it’s important to have spaces in your life that you love.  My mornings are usually spent at the studio and I’ve come to realize that even though it’s technically work for me…the studio is one of my “happy spaces”.  The atmosphere from when I walk in the door always makes me happy and that makes it so much easier to be excited about spending my mornings there. 
  7. Coffee…I’d be lying if I didn’t include coffee in this list!  I kind of love my morning coffee (flavored with too much flavored coffee creamer!)

Want to try out being a morning person? Join me on:

Tuesdays for a 6:30 am Sunrise Pilates Equipment Class or on
Thursdays for my 5:30 am Beginner Friendly Foam Roller Pilates Mat Classes.

Both these classes are designed to get your body moving gently and safely first thing in the morning and will definitely leave you feeling energized and accomplished (because your workout is done) for the rest of your day!    Register now!  

 

 

 

Pilates Equipment for Back Health
New Class beginning Tuesday, September 11!
with Shaina Boylan
Tuesdays at 7pm
 
 
Pilates Equipment for Back Health: This beginner friendly Pilates equipment class will explore using a variety of pieces of the Pilates equipment to help you gain mobility in your back while increasing your core strength and getting a great whole body workout. Both beginners and more experienced students will enjoy this class!
 
4 classes $89 or use any class pricing option.   Call 319-665-2499 for more information or email us at rcpilates1@gmail.com!