Inspiration of Month Christine Berger

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in early February of 2019. My friend Rachel Piper invited me to be one of her students as she was training to become a Pilates instructor. I was so thrilled! Rachel was sold on the physical, emotional and mental changes that Pilates brought to her life, so I had to accept her offer. I felt that if I had developed even half of her enthusiasm and drive I would come out a winner! I knew it would be challenging because of past injuries, but this was the opportunity to try and move ahead in a comfortable and non intimidating environment. I am a stay at home mom (kids are grown now), but always took care of everyone. It was time to take care of me now.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?  
While working with Rachel, we worked twice a week, starting with Pilates Mat, then moved on to Reformer, Rower and Chair . That instruction ended in October and since then I have been enjoying Zumba, Ballet for Fitness and Tower classes 3 times a week. I am slowly introducing another class with the hopes of 5 classes per week.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
My goal when accepting Rachel’s offer was to find something that I enjoyed that didn’t cause pain to my troubled back, neck and feet. I have a history of herinated discs in my neck and back issues dating back from my nursing days. I had just finished physical therapy in November of 2018 for Achilles Tendinosis and I knew I needed to build core strength, stretching and toning. I have noticed much less back and neck discomfort since starting Pilates. I was advised against hard impact to my heels, so the Zumba and Ballet for Fitness classes have been wonderful to help stretch me out and satisfy my love for dance. Another plus I have noticed is an emotional/mental benefit. I have always been a glass half full type of gal. I have a lot of mental energy and am pretty happy and joyful. But my body hurt. Pilates has helped with the hurt and for that I am very grateful.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
That is a tough question. I really have enjoyed all the classes. The Pilates Mat classes are the most challenging for me because of my neck/back issues. So, I’m slowly working to incorporate more of those classes into my routine. I love the Zumba, Ballet for Fitness and Tower, along with the purple ball and foam roller props used in class.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I really feel like this is the hardest step. Its time to take care of yourself. Realize that we all have different challenges and bodies and Pilates can work for your body and its challenges. Go and give it a try, keep a positive attitude and let the instructors know your weaknesses. They will modify and work with you. Don’t be intimidated by what you think you need to be to do Pilates. Enjoy the journey!

December Life Inspired

Free to the community, you do not need to be a Rivercity Pilates client to attend. Reserve your spot here!

November Life Inspired

Free to the community! You do not have to be a Rivercity Pilates client or member to attend! Reserve your spot here!

Winter Weather Policy

As we head into winter we wanted you to know how we deal with bad weather at the studio! Here’s what you need to know:

  • If the weather is “iffy” and we are still having classes and sessions we WILL NOT charge you if you feel unsafe to drive in! Just email or call us and let us know!
  • If we cancel a class or session you are signed up for we will do everything we can (call you, email you) to let you know ASAP that it is cancelled.
  • We will also post announcements of classes being cancelled on our Facebook page.

Friends & Family FREE!

As we head into the holiday seasons, we believe that one of the most important things is spending times with loved ones! And we would love nothing more than to be able to give you the gift of getting some healthy movement time in with your loved ones!

All month long in November and December your friends and family can attend any class with you for FREE!

There are no restrictions on how many times they can come as long as we have space in class! You can always email or call us and we can help you sign up your friend or family member for class or they can use the online scheduling system and we will put the free class or classes on their account. You should be able to sign up for any class on our schedule as unpaid, so no need to purchase anything to schedule.

P.S. Have a friend who wants to take a complimentary semi-private with you before starting classes? Just email or call us and we’ll help you set it up!!

P.S.S. we consider friends and family anyone in your life who isn’t already a regular client of Rivercity Pilates who you want to hang out with…they can be out of town guests or just a local friend or family member who you know would enjoy the experience of taking a class with you!

Inspiration of the Month Christy Novak

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I started Pilates about 20 years ago through the UI Dance Department’s Saturday and Evening class program.  I took Pilates Mat classes for a number of years across a variety of instructors and one of these introduced me to the Reformer, which I loved!  I took private lessons with her for a year before moving to Pennsylvania, then had only intermittent Reformer classes during summers when I traveled to Prague for work.  I was thrilled to find Rivercity Pilates when I moved back to this area.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? I take 3-5 equipment classes each week in addition to 4-5 other classes including Yoga, Barre and sometimes Zumba.  

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? My goal was to see how much I could push my hip, after being treated for bursitis almost continuously for 2 years.  It kept stiffening up and I was getting really frustrated about not being able to sleep or resume normal activity.  I am delighted with the outcomes – I not only can move again but I’ve met wonderful people along the way!  My new goals are to make it through Shaina’s Reformer Jumpboard class and Shelley M.’s Reformer Flow Class!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  I like all of the equipment, though I think the Reformer is still my favorite.  The Oov has been a pleasant surprise – I didn’t think I’d be able to stay on it, and I find that my back loves it.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?Don’t think about it!  You gain a new appreciation for your body and how it works. Enjoy the journey – we all have different challenges and a sense of humor does wonders!