The absolute secret to Pilates success!

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I’ve been teaching Pilates for a long time and in that time I have gotten to observe a lot of different people and different bodies who come to Pilates and give it a try.  On a daily basis I get to hear from clients about how their Pilates practice has changed their life,made them stronger, helped them get rid of pain and allows them to move better in their daily life so that they can live the life they dream of.  Many talk about how Pilates makes them happier and keeps their body feeling happier.  

I also see lots of people who are super excited to try it, enjoy it and can really see how it could benefit their life and then give it up.  So what’s the key to being a Pilates success?  How can you get what those happy people have, those people are feeling amazing in their body? It might be simpler than you think.  The secret is patience and persistence.

Joseph Pilates said,”Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor.”

I couldn’t agree more!  So what does it mean to be patient and persistent when it comes to your Pilates practice?  I really think it comes down to showing up and not giving up.  We live in what I like to call a “quick fix” world.  Society has convinced us that you can buy a solution to any problem you have.  We’re spoiled by the convenience of being able to walk into a store or click a button online and have just about anything we want almost instantaneously. But  so many things in life can’t be bought or obtained quickly…our health, our happiness, learning a new sport or discipline in your body, learning new eating habits, friendships and relationships.  The key to success in any of these arenas is consistent positive action taken over time.  And when I say time I don’t mean the “6 weeks to a skinny you program” kind of time…I mean years  (yep…years).

Think of that friend or two in your life who you can’t imagine doing life without.  Did your friendship with them just happen overnight?  How long have you known them? How many life experiences have you shared with them and what do you do on a regular basis to connect with them?  Are you or were you an athlete at some point in your life?  How many practices did you attend? How many games did you win (and lose)?  How long did you play that sport before you were feeling pretty accomplished in it?  Do you have someone in your life who you admire because you feel like they are in great shape and they really take care of their body?  My guess is if you ask them they have made a commitment in their life to make movement part of their life…they probably have a routine that they’ve been following…probably for years!

I can tell you first hand from my own life and from the clients I get to work with on a daily basis…the key to feeling good in your body, to getting results from your Pilates practice (or any movement practice) is consistency over time.  Adding more movement into your life is not a hard thing to do, but as easy as it is to do….it’s just as easy not to do.  Adding 5-10 minutes of Pilates based exercises to your day is pretty doable for everybody and I guarantee that if you did that for 3 months, 6 months, or a year…you would feel an amazing difference in your body and your life.  Taking even just one Pilates class per week over a year would change how your body feels when you look back a year from now.

When I observe those clients who have really embraced movement as part of their life, the ones who feel and see results from their movement practice on a daily basis I see a lot of the same characteristics, traits and habits.

Here’s just a few:

  1. Movement is not an option.  Clients who are committed don’t give themselves the option of not doing it, even on the days when it would be just as easy not to do it.
  2. They come back after being sick, taking a break, etc.  Everyone has stuff in their life and it’s pretty unrealistic to think that you would never miss your workouts or movement time, but the big difference between the successful and unsuccessful is they stick with it.  If you sleep in and miss your workout, you get back to it the next day. Went on vacation and lounged on the beach for 2 weeks.. then you come back and get back into the routine.  Had a few months where you were consumed with taking care of a loved one or maybe even something as tragic as a death of someone you loved…they come back and keep moving.
  3. They create a routine or schedule.  Movement time is in the calendar, it’s as regular as eating lunch or brushing your teeth…again it’s not optional.
  4. They enjoy the process. They know that movement and exercise time for their body is not a quick fix for anything.  They are able to see the big picture of health and happiness.  They realize that their consistent habits will add up over time to things much bigger than fitting into their skinny jeans.. things like living longer, feeling good in their body so they can take amazing vacations or keeping up with their kids or grandkids…
  5. They surround themselves with like-minded people.  Sticking with something is never easy and it’s even harder if all of your friends and family are unsupportive and don’t get what you are doing and why. Having a trusted movement teacher or trainer who is on your side can make a world of difference. Having a workout friend who is on the same path of trying to keep consistent can give you just the support and camaraderie you need.  Having a place and space in your life to workout where you feel supported, loved and actually enjoy makes the process so much more fun and enjoyable and easier to stick with.

At Rivercity Pilates we are passionate about movement and what an amazing health tool it can be in your life.  Our staff is here because they love being “those supportive, like-minded people” in your life!  Our staff is on the same life journey as you. We are on a daily journey to use movement in our life consistently so that we too can live our best life.  Our daily interactions with our amazing clients inspire us in our own movement journey.  The studio is our “happy place” and we really hope it will become yours too.  If you are looking to add movement into your life we would love to meet you and introduce you to the studio, our staff and all of our fabulous inspiring clients!  Click here to schedule a complimentary private session to get started today!!

Addicted to your phone?

Do you ever feel like you have a hard time just being present in the moment?  Do you feel like you have some sort of weird attachment to your phone, apple watch, iPad, or some other electronic device? 

I’m asking because I am completely guilty of not being able to just be present and I’m completely guilty of having an addiction to my phone.  Luckily I have a 10 year old daughter who is so good at helping me detach from my phone and become more present in my life.  Let me explain.  

I use my phone to check emails, stay updated on social media posts and to check in on the business when I’m not there.  At least a couple of times a day.  It used to be more times a day,  I’m actually getting better.  I will be with my daughter and she has to make a comment to me like, “Could you just quit looking at your phone?” or  “Did you hear what I said or were you looking at your phone?”  As soon as she says it my heart sinks and I’m embarrassed. 

I read something somewhere that talked about how just having your device sitting out on the table if you are having dinner with someone is a clear signal to that person you are with that they are not that important.   Just having the phone sitting there says to that person…I’m hanging out with you but if something like an email, a text or a social media notification comes through…that is more important and I’ll have to check it.  I know more important then anything that could come through on my phone, my daughter holds my heart. I NEVER want her to think that anything that pops up on my phone could be more important than her and the time we spend together…yet I seem to keep having those moments. 

I always make a point to put my phone away when she reminds me and thank her for reminding me. Even though those moments still happen, I can tell you they are a lot less frequent than they used to be. I feel like I am getting more practiced at learning to be present and I’m thankful that she helps to remind me to do it! 

So why am I telling you all this? I’m telling you because I see the same lack of being present in many of my clients during their Pilates sessions and classes.  I see clients checking their texts on their phones and watches, answering the occasional phone call, reading news notifications and just plain being distracted.  I am not judging, because I know how hard it is to just be present. 

I know that it is such a habit for us to be so connected to everything and everyone all the time that it seems impossible to just focus on one thing.  As a teacher I don’t like to have “rules” about not having devices in the studio room because I know that every once in awhile you absolutely need to be able to be reached during your session for something in your life. 

But my guess is that 95% of the time the texts, emails, calls and notifications are totally something that could wait without consequence until your 50 minute session is over.  My guess is that you could silence your notifications or leave your device in the car or in your gym bag and all would be good!

I realize that you don’t even realize how often you are checking in and if I brought it up…you might have that heart sinking, embarrassed feeling that I have when my daughter reminds me. 

I also think that if you committed to spending your entire 50 minute session or class focused on yourself and what you were doing….the effects would travel into the rest of your life.  When we practice being present, we get better at it.  When we practice spending almost an hour focused on our own health and well being (and the world does not fall apart in the meantime!) then we get better at listening and being present to our spouse, our kids and our friends. 

The effect of being present in your important relationships in your life will surely trickle into more positive, less stressful moments in your life.  

So maybe next time you have a session or class you’ll decide to silence your devices or even leave them in another room and dedicate yourself to just practicing being present.  

August Studio Update

I’m sure this summer was not anything like you expected it to be when you started 2020, but I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy it anyway! I hope you are taking some time to do things you love, connect with your loved ones and of take care of yourself! This picture of my son and I reminded me that time flies, pandemic or not…especially as I looked at how tall my baby boy was when he gave me a hug!!

What a great July it has been as we continue to see everyone in our virtual classes and have started to see some of you back in the studio for private sessions! Our goals as we continue to navigate the pandemic are the same as they have always been. We want to help you stay active and feel good in your body so you can do all the fun things you want to do in life, pandemic or not! 

In studio sessions have been going well and we have really been loving seeing people in person (6 feet away and with masks of course!) Many clients have told us how pleasantly surprised they were that practicing Pilates with a mask on was not as weird and horrible as they thought it might be!

If you have questions about what we are doing to keep clients and staff safe inside the studio — you’ll want to read this!   

We have decided to continue offering private and semi-private sessions only for August and we’ll be reassessing the local Covid situation later in August to determine if we will be doing in studio classes in September.

August Life Inspired

“Life Inspired” Classes are free and open to anyone. Beginners and new to the studio clients are welcome, you do not need to be a Rivercity Pilates client to attend. Reserve your spot here!

Keeping You Safe

When you come to the studio for your session we ask that you arrive no more than 5 minutes before your session.  

Masks or a face covering are required in the studio so we ask that you have your mask on before you enter the building. If you need a mask we will provide one for you.  

Grippy socks are required in the studio for your safety.

When you walk into the front door there is a place to stop and sanitize your hands and you can leave your shoes on the shoe trays in that front area.  

Your teacher will take your temperature with a contactless thermometer and we’ll ask you to stop at the front desk to sign a daily Covid form/waiver. We’ll need you to sign this each time you do a session at the studio.

After signing the waiver your teacher will let you know what station you’ll be at and we ask that you head to your workout area.  

In your area you will find a basket that has hand sanitizer, a bottle of disinfectant/cleaner, and towels for cleaning.  Your area will have already been cleaned and disinfected but please feel free to clean your space before your session.  

Your teacher will do their best to maintain 6 feet of distance and there will not be any hands on cueing or spotting during your session. We’ll guide you to make any changes or adjustments to your equipment. 

After your session we’ll ask you to clean your equipment and area and leave the towels used in your basket.   (We will go in after you leave and disinfect the entire area)

We do not have the water cooler available so you’ll want to make sure to bring your own water with you to your session. 

We do have some clothing and props for sale.  We won’t be able to allow people to try things on, but you can purchase something and return it if it doesn’t fit once you get it home. 

To avoid extra contact moments in the studio we are asking everyone to prepay for services online and have a credit card on file so that if you do want to make an in store purchase we can simply put it on your account card and email you a receipt.  

After clients leave our staff will disinfect the entire area you were working out at and we will disinfect all commonly touched surfaces throughout the studio. This extra disinfecting time means we will always schedule client’s sessions 25 minute apart to ensure we have time to disinfect and to ensure that everyone can practice social distancing.

Inspiration of the Month Mary Smith

When did you start practicing Pilates?
I began practicing Pilates about 14 years ago when I attended classes taught by River City’s own Shannon Ottoson at the North Liberty Rec Center!  I am a physical therapist and found the combination of stretching, core strengthening and emphasis on breath and alignment complimentary to the principles I use when working with patients with all types of musculoskeletal problems. 

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of classes and sessions do you enjoy? I currently practice Pilates about 3 times a week.  I like the Intermediate Mat Flow class and the Big Ball class  (and not just because my daughter, Kathryn teaches them!).  These classes provide an extra challenge for me as I strive to become stronger and more flexible. 

I love the foam roller class as I find the stretching very helpful for my lower back and neck.  I have also taken private sessions with Carey as I rehabbed from a back injury.  These sessions were invaluable to help me regain mobility, strength and confidence to resume mat classes.  I have taken 2 of the virtual workshops Carey has offered which go into greater depth.  I love the analysis of movement and the modifications we can make with the exercises, allowing them to be accessible for everyone. 

How has Pilates helped you in your life?
Pilates has helped me to maintain an active lifestyle including hiking and gardening.  I find the exercises helpful to maintain my flexibility and strength.  My lower back feels best when I am consistent with my practice.  I also feel more centered and less stressed at the end of each class. 

How have the virtual classes helped you during the pandemic?
The virtual classes have provided a great predictable routine.  As we know, not much else is predictable these days!  I have actually been more consistent with my participation since classes went virtual due to the ease of exercising in my own home.  I certainly miss seeing the instructors and participants in person, but it has helped me feel connected to others with similar goals of staying active.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about starting Pilates?
I would encourage everyone to give Pilates a try.  It is a form of exercise that almost everyone can do, no matter your fitness level or age.  The exercises can be modified for those with health concerns including neck, back, shoulder and hip pain.  It has helped me live my mantra…keep moving!