Inspiration of the Month Beth Bartlett

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I first started Pilates at Rivercity Pilates in 2011. After the birth of my son in 2012 I struggled finding time for myself. After a break from Pilates I started back at Rivercity in November, 2019. I had been having issues with my back and my physical therapist recommended Pilates. I have never been someone to work out, but I have always loved Pilates. My body always felt better when I practice it regularly.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
Currently I do private lessons with Carey once a week. I always tell Carey I would come every day if she had time. Before Covid I was attending classes 2-3 times a week. I try to incorporate some exercises Carey has taught me at home as well.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I have a spinal fusion, and I tend to be tight on one side of my body. Pilates make my body, especially my back feel so much better! I also think my core has become stronger which helps protect injury to my back. I think my mental health is better when I do Pilates. I have been trying to make time for myself a priority. Pilates has been the only form of exercise I enjoy doing. I look forward to class each week and how I will feel after class.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I love any type of side bending exercises. Mermaid is a favorite. I also like using the barrel and chair.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I would highly recommend Pilates to anyone thinking of trying it. I honestly think most people could benefit from Pilates. Carey is the best! I think she does a wonderful job of watching clients form and making appropriate adjustments.

Age Proof Your Knees

Clients say the darnedest things! One of my clients came into her session one day and said, “I’m only 61 — but my knees feel like they are 81!”  This is a very common feeling, but it scares me a little.   I get worried because so many people accept this as a natural part of aging, and don’t take action to try and prevent or minimize it.   Many people just think that there is nothing they can do about it. That’s exactly why i created “Exercises for Happy, Healthy Knees”.

Healthy knees are important to keep us active and moving. You’ll learn strategies and exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint that can easily be added into your movement time. You do not need any Pilates experience to take this workshop! 

Strong healthy knees allow you to safely get to the ground and back up when you are planting, pulling weeds or even cleaning the leftover yard crud so that your flowers have a clean space to grow! Strong healthy knees also help you get to the ground and back up to play with your grandchildren!

Strong healthy knees allow you to properly squat to pick up items like bags of potting soil, pots and planters.  This keeps your low back protected from undue strain.

Strong, healthy knees are able to adapt easily to uneven terrain and are key for maintaining your balance when doing any outdoor activities.  

You do not need any previous Pilates experience to benefit from this workshop.

This workshop is for you if:

  • You have knee pain when climbing or descending stairs.
  • Your have arthritis in your knees.
  • You have knee pain that limits any of your activities.
  • Getting down to the floor and back up is a challenge and you often feel your knees.

Please note: If you have undiagnosed knee pain we always suggest talking to your doctor or physical therapist before starting an exercise program!!

Click to register for the workshop!

Strength Training

Strength training is not just about lifting heavy weights. Strength training is important for everyone because it helps build endurance and flexibility, strengthens your bones and even helps with weight loss.   When you think about endurance – we’re not talking about running a marathon or participating in elite sports.   We’re talking about having the energy to do what you want to do without needing a nap! 

Functional Exercise:  Exercises that mimic or recreate common movements we do in life! These exercises are designed to help you move through life better!  My favorite example: sitting in a chair and then standing up.

Here’s a quick quiz:

  • Would you like to get out of a chair or off the sofa more easily?
  • Do you wish you could get up and down from the floor more easily?
  • Do you feel like the pandemic and winter left you out of shape?
  • Does the thought of spring/summer projects around the house seem overwhelming?
  • Do you want to build strength for another activity like jogging or cycling?
  • Do you want to build bone density and lower your chances of a broken bone due to osteoporosis?

If you answered yes to any of these questions – our new 6 week virtual series – Functional Strength Training is for you!

This 6-week series with Pilates teacher and Physical Therapist Shelley Mockler will focus on building full body strength using exercises adapted to your starting strength level.

Each class is 30 minutes and you will have access to the live class and will receive a recording each week of the class. Class will be on Thursdays 6:30pm – 7pm starting April 15th.

This class is included in your membership or you can purchase the entire 6 week series individually for $49. If you have any questions about this series, please email us at rcpilates1@gmail.com!

Register here!

Have you ever tried this?

If you haven’t tried this yet..here’s your chance! Free Mindful Meditation Class!  So many people believe that meditation involves weird music and chanting and even religion.  

We believe that Mindful Meditation is a great form of self care.   Everyone has different goals when they meditate, or participate in a guided meditation like the ones Kimberly leads – but for me, my goal is simply to take 30 minutes to be present.   

You don’t have to sit in a yoga pose, or burn incense.   Just get comfortable and breathe.   It clears my mind and melts away any stress that I’m feeling.     If you’ve never tried a meditation, I would love to urge you (even dare you) to take 30 minutes, find a quiet corner of your house and press play on the video below!    

Find the Magic

What’s so magic about the magic circle?

The magic circle was created by Joseph Pilates and is one of the most versatile fitness props around.  In this month’s #livebetter workshop we’ll be talking about what makes it so magical!  

We’ll be going through a basic Pilates Mat series of exercises and learning how the magic circle can be supportive and help you do the exercise better (ie make something you struggle with seem easier!) and we’ll be showing you how you can use it for the same exercise in a way that will challenge you when you are ready to progress in your practice.  

This workshop is perfect for beginners who are looking for ways they can get stronger in their body by using a prop for assistance and perfect for those who have been practicing for awhile and want to learn how to use the circle to challenge themselves! Any magic circle or fitness ring will work!  Magic circles can purchased in our online store.

The workshop will be recorded and all participants will receive a recording of the live workshop.  Live Workshop is Sunday, March 28th at 3 pm.
Click here to register!