Futile Fatty?

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Public Weight Loss, Private Weight Loss, Is There an In-Between?

imageThe psychology of weight loss is very…weird. And frustrating. And personal. And eccentric. I’m overweight, and I have trouble making myself work out in public, because my mind says – and this is asinine, I know – that people are judging me as a ‘futile fatty’: someone who is acting like she wants to lose weight, but is probably drinking soda on the side.

Obvious solution? Work out in the privacy of my home. Problem is, that can get boring in a hurry. And there is always some housework to do. And there is always that call that ought to get made. And the email to check. And those bills to be paid…

Is there an in-between space? Someplace where my mind just gets on with its work, and doesn’t wander off to speculate on other opinions or other tasks? Some place that is, actually, you know…HEALTHY for me?

I found one! I did not expect to! I came to Rivercity Pilates because I knew I needed more muscle to burn away fat. I had done my homework, and I knew that Pilates was not the end-all-be-all for weight loss, but that it would make big calorie-burner activities doable and safer. Which was true, just as I’d read. I even lost my first twelve pounds on Pilates.

What I did not expect was to find that headspace. That “in-between”, happily on-task, HEALTHY, headspace!

It caught me so by surprise that it’s taken me awhile to find out how it is made. It is made of several things. It is built into classical Pilates, with the progression of the exercises, and the attention to individual details – that is the part that keeps the mind engaged during the workout. But the other elements?  Those are part of Carey’s studio. It is being surrounded and taught by a variety of body types, not just ‘ballerina’ types. It is being encouraged to “strengthen and stretch” yourself, never to “lose” or to “burn away” anything. It is the fellow clients and students who invest in an atmosphere of fun and delight. And it is the absolute confidence that all can “Become What You Wish”, never “you need to match this”.

Kimberly
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How my Pilates practice taught me to love Yoga!

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I’ve have to admit that before I started doing Pilates I “tried” Yoga and didn’t really love it.  And by try I mean I took a couple of classes and decided it wasn’t for me.  15 years later I love Yoga and I owe it all to my Pilates practice!

When I found Pilates I immediately knew it was a good fit for me.  It was something that I enjoyed, I felt like it was something I could do fairly well (unlike Yoga where I felt pretty incompetent because I was soo tight and inflexible that many poses seemed impossible for me), and I had instructors who were amazing and inspired me to keep at it.  I am forever grateful that all these pieces fell together, as teaching Pilates and movement has become a lifelong passion and love for me.

DSCN7362Last night after taking a Yoga class I was reflecting on:  1. How much I really enjoy Yoga now and 2. How this love really came from me learning about my body and how to move it through Pilates.

After practicing Pilates for 10 years on a regular basis I tried Yoga again and found that I really enjoyed it!  I was able to use the knowledge of my body that I learned in Pilates to do new different movements that challenged my body in different ways. Since then I have tried to incorporate Yoga and other mind-body movements and exercises into my life along with my Pilates practice so that I can continue to grow and learn!

I’m telling you this story today to inspire you to try different mind-body exercises and find one that gels with you.  Not everyone instantly loves Pilates, Yoga, Thai Chi or any other mind-body movement program.  Unfortunately many people try a class once or twice and decide it’s not for them and never try anything else ever.  They have one experience that they didn’t love and then they group all that stuff (Yoga, Pilates,etc.) together and never explore it’s possibilities again.

Different teachers and different styles of the same discipline have different things to offer students and you may be surprised to find that when you find a teacher and style of movement you connect with you may also find a movement practice perfect for your body!

At Rivercity Pilates we encourage clients to try lots of different instructors and classes and find those that connect with you.  Learn more about all the different movement classes and sessions we offer by clicking here!

 

How did she come up with these exercises?

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Ever wonder how our instructors get ready for or class or how they decide what they are going to teach for each class you attend? Here’s a quick behind the scenes look at what goes into each class you take.

1. The instructor checks to see who is signed up for class and grabs each client chart ( yes -if you are a client at the studio you have a detailed personal chart that each instructor writes in after each session!!)  to read about:

  • what each client has been doing in previous sessions
  • any injuries or past injuries that effect the clients workout( for example: client has a past knee injury that makes kneeling uncomfortable)     IMG_8514
  • the settings the client is using on the equipment, this includes spring settings and basic equipment set up

2.  The instructor will set up the studio room and personalize a space for each client.  This means getting out any props such as balls, pads, magic circles or whatever they might want to teach with.  This also includes setting up equipment for each client.

3.  As class time gets near, instructors try to greet clients as they arrive and check in with them before class.  This is a time where instructors often check in to see how clients felt after their last session as well as checking in to see how everyone is feeling in their bodies on that particular day.  This may seem like small talk to you but our instructors use this information to tailor each class to the individuals in each class.

A great example of this would be something like this:  It’s the middle of winter and we just had a a few inches of snow fall the night before.   As the instructor is greeting incoming clients she noticed a trend that two or three clients mention how stiff they are feeling in their low backs probably due to shoveling the day before.  During class the instructor is able to add in some specific exercises and movements designed to lengthen and stretch the back.

IMG_00404.  Now the fun begins- it’s class time!  During each class the instructor is guiding a diverse group of people through a workout while constantly adjusting and cuing for each individual client(not always an easy task!) Safety is always a number one concern and you’ll notice our instructors using their words and actions to make each class safe and appropriate for everyone.  During class the instructor is constantly adjusting their teaching to find a perfect balance of challenging even the most seasoned Pilates veteran while making a beginner client feel welcome, comfortable and safe.

5. As class wraps up, instructors try to check in again with clients to see how they felt throughout class and get any feedback that might help them make their teaching more effective in the future.

6. After class, the instructor makes notes in each clients chart about the level of workout they did, any new exercises they learned, any modifications or specific adjustments they made to the client and a note about what they want to focus on next time they see that client.

Interested in learning more about our small group classes?  Sign up for a complimentary private session or class to get introduced to the studio and our instructors.  P.S.  We love it when clients take advantage of our complimentary private session first as it gives us a chance to better know you and your body AND tailor your class experience to you!!

Interested in teaching the Pilates method of exercise and how to become the most professional, caring inspired instructor ever?  Learn more about our Pilates Teacher Training Programs here.

 

 

 

Inspiration of the Month Anne Perreau

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Wade and mommy cooking 3Ann Perreau

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in the summer of 2013, a full year after having my son, (now 3). I was looking for a change to my workout routine and being a “yogi” for many years, this seemed like a natural choice.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?
Since starting Pilates, I have found more energy, more strength and flexibility, and most of all, less back pain. I have had problems with my back for years! Now after practicing Pilates regularly, my pain is reduced.

What were the benefits of staying active with Pilates during your pregnancy?
I had much more energy and less pain during my pregnancy because of Pilates. Because I stayed active during my second pregnancy, there was less weight gain and an easier delivery and transition after birth. All of these benefits were noted this time while doing Pilates, which I did not notice during my first pregnancy when I was not as active.

You are a busy mom, how do you make time to take care of yourself?
Knowing that Pilates is good for my body, I just make time to come to class regularly. I often plan ahead so that our busy family can adjust schedules to make it happen!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I know this sounds crazy, but I love the side leg series. It was something that I could do easily during pregnancy and I have always enjoyed leg lifts.

What would you say to other busy moms who are thinking about doing Pilates?
Make time and join a class! It is very important to take care of your body. Not only does Pilates help strengthen and tone your body, it also gives you some stress relief and much needed time for yourself!

 

Have you hit a plateau?

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mermaid adjustmentsAt Rivercity Pilates we are super passionate about movement and the amazing benefits movement brings to your life.  We find that our clients can often times be categorized into clients who are private clients- those who generally only take one on one sessions with their instructor and class clients-those who only do classes.  We think both options are great and we love to encourage people to do what works best in their schedule and their budget.

Our small group classes are an affordable way to get individualized workouts in on a regular basis and often are the best option for people.  If you are a person who regularly takes classes, we want to encourage you to think about doing an occasional private session to take your own movement practice to a whole new level.

If you’ve never had a private session or it’s been a really long time you might be surprised on how much benefit you can get out of 1 session.  Even though our group classes are small we aren’t often able to stop during class and specifically go over movements specific to your body.

Have you have ever asked:

  • Why can’t I do this exercise very well?
  • Why does this exercise hurt or not feel good in my body?
  • What specific things can I do to continue to progress in individual exercises and my practice as a whole?
  • What would be the best at home routine or exercises for me to do?
  • What type of movements and exercises should I be focusing on if I want to accomplish my goals(maybe running a 5k or just looking great for that summer wedding I need to attend!)

An occasional private session can help you answer these questions and create a focus for your personal movement practice.  We know that its not practical or affordable for many people to do a private session on a regular basis but we also believe in the difference it can make in your movement practice and we provide some great opportunities for everyone to get at least a few private lessons in each year:

  • Every new client at Rivercity Pilates can start with a complimentary private session.  Take advantage of this!!  Even if you never do another private session again this session is an individualized session with one of our awesome movement instructors and you’ll be glad you did it!
  • If you are on our email list we’ll send you a yearly birthday email with some special deals only for you and one of them is a half price private session.  Treat yourself or pass the email on to your spouse or mom or friend and let them treat you!!!  Let us help you fine tune your movement practice- it’s what we love to do!!
  • Every month we offer special deals and offers only to those who are on our email list.  Be sure to read our monthly newsletter and take advantage of those great deals when we offer them!!

Have more questions about private sessions at Rivercity Pilates?   Click here or call us to talk to one of our instructors!   Special Discount available for a private session in Pilates or Yoga if you call us and mention this blog!

 

Pilates Roll Up Mini Workout

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Rivercity Pilates owner, Carey Sadler, teaches you the Pilates Roll Up exercise starting with the most basic variation and then continuing to show how to progress the exercise.  This mini video makes a great quick workout and is a great way to learn a little more about how to do your best Pilates Roll Up!