Celebrating Success!!

Originally posted on February 27, 2013:

Today’s blog is one of celebration! As a Pilates instructor there is nothing that I LOVE more than celebrating the success of my clients. I’m hoping that by sharing this wonderful, inspirational story someone will be given the hope and inspiration to believe in themselves and continue pursuing their own health journey!

Today we are celebrating Su, one of our faithful Rivercity Pilates clients, being able to do the Swan using the push through bar on the Cadillac. This exercise is a challenging, advanced Pilates exercise that is not accessible to many people, for a variety of reasons. It requires a flexible spine, strong abdominal muscles, open hips, and shoulders with a fairly large range of flexibility and movement.

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Su(Center)

Two years ago, when I first met Su, she couldn’t even move her left arm above her head to place her hands onto the push through bar. Su is surviving stage 3 Melanoma and has been cancer-free since October 5, 2010. She underwent surgery that removed the melanoma and lymph nodes in her left arm, much like the surgery done when someone has breast cancer that spreads into the lymph nodes.

It was clear from the first time that I met Su that she was inspired to not let this health problem get the best of her! Although she had limitations in her left arm and shoulder, we were able to modify exercises and continue to work towards regaining Su’s strength and flexibility.

I was looking back at her chart and saw that on September 15, 2011 I had noted with an exclamation point that Su was able to not only get her hands on the bar, but could perform an exercise we call Baby Bird Wings. We often use Baby Bird Wings and a straight-arm version of Swan to strengthen the body and work on flexibility as a preparation for the full Swan. It was clear that Su’s dedication to her twice weekly Pilates sessions was really making a difference in her recovery.

Looking at Su today, you might never guess what she’s been through and you probably wouldn’t even notice a big difference in her strength and mobility of her left arm and shoulder. As an instructor though, I remember where she started and am always in awe of the amazing strides she has made.

I always try to keep challenging clients and take them to the next level and Su is a shining example of continuing to progress through the Pilates work. Su’s strong, flexible core muscles and balanced musculature have allowed her to continually increase her range of motion on many exercises and she continues to advance to more challenging exercises and movements.

Which brings us to the Swan on the Cadillac. This week during a private session I introduced Su to the full Swan, suggesting she just start to try it and see how it feels (stopping if there was any pain or restriction). Before I knew it she was flowing through the exercise and it was beautiful!

What a huge milestone to go from not being able to lift your arm over your head to performing an advanced exercise that requires fluid, controlled movement of both arms overhead! Su is a true example of Empowering Your Body!

I know that being part of her journey has inspired my life and I hope it will do the same for you!

Read more about Su’s story in her Inspiration of the Month interview.

If Su’s story inspired you, be sure to share the inspiration and click like to let Su know!

Pilates Inspiration – Su

Originally posted on October 2012:

This month’s Inspiration is a true testimony to the power of movement and the power of the human spirit.  It has been an honor to have Su as one of our treasured clients and to be part of her journey!

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Su( Doing her teaser in NYC for our summer photo contest!)

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started Pilates about 4 years ago. A good friend asked me if I would like to join her and another friend in a reformer pilates class. My good friend and I have been taking classes ever since.

Can you tell us about your experience with  cancer. As a  cancer survivor, how did Pilates help you recover physically and emotionally?

I am surviving Stage III melanoma. I was diagnosed two years ago this past August and have been cancer free since October 5, 2010. When my cancer was removed, I was told that the edges were clean, which was good news, but (and there is always a ‘but’ with cancer), I needed to go see the dermotologist at the University of Iowa.

My dermotologist told me that the edges of the cancer site had to 5 cm clean on all sides to increase my chances that the cancer would not reoccur at that site. Also she suggested that I have sentinal lymph node biopsy to find out if the cancer had spread. These two surgeries had to be done at the same time. So I went into my first surgery two days later.

Everything looked good until the biopsy came back which indicated that there was .002 cm. of cancer in the sentinal lymph node so back into surgery a week later to take the lymph nodes under my left arm which is what they would do if someone had breast cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes.

There is no ‘successful’ treatment for melanoma except for checking your body so I see my oncologist and surgeon every 3 months and the dermotologist yearly. I also have a PET scan two times a year along with an ultra sound on my neck to see if there is any cancer developing in my lymph nodes there.

I couldn’t have gotten through this without Pilates! My surgeon informed my husband after each surgery that they went better than expected because my body provided such a road map to the infected areas. The nerve areas were never compromised or in the way so the expected trauma to this area would be minimal. The chances for swelling of my left arm would be minimal. I atttribute it all the Pilates and how defined my body was.

Pilates provided me with a outlet to ‘get my body back’ which was my ultimate goal as a cancer survivor.

As my oncologist told me, “We will control the cancer and not let it control you!’ and that was how I empowered myself and my body.

I was pretty hard on myself about getting back to where I was in Pilates before the surgery. With encouragement and support from Carey, my good friend and Pilates partner, Peg and my former Pilates instructor, Shannon, I was able to make a recovery quicker than expected. I remember the exercises that I had to do in bed right after the surgery were similar to those I had done in Pilates. When I was able to do Baby Bird wings I knew that I had made a full recovery!

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?

I do Pilates to keep my body toned and to remember to take time for myself. We only have one body and we need to take care of it. I always feel better physically and mentally after taking a class.

How has Pilates empowered your body?

Cancer has made me think about how special a body is. Pilates has helped in keeping a commitment to my body to take care of it and never take it for granted again. When a surgeon comments about how easy it was to navigate under your arm because it was so fit and strong, you want to maintain that!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I LOVE the tower! The shoulder bridge is my favorite exercise. I want to take this time to dispel the rumor that the plank is my favorite exercise.

What has Pilates inspired you to do in your life?

Pilates has inspired me to be in better shape in my 50’s/60’s than I was in my 30’s/40’s. It has also inspired me to incorporate Pilates in healing my body when I have an ache or pain.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

DO IT and you will never be sorry! Your body will be exhilerated and your mind will be clearer. It is something that you can do for yourself no matter age or shape and your body will thank you tenfold!

If you enjoyed Su’s story, be sure to click like and share it!   A little shared inspiration could change someone’s life!

 

 

 

2012 Pilates Inspiration of the Month Video

 

Need a little inspiration?

Watch this video to see all of the Rivercity Pilates Inspirations of the Month from 2012!

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Jen Ferguson

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Jen Ferguson(right)- May 2013 Inspiration of the Month

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

About 10 years ago, after my first son was born, I bought a Pilates VIDEO after I saw an infomercial. I wanted to look long and lean like all the actresses in the video. I really enjoyed it but then we got a dvd player and got rid of our video player and that was it. Over the years, once in awhile I would do an online Pilates video but nothing too routine. Then last year, Rivercity Pilates had a Groupon or Here’s the deal. Some friends and I were all going to buy one but I ended up being the only one that bought it. I worked up my courage to go by myself and was hooked after the first class.

Why did you decide to do the Empower Your Body Challenge? 

I like a challenge and thought that it would be fun to participate. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to try going to two classes a week and I figured the challenge would help me get it started and make it routine. Also, with the two hour cardio requirement, I knew it would keep me active during a time of year that can be more difficult.

What are some of your favorite things about the Empower Your Body Challenge?

I enjoyed getting to know some of the other people in the classes a little better. I also enjoyed class three times a week – especially during the winter, it forced me to keep active. I had the opportunity to use all the different pieces of equipment and became a bit more comfortable with them all.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates  practice?

I feel stronger all over and my posture has greatly improved. I also don’t notice the aches and pains I used to have, especially in my knees. I also have noticed an increased flexibility.

How has Pilates improved your cycling?

I have noticed that my back doesn’t get as sore when I go on longer rides. My wrists also don’t get as sore because I find that I’m not putting as much pressure on them because my posture is better and I’m stronger. I have also noticed that I am able to power up the hills easier.   

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
This one is hard because I do enjoy everything, but I LOVE the exercise balls and also the reformer, especially jumpboard.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

Give it a try! I always feel great after class and everyone at Rivercity Pilates is so friendly and nice!

 

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Dan Lusche

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Dan Lusche- January 3012 Inspiration of the Month

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started Pilates now almost two years ago. I did not know much about Pilates. My friend Sophie Joly, who also takes Pilates classes, can be very motivating. She did not quit asking me to try it. I decided to be open-minded and I came, and stuck with it.

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?

Once I had tried Pilates, I realized how much it helps for my posture and mobility. It is simply a pleasure to see this kind of improvement. When I started, I had a tiny tear in my Achilles. I had a hard time walking pain-free. The strengthening of my body as a whole has improved it so much that I now consider running again, which I had quit due to the injury.

How has Pilates empowered your physical body?

I would definitely say that I noticed how much the breathing technique affects the control of the body and the possibility to obtain body strength. It is a good experience to observe how slight changes (actually whether I do it right or wrong) in how I do the exercises affects the outcome. All the instructors are so skilled in guidance that I have better learned to pay attention to the correct position of my arms, legs, etc. during a particular exercise. I am much more in control now. I think I can summarize the physical improvements that the various parts of my body as a whole are improving in terms of flexibility and strength.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I like the exercises that I have problems with because I can find out whether I am able to improve. I need that challenge. For instance, doing the Saw in mat class. I also like the exercises with the ball. Those are hard and good for me. Per aspera ad astra as the old Romans said, freely translated as through persistent exercise to reach the stars.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

It is worth a try, and if you like to be in charge of your body and like improvements, you will enjoy it. Be open-minded and persistent. From nothing comes nothing.

Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Ari Bult

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February 2013 Inspiration of the Month – Ari Bult

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started Pilates in May, 2012. Sara Tack encouraged me to go. She kept telling me I had to go and I’d love it. She’s very persuasive. It was nice to know I could come and have a private session with Carey at no cost to help me see if Pilates was right for me.

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?

I started out because of low back problems and the low back pains went away after two weeks of Pilates (3 times a week) and have stayed away! The benefits for me are that I don’t have pain at work or when I sleep, but on top of it all I feel great, energized, less stressed, and have some muscles for the first time in my life. I feel strong in my mind, body, and soul. Amazing feeling!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I love the equipment classes, but I am now challenging myself to take a regular mat class. For me the equipment classes help me to relieve stress but the mat classes challenge me to be stronger.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

I do hair and constantly tell my clients about Pilates and what it does for you inside and out. Like Sara encouraged me, I continue to encourage others. But really, my body and spirit say it all!