Pilates Inspiration of the Month- Barbara Olson

Inspiration of the Month

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March 2013

Barbara Olson

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

I received a gift certificate for Mother’s Day from my daughter. I was inspired by her love of Pilates. I took my first Intro Class with Carey and really enjoyed it!

Why did you decide to do the 2013 Empower your Body Six Week Challenge?

I was at a plateau with my at-home exercise routine. I wanted something more that included a whole body enrichment regime. The Empower Your Body Challenge sounded like just what I was looking for!

What are some of your favorite things about the 2013 Empower Your Body Challenge?

I look forward to coming to the studio on a regular basis. I currently am taking three classes a week. Carey and Cassie have been very encouraging as have the other students that I have met during the past several weeks. I had only taken a few Pilates classes before the Challenge started so I have been new to most of the exercises. I enjoy the challenges in performing all of the different series and poses. I have balanced out my Pilates classes with the wonderful Yoga classes that are offered by Nicole. She also is a source of inspiration as well as a great teacher of the philosophy of Yoga.

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

I have become increasingly more aware of my body and its capabilities! At times I have thought to myself in class “You want me to do what??!!”. It has been fun and I love the challenges! I have experienced many benefits over the last four weeks. My clothes are fitting differently, which is extremely motivating. More importantly I think that I have become stronger and more flexible. My knees, shoulders and back do not seem to ache quite as much. I find that my posture has definitely improved as I am constantly thinking about “engaging”!

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

I have been searching for a Yoga class for some time that I felt comfortable with. I have found it at Rivercity Pilates Studio!  I also enjoy the entire Pilates experience, both mentally and physically.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?

Give it a try!! The private Introductory Class offered by the studio is a wonderful way to learn about the studio and the variety of classes offered there. The instructors are all very skilled and motivating and have created a very positive environment.  I felt welcomed right away!

Inspiration of the Month – Kelly Mulherin

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Inspiration of the Month – April 2013

Kelly Mulherin

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates about 4 months ago because I needed some way to get exercise after a foot injury/surgery. I knew Pilates would be low impact on my foot, as I can’t really do much cardio without foot pain. A few years ago I lost about 50 pounds, and the weight was starting to creep back on…I wasn’t going to let that continue. (I’ve since lost all that again, plus a couple extra!) Now, I want to continue to help me keep going on a new goal.

Why did you decide to do the Empower Your Body Challenge?
I thought the challenge would be a great way to force me into coming to Pilates. After the holidays, it can be hard to get back into the right habits and I knew that the challenge would keep me going and motivated.

What are some of your favorite things about the Empower Your Body Challenge?
My favorite thing is that I completed all the requirements – getting in all my classes and cardio in a hectic schedule! I really liked the daily emails we received. There was a great mix of daily reminders and tips, plus just motivation to remember I was in the challenge everyday.

What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates and/or yoga practice?
I have slimmed down and gotten stronger! Not being able to use my foot like I want to has really taken a toll on me mentally, but Pilates helped turn that around for me. The exercises are getting easier, and although some of the advanced ones are still hard, I want to keep going. My bad foot has also gotten a little stronger, so hopefully by summer, I can try to get more active again.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
At first, I liked the tower/reformer the best, but recently, I’ve started to really enjoy the mat classes. My favorite exercises on the mat are the leg work series.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
Don’t think about it, just sign up! It’s low impact, you can go at your own pace, and everyone at Rivercity Pilates is so supportive! It’s a great feeling to leave a class doing an exercise better than the class before.

June Inspiration of the Month – Sara Tack

June Inspiration of the Month Sara Tack shares her Pilates story! Learn all about how Sara got started taking Pilates, how it helped her through a complete knee replacement, and what her favorite exercises are!