Inspiration of the Month Christy Novak

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? I started Pilates about 20 years ago through the UI Dance Department’s Saturday and Evening class program.  I took Pilates Mat classes for a number of years across a variety of instructors and one of these introduced me to the Reformer, which I loved!  I took private lessons with her for a year before moving to Pennsylvania, then had only intermittent Reformer classes during summers when I traveled to Prague for work.  I was thrilled to find Rivercity Pilates when I moved back to this area.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? I take 3-5 equipment classes each week in addition to 4-5 other classes including Yoga, Barre and sometimes Zumba.  

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? My goal was to see how much I could push my hip, after being treated for bursitis almost continuously for 2 years.  It kept stiffening up and I was getting really frustrated about not being able to sleep or resume normal activity.  I am delighted with the outcomes – I not only can move again but I’ve met wonderful people along the way!  My new goals are to make it through Shaina’s Reformer Jumpboard class and Shelley M.’s Reformer Flow Class!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  I like all of the equipment, though I think the Reformer is still my favorite.  The Oov has been a pleasant surprise – I didn’t think I’d be able to stay on it, and I find that my back loves it.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?Don’t think about it!  You gain a new appreciation for your body and how it works. Enjoy the journey – we all have different challenges and a sense of humor does wonders!

  

Inspiration of the Month Kris Smith

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates in late April 2019.  My co-worker, Teena  invited me to a 6:00 am Friday morning mat class.  I was hooked after that session. 

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I practice about two times per week and enjoy a variety of equipment and mat classes.   

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
Shortly after starting Pilates I was diagnosed with chronic rotator cuff/pulled muscle/frozen shoulder issues that I had been having for about two years. I emailed my concerns to Carey and she set to work devising a modified Pilates regimen that works in conjunction with my physical therapy.  She also suggested sessions with Sara Sea, who worked miracles with Neural Reset Therapy. I am impressed with how instructors at Rivercity Pilates are helpful and willing to truly “work at your level” for each class.

My greatest physical improvements are my core strength and posture, (shoulders engaged!). My range of motion for all joints has improved as well. Pilates has helped my shoulder and back issues immensely, something I don’t think physical therapy alone would have been able to do. Life/mental improvements are noted as better sleep and less anxiety, as I find myself taking “deep Pilates breaths” throughout the day. 

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
Pilates Tower, Pilates Equipment and Foam Roller are my favorite classes. All exercises are my favorite—well maybe not Teaser.  Ha!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Just do it and keep doing it.  Pilates movements do not come naturally, they take time and practice.  Take advantage of the complimentary sessions and new client private sessions, they are a great basis for starting Pilates.

Inspiration of the Month Shelley Waldron

Shelley Waldron, Rivercity Pilates Inspiration of the month for September 2019

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started doing Pilates about a year ago.  When my oldest daughter moved back to college for her Sophomore year she told me that I needed to start trying to do more things for myself that I like:). I had done Pilates a few times at Carey’s old studio and would still get the newsletters.  

Every time I saw the newsletter I thought about taking classes, so when Annah said this I realized that she was right. I really needed to find something for myself that I loved to do.  Once I had kids my time just naturally filled up with all of their activities and I kind of put myself on the back burner. I decided to purchase the one-month beginners package and commit to going to as many classes as I could and see how I felt at the end of the month. I think I went to around 17 classes that month, loved the classes and the instructors, and have been pretty consistent ever since.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
I usually try to do 3-4 classes per week.  I really like to do a variety of classes.  I do both mat and equipment classes and I also like to do yoga.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I have had a lot of lower back and hip problems since my son was born almost 18 years ago.  Pilates has really helped strengthen my lower back and my hip is not stiff and sore like it used to be.  I can really tell in the morning when I get out of bed, I feel so much better!

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
Right now I think my favorite thing is the Oov.  You don’t realize how hard your body is working during class and my back always feels so good after class.  Kimberly makes this class so fun, we always seem to have a lot of laughs during class.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
If someone is thinking about trying Pilates I would tell them to go for it.  It can be a little scary to go into a new studio and try some new classes but everyone at Rivercity is so nice and welcoming.  Not just the instructors, but the other students in class as well!  It is so much fun and such a great workout!

Inspiration of the Month Janet Coester

he Month Janet Coester, August 2019

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?  
I began Pilates after injuring my shoulder. I believed Pilates would help me regain full range of motion.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
I started out doing private lessons once a week on the Tower. Then at some point I moved to a Reformer class once a week. My practice primarily involves class once a week when I am in Iowa. In everyday life I incorporate breathing and remembering to engage core and other muscles as well as to keep my shoulders down. This is one of the reasons that I was able to shovel snow for three hours last winter without injury.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
I have full range of motion in my shoulders. I can do almost anything I want to do with proper engagement.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    
I love the Tower and the pelvic stability and core engagement work with the leg springs.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? 
Go for it! You will be glad you did. Listen to your instructor. Listen to your body. Modify exercise as needed until you reach your goal. Be patient with yourself. And remember to breathe! I am so grateful for Carey’s caring instruction. Thank you Shelley for your welcomes and scheduling support.

Inspiration of the Month Shuva Rahim

Inspiration of the Month
July 2019
Shuva Rahim

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started Pilates about 10 years ago when I first met Carey. We were both growing our businesses at the time and I thought I’d see what it was about. So, my inspiration started more as a curiosity.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
Currently, I practice Pilates once a week and am a regular in Sunday’s Reformer Jump Board class with Shaina. I started coming to this class last year and have really enjoyed it.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
I’m a runner – currently training for a marathon – and have used Pilates to help strengthen my core. This helps me especially when training or racing on uphill terrains.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
The Reformer Jump Board class is super fun. When I first show friends a video of it online, their first reaction is, “It looks like a torture machine!” Well, yes it does, but it’s definitely not. I think because you’re horizontal through class, it doesn’t look intense. But during and after class, you definitely feel like you got in a workout.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Try one class, and then try some others. Rivercity Pilates has a variety of offerings, and there’s definitely something for everyone. 

Inspiration of the Month Cindy Brown

Cindy Brown, the Pilates Inspiration of the month at Rivercity Pilates.

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
My first private with Carey was in July of 2015. My dear friend, Sara Tack suggested that I give Pilates a try as she had been a regular client at Rivercity for years. I was in need of increased core strength as I had some minor back pain. I quickly signed up and began taking mat classes, eventually adding in Tower and Reformer.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes
have you been doing?    
 I try to attend 4 classes per week. I attend Mat, Tower and Reformer classes.  When I am not at Rivercity Pilates, I practice Pilates at home.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life
from doing Pilates? 
I have increased my core strength significantly. I use the Pilates Principles to keep my back safe while participating in (modified) CrossFit classes and gardening.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    
My favorite is the Tower. The feedback/support the Tower system gives is very encouraging. It has helped me to gain strength, so I am better able to perform exercises in the Mat and Reformer classes.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
You will not regret investing in yourself. Pilates is the perfect complement to any other movement practice. Pilates is for everybody!

How has the journey of becoming a Pilates teacher effected your Pilates practice?  
Teacher Training has made me love Pilates even more. I am amazed at how far I have come in (almost) 4 years – I can’t wait to see what the next 4 years bring!