May Inspiration of the Month – Martha Szylberg

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Inspiration of the Month

Martha Szylberg

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
 
I started when my yoga studio closed. I wanted group class exercise close to home in a friendly atmosphere. I had never tried Pilates but heard it was good exercise.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? 
 

I have been taking Nancy’s Barre, Pilates & Fun mat class once a week. I have also taken the evening Pilates mat classes.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
 
After having a c-section, I really needed to build up my strength again. I was struggling in my yoga classes, but Pilates has helped me build my strength back up.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
 
I like rolling like a ball and bending back over a ball or foam roller for a chest opener. I find the hip  strength series challenging, but I really need it.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? 
 
Definitely try it, and do it at Rivercity Pilates! It’s such a supportive and welcoming environment. There is something for every level.
I would like to thank Carey and all the staff for creating such a welcoming and inclusive environment.

April Inspiration of the Month: Jane McKenrick

  
Inspiration of the Month
Jane McKenrick
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
After I received an email about Pilates teacher training last fall, I signed up for a complimentary session with Carey and had the feeling I was about to get hooked. I’ve never really looked back! Additionally, I was facing potential surgery on a foot and wanted to know if I could improve things to the extent that I might avoid it. (I have!) At this point in my life, as a retired educator and having recently moved to the area, I knew I had the time to dedicate myself to teacher training and to Pilates practice.
I believe strongly in constantly improving one’s mind as well as one’s body, and constantly reinventing oneself to fight the aging process. Yes, we may have to get older but we don’t have to become older. Pilates practice seems to be a perfect fit.
I had been active in many ways throughout my life and at one time, even owned a smaller “home version” of the Reformer. I loved using it, as well as taking aerobic exercise classes, Jazzercise, Barre, Pilates and Yoga classes.   I was a YMCA regular when I lived in Waukee but it was also there that I discovered an affinity for strength training (and a very strict diet!) with professional boxers in the West Des Moines area. Since moving to this area last spring, I had really missed that. Pilates practice has become my new passion. I love it and am eager to work with other Pilates students and teachers. We all continue to learn from each other.
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? 
Everyday if possible, and on many days, more than once! I participate in many online challenges and use them to augment sessions and classes at RiverCity Pilates. My body and my mind just seem to crave regular practice. My body never felt or looked better than at the end of “Joe’s Challenge.”
My first class was actually Shelley’s “EveryBody Mat” and of course, I watched other participants and tried to copy their moves. Now, I just feel Pilates within my own body and realize that at times, a beautiful teaser may not be there for me. But I keep trying. I love to use the phrase: I practice Pilates.
I’ve really enjoyed Barre/Pilates Mat classes with Nancy and Shannon, and Foam Roller with Kelly. My goal was to start taking Carey’s Pilates Mat on Wednesday nights, and my new goal is to join her Saturday Return to Life. I recently started working on the Reformer (a real one!) with Kelly and love it. Just can’t seem to get enough!
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
Psyche. Balance. Core strength. Improved flexibility. Better posture. Better sleep. The benefits seem to multiply and I strongly believe that Pilates practice made shoveling snow a lot easier last winter. I love seeing muscular definition in my thighs and knowing how I got it. I enjoy challenging myself to use new props and to keep practicing, refining, animproving an exercise.
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
Not really, although I have to admit that at one point, I didn’t like using props at all. Now, I actually enjoy them! And I never dreamed I would actually enjoy an entire workshop dedicated to use of the Magic Circle. I laugh at Joe’s sense of humor in developing and naming exercises: rolling like a ball, seal, etc., and am fascinated by the sequence of exercises and the flow from one movement to another. I really enjoy knowing I performed an exercise well and knowing that at one point, it didn’t look that “clean.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates? 
Just try it! You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a few sessions. You’ll be amazed by how your body looks and moves with even more!

March Inspiration of the Month: Bill McClelland

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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
 
Racing around doing everyday activities, I started to gradually loose flexibility, which slowly started to impact mobility.  A buzzing sensation in my leg down to my right foot ultimately suggested something needed to be done.  Massage provided relief, but it was temporary. My wife had started Pilates with Carey and convinced me to give it a try a few years ago. After several private sessions and Carey’s keen eye for spotting trouble, the buzzing sensation went away and I was doing well enough to stop: too busy, too much travel.  Of course the original flexibility-related problems as well as the buzzing sensation returned. It took a year or so to finally understand what Carey was really saying – Pilates provides a lifetime of change if it becomes a life style.  So I re-started sessions and classes at Rivercity with a longer term outlook and commitment.
 
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
  
Pilates has become a critical part of staying healthy for me; I try to do something every other day.  Sessions with Carey and some classes happen when I am in town, but more often than not I am looking for space in hotel rooms to do something. If I am doing field work, any flat space outdoors will do. It is amazing how easy it is to find a spot for doing “100s” and teasers if you’re honest about looking. Sessions with Carey are still helping remove asymmetry and Shelley’s Every Body mat classes provide an excellent opportunity to focus and enjoy movement.
 
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates? 
 
Pilates for me has been about mobility from the start. That has definitely improved, but the increased strength resulting from Pilates has taken me by surprise.  The combination of strength and flexibility has made moving through everyday life enjoyable.
 
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?    
 
It may sound underwhelming, but my favorite time of exercise is when I first get into position on the Tower or Reformer for a session with Carey or lie down on the mat in Shelley’s mat class: check in with breathing, position, etc. – my mind drifts off of work and I think to myself “this is going to be fun…”
 
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
 
Pilates is a foundational form of exercise that facilitates and enhances any additional activity.  If you are interested in a true change in lifestyle with increased mobility and function, do Pilates.  And since many of the exercises are transportable, you can do something just about anywhere!  Rivercity provides the inspiration, encouragement and knowledge to get started.  They also provide a warm friendly welcome when you return, no matter how far and long you have wandered.

Have you thought about starting Pilates?

Watch this video, with quotes from some of our inspiring students! 

Inspiration of the Month: Danielle

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Danielle Wilbanks
January 2018
Inspiration of the Month 
 
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started doing Pilates in October 2017. I was having a lot of hip, back and shoulder pain and couldn’t even sit on the floor with my kids to play for longer than 5 minutes. I knew I needed to do something, but I just didn’t want to do anything high impact. My friend Sarah Shonrock kept telling me about Rivercity Pilates and how much she enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did! It has been the most welcoming place and not intimidating at all. I hadn’t done Pilates or Yoga to any extent before and was a little nervous about not knowing what to do, but all of the instructors are super helpful and patient.
 
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?    
I try to make it to the studio three times a week. I haven’t been to a class that I didn’t enjoy. I regularly attend Nancy’s Barre, Pilates & Fun classes and Shelley’s Every Body Mat classes. My schedule changes week to week, so I can’t make a lot of evening classes, but when I can, I really like to go to  Carey’s and Shaina’s Pilates Mat classes. I like going to a variety of instructors because they each seem to challenge your body in different ways.
 
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
Physically, the chronic hip, back and shoulder pain that I was having has gone away. I feel more open and stronger and for the first time in my adult life I can feel my core muscles. I’ve also lost inches and weight and let’s face it, being able to get back into a favorite pair of pants is a huge benefit! Mentally, it has given me a chance to unplug and focus on nothing else but me in those hour classes. It energizes me and gets me going. Even when I’m not in class, I’ll do some stretches and breathing to get me through those long days at work. I’ve also discovered the Rivercity Pilates You Tube channel that helps me on days that I can’t get to the studio or when I’m traveling.
 
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?  
I like the balance balls, both the big ones and medium sized ones. It really helps me to engage and strengthen my core. The balls add an extra challenge and you have to focus more on what you are doing.
 
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
DO IT! :) Really, just give it a try. You may or may not like it, but you never know if you don’t try. Rivercity Pilates is a great place! I appreciate all of the staff and other members because everyone is welcoming and helpful. There is no expectation for you to be at the same level as someone else,  just positive encouragement to go at your own pace and do the things that you can do.

 

Inspiration of the Month – Sarah

Sarah Sobocinski
Inspiration of the Month November 2017

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I believe I finally started Pilates in April 2017. I had intentions of going in for a long time and had even gone online to their website, but like many of us never followed through. I injured my neck several months later and was referred to their Massage Therapist, Sara Sea! She was wonderful and fixed my neck pain. I have told many people about Sara. She is amazing and so knowledgeable. While I was there for my massage my long time family physician, Cheryl Johnson happened to be attending a Pilates class. That was enough for me and I signed up, went to my Private Pilates sessions, then started in classes and never looked back!

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
When I started I went 2, maybe 3 times a week. Now I try to make it 4 times a week. I loved the attention I got from the personal training sessions with Carey. She gave me confidence to try the Tower classes. These classes gave me knowledge and support as I learned the Pilates method. I moved on to Barre Mat and Fun class and found new areas of my body becoming stronger and definitely more toned, all the while having a great time. The Pilates Mat classes are always different, challenging, and yet rewarding because you learn to perfect the moves with the instructor’s guidance and encouragement. Zumba is my latest favorite because I am finally strong enough to enjoy it. No pressure, just dancing ! I love them all because they all offer something different, you never get bored.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I think there are a couple of things that happen. One, you become more in tune with your core strength, standing tall and keeping your shoulders down in every day life. While driving in the car you feel the small of your back touching the seat and your belly pulled in. That’s a silly example but true. I notice it especially when driving long distances. The mental aspect is so important too as it gives you more confidence, stamina and the relief of stress that comes with the breathing .

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I like the practice as a whole, each exercise or movement building on to the next with fluidity. I like it when I have worked on something and I see that I am making progress and feel stronger.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I would say you should do this for you!! Many people don’t think they are worth the time and money and never find out just how much better and how much happier they will become practicing Pilates. By doing something for themselves they will be a better person for the people around them. It is not scary, it is not painful, it is rewarding. If you have an injury the instructors modify and help you gain strength in that area. It makes you a stronger, happier you and who wouldn’t want that in their lives. Can you tell I love Rivercity Pilates !!!!